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Supporting Scotland's vibrant voluntary sector

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh EH3 6BB.

Closing down an organisation

If you're closing down (sometimes called winding up) an organisation, or thinking of it as an option, our guide is here to help you with the process.

Here’s an overview of what you need to think about when you’re closing down an organisation (sometimes called winding up an organisation), and what we’re going to talk you through in this guide.

  • Deciding to close an organisation
    Find out what to think about if you're considering closing or winding up an organisation, and in what circumstances you might need to consider it.
  • Preparing for closure
    Here are some tips for what you need to gather to prepare you for closure
  • Legal processes for closing an organisation
    The way you wind up an organisation will depend on your structure, and whether you are solvent or insolvent. There are also some things to prepare before you start the process. Information needed to start a legal process Check your constitution and governing documents You will need to check your own constitution to make sure [u2026]
  • Sharing the news of a closure
    Letting the people involved with your organisation know about a closure isnu2019t an easy task, and could be an emotional process. Weu2019ve put together some tips on how to manage sharing the news. Communicating to staff and people using your services Itu2019s important to think about the timing of when you tell people that your [u2026]
  • Your organisation's legacy
    Even though your organisation is winding up, you may want to think about what happens after it has gone. You may need to think about storage of any physical or digital assets, including financial records. You also may want to think about how you celebrate your achievements, and what happens to any people you were [u2026]
  • Useful contacts
    Other organisations that can help you if you're winding up a charity
Rhonda McLean

Winding up an organisation can be a difficult and emotional process - whether the reason you're closing is happy or sad. We want to help make that process a bit clearer for you, and guide you through the steps you need to take to have a better ending.

Rhonda McLean,
SCVO information officer

If you have questions or want to know about something that isn’t covered here,
you can contact our Information Service.
Get in touch now