Property and assets

There are rules you must follow when transferring any assets belonging to the organisation.

If you have one, check your asset register and consider which assets you may need to dispose of.

Things to consider include:

• computer hardware and software
• furniture and fixtures
• any machinery
• office equipment such as photocopiers and laminators
• vehicles.

You should also consider your governing documents, such as your constitution, and your legal form. You may need to formally agree any transfer at a meeting. In some cases you may need to seek authorisation from the Charity Commission.

If you’re producing a final set of accounts, you may need to include details of the transfers.

To learn more, read the Charity Commission's guidance on how to transfer charity assets.

The legal requirements for selling, leasing or transferring land and property depend on:

• your organisation’s legal form
• the circumstances by which you acquired the land or property
• the requirements in your governing documents.

Specific rules can govern when you sell land and property for less than market rate and when you sell to someone connected to your charity.

You should always seek specialist advice and guidance.

To learn more, read more the Charity Commision's guidance on selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of charity land in England and Wales.

When closing, you’ll be responsible for the disposal of any assets you don’t transfer.

As a non-household setting, you may have specific responsibilities for the disposal of waste. These include the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations and the waste duty of care code of practice.

You may need to complete a waste transfer note for each load of waste that leaves your premises. This could include used electrical and electronic equipment that’s unsuitable for reuse which you intend to remove. There are also extra responsibilities if you’re dealing with hazardous waste.

You should seek advice from your local authority or the Environment Agency about the disposal of your waste.

Make sure any sensitive information is shredded to prevent anyone getting access to it unlawfully.

To learn more, read the government guidance on disposing of business or commercial waste.