Short answer
For a Charity Commission inquiry enquiry, gather the opening letter, information requests, trustee minutes, governing document, accounts, policies, safeguarding or finance records, prior correspondence and any response deadline.
Quick checklist
Start with these
Start With The Commission's Papers
A barrister will need to see the exact inquiry letter, statutory powers cited and response deadlines. Do not rely on a verbal summary of the regulator's concerns.
If the Commission has asked for documents or explanations, separate each request and record who is responsible for gathering the material.
- Opening inquiry letter and public statement if issued.
- Information notice, direction or document request.
- Response deadline and delivery method.
- Previous Charity Commission correspondence.
- Any protective order, restriction or interim measure.
Trustee And Governance Records
Inquiry issues often involve governance, finance, conflicts, safeguarding, property or trustee decision-making. The evidence pack should show what the trustees knew, decided and recorded.
Mark privileged legal advice separately and avoid circulating sensitive records more widely than necessary before taking advice.
- Governing document and trustee register.
- Board minutes, resolutions and delegated-authority records.
- Accounts, bank records and financial controls.
- Conflict of interest, safeguarding and complaints policies.
- Incident reports, audit trails and remedial action plans.
Frame The Advice Request
The enquiry should explain whether the charity needs advice on a response letter, document production, trustee duties, public statements, regulatory powers or representation in related proceedings.
This guide is general information only and not a view on whether trustees have complied with charity law.
- What specific regulatory concern is being investigated?
- Which trustees or officers are affected?
- What documents are complete, missing or sensitive?
- What urgent deadline needs to be met?
- What outcome or clarification is being sought from the Commission?
Source/review note: based on Charity Commission CC46 statutory inquiry guidance on GOV.UK. Review the current inquiry correspondence, statutory powers cited and charity-law position before publication or advice.
Editorial status: source and legal review required. No completed legal review is claimed.
Charity Commission Inquiry Barrister Response Guide FAQs
Does an inquiry mean wrongdoing has been decided?
Charity Commission guidance says an inquiry is used to investigate and establish facts. The effect of any powers or findings depends on the Commission's documents and the evidence.
Can trustees ask for legal advice during an inquiry?
The Commission's guidance recognises that charities and trustees may seek independent professional advice. The right scope depends on the inquiry, deadlines and documents.
What should be sent first?
Send the opening letter, information request, deadline, governing document, trustee minutes and a short issue chronology before adding large finance or safeguarding bundles.
Ask For A Barrister Quote
Barristers4U helps clients request a quote from a suitable Direct Access barrister. The information on this page is general information only, not legal advice about your individual circumstances.
If your matter is urgent, include hearing dates, court deadlines, orders and any documents you already have when you submit your enquiry.
