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NCVO membership criteria

Membership of NCVO is open to organisations that fulfil the eligibility criteria:

  • They are voluntary bodies. We define these as independent, self-governing bodies of people who have joined together voluntarily to take action for the benefit of the community, and which are established otherwise than for financial gain.
  • The aims, objects and methods of working are stated in a document that is available for public inspection even if it is not a registered charity or Community Interest Company (CIC).
  • They are located in England. Organisations operating UK-wide or internationally should have their headquarters in England.
  • They do not undertake any party-political activity.
  • They agree to adhere to our Code of Conduct for Members (currently under consultation).

NCVO reserves the right to refuse membership to any organisation it believes to be ineligible under these criteria, or where the Trustees consider that admitting the organisation would not be in the best interests of NCVO.

Applicant organisations will be informed in writing of the reasons for the refusal and may apply again after a calendar year, or sooner if the reasons for refusal have been addressed and material change made. Applicant organisations may also appeal a refusal.

Membership may be revoked if:

  • the member organisation fails to pay any fee due for more than 12 months
  • the Trustees resolve it is in the best interests of NCVO to do so, including where the member organisation is in breach of the NCVO member code of conduct.

Code of conduct and complaints consultation

We're introducing a new member code of conduct and complaints procedure.

  • The member code of conduct sets out the standards of behaviour we expect from all NCVO members to help us deliver on our mission.
  • The complaints procedure provides a clear and consistent process for NCVO or our members to raise concerns about the conduct of an NCVO member.

These documents have been approved for consultation. We welcome feedback from members and stakeholders before they're finalised.

Send any comments to membership@ncvo.org.uk by Friday 5 December 2025.

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