Setting up an organisation
Websites and online resources
Setting up a non profit organisation from KnowHow NonProfit offers a great overview of the issues to consider and is well illustrated with case studies and links
Defining Voluntary Organisations from NCVO offers concise definitions and links to further reading
This guidance on setting up and registering from VolResource provides an overview of the facts and a range of links to further support
This Social Enterprise Awards Kit from UNLTD and Hefce is designed for social entrepreneurs but is likely to be of equally good use to committee members of new and developing voluntary organisations
LVSC’s online guide to legal structures provides a clear and useful overview with links to more support. They also have a useful section on social enterprises.
The Charity Commission’s guidance on starting up a charity, includes a useful section to help you consider whether or not starting a charity is appropriate.
This guide to setting up a social enterprise from Business Link runs through the organisational forms suitable for ‘not for profit’ organisations.
NCVO and Bates Wells Braithwaite’s Get Legal is a decision making tool that can help you decide what legal structure is best for your organisation. You need to register to use it but the sign up process is quick and easy.
Books and publications
Governance and Organisational Structures is a bclear pdf guide by NCVO
The Charity Commission guidance leaflet Choosing and Preparing a Governing Document covers everything you need to know about how to adapt or create an appropriate governing document for your organisation.
Resources for Small Charities from the Charity Commission is a good place to start if you’re aiming to stay or start small.
The Charity Commission also produces model governing documents for small charities and charitable associations, trusts and companies, each of which includes guidance notes to help you to use it.
Information Pack on Community Interest Companies from the CIC regulator
Support and Regulatory Organisations
Guidance on Industrial and Provident Societies from the FSA
