As of the 1st July 2026, Hope and Aid Direct will become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Why We Are Becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
We are pleased to share an important development in the future of our charity.
Since our organisation was established as a charitable trust in 1999, we have continued to grow in both our activities and the support we provide to our community. To help us operate more effectively and securely in the years ahead, the Trustees have decided to convert the charity into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
What Does This Mean?
A CIO is a modern legal structure designed specifically for charities. It combines the benefits of charitable status with the advantages of incorporation, creating a stronger and more practical framework for running the organisation.
Importantly, our charitable aims, values, and commitment to our beneficiaries remain exactly the same. This change is about strengthening how we operate and govern the charity for the future.
Why Are We Making This Change?
The move to a CIO will provide several important benefits:
- Improved governance and accountability
The CIO structure provides a clearer and more modern governance framework, helping us meet current charity sector standards and regulatory expectations. - Ability to hold contracts and property in the charity’s own name
As a CIO, the organisation can enter into agreements, hold leases, and manage assets directly, making administration simpler and more efficient. - Greater protection for Trustees
Under the new structure, the charity itself becomes a legal entity. This gives Trustees limited liability protection when acting properly in their role, helping reduce personal risk. - Better long-term sustainability
The CIO model is widely recognised and used across the charitable sector, supporting stronger operational resilience and continuity into the future. - Enhanced confidence for funders and partners Many grant-makers, donors, and partner organisations are familiar with the CIO structure and view it as a robust and transparent way for charities to operate.
What Will Stay the Same?
While the legal structure is changing, our mission and day-to-day work will continue as before:
- Our charitable purposes remain unchanged
- Our services and activities continue as normal
- Our commitment to beneficiaries and supporters remains at the heart of everything we do
- We remain a 100% volunteer-led, UK based humanitarian aid charity and stand by our motto of ‘taking aid-not sides’
Thank you for the continued support from our donors, volunteers, partners, and community as we take this positive step forward for the charity’s future.If you have any questions about this change please do get in touch and we will aim to answer and questions or concerns that you may have.