Addressing concerns raised at the SGM about the AHGPC registering as a charitable entity with the Charities Commission

At the SGM held on the 30th of June, there was some confusion over what the AHGPC was seeking to become. I should have clarified that the AHGPC is applying to become registered with the Charities Commission as a "charitable entity" (not a charitable trust).

I have written to the Charities commision to clarify the concerns raised by members at the SGM.

Concern 1: Registering as a charitable entity will require the AHGPC to add another layer of governance (like the trustees of a charitable trust) in addition to our existing executive committee.

Reply for the Charities Commission: You would not require an extra governance layer.  We would just need officer certification forms  for the current committee members (President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Concern 2: The accounting standards that the AHGPC currently complies with (as an incorporated society) will become more rigorous as a result of registering as a charitable entity.

In terms of accounting standards, we do not currently have any requirements around this although the financial questions on the annual return form are possibly more detailed than they would be required to complete currently as an incorporated scoiety. (The AHGPC would have to fill out a single form (Form 4), which includes a page for financial details). There would be only one filing per year, and the AHGPC would no longer need to file with the Companies Office; only with the Charities Commission).

Concern 3: Registering as a charitable entity will place limitations on how the AHGPC may spend its funds.Registering as a charitable entity will place limitations on how the AHGPC may spend its funds.

 Yes that is possible - registering with the Charities Commission may add some limitation on their spending as their spending would be limited to the charitable purposes outlined in their rules.  Any major spending on non-charitable purposes might result in the entity being de-registered. (Secretary's comment: I don't see this is a problem, provided that we spend club funds in ways that do not bring private gains to individuals.)

If anyone has any remaining concerns, please get in contact with me.

Regards,

John Burton

Secretary

AHGPC