# 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](/support/closing-down/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](/support/closing-down/preparing)
    
    Here are some tips for what you need to gather to prepare you for closure
    
*   [Legal processes for closing an organisation](/support/closing-down/legal-processes)
    
    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](/support/closing-down/sharing-the-news)
    
    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](/support/closing-down/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](/support/closing-down/useful-contacts)
    
    Other organisations that can help you if you're winding up a charity
    

> ![Rhonda McLean](https://files.scvo.scot/2022/09/Rhonda-McLean.jpg)
> 
> 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](/services/information)**

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## About SCVO

SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) is the national membership organisation for Scotland's voluntary sector.

Our role is to champion the role of voluntary organisations in Scotland and to support them to do work that has a positive impact.

SCVO supports members and the wider voluntary sector with all aspects of setting up and running a voluntary organisation. SCVO represents the needs and concerns of the voluntary sector to the Scottish government in Holyrood and UK government and Westminster. Through our learning and events programme SCVO offers training and development opportunities to the sector.

Members access an extensive membership benefits package including specialist, in-depth, 1-to-1 guidance from our Information Services team and from professional service partners.

Access to exclusive membership networks (including comms, employers, governance and policy) supports members to grow their connections, stay up to date, exchange ideas and views with peers, and learn through tailored learning opportunities.

SCVO members enjoy free access to Funding Scotland Premium to stay on top of funding opportunities to support their organisation’s financial resilience.

Discounts and savings on SCVO products and services (including our HR service, managed IT support, payroll service and events and training) and partner offers provide members with support to allow them to focus on delivering their organisation’s goals. Further SCVO products and services include [extensive digital support](https://scvo.scot/support/digital), a climate action resource [Growing Climate Confidence](https://climateconfident.scot), a voluntary sector publication [Third Force News](https://tfn.scot) and a voluntary sector jobs and recruitment service [Goodmoves](https://goodmoves.org).

For more information on SCVO membership, visit [SCVO membership](https://scvo.scot/membership)