Charity Dissolutions
Clear, practical guidance for trustees managing the closure of a charity
Dissolving a charity is not simply a matter of deciding to stop operating. It is a complex and sensitive process that requires careful planning, particularly where there are charitable assets, outstanding commitments, staff, beneficiaries, funders or other organisations involved. Trustees need to ensure that the charity is brought to an appropriate end while continuing to meet their legal duties throughout the process.
At Ellis-Fermor & Negus, we advise charities and trustees on the legal and practical issues involved in winding up a charity. We help you understand what needs to happen, what decisions need to be made and how to deal with the charity’s remaining assets and obligations properly.
We can advise on the process from the initial decision to close through to the charity’s final dissolution and, where appropriate, dealing with matters involving the Charity Commission. This can include reviewing the charity’s governing document, advising trustees on their responsibilities, helping to ensure charitable assets are dealt with correctly and addressing outstanding contracts, liabilities or other legal issues.
We understand that closing a charity can be an emotional decision, particularly when trustees have spent years building an organisation and supporting its beneficiaries. Our role is to make the process as straightforward as possible, while ensuring that the charity’s affairs are dealt with responsibly and that trustees have confidence they are meeting their obligations.
Whether your charity is closing because its objectives have been achieved, it is no longer financially sustainable, or circumstances have changed, we can provide tailored advice on the most appropriate way forward.
If you are considering closing your charity, we can help you understand the process, protect its assets and bring its affairs to an orderly and properly managed conclusion.
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‘Ben provided me with excellent advice and dealt with my matter swiftly and efficiently.’
Ben Bourne
Director and Solicitor
Who Can Help?
Ben Bourne – Director and Solicitor
Ben Bourne is an experienced solicitor who advises hundreds of charities on dissolution, mergers, governance, and property matters. He is a member of the Charity Law Association and has extensive experience guiding trustees through complex, high-stakes closures.
Our team provides hands-on, practical support, helping trustees and leadership teams complete the dissolution process efficiently and confidently.
Why choose Ellis-Fermor & Negus?
Experienced Charity Clerk support for trustees and Boards
Expertise across local, regional, and national charities
Clear, practical governance and compliance advice
Proportionate, cost-effective service models
A consistent, reliable point of contact
Reviews, what our clients are saying…
Charity Dissolution – Frequently Asked Questions
Charities may choose or need to dissolve for a variety of reasons, including:
- Financial pressures or unsustainable operations – limited income or funding changes.
- Completion of the charity’s original purpose – when objectives have been fulfilled.
- Overlapping activities with other organisations – avoiding duplication of services.
- Strategic restructuring or mergers – when combining with another charity is a better option.
- Governance or trustee succession challenges – difficulty in maintaining active trustees.
Dissolution should always be approached thoughtfully to protect beneficiaries and preserve charitable assets. Early legal guidance ensures compliance and minimises risk for trustees and stakeholders.
We provide end-to-end legal support for charity dissolutions, ensuring trustees can act confidently and in line with their duties. Our services include:
- Strategic advice on whether dissolution, merger, or transfer of assets is appropriate.
- Trustee decision-making support, ensuring compliance with governing documents and charity law duties.
- Preparing resolutions and documentation required for formal winding up.
- Asset transfers to other charities or charitable purposes, including restricted or designated funds.
- Employment and pensions advice, including TUPE, redundancies, and staff consultation.
- Property and contractual matters, including leases, service agreements, and funding contracts.
- Regulatory guidance, including Charity Commission notifications and formal approvals.
- Final reporting and compliance, including safeguarding records and ensuring lawful closure.
Our advice balances regulatory compliance with practical, mission-focused outcomes, helping trustees make informed decisions and protect the charity’s legacy.
Dissolution often requires engagement with the Charity Commission or other regulators. We guide trustees through:
- Determining whether formal consent or notification is required.
- Preparing applications and supporting documentation for regulator approval.
- Ensuring charitable assets are applied appropriately, in line with legal and ethical requirements.
- Managing communications with funders, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.
We help trustees demonstrate that they have acted responsibly, transparently, and in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries. Early legal advice often reduces delays and risk during the regulatory process.
Dissolution may be appropriate when the charity’s purpose has been fulfilled, it is financially unsustainable, or merging with another charity is not suitable. Trustees must always consider beneficiary interests and legal obligations.
Contact Us
If your charity is considering dissolution, winding up, or strategic closure, Ellis-Fermor & Negus can provide comprehensive, practical, and legally robust advice.
• Phone: 0115 922 1591
• Email: ben.bourne@ellis-fermor.co.uk