Churches, Charity Commission complete model governing documents

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 and 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.

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."

She added that the launch of the additional types of governing documents is timely as the Charity Commission is about to begin work with other faith communities in the context of the new Faith and Social Cohesion Unit.

The model governing documents have been drawn up by the Evangelical Alliance, African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance, solicitors Anthony Collins 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.

Rev 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."

Helen Calder, Executive Director of 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 )."