13 May 2026
Notice to Parents, Carers, Members
Thank you for your continued support for Friends of Reay.
On Friday, 5th of June at 9am, we will hold an Emergency General Meeting in the school studio. We are calling this meeting to initiate a vote on the closure of the existing charity and replacement with a new type of charity structure.
Friends of Reay has historically been legally structured as an unincorporated association. For many reasons, this type of charity is no longer appropriate. The proposal under consideration is to formally close this existing structure. A different charitable legal structure – a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) – has already been established to take its place. We understand this may raise questions. We want to explain clearly why the trustees are recommending this step. This will not change our activities, our fundraising, or support for the school. Existing funds will transfer to the new CIO. You do not need to do anything other than vote.
Why close the unincorporated association? Why open a CIO? Trustees have a duty to act in the best interests of the organisation, its members, and the wider school community. Since CIOs became available as a legal structure in 2013, many charities which were unincorporated associations have transitioned to CIOs. The key reasons are as follows:
Limited liability protection
Under the current structure, trustees and committee members can be held personally liable for any debts or legal issues. A CIO provides important legal protection against liabilities, meaning individuals are not generally responsible for such liabilities.
Clear legal identity
A CIO is a legal entity in its own right; unincorporated associations are not. By making Friends of Reay a CIO, we are making it easier to enter into contracts, hold funds, and manage assets in the organisation’s name rather than in the names of individuals. This should help make fundraising outside of the school easier.
Improved governance and transparency
A CIO’s governance and reporting requirements are set out in law, providing a clear framework for accountability and good practice.
Continuity and sustainability
As a legal entity in its own right, a CIO exists independently of its trustees. This provides long-term stability and makes it easier to bring in new trustees and sustain the organisation over time.
What does this mean in practice?
We’re asking Friends of Reay members to vote in favour of closing the existing charity and change over to the CIO. The new structure will strengthen Friends of Reay. The trustees will oversee the change. All you need to do is vote and Friends of Reay will become a CIO with all the benefits listed above.
Next steps
Members will be invited to vote on this proposal. We encourage you to ask questions and to vote. If you would like further information ahead of the vote, please do not hesitate to contact the trustees. Thank you for your continued support.
The Trustees of Friends of Reay
