The Fund is governed by a Declaration of Trust established in 2005, replacing previous governing documents due to their complexity.
The Trust had an internal review in 2024, and its Governance procedures were fully updated in 2025 to include Safeguarding and privacy procedures for beneficiaries. An updated Deed of Covenant was submitted to the Charities Commission in 2026 and Operational rules and Guidelines were written to aid Trustees, Almoners and claimants. Terms for Trustees and Almoners were clarified and implemented and audited accounts are to be published on the CIBSE website annually
Governance of the Fund rests with the Trustees, of whom there are at least seven. This includes the CIBSE Honorary Treasurer, two additional CIBSE nominees, and nominees from the Almoners.
The Trustees manage the Fund's finances, fulfil legal obligations, and establish the guiding principles for providing support and financial aid.
Grant approvals for individuals are handled by a Management Committee made of all Trustees and Regional Almoners.
The Trustees meet quarterly to consider governance matters. The Management Committee comprising the trustees and almoners also meet quarterly to make decisions regarding dispersal of charitable funds. Both meetings are held virtually for three of the annual meetings and the fourth is held live in London.
The Chairman of the Fund can authorise emergency assistance where urgent needs arise between meetings.