Having a presence in a retail space, office or warehouse is a wonderful way for any charity to boost its profile and operations – and to benefit the cause it supports.

Temporary Use Aid (TUAid) is a charitable organisation that works to enable charities to safely use vacant properties.

We help by presenting new, innovative uses for vacant spaces such as exhibitions, workshops and traditional or specialist shops. We can also advise on the different options available.

With our help, a charity can select a location that not only fulfils its need to raise funds and awareness, but where it fits in well with its surroundings.

All charities who register with TUAid get the chance to consider spaces as they become available.

There are a variety of ways in which TUAid can support your charity:

• Ideas on the type of activity that suits your goals and those of the space provider
• Introductions to sources of free or inexpensive shop content, fixtures and furniture
• Introduction to like-minded charities with experience
• Support and advice during use of the space
• Help in finding exclusive or shared temporary rent-free space
• Practical guidance on managing your temporary space
• Advice and guidance on the requirements of limited liability insurance, health and safety policies etc
• Advice on obtaining HMRC charitable status, or registering with the Charities Commission
• Useful tips and ideas on logistics, volunteer recruitment services, website building and social media options

When TUAid, or a charity it supports, is offered a large space, we have the unique opportunity for more organisations to share and benefit from that space.

This means charities with similar interests can work together. Additionally, a small or inexperienced charity can be partnered with a larger organisation, creating a learning opportunity.

Charities may use the space free from rent or rates. In many cases, utilities are also paid by the landlord.

Once a charity starts using its new space, it is asked to make a donation to TUAid of £20 per week. But it can apply for a concession to TUAid, which will take several factors into account and determine whether it should pay nothing, a proportion of that weekly donation, or the full amount.

TUAid is run without paid staff but it does still incur some costs and gives grants to worthy initiatives.

Only organisations involved in charitable activities (in whole or in part), including:

• A charity registered with the Charities Commission.
• An organisation with HMRC charitable status.
• An organisation with charitable objectives that is not registered with the Commission, and does not have HMRC charitable status.
• An individual or group of individuals who are pursuing charitable activities without being formed formally into an organisation.

Whichever category above applies to you, the use of the space must be for charitable purposes.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Arrange limited liability insurance (certificate to be displayed)
• Meet health and safety regulations
• Meet fire safety regulations
• Hold a fundraising whistleblowing policy (if relevant)

Do we need to be a registered Charity?
The charity that signs the tenancy agreement needs to be registered with the Charities Commission or be registered as charitable with HMRC.

Our organisation is not registered with the Commission, and we do not have charitable status with HMRC, can you still help us?
Yes, you may be able to utilise space under the umbrella of another charity or TUAid. Your organisation may take on a whole space, or part of a space, on a sub-agreement basis, where it shares the same objectives as the main charity that holds the tenancy.

How soon can we move in?
Once the paperwork has been signed we will request the key from the landlord/agent.

Can we provide our own volunteers?
Yes, but if you need help please ask us about our free signposting service.

Do we need to have our own Public Liability Insurance?
Yes. This is very easy to obtain and is necessary to protect you, your volunteers and the public.

How long can our charity use the space?
It depends, and charities typically need to be ready to vacate with 21 days’ notice. However, many opportunities last several months, and some years.

Can we have more than one space?
Yes

Can we apply to donate less than £20/week to TUAid?
Yes

Can we share our space?
Yes. Any such proposals should be sent to TUAID because sharers will need to be approved and sub-agreements will need to be signed.

Will we need to pay utilities?
This depends on the agreement with the landlord. In some cases, yes. You will always be told in advance so there are no surprises.

How do we report problems with utilities eg water leak?
Please email: contact@tuaid.org or the telephone number and contact details provided when you move into the space.

Can we make improvements to the space?
Only subject to approval by the landlord. On a case-by-case basis, some pre-agreed costs will be met by the landlord. The rest will fall on the charity.

How much notice period is there should we have to move out?
The standard period is 28 days, but your signed agreement will make it clear.

Does the charity have to allow potential tenants in to look around?
Yes, but the charity may request viewings to be pre-arranged, especially if the charity deals with vulnerable clients, or holds sensitive information.