Governance & Best Practice

Before, during, and after formation, The Llama Sanctuary received (and continues to receive) independent guidance on operating best practice from Cwmpas (formerly The Wales Co-operative Centre). Cwmpas is the UK’s largest co-operative development agency, providing support and governance guidance for social initiatives, community projects and charities. 

Cwmpas was integral to ensuring that The Llama Sanctuary was set up correctly to enable appropriate governance and best practice.

The Llama Sanctuary also periodically works with experienced independent specialists in the third sector - vetted by Cwmpas - who provide subject matter expertise in matters as diverse as grant applications, legal guidance, trustee independence, marketing, governance safeguards, financial decision making procedures, and managing conflicts of interest.

Prior to incorporation, the charity was subject to appropriate scrutiny from the Charities Commission for England and Wales. The Llama Sanctuary passed their robust assessment process and was approved as a charity in February 2025. The Charity Commission continues to provide independent oversight, and the Llama Sanctuary reports to the Charity Commission on an annual basis.

In addition, The Llama Sanctuary provides a voluntary quarterly report to The British Llama Society, and an annual report to the board of the British Camelids charity.

The Llama Sanctuary CYF

The Llama Sanctuary CYF is a not for profit company limited by guarantee (company number 14475448). This is a separate legal entity to the main parent charity - The Llama Sanctuary Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Registered Charity 1212324) and served as a precursor organisation. It is currently dormant and does not trade.

In future, it may serve as a trading subsidiary for the charity. A charity trading subsidiary is a separate commercial company set up by a charity to handle non-charitable trading activities. Charities use this structure primarily to protect their core assets from commercial risks, maximise tax efficiency, and for greater operational flexibility. All income from the trading subsidiary goes back to the charity.

This change in organisational structure was originally identified and progressed during discussions with Cwmpas (and subsequently in meetings with independent third sector specialists), where it was agreed that The Llama Sanctuary’s core objectives would be best met via a CIO structure as opposed to a non-profit company.

Donations

As with any UK charity, all donations made to The Llama Sanctuary by third parties must be freely made without caveats or oversight. The Llama Sanctuary is an independent legal entity subject to UK Law and overseen by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Under Charity Commission rules, a charity must maintain its independence. Donors cannot dictate board decisions or have oversight of the organisation.

In the UK, a charitable donation must be freely given. This forms the basis of UK charity and tax law, dictating exactly what can be classified as a gift. The principle of a freely made donation is strictly governed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Charity Commission. A genuine donation means the donor receives no material benefit, goods, or services in exchange for the money. No conditions can be attached to the donation - the giver cannot place stipulations on how the funds are used beyond general charitable purposes.

Trustees

See our trustee page