Types of Constitutional Models

Depending upon the legal structure of an organisation, the constitution/governing document will be written in a different way and also known by a different name:

for a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) it is called a constitution
for an unincorporated association it is usually called a constitution
for a company limited by guarantee it is called an articles of association
for a Community Interest Company it is called an articles of association
for a charitable trust it is called a trust deed
for a small community group such as a self-help group it may simply just be called the rules or it may be called the constitution
for a Community Benefit Society it is called the rules

It is important when setting up an organisation or carrying out a review of an organisation’s governance and structures, that the governing document is considered and assessment made on its suitability, performance and actual practicality.