Giving Your Charity Room to Grow: What the Charity Commission’s “Permissions” Role Means for VCSEs

As a VCSE organisation, you and your trustees will sometimes reach points where your charity needs to adapt — perhaps by merging, updating governance, or responding to a sensitive or high-risk situation. The Charity Commission’s “permissions casework” exists to help you navigate these changes safely, confidently, and in line with charity law.
Below is a friendly and easy-to-understand guide to what this means for the diverse types of VCSE organisations we support across Norfolk.

What “permissions casework” actually is

When a charity wants to make a change that isn’t permitted by its current governing document — such as a change of purpose, a merger, asset disposal or a structural shift — the Charity Commission can grant formal consent or authority. This gives trustees the legal clarity and confidence they need to make decisions that protect beneficiaries and the long-term future of the organisation.

Key updates from November 2025

Recent updates emphasise the scale and importance of permissions work, with a significant number of consents being granted to help charities adapt. Several developments are particularly relevant to VCSE organisations:

• Increased support for trustees at risk: There has been a rise in cases where trustees face personal safety concerns. The Commission has acted swiftly in some instances to remove trustees’ names from public records to reduce risk and ensure the charity can continue operating safely.
• Support for major asset or organisational changes: Permissions have been used to facilitate large-scale transfers or mergers — for example, helping heritage organisations secure sustainable futures through partnership with larger bodies.
• New powers under the Charities Act 2022: These enable the Commission to resolve historical governance issues without court involvement, such as validating trustee appointments where constitutions have not kept pace with how a charity actually operates. This offers charities a more accessible route to put things right.

Why this matters for different VCSE groups

• Small community groups: Permissions help update longstanding constitutions, protect community buildings or assets, and correct historic governance issues without the need for costly legal processes.
• Rural VCSEs: Many rural groups manage land, halls and community facilities. Permissions support responsible asset management, mergers or structural changes to keep vital services running.
• Heritage charities: Organisations caring for historic buildings or collections can use the permissions process to make major decisions that safeguard public access and long-term sustainability.
• Social enterprises and larger VCSEs: Complex structures, commissioned services and sensitive areas of work may require permissions for mergers, governance updates or trustee protection.

Important practical points:

• Plan ahead: Not all applications are quick. Early engagement with the Commission helps avoid delays.
• Good governance helps: Clear records and strong decision-making make the permissions process smoother.
• Trustee safety: Trustees working in sensitive or high-profile areas can request additional protections.
• Make use of the new powers: The Charities Act 2022 gives the Commission more flexibility to help charities resolve issues and stay compliant.

 Read more in the Charity Commission's Blog here.

How can we help?

Community Action Norfolk offers governance support, trustee training, and practical guidance to help organisations navigate changes confidently. We can support you to review and update your governing document, understand whether permissions are required, plan for mergers or asset transfers, and strengthen your overall governance.

Whatever your size or focus, we are here to help you stay compliant, resilient and future-ready.

For expert guidance, speak to us on 01362 698216 or contact us by email here.