Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO)

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is a legal structure for charities in the UK that combines the benefits of a company and a charity. It is designed specifically for non-profit groups, providing them with a legal identity, so they can own property, enter contracts, and be sued or sue in their own name. Unlike other charity forms, CIOs are registered with the Charity Commission and do not require separate company registration with Companies House. This simplifies management, offers limited liability to trustees, and helps charities operate efficiently and transparently within a clear legal framework.