Before you set up a society
Choosing a legal structure that’s right for you
If you’re setting up a community organisation – whether social, charitable, or something else – you’ll need to consider which legal structure is most appropriate for the group and its activities.
Will an unincorporated group, operating informally, be sufficient? Or will you need something more formalised, with written rules and procedures, such as an incorporated society or charitable trust?
There are a number of legal structures that may be suitable, each with its advantages and disadvantages. These include:
- unincorporated groups
- incorporated societies
- trusts
- charitable trust boards
- companies
- industrial and provident societies.
In considering your options it’s important to understand the benefits and implications of each, particularly when it comes to administration, tax status and legal liability.
Before making a decision you should seek professional legal advice.
Related articles
- Your responsibilities From Running your incorporated society
- Things to do before you apply From Starting an incorporated society
Other guides in
Starting an incorporated society
- Things to do before you apply
- Using our Constitution Builder tool to draft or revise a society’s rules
- Applying to incorporate a society
- Your responsibilities as an incorporated society
