We’re making an important behind-the-scenes change to how RHSU is set up as an organisation. This blog explains what incorporation means, why it’s happening, and what will change for students.
It has been recognised over many years that RHSU is one of very few students’ unions who continue to operate as unincorporated association and charity, which means RHSU doesn’t have a legal form in its own right. Any business or work carried out by the organisation is essentially being done on behalf of our 12 Trustees and at their risk, albeit there is insurance in place.
In May 2024, as set out in our Constitution, we conducted an all-student vote on the matter of incorporation and subsequent to a majority vote in favour, the RHSU Board of Trustees and staff have been working behind the scenes, with support from the university and external legal advice, to transfer RHSU to a Company Limited by Guarantee and new charity. This will provide limited liability for our Trustees and enable us to better attract and retain external Lay Trustees. The transfer date has been set as 1 August 2026 which falls in line with our financial year end. RHSU will continue to be regulated under the 1994 Education Act and in addition to continuing to report our financial statements and annual report to the Charities Commission, we will also now report to Companies House.
What does this mean to students?
Students will see very little difference, other than a new company number and charity number on our website and company literature. Our charitable objects remain broadly identical in so much as we exist for the advancement of education of students at Royal Holloway University of London for public benefit by a) promoting the interests and welfare of students, b) being the recognised representative channel between students and the university and other external bodies and c) providing social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities and forums for discussion and debate.