# Applications to register as a CIO open on 10 December

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2012/12/04/applications-register-cio-open-10-december/
- Published: 2012-12-04T10:53:58+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

The Charity Commission will start accepting online registrations for Charitable 
Incorporated Organisations (CIO) from midday on 10 December 2012.

The CIO is a new legal form designed specifically for charities, and has been anticipated
for some time. It provides charities with some of the benefits of being a company,
without all of the associated burdens. They will need to register only with the 
Charity Commission, not with Companies House. Currently many charities which have
established themselves with limited liability have had to register with both and
to provide the necessary annual reporting to each.

One benefit of the CIO is that they will be able to enter into contracts in their
own right, with their trustees enjoying limited or no liability.

The first CIOs will be able to join the register from 3 January 2013 when the relevant
regulations come into force.

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The Commission is staggering the application process to enable it to manage demand.
The 10 December stage is open to brand new charities with incomes of over £5,000.
Others can register at various stages, published on the Commission's website, ranging
from late March 2013 to January 2014.

## Is CIO registration appropriate for all charities?

The Charity Commission points out that the CIO structure is not suitable for all
new charities. It advises that "CIOs will be most beneficial for small to medium
sized charities which employ staff or enter into contracts". It should not be considered
as straightforward as, for example, running an unincorporated association or trust.

[www.charitycommission.gov.uk/Start_up_a_charity/Do_I_need_to_register/CIOs/default.aspx](http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/Start_up_a_charity/Do_I_need_to_register/CIOs/default.aspx)

 

 * **[John Laing Charitable Trust 236852](https://fundraising.co.uk/2013/01/08/john-laing-charitable-trust-236852/)**(
   8 January 2013)
 * **[The Cup Trust](https://fundraising.co.uk/2013/02/06/cup-trust/)** (6 February
   2013)
 * **[Charity Commission might no longer provide copies of governing documents](https://fundraising.co.uk/2013/02/27/charity-commission-might-no-longer-provide-copies-governing-documents/)**(
   27 February 2013)