Governance Structure

Legal Status

RCUK is registered as a Community Interest Company (C.I.C) and is regulated by the CIC Regulator. As part of its legal obligations, RCUK files annual reports and accounts with Companies House. All activities are conducted solely for community benefit, ensuring that no private gain is derived from its operations.

Members

The Members of RCUK serve as the custodians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring that its mission remains focused on the community. They are responsible for appointing and removing Directors, approving any changes to the governing documents, and safeguarding the organisation’s community‑interest objectives. Members do not receive any profits or personal benefit from the company’s activities.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and regulatory oversight for RCUK. They are responsible for setting the organisation’s strategic direction, overseeing finances, managing risk, and ensuring safeguarding measures are in place. The Board ensures full compliance with UK regulatory requirements, approves key policies, budgets, and major partnerships, and holds the Executive Team accountable for the organisation’s performance and mission delivery.

Executive Leadership

The Executive Leadership team is responsible for the day-to-day management and delivery of RCUK’s services. Their key functions include programme delivery, community engagement, finance and administration, safeguarding and compliance, partnerships and communications, as well as monitoring and evaluation. Typical roles within this team include the Chief Executive or Managing Director, Operations Manager, Programme Leads, Finance & Administration Officer, and Communications & Engagement Lead, all working together to ensure effective implementation of the organisation’s mission.

Advisory Council

The Advisory Council is a non-governing body of specialists who provide independent insight to strengthen the quality and impact of RCUK’s work. Members of the Council offer expertise in areas such as education, safeguarding, legal and policy frameworks, digital systems, and community development, ensuring that the organisation benefits from high-level guidance and informed decision-making.

Community Accountability

As a community-led organisation, community accountability is central to RCUK’s governance. The organisation ensures this through regular community consultations, youth and inclusive advisory groups, open feedback channels, annual community reporting, and the co-design of programmes. These mechanisms ensure that community voices directly influence the organisation’s decisions and activities.

Our Values

RCUK’s work is guided by core values of dignity, justice, transparency, inclusion, and community leadership. These principles inform all decisions, partnerships, and the long-term vision of the organisation, ensuring integrity and purpose in every action.