WERS becomes a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
We are pleased to announce that, following the decision of the Members of West End Refugee Service (registered charity: 1077601) and a resolution passed at our Annual General Meeting on the 13th March 2025, WERS has officially changed its legal structure and is now registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), effective from 1st April 2025. Our new charity number is 1192667.
Our new charity's charitable objects, as set out in the Constitution, are substantially similar to those of the retiring charity, and we retain the same name and will be run and operated by the same dedicated staff and Trustee Board who have all agreed to be recruited and retained by the new charity.
This important step marks a new chapter for WERS. After 25 years as an unincorporated charity, we recognised the need for a more robust and sustainable legal structure that befits an organisation of our present size and structure and reflects the growth and impact of our work.
Becoming a CIO provides WERS with a stronger legal foundation, clearer governance and better protection for both the organisation and our current and future Trustees.
Most importantly, this change allows us to focus more of our time and resources on delivering life-changing support to refugees and people seeking asylum across the North East. It streamlines our operations, reduces administrative burden, and ensures that WERS is well-placed to continue its important work long into the future.
For our supporters, partners and the communities we serve, this transition does not change who we are or the work we do - it simply strengthens our ability to do it. Rest assured, all funds donated and given as grants are being passed through to the new organisation, and all assets and liabilities have successfully transferred to the new Charitable Incorporated Organisation. This ensures continuity, stability and confidence in the work your generosity makes possible.
Thank you to everyone who stands with WERS – your support has brought us here. We are building a stronger, more resilient organisation for the years ahead.
If you have any questions about this change, please feel free to get in touch with us at info@wers.org.uk or call 0191 273 7482.
Alice Mason
Chair of the Board of Trustees
West End Refugee Service (WERS)