Copies are available on request in the same way as our other publications. There are also various standard governing documents drawn up for particular categories of charities and approved by us. Once a charity is registered, the trustees must tell us of any change to the charity's registered details. They are required to submit their annual accounts to us and may be asked periodically to complete a return or supply additional information. One of the ways in which we promote the effective use of charitable resources is by providing charity trustees with information and advice.
Advice is therefore a major part of our work.
Our staff try to be as helpful and constructive as possible in the advice they give to trustees. Charities and would-be charities are encouraged to approach us for advice on new ideas or proposals in any matter concerning their charity. In some cases, where there is doubt about whether they would, by taking a particular course of action, be acting properly as a trustee, charity trustees can ask us in writing for formal legal advice. Provided we have been given all the relevant information, and our advice has been followed, trustees are legally protected. Giving the trustees authority to do certain things 18.