The Third Age Trust is the national representative body for U3As in the UK.
It is both a limited company and a registered charity.  It underpins the work of local U3As by providing educational and administrative support to their management committees and to individual members and assists in the development of new U3As across the UK.   It is managed by a National Executive Committee which consists of a Chairman, 3 other Officers and 12 representatives from the government regions in the UK.  The Third Age Trust is funded mainly by annual subscriptions paid by member U3As on a per capita basis, with the occasional grant for specific projects.  It has 7 full time and 7 part time staff and is located in Bromley.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN U3AS AND THE THIRD AGE TRUST

U3As are independently managed charitable associations with their own constitutions.  Membership of The Third Age Trust is a requirement in order to use the U3A name and logo both of which are protected but once registered, providing the aims and guiding principles of the organisation are adhered to, local U3As are self-governing.