THE PCC AS A CHARITY : Resources to Help You

We offer resources to help you answer some frequently asked questions :

Frequently Asked Questions :

If the PCC is a charity, why don't we have a Registered Charity number?

All PCCs are charities. They are currently excepted from registering with the Charity Commission by statute which means that they do not have a Registered Charity number. For those PCCs with incomes over £100,000 per year, this is likely to change during 2008. Further information on this will be provided in due course. 
For some grant applications and other purposes, you can supply the Inland Revenue "Gift Aid" claims reference number as a substitute.

Does this mean that PCC members are trustees?

Yes! PCC members fulfil the same roles and have the same responsibilities as trustees. You may find the booklet produced by the Charity Commission for trustees helpful.  (Click here for an online copy) 

Can PCC members be employed by the Church?

By law, PCC members are not generally allowed to receive remuneration or any other financial benefit from the PCC for goods or  services supplied (eg as an organist)  or to be employed by the PCC. Special permission may be obtained in advance from the Charity Commission where it is intended that PCC members should supply goods or services to the PCC or be employed by it.

Does the PCC have to follow the Charity Commission's SORP accounting and reporting rules?

Yes it does. Detailed guidance on this is provided on this website on the Accounting and Reporting pages.

Are some people excluded from being trustees? Can they be members of the PCC?

Paragraph 46A of the Church Representation Rules should ensure that people are not elected to PCCs, who are disqualified from acting as charity trustees. PCCs should do what is reasonable to ensure that the board does not contain any individuals disqualified from acting as a charity trustee and that the persons appointed are suitable. Guidance on eligibility for trustees can be found on the Charity Commission's website (click here).

What reserves are we allowed to keep as a Charity?

We have produced a "Good Practice" guide to developing Reserves Policies. Click here to find out more.