We are considering converting from an unincorporated association to a CIO. We anticipate the process would be as follows:

- form a new CIO

- register it with the charity commission

- open a bank account for the new CIO with a new bank (we want to change banks)

- register it with HMRC for Gift Aid

- transfer some funds to the new organisation (as a precaution against the existing bank restricting access to accounts of the existing organisation)

- write to members to ask them to sign new direct debits and gift aid declarations

- transfer the assets and liabilities

All of the above would sit within a suitable legal framework.

We have read about situations where an existing bank has without notice blocked an organisation's existing accounts. Should we discuss reorganisation plans in advance with our existing bank? Note that we have no relationship manager and would have to go through the call centre. We are not aware that our bank account terms and conditions require us to give notice of planned changes as above.

Does anyone have experience of similar situations?