Independent churches and the Charity Commission tackle transparency and accountability in new legal reforms
16 November 2007
The Evangelical Alliance and the Charity Commission have announced the completion of three model governing documents that provide guidance for independent churches. These documents are the culmination of four years of work.
The documents set out the proper checks and balances required to allow paid church leaders to take appropriate leadership responsibilities as church charity trustees, manage any potential conflicts of interest, and offer churches a legal structure to help govern their charity.
The work, initiated in 2003, was primarily designed to strengthen accountability and governance of new independent churches. The model governing documents have been drawn up by the Evangelical Alliance, African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance, Anthony Collins (solicitors) and Stewardship, in partnership with the Charity Commission.
A revised Model Trust Deed, originally released in May 2006, offers independent churches with a non voting membership a legal structure to help govern their charity. Also now available are a Model Constitution - designed for situations where the wider membership of the church is involved in its governance and decision making processes - and a Model Memorandum and Articles of Association designed for situations where a corporate structure is considered important. Guideline documents are also accessible for further assistance.
Alison Wells, Head of Registration at the Charity Commission, said: ”the Charity Commission is committed to working with faith charities to improve standards of governance. The conclusion of this project is a good example of our commitment to effective collaboration with this important part of the sector.”
“We have greatly appreciated the contribution of, and enjoyed working with, the partner organisations. The launch of the additional types of governing documents is timely as we are about to begin work with other faith communities in the context of the new Faith and Social Cohesion Unit.”
Helen Calder, Executive Director: Finance and Operations at the Evangelical Alliance said: “I’m delighted that the project is complete and all three documents and related guidelines for use are now available for churches on the Alliance website (www.eauk.org/model ). Both the Evangelical Alliance and the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance want to express their appreciation for the positive way the four organisations have been able to work together with the Charity Commission.”
Katei Kirby, Chief Executive Officer of the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance agreed: “These model documents are a welcome addition to the governance resources available to Christian organisations.”
Media Contact:
Lucy Cooper
Evangelical Alliance
020 7207 2107
l.cooper@eauk.org
Notes to editors:
1. The model governing documents were produced by the Evangelical Alliance (EA) and the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance (ACEA) in collaboration with Anthony Collins (solicitors), Stewardship and the Charity Commission. They are available to download from the Evangelical Alliance website (www.eauk.org/model)
2. The governing documents set out details of how a charity should be run. They are available to those wishing to register as a charity or wishing to change their governing document. Churches can choose to adopt this model but it is not mandatory. Charities require the appropriate powers in their governing document to make amendments or need to contact the Charity Commission for assistance.
3. The Evangelical Alliance, formed in 1846, is the largest body serving evangelical Christians in the UK, and has a membership including denominations, churches, organisations and individuals. The mission of the Evangelical Alliance is to unite evangelicals to present Christ credibly as good news for spiritual and social transformation. According to a Tearfund survey (Churchgoing in the UK, 2007), there are approximately 2 million evangelical Christians in the UK. For more information, go to www.eauk.org
4. The African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance (ACEA) was established in 1984 and exists to reflect Black Christian Faith in Britain and to promote unity, understanding and reconciliation amongst all Christians in the UK. Working through Commissions and Activity Units, ACEA resources, networks and represents its members. www.acea-uk.org
5. Anthony Collins Solicitors was founded in 1973. The Birmingham based firm is a fast-growing, niche law firm boasting the largest social housing, charities and community regeneration operations outside London, alongside strong commercial and private client teams. With integrity as its hallmark, the firm values its clients’ needs, aspirations, goals and businesses and seeks to maintain a balanced approach to work and life. www.anthonycollins.com.
6. Stewardship is a Christian financial support services charity. It aims to facilitate effective giving. It serves over 25,000 donors and distributes more than £42m every year. It also provides a range of legal and financial support services for churches and Christian charities. www.stewardship.org.uk.
7. The Charity Commission is the independent regulator for charitable activity in England and Wales. www.charity-commission.gov.uk
