Change in Charitable Status – conversion is 1st August

Following the Charity Commission approval of our change of status from an Unincorporated Charity to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), it is proposed to complete the transition from our current status to a CIO on 1st August 2014.

As was highlighted at the AGM and in previous newsletters, there are many advantages to this change. Amongst the key beneits are that BCS now becomes a legal entity that can enter into formal contracts and leases, or even employ people if it becomes necessary. It also provides additional protection for trustees and members of the Society.

As of 1st August 2014, all assets and memberships will transfer to the new CIO. The process will be largely transparent to individual members and will not affect the ongoing operations of the Society. The main difference members will notice is the change of our Registered Charity Number to 1156662 which is shown on our BCS website and documentation.

This is an important change for the Society as it opens up a range of potential opportunities for BCS to acquire access rights to the more inaccessible parts of the canal, as well as being able to purchase interests in land to support our renovation work.

Please visit the journey to becoming a cio for further information.