More information to appear on the Scottish Charity Register from 9 March 2026, including charity trustee names and accounts documents. Click here for more details.

Who's in charge: Control and independence in Scottish charities

Published: 15/04/2025
Updated: 15/04/2025

When it is unclear who is in charge of a charity, serious governance problems can develop and harm the charity’s activities and reputation. This guidance explains why clarity about who is in charge of a charity is crucial. We also set out how the duties of charity trustees and the principles of the charity test dictate the way that people in charge of charities must behave. 

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