News story

Charity automatic disqualification rules: changes to the law

The law has changed to extend the scope of who will be disqualified from running a charity.

• From: The Charity Commission
• Published: 1 February 2018
• Last updated: 1 August 2018 — See all updates

This news article was withdrawn on 6 November 2023

No longer current.

Today (1 August 2018) charity automatic disqualification rules have changed. These include new disqualification reasons for trustees and some charity senior manager positions (chief executives and finance directors - and those in equivalent roles).

New reasons for disqualification include being in contempt of court, being named under particular anti-terrorism legislation or being on the sex offenders register.

Individuals

If you’re a trustee or senior manager (at CEO or finance director level) at a charity, check if you are disqualified by reading the guidance for individuals.

If you are disqualified this guidance explains what you need to do and how to apply for a waiver.

Charities

Make sure you read the guidance for charities. This guide also includes a handy disqualifying reasons table that you can download.

Ask your trustees and senior managers (at chief executive or finance director level) to confirm that they are not disqualified.

We’ve produced sample declarations for senior managers and trustees to state that they are not disqualified from acting in these positions. You can download these from the guidance for charities.

If someone is disqualified, tell them that they can apply to have their disqualification waived. They can find out more in the guidance for individuals.

Further support

Unlock is an independent charity that provides support for people with convictions. They have a dedicated charity page with further advice and support.

Published 1 February 2018
Last updated 1 August 2018 + show all updates

1. 1 August 2018

   Today (1 August 2018) the law has changed to extend the scope of who will be disqualified from running a charity.

2. 30 July 2018

   On 1 August 2018 the law is changing to extend the scope of who will be disqualified from running a charity. If you will be disqualified from acting as a trustee or a charity senior manager (chief executives and finance directors - and those in equivalent roles) you can apply for a waiver before the 1 August.

3. 25 June 2018

   Added more information to help you prepare for automatic disqualification changes.

4. 1 February 2018

   First published.