Hallmarks of an Effective Charity (CC10)

The Hallmarks set out the standards that the Charity Commission believes an effective charity and its trustees will try to uphold and the principles that the regulatory framework exists to support.

Each of the six Hallmarks describes an overarching principle and not a legal requirement. Together they set out a framework for effectiveness that charities can work towards. The bullet-points under each of the Hallmarks suggest ways in which each might be achieved but will not be applicable to all charities. Some charities may find different routes to the same end. Although the principles on which the Hallmarks are based will be relevant for all charities, the way in which they can be achieved will vary with the size, income, complexity and activities of each charity.

Compliance with the law is an integral part of good governance and effectiveness. This publication does not attempt to list the legal requirements that apply to charities and charity trustees; detailed guidance on particular areas of legislation and charity administration can be found in the Commission's range of publications and on the its website.

This publication is primarily designed for charities with an annual income of £250,000 and above. Even within this group, there are some charities that will find that not all of the bullet-points are relevant to them - for example, charities that do not deliver services but make grants to their beneficiaries. In particular, some of the methods of achieving the Hallmarks will not apply to smaller charities. There is guidance on the Charity Commission's website specifically for very small charities with an income of less than £10,000 a year.