Governance

Original Editor - Rachael Lowe Top Contributors - Rachael Lowe, Admin, Lucy Aird, Vidya Acharya and Alexandra Stead

Governance

Physiopedia operates with transparency, accountability, and independent oversight to ensure we serve the public benefit.

As a registered UK charity, Physiopedia is subject to rigorous governance standards and regulatory oversight. This page explains how we're structured, who oversees our activities, and how we ensure accountability to our stakeholders and the communities we serve.

Legal Structure

Charity Registration

Physiopedia is registered with the UK Charity Commission:

Charity Registration Number: 1173185
Registration Authority: UK Charity Commission
Charity Act: Complies with the Charities Act 2011

The Charity Commission provides independent oversight of Physiopedia's operations, finances, and governance to ensure we operate for public benefit and meet charitable standards.

Company Structure

Under UK law, Physiopedia operates as a company limited by guarantee:

Company Registration Number: 08530802
Companies Act: Subject to section 396 of the Companies Act 2006
Structure: Company limited by guarantee, not having share capital

This structure means Physiopedia has no shareholders and operates solely to achieve its charitable objectives, not to generate profit.

Charitable Objects

The objects of the Physiopedia charity, as registered with the Charity Commission, are:

For the public benefit, to improve health globally by advancing education in relation to physiotherapy and improving access to physiotherapy knowledge.

All activities undertaken by Physiopedia must advance these charitable objects. Our Strategic Plan is designed to deliver against these objects in measurable ways.

Governance Structure

Board of Trustees

The Physiopedia Trustees have legal responsibility for the control and direction of the charity's affairs. Trustees bring diverse skills and experience to ensure effective governance and strategic direction.

Trustee responsibilities include:

Setting strategic direction and priorities
Ensuring financial sustainability and proper use of funds
Monitoring performance against objectives
Ensuring regulatory compliance
Managing risk and safeguarding the charity's reputation
Approving major decisions and resource allocation

Current Trustees:

Rachael Lowe - Co-founder & President
Tony Lowe - Co-founder & Technical Director
Elaine Lonnemann - Physical Therapist and Associate Professor (USA)

View full Trustee profiles

Trustee remuneration:

Trustees receive no remuneration for their governance duties. They volunteer their time and expertise to ensure Physiopedia operates effectively and achieves its charitable mission.

Advisory Council

The Advisory Council provides professional, globally relevant, and strategic advice to the Trustees. Council members are respected individuals who bring specialised expertise to support the charity.

Advisory Council areas of expertise:

Design and user experience
Education and technology
International collaboration and humanitarian work
Rehabilitation consultancy
Legal affairs
Global health

Advisory Council remuneration:

Advisory Council members receive no remuneration for their advisory duties. They contribute their expertise voluntarily to support Physiopedia's mission and strategic development.

Decision-Making and Accountability

Strategic Planning

Physiopedia operates with a dynamic strategic plan that sets priorities and measurable objectives. Our Strategic Plan is organised around "Now, Next, Later" rather than rigid multi-year phases, allowing us to adapt based on data and changing needs.

Strategic planning process:

Quarterly reviews: Leadership assesses progress and adjusts priorities
Annual strategic review: Trustees and stakeholders conduct deep review
Data-driven decisions: Strategic choices informed by impact dashboard and user feedback
Stakeholder input: Community, partners, and users contribute to strategic direction

Financial Oversight

All financial decisions are subject to Trustee oversight and regular monitoring:

Financial controls:

Annual budget approved by Trustees
Regular financial reports reviewed by Trustees
Annual accounts prepared and filed with Charity Commission
Independent financial review processes
Transparent reporting in Annual Reports

All funds raised are used to advance the charitable objects. As a charity, Physiopedia has no shareholders and generates no profit for private gain.

Learn more about how we're funded

Risk Management

The Trustees maintain a risk register identifying key risks to the charity's operations and mission. Risks are regularly reviewed and mitigation strategies implemented.

Key areas of risk management:

Financial sustainability and revenue concentration
Volunteer recruitment and retention
Technology infrastructure and security
Content quality and reputation
Regulatory compliance
Strategic execution

Accountability and Transparency

Annual Reports

Physiopedia publishes comprehensive Trustees' Annual Reports demonstrating our activities, impact, finances, and governance. These reports are filed with the Charity Commission and publicly available.

Annual Reports:

Each report includes:

Review of activities and achievements
Financial statements showing income and expenditure
Trustee report on governance and decision-making
Future plans and strategic priorities
Impact data and evidence of public benefit

Public Accountability

As a registered charity, Physiopedia is accountable to:

UK Charity Commission - Independent regulator ensuring charities operate for public benefit, comply with charity law, and maintain public trust. The Charity Commission can investigate concerns and take action if standards aren't met.

The Public - All charity information is publicly available through the Charity Commission register, including our constitution, annual reports, and financial information.

Our Stakeholders - Physiotherapy professionals, volunteers, partners, and users who engage with Physiopedia have the right to understand how we operate and make decisions.

Regulatory Bodies - Companies House (for company registration) and other relevant regulatory authorities.

Policies and Constitution

Articles of Association

Physiopedia's constitution is set out in the Articles of Association, filed at Companies House. These articles define:

The charitable objects
Governance structure and Trustee powers
Decision-making processes
Rules for amending the constitution
Dissolution provisions

Operational Policies

Physiopedia operates under policies ensuring ethical, legal, and effective operations:

Data Protection and Privacy

We comply with UK data protection law (GDPR). Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect personal data.

Terms of Service

Our Terms of Service set out the terms under which users access and contribute to Physiopedia.

Cookie Policy

Our Cookie Policy explains how we use cookies and similar technologies.

Content Policies

Quality Assurance Framework - How we maintain content quality
Disclaimer - Important information about using Physiopedia content
AI Licensing Policy - Our position on AI training and content licensing

Editorial Policies

Editorial Team and Roles - Structure and responsibilities
Quality Standards and Guidelines - Content requirements
Content Review Process - How content is reviewed and approved

Safeguarding

Physiopedia is committed to safeguarding and protecting vulnerable individuals. We maintain policies and procedures to ensure:

Volunteer screening and appropriate oversight
Clear reporting mechanisms for concerns
Adherence to safeguarding best practices
Compliance with relevant safeguarding legislation

Regulatory Compliance

Physiopedia complies with all relevant UK charity law and regulations, including:

Charities Act 2011 - Governing legislation for registered charities
Companies Act 2006 - Company law requirements
Data Protection Act 2018 - Data protection and privacy
Fundraising regulations - Ethical fundraising standards
Accounting standards - Charity accounting requirements (SORP)

The Trustees are responsible for ensuring ongoing compliance and addressing any regulatory issues that arise.

Contact and Concerns

General Governance Enquiries

For questions about Physiopedia's governance, policies, or operations: Contact Us

Reporting Concerns

If you have concerns about Physiopedia's operations, governance, or compliance:

Internal reporting: Contact the Trustees

External reporting: If you believe Physiopedia is not complying with charity law or operating improperly, you can report concerns directly to: UK Charity Commission. The Charity Commission investigates serious concerns about charity governance and can take regulatory action when necessary.

Learn More

About Physiopedia - Our mission, vision, and leadership
How We're Funded - Financial transparency
Our Impact - How we achieve our charitable objects
Trust & Quality - Our commitment to quality and integrity

Physiopedia is committed to transparent, accountable governance that serves the public benefit and advances our mission to provide universal access to trusted physiotherapy knowledge.