Guidance

How NHS charities can convert to independent status

Explains the issues and processes NHS charities need to consider when becoming independent.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Published: 18 November 2014
• Last updated: 30 November 2018
  Show all updates

  1. 30 November 2018

     Guidance has been revised to remove reference to individual trustees, following the removal from legislation of the Secretary of State's power of appointment. This guidance is now aimed at corporate trustee-based NHS charities only.

  2. 20 March 2015

     Guidance document updated to take account of existing projects

  3. 18 November 2014

     First published.

Documents

NHS charities: conversion to independent status – outline guidance

PDF, 625 KB, 47 pages

NHS funds held on trust: guidance on the acceptance, management and transfer of charitable funds for NHS bodies

PDF, 588 KB, 25 pages

Details

This guidance is for trustees of NHS charities. In accordance with the review of the regulation and governance of NHS charities, trustees of NHS charities can establish a new charity independent of the Department of Health.

The guidance explains the process for trustees considering independence and the variations that are dependent upon the structure of the NHS charity, and the necessary engagement with the department and the charity commission.

See also NHS funds held on trust: guidance on the acceptance, management and transfer of charitable funds for NHS bodies.