Hi everyone! 

I will first apologise for the long post and questions you have maybe seen a million times over! If its easier to reply with a link to a previous post that answers my questions please fire away! I am hugely grateful for any help and advice I can receive.

I am looking at starting up a small charity to help raise awareness but provide support services and groups in the local community relating, there is a gap currently within my region and I am hoping to plug this initially and expand wider a field later. It will be for vunerable individuals and families. 
I have a few questions if you can assist. 

I will be the founder and main employee as we get things off the ground.
Will I be allowed to be a trustee also?
As the founder, am I able to get a paid salary? Whilst I do not envisage this being the case for a long time, I wanted to understand that once the charity is receiving good funding, am I able to receive payment since I will be the main person undertaking the roles of providing the support group sessions and services to the wider community, and will be looking to replace my day job with the running and undertaking. ( Yes I am hoping to expand it that far)

How do I set up the charity without any annual income as yet? 
I see HMRC have specific registration so you can gain recognition for being a charity, (i am hoping this will help secure funding but also building trust from the community). Is this the best option for getting recognition as a charity or is there another option? 

Do I need to have a Bank Account before I undertake any type of registration? Ive read Co-op is one of the better bank account providers? 

I have a template constitutional document which I am clear on how this needs completing. Are there any other important factors to consider? 
 

I think I have a clear view on other things but just a few grey areas I needed clarity on so thought id come and ask the experts! 

 

Thanks in advance 

Laura