Summary

This half day course is designed to help participants learn more about the new legal form for charities, the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which was introduced in January 2013.

The session will set the context and background to the introduction of the CIO, explore its potential benefits (and weaknesses) when set against the company limited by guarantee structure and introduce the two constitution models – the Foundation version (where only trustees are members) and the Association model (where the organisation’s membership is wider). By the end of the course participants should have a deeper knowledge of the subject so that they are able to make a more informed choice as to whether this legal entity might work for their organisation.

Areas covered

  • What is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)?
  • Benefits of incorporation
  • Factors determining whether the CIO or Company Limited by Guarantee legal framework is best for an organisation
  • The two CIO constitution models – Foundation and Association models.

This course could be run as part of a training programme or could be delivered in house.

In-house courses

The course is designed to be flexible so that it can accommodate the specific needs of a particular organisation or agency. It can be run for an organisation’s board of trustees and we can help facilitate discussion of relevant issues and help the board to develop an action plan, if appropriate.

Objectives

  • To help participants understand the background to and benefits of the new charitable legal structure – the Charitable Incorporated Organisation
  • To assist participants in making initial judgements on whether the CIO entity might be a suitable legal structure for their organisation
  • To help participants determine which version of the constitution would best suit the ethos and structure of their organisation.

Target Audience

People working in the voluntary and community sector or staff working for statutory agencies who advise and support VCS groups. The course can be adapted to suit particular needs.

Cost

From £150 + travel costs.