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Constitutions What is a constitution? A constitution is a written description of what an organisation is, what it does, and how it does it. There are different terms used for a constitution depending on the legal structure of the group. An unincorporated association would adopt a ïconstitutionÍ or a ïset of rulesÍ A trust would adopt a ïDeclaration of TrustÍ. A company would adopt a ïmemorandum and articles of association.Í Download information on the different legal structures here: > Legal Structures (Word) (71k) > Legal Structure (PDF) (89k) Why is a constitution needed? Very often an organisation can be operating for a number of years very informally without a constitution. There may be a point at which it is recognised that the group needs to formalise itself. The development of a written governing document for the organisation can help to ensure that: 1. the groups aims and objectives are clear and agreed 2. there is a clear process for decision making within the organisation 3. the organisation gains credibility with funding bodies 4. the lines of responsibility and accountability are clarified 5. the group can register with the Charity Commission 6. there is a process for formally appointing the people who run the group |
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and standard constitutions Before starting to develop a constitution it is important to think about whether the organisation will now, or at some point in the future, need to register with the Charity Commission. If this is likely to be the case then it is advisable to adapt one of the model constitutions approved by them. |
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For information on other models, contact PAVS. If registration is not likely to be required, it may be simpler to develop a constitution from scratch. Download an information sheet on the ‘Questions to Ask and the Steps to take when developing a constitution’ > Developing a Constitution (Word)(69k) > Developing a Constitution (PDF)(75k) |
| Contact PAVS: enquiries@pavs.org.uk Tel: (01437) 769422 |  |