Changes to the Incorporated Societies Act affect some trust boards

Existing society-based charitable trust boards

If you’re already registered as a society-based charitable trust board, you have the option to reregister as an incorporated society under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.

Reregistering means your organisation would change entity type from a charitable trust board to an incorporated society. You may choose to seek expert advice from your lawyer, accountant or other professional to help you decide which organisational structure best suits your needs.

• If you decide to reregister as an incorporated society, and your society-based charitable trust board is registered with Charities Services, your Charities Services registration will continue.
• If you decide not to reregister, your trust board will remain on the Charitable Trusts Register. You will be able to continue operating as you do now.

Groups considering incorporation as a trust board

You no longer have the option of incorporating as a society-based charitable trust board under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957. Groups with a charitable purpose are, however, able to apply to be incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. Like charitable trust boards, incorporated societies can operate with a charitable purpose and register with Charities Services.

Starting a charitable trust board

A charitable trust board can be registered with individuals as trustees (to incorporate a charitable trust board, you will need to submit an application to the Registrar).

Other guides in

Getting started on the register

• About charitable trusts
• Your responsibilities as a charitable trust board
• How to use our services
• Uploading documents to the Charitable Trusts Register
• Setting up your online account
• Using the online dashboard
• Confirming your authority to manage information
• The role of Charities Services

Other help topics