Specialist charity law advice to help you decide.
Many Community Interest Companies (CICs) in Scotland are now reconsidering whether their current structure is still the best fit for their long‑term goals. A key driver is funding: CICs often find it difficult to access grant funding, much of which is more readily available to registered charities.
If you are involved with — or advise — a CIC that is unsure whether to transition to charitable status, specialist advice at the early stage can save significant time, cost and uncertainty.
Having identified the need for affordable specialist legal advice in this area, at Sarah Brown Charity Law WS, we offer a 1‑hour fixed‑fee legal and governance advice meeting designed specifically for CICs exploring, or simply curious about, the possibility of becoming a Scottish charity (whether a SCIO or charitable company).
What the meeting covers.
The meeting is designed to be diagnostic and tailored.
During the meeting, we will will explore:
1. The implications of becoming a registered charity
2. Any private benefit and trading considerations
3. How the current activities align with OSCR’s Charity Test
4. Routes and choice of legal vehicles for transitioning from a CIC to a charity
5. Governance and structural changes that may be required
6. Arrangements relating to the use and ownership of assets
Before the meeting we will ask to see the CIC’s Articles of Association and most recent set of accounts.
What you will gain.
The outcome of the meeting is to provide your CIC with clear, tailored insight into:
- whether charitable status is suitable for the organisation,
- what would be required to achieve it, and
- the practical implications of making the transition.
This allows CIC directors to make an informed, confident decision before taking any further steps.
Cost.
The 1‑hour advisory meeting is offered at a fixed fee of £230 + VAT and is subject to the usual client onboarding process.
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If your CIC is considering its future structure — or simply wants clarity before exploring charitable status — this advisory meeting provides trusted, specialist input at an early and important stage.
To book a meeting please contact Sarah Brown directly at Sarah@sarahbrowncharitylaw.com