The Third Age Trust has been looking into the way U3As account for their finances and in consultation with the Charity Commission advise that all activities carried out by a U3A must be charitable and in accordance with the U3A’s charitable purposes in its constitution.
After detailed discussions between the Third Age Trust and the Charity Commission an appropriate model clause for charitable purposes has been agreed upon to be written into the constitution of all U3As in England and Wales.
The clause is as follows:
“The advancement of education and, in particular, the education of older people and those who are retired from full time work by all means, including associated activities conducive to learning and personal development.”
The clause has very important consequences for insurance. Only activities that fall within the charitable purposes will be insured.
This clause was written into our constitution and agreed by the members at a Special General Meeting on 1st February 2018.