Important things to consider before deciding to close your voluntary organisation
Every voluntary organisation should regularly ask whether it’s still well placed to achieve its goals
If your organisation is still financially viable, you may want to consider alternative options to closure
Whatever your reasons for considering closure, you’re likely to have legal responsibilities to follow
Steps you need to take before closing your organisation
Depending on your route to closure and your legal structure, you may have different legal duties and wider responsibilities
Once the decision has been made to close, you’ll need to decide who to inform and how to inform them
Key financial steps your need to take when closing your organisation
Guidance on how to help people through the emotional and practical process of closure
Your duty of care to staff, volunteers and beneficiaries should be at the top of any closure plans
At a time of crisis, charities want and need to be able to give their all to supporting people who need it most. They cannot do that if they have to suspend their work or close altogether.
Volunteering rates have remained stable over the last few years. In 2018/19, 22% of people regularly volunteered with a group, club or organisation. While the pandemic is unlikely to influence the overall numbers of people volunteering in the UK, we will
Find out about the key legal sources that we refer to in this guide
Find out where charities' duties of care can arise from and who they might affect
The key duties for charities and volunteer organisations regarding insurance
Find out about the Charity Commission's expectations for reporting incidents
The Charity Commission's recommended steps that your organisation can take
Find out about the specific role that trustees can play in safeguarding
Find out about the key Acts and treaties designed to protect children
Key areas of law to be aware of if you or your organisation is responsible for safeguarding children or young people
Duties of various bodies to protect children and young people
Key duties of public bodies for safeguarding children or young people