Registering changes to a trust deed or a board's rules

Changes to board rules

Typically these are administrative, such as a change in trustees or officers, procedures relating to appointments, resignations, meetings, and changes to the powers of a board under section 23(2) of the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 (the Act).

Changes to the trust deed

These changes are more significant, often involving property. They must be certified by a trustee or a member of the governing committee of the society, with the following statement placed on the document (usually on the cover page) under section 23 (1) of the Act:

“I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the trust deed or rules of the [Name of Trust Board].”

What you need to provide

You need to:

• Complete Form CT3 – Variation of trust or alteration of rules of a charitable trust board.
• Provide a copy of the updated deed or rules with the alterations highlighted, or a copy of the rule (or rules) that have been changed.
• Complete a statutory declaration (refer to page 2 of the form).
• Upload these forms and documents online

File formats for uploading documents

Any documents you upload must be:

• clear and easily read
• saved in PDF format, and
• no larger than 20MB.

How to register a change to a trust or its rules online

You must have:

• a RealMe® login
• an online account with us
• authority to update the register on behalf of your charitable trust board.

Step by step

1. Log in.
2. Select ‘Authorities’ from the main menu.
3. Choose your charitable trust board from the list.
4. Select 'Create Filing Service'.
5. Choose ‘Lodge Variation of Trust or Alteration of Rules’ (for the type of service)
6. Upload the new trust deed or rules document and any supporting documents.
7. Complete the signatory details and submit your change.

Change a trust or update board rules

What happens next

We will review your update, and this may take up to 3 working days.

You can check the status of your update by logging into the Charitable Trusts Register. Choose the ‘Filing Services’ option to view any changes that are in progress. If your change status shows as ‘Draft’ you can edit or discard it by choosing the drop-down arrow alongside the filing service.

Check the status of an update

We will email you confirming that the change has been registered.

Related articles

• Uploading documents to the register From Getting started on the register

Other guides in

Keeping charitable trust board details up to date

• Reregistering as an incorporated society
• Your responsibilities as a charitable trust board
• Changing your trust board's addresses
• Changing your trust board's name
• Requesting a correction to the Charitable Trusts Register

Other help topics