1.4 Legal Structure

Started in 2009 as Freegle UK, an unincorporated organisation, we transitioned via a holding company with 3 Directors to Freegle Ltd. The company converted from a Company Limited by Guarantee to an Industrial and Provident Society in June 2014 and 9 Directors were appointed following election by volunteers.

Freegle was granted exempt charity status by HMRC in 2015 to enable gift aid claims on donations and to attract other external funding.

Now known as a Registered Society, we are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority and subject to our Rules. The FCA is the registering authority for societies. This role is different and separate from their role as a regulator of financial services. They do not regulate societies, societies are regulated by the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. The FCA Role relates to a society’s compliance with the Act, they don’t regulate the business, financial stability or conduct of societies.

In-house explanation of a registered society - Registered_Society

FCA registration 32410R - https://mutuals.fca.org.uk/Search/Society/9593

Governing document - Rules

Registered Office: Weavers Field, Loud Bridge, Chipping, PR3 2NX

HMRC registration - XT32865 - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxDLE82mEn2jUlRONmhMUmoyZHc/view?resourcekey=0-28IAV_sfkZcah2kjzJ4g7Q . The process for updating this is at Updating HMRC Charity Status Process.

• 1. What is Freegle
• 1.2 Freegle Objects
• 1.3 Vision, Mission, Values
• 1.5 Our strategic objectives
• 1.6 Public Benefit

Links:

• Potted History -chatty rundown of Freegle history
• Director Handbook