RFCCBS 8.4 Change of name

1A society’s name will stay the same unless we register a change. To change its name, a society must pass a resolution at a general meeting with the appropriate notice. Charities registered in Scotland must also include confirmation from OSCR that it has given permission for the name change when they apply to us to register the change.

1If the resolution is passed, societies should complete our name change form and return to us. The name change does not become effective until we have registered it.

[Note: http://www.fca.org.uk/your-fca/documents/forms/change-of-name-form]

1We explain our approach to names on RFCCBS 3.8 and RFCCBS App 1.

1The name a society wishes to register must be available. To see whether a name is available the society should check Companies House, the Charity Commission, OSCR and the Mutuals Public Register.

[Note:http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/ , http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/, http://www.oscr.org.uk/, http://mutuals.fsa.gov.uk/]

1Societies should also check if the name they want to use includes any words that require permission or approval for use. See RFCCBS App 1 for more information.

1Regulated housing associations must notify their regulator of any change to their name.

1We do not need to be notified of business names or changes to them. However if the society is applying to use a sensitive word that requires FCA approval under financial services legislation e.g. ‘bank’, then it must seek that approval.

[Note: https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/firm-details/sensitive-business-names]

1Societies must comply with the requirements in Part 41 Companies Act 2006 about business names.