Not For Profit Charter

NCDV operates as a Community Interest Company (CIC), committed to delivering public benefit rather than private profit.

This Charter explains how we sustain our services, how income is used, and the principles that underpin our not-for-profit model. It reflects our commitment to transparency, ethical practice, and ensuring that access to civil protection remains free at the point of need.

NCDV is a Community Interest Company (CIC), operating on a not-for-profit basis for the benefit of people at risk of domestic abuse and in need of protection through a civil injunction. Our legal structure requires that our activities benefit the community.

We do not charge individuals for the core work involved in helping them access civil protective orders. Our triage, guidance, signposting and pro bono service are provided free of charge. Access to protection should never depend on financial circumstances.

Free access to protection

We do not charge individuals for the core work involved in helping them access civil protective orders. This includes:

• Listening to and understanding their situation
• Explaining legal options and eligibility
• Signposting to other services
• Possibly preparing witness statements and court documentation

This work is skilled, time-intensive, and central to our purpose, and it is provided free of charge to people affected by domestic abuse so that financial barriers do not prevent access to safety.

Support for people who do not qualify for legal aid

Where individuals are not eligible for Legal Aid, we ensure they are fully informed of all available options.

• If an individual is not eligible for full legal aid funding but still wishes to secure the services of a solicitor, they may choose to contribute to their legal costs in line with Legal Aid frameworks. This is managed by the solicitor and the client, not by NCDV.
• Alternatively, if the individual cannot afford the legal fees stipulated by the Legal Aid Agency, they may choose to work with our pro bono service as a Litigant in Person at no cost. Our pro bono team support people by preparing their witness statement and documentation, and supporting them to understand the court process, enabling them to pursue protection without legal fees.

Chargeable Services

To remain a self-funding CIC and sustain our free core service, NCDV offers certain additional services to solicitors and sector professionals on a transparent, optional, fee-based basis. These include:

• Document Preparation Services for Solicitors – where legal professionals engage us to prepare witness statements and court documentation because it is quicker and easier for the applicant who has already engaged with us and told us about their abuse.
• Process Serving – anyone, a law firm or an individual, can use our specialist team to serve court orders efficiently and safely with a transparent, fixed-fee charge. Read more: Link to Fixed Fee Process Serving page.

• Professional Training – delivered to practitioners, employers and community reps seeking to strengthen their knowledge of civil protective orders and domestic abuse practice. Read more: Link to Training overview page.

All charges are clearly explained, and individuals are always free to choose alternative options.