Name not OK - Name checker

The name you have entered is either a duplicate of or similar to a name already in use on the register of charities and/or it contains a word or phrase which the charity commission considers offensive.

This does not mean that you can't use the name but the trustees need to be aware of the potential risks and the commission will need to be satisfied that the trustees' decision to use the name is in the best interests of the charity

The trustees should be aware that the charity commission may object to a name if it fits one or more of the provisions in s.42(2) of the Charities Act 2011, but this will depend on an assessment of the risks of harm and/or public confusion.  If the trustees decide to proceed and apply to enter this name on to the register of charities you should provide details of the reasons so that the commission can make a decision on the risk.

• The public mistaking one charity for another. The risk of the public mixing up two identically named small charities which have different objects and which operate on a very localised basis in separate geographic areas (and any consequent harm, loss or damage) will be lower than where the same name is being used by both a national charity and a regional charity, or by two national charities, or by two smaller charities that operate in the same geographical area or which have very similar objects. For instance, if a national and regional charity were to have the same name there is a risk that people living in the geographic area covered by the regional charity may mistakenly donate or leave money in a will to the national charity, whereas they intended to support the regional one. Clearly if a charity's new main name is the same as the name of a highly prominent charity then there will be a high risk of public confusion.
• The other charity's current and potential future beneficiaries being disadvantaged by having to use a different name. (For example, beneficiaries may struggle to find out the charity which can best address their needs.)
• A dispute arising over the use of the name (eg the other charity with the same main name already in the Register of Charities disputing the newer charity's use of the same name).

A name is considered to be offensive if it:

• is vulgar or includes words or phrases that are widely held to be offensive
• uses initial letters which form a vulgar word or words (ie a vulgar acronym) or abbreviations which look like offensive words  
• uses symbols which appear to be in substitution for offensive words or phrases
• shows contempt for a religion or a deity or for any individual, class or group within society 
• indicates contempt for, or unlawful discrimination against, persons on account of their ethnic or racial origin, gender, physical or mental impairment or other disadvantage, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010
• indicates contempt for, or unlawful discrimination against, persons by reason of their skin colour
• shows irrational or capricious discrimination against any other individual, class or group within society
• indicates that the charity supports or carries out immoral, criminal or illegal activity 
• contains non-English words or symbols which, whether in their original language or (if translated) in English, would fall within any of the points above.