It is not necessary to engage a solicitor to draw up a constitution. Free advice and help is available from the Charity Commission or South Tyneside CVS.

The Constitution

What is it?

A constitution is a legal document which sets out the rules for governing an organisation. A constitution has four basic elements;

1. The name of the organisation
2. Objects, powers and the area of benefit
3. Procedures and rules for governing the organisation
4. Dissolution

Why is it necessary?

1. To provide mechanisms for making decisions and resolving disputes
2. To gain credibility
3. To ensure that the organisation’s aims are clear and agreed by its members
4. To ensure accountability
5. To enable the organisation to affiliate to other bodies
6. To clarify liability and lines of responsibility
7. To enable trustees to be formally appointed and if necessary, to hold property in trust
8. To enable the organisation to register as a charity
9. To clarify the organisation’s powers
10. To clarify how the organisation may be wound up and what will happen to its assets

What to do now...

If you are registered with South Tyneside CVS you can begin an enquiry assistance in creating a constitution for your organisation.

1. Create an account with this website to enable access the approriate pages.
2. Apply for CVS membership using the online/offline form on this site.
3. Download and complete the Constitution Information Checklist.
4. Contact our Information Officer to arrange your first appointment and begin the process of creating the constitution for your organisation.