For organisations

Information for Start Ups

If you have an idea that you’d like to get off the ground, you’re in the right place! Whatever your aims and objectives, we’re here to guide, advise and support you with everything you need to make sure you get off to a solid start. 

start ups - health check for your plans

A health check - for your plans

First things first, we’ll take your idea through our health check that covers all the important aspects about forming a group. Then we can use this to provide you with the right information and templates that will support you in getting started.

start ups - policies and procedures

Policies and procedures - doing it right

Our bank of sample policies and templates is available to all voluntary organisations and social enterprises on request. They cover every aspect of running an organisation and meeting legal and other requirements, so offer reassurance as well as know-how.

start ups - your identity

Your identity - what will you be?

As a new or evolving group you may well be considering which legal structure would suit you best. Thinking about a social enterprise model or would charity status be more appropriate? Don’t worry, we can guide you through your choices and what to do next.

Start Ups FAQs

Looking for more help or have specific questions about start ups?

  • Your charity name should give an indication of who your charity is.

  • Your charity must benefit, relieve and provide assistance to a significant cause, group or community, and the long term goal should be to make changes either in society, the environment or whatever aspect of the world it concerns.

  • Do you have a specific project to deliver in a set timescale?

    Will the charity be an ongoing long-term venture?

  • Where will you operate from?

    Will you have premises?

    Will you work in a specific location or across various local authorities?

    If your application is successful a contact address will need to go on the Scottish Charity Register. This can be:

    a) the address of the principal office of the charity or,

    b) if the charity does not have a principal office the name and address of one of the charity trustees.

    If you are a SCIO this address must be in Scotland.

  • How much will you need and where will it come from?

    How will you keep the charity going?

    Will you have a sustainable funding model?

    You should note that public sector funding is becoming increasingly stretched and donations from the public are not always a sustainable source.

  • Do you have a team ready to be charity trustees?

    A charity needs people to run it. All charities must have charity trustees; some charities have members, staff and/or volunteers.

    The role of a charity trustee is similar to the director of a company – they might not do all the day to day work but they are the people who are legally responsible for the charity.

    Certain people are disqualified from acting as charity trustees. However, OSCR have the power to waive a disqualification if a person applies to us and meets the relevant criteria.

    Those who are disqualified are:

    • someone with an unspent conviction for dishonesty or an offence under the 2005 Act

    • someone who is an undischarged bankrupt or has a Protected Trust Deed to pay off debts with creditors

    • someone who has been removed under either Scottish or English Law from being a charity trustee

    • someone who is disqualified from being a company director

  • Acting in the interests of the charity.

    Acting with care and diligence.

    Preparing and submitting accounts every year.

    Providing information to the public.

  • Assets can include: Premises, like an office / Equipment / Vehicles

    Costs can include: Utilities / Taxes / Rent / Licences / Insurance / Salaries / Pensions

  • You might not want to think about it at this stage, but if you decide that you don’t want the charity to continue there are legal processes you must follow. You can’t just walk away or put the charity on hold - there’s no such thing as a ‘dormant’ charity.