How are Trusts Organised?

Supporters Trusts are typically formed as an Industrial & Provident Society (IPS) fully regulated by the Industrial and Provident Societies Act and accountable for all its financial dealings and transactions.

An IPS belongs to its membership. Every member owns one share, worth £1, in the Trust. Those shares cannot be traded or transferred. The share entitles the member to a vote: one member - one vote.

Everything that the Trust does is guided and controlled by its constitution.

Supporters Trust's constitutions typically guarantee that:

• The Trust must operate for the benefit of the community that it serves.
• The Trust's members and officers will not profit from the Trust.
• The profits or surpluses of Trusts can only be used to maintain prudent reserves and on expenditure to achieve the Trust's objectives.