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a. Introduction

Last updated: 10 December 2024 at 15:23:47 UTC by Sophie Brouillet

A council can be trustees of a charity.  


Councils can act as the following Trustees:


  1. Sole Trustee: The council, as a corporate entity, holds and manages the property while acting as the charity trustee.

  2. Joint Trustee: The council serves alongside individual trustees in the management of the charity.

  3. Custodian Trustee: The council holds the property but does not participate in decision-making regarding its use.

Additionally, councils may:


  • Appoint representatives as trustees in specific situations.

  • Provide financial support to charities, such as through grants.

The duties and obligations of the Council as a trustee are outlined in the charities governing document. This document defines the charities objectives and typically specifies its administrative processes.


The Council may operate in multiple capacities simultaneously.  It might act as a custodian trustee while also appointing one or more managing trustees. 


For more information on basic charity law and trustees, please see NALC advice note on Basic Charity Law.


[To access the NALC website you will need to set up an individual account (SALC members only).  Video guidance on how to do this is available here - https://youtu.be/zapNDmP8jjY?si=jtXhLh0Wm5ANHrO4]