Sri Sathya Sai Organisation UK Becomes a CIO

On 2nd April 2024, with Bhagawan’s divine blessings and grace, the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation United Kingdom CIO was formally registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

Registered Charity Number: 1207697

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is a legally incorporated structure that provides members with protection against liabilities in an increasingly regulated world.

“The members of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations should follow the law in spirit also and be models for the government.”

—Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 18

The decision to become a CIO was made in response to an increasingly stringent regulatory environment. The previous structure of the Organisation was no longer deemed suitable.

• Liability of Office Bearers: Under the old structure, office bearers were personally liable in case of any unfortunate events.
• Independent Legal Consultation: After seeking legal advice, it was decided that the CIO structure was the most appropriate.
• New Protection: As a CIO, office bearers are not personally liable, except in cases of negligence or reckless behaviour.

This development has been fully approved and supported by the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council and the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. The Organisation is now legally recognised by the UK government.

Further Information

You can find more details about the CIO, including trustees, accounts, and the constitution, on the Charity Commission’s website.

Who Are the Trustees?
The Board of Trustees for the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation UK CIO is composed of the UK Central Council, which includes:

• National President
• Deputy National President
• National Wing Coordinators
• Regional Presidents

When an individual steps down from one of these positions, they are automatically relieved of their trustee role.

Roles, Structure, and Policies
The current Organisation manual applies with the following amendments:

Financial Policies

Section 6 of the Organisation’s Guidelines regarding finance must now be interpreted alongside updated guidance on:

• Bank accounts
• Record keeping
• Gift aid claims

Centre and Group Integration
All Centres and Groups previously affiliated with the Organisation are now automatically considered Branches of the CIO. These branches must comply with the necessary requirements.

Regular Activities
The change in status does not affect regular activities at the Centre or Group level. Centres should continue to follow existing policies and procedures as outlined in the Organisation manual.

If you have further questions, please contact your Regional President for assistance.