Set Up

Step by Step Process of Setting a New ‘Not for Profit Group'

Step 1 - Things you need to ask, find out or decide

You need to have a clear idea about what the group you are setting up is going to do. Will it offer a service to a community or will it be of benefit solely to its members? What are the aims of this group? What do you want to achieve?
Usually voluntary and community sector groups form around a specific issue, usually some sort of problem to be addressed or a common challenge.
If there are groups already doing something similar, you will need to show funders and possible partners that you are not duplicating services. You can do this by showing how your group differs, i.e. what is your USP (Unique Selling Point), and that there is unmet met demand for your service in the community (this is sometimes referred to as “evidence of need” by funders.
 
Alternatively you could:

• Work as a volunteer with the existing group. In this way you get to impact on the issues that concern you and at the same time gain some experience of delivering a services and /or being a committee member. Contact our Volunteer Centre for further information and to indentify appropriate opportunities.

Step 2 - What is Governance

Governance is about leadership and ensuring that an organisation is effectively and properly run. It is distinct from day to day management and operations delegated to paid staff and volunteers At this stage we will provide information and support which will answers questions such:
What is a Governing Body?
What are Honorary Officers?
What are my roles & responsibilities as a committee or board member?

Step 3 - Deciding upon a Legal Structure

By this stage you will have established a need for your project, and have the support of  like minded indviduals willing to act as vounteers and committee or board members. But which legal strucutre do you adopt?

There are number of possible legal structures, which is why we will guide you through each one and support you to identify the most appropriate structure for your organisation.  We will then provide the right template governing document and support you to get the organisation registered with the appropriate bodies (e.g. Company House, Charity Commission etc) 

Alternatively we can write your governing document and complete your registration for a small fee

 Factsheets
Starting A New Organisation