For everyone, for ever
We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. Find out who we are and what we stand for.
All of the National Trust Acts are below, starting with the Parliamentary Scheme (The Charities (National Trust) Order 2005). This describes our current governance arrangements and is the starting point for the arrangements in the Governance Handbook.
The National Trust was first incorporated in 1894 as an Association not for profit under the Companies Acts 1862-1890.
The first National Trust Act was passed by Parliament in 1907. A number of successive Acts have since been introduced to update and, where necessary, revise our constitution to ensure the National Trust continues to be well governed and remains true to its cause.
Read the Charities (National Trust) Order 2005 (PDF)
Read the National Trust Acts 1907–1971 (PDF)
Read the National Trust Act (N Ireland) 1946 (PDF)
Read the National Trust Byelaws 1965 (PDF)
Read the National Trust Byelaws (Northern Ireland) 1968 (PDF)
We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. Find out who we are and what we stand for.
Discover more about our legacy, people and values as a conservation charity. We protect historic places and green spaces while opening them up for everyone, for ever.
Discover how the National Trust is run, how our governance arrangements are underpinned by Acts of Parliament and how they are designed to support and challenge our staff.
We're committed to meeting the needs and expectations of a diverse society. Find out what we're doing to create an inclusive, accessible and welcoming environment for our supporters, staff and volunteers.
Council applications for this year’s election have now closed. Discover how the members of the Council are elected and how they advise on important decisions, inform strategy and keep us connected to the wider public.