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\n \n Setting Up Your Organisation | Choosing The Right Structure\n\n\n\n\n
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\n Setting Up Your Organisation\n

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\n \n Thinking about starting a community group or charity?\n \n \n Here’s where to begin, and where to find the most trusted advice online.\n \n

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\n Your Journey To Setting Up\n

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\n Click any step below to navigate to that section\n

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1
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Is Setting Up Right For You?

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\n Decide if formal registration is needed\n

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2
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Choosing The Right Structure

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\n Compare options like CIO, CIC and more\n

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3
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Step-by-Step Setup Journey

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\n From purpose to policies and governance\n

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4
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Before You Register

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\n Pre-registration checks and requirements\n

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2
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\n Choosing the Right Structure\n

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\n A simple way to compare options and get a suggested starting point.\n

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\n Choosing the right structure can feel confusing, but you don’t need to know everything.\n This short questionnaire will point you toward the type of organisation that might fit your idea.\n There are no right or wrong answers, just pick the option that feels closest to what you want.\n

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\n Want a quick comparison? Click below to see the pros and cons of each legal structure at a glance.\n

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Unincorporated Association

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\n \n \n \n \n Pros\n
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  • Simple and fast to set up
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  • No registration costs
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  • Flexible for small, volunteer-run groups
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  • Low admin burden
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\n \n \n \n \n Cons\n
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  • Members can be personally liable
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  • Harder to open bank accounts or sign contracts
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  • Limited ability to employ staff
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  • Funders may prefer more formal structures
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CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

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\n \n \n \n \n Pros\n
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  • Separate legal identity; liability protection
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  • Full charity status with tax benefits
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  • Trusted by funders
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  • Can employ staff and enter contracts
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  • Less reporting than charitable companies
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\n \n \n \n \n Cons\n
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  • Must register with the Charity Commission
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  • Registration can take time
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  • Higher governance expectations
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Company Limited by Guarantee (Non-Charitable)

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\n \n \n \n \n Pros\n
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  • Separate legal identity
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  • Flexible for social enterprise trading
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  • Quick to register
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  • Good if activities aren’t strictly charitable
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\n \n \n \n \n Cons\n
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  • No charity tax benefits
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  • Some funders may not support non-charitable companies
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  • Dual regulation if later converted to charitable status
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Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee

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\n \n \n \n \n Pros\n
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  • Full charitable status and tax benefits
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  • Strong governance structure
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  • Trusted by funders
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  • Suitable for service delivery and staff teams
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\n \n \n \n \n Cons\n
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  • Dual reporting (Companies House + Charity Commission)
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  • Higher admin burden
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  • Slower to set up
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Community Interest Company (CIC)

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\n \n \n \n \n Pros\n
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  • Designed for social enterprises
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  • Flexible for trading
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  • Asset lock reassures funders
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  • Faster approval than CIOs
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\n \n \n \n \n Cons\n
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  • No charity tax relief
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  • Some grants not open to CICs
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  • Must pass the Community Interest Test
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  • Additional CIC reporting requirements
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\n Interactive Questionnaire\n

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\n Question 1 of 8\n 13%\n
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Loading…

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Your Recommended Structure

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\n This suits groups that want to:\n

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    \n\n
    \n Need help deciding?\n \n Swale CVS can talk you through your options\n \n based on your specific plans.\n
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    \n

    \n Explore All Structure Options\n

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    \n If you're still unsure, you can compare all of the main structure types below. Select each option to expand and read a short, easy-to-understand overview.\n

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    \n Resources & next steps\n

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    \n The main guidance above should be enough to get started. The links below are there if you want to explore further, or click the link at the bottom of the page for the next section.\n

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    \n Useful Links\n

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    \n\n
    \n \n GOV.UK – Set up a charity\n \n
    \n Official government guidance on starting a charity\n
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    \n \n NCVO – Help and guidance\n \n
    \n Practical guidance and templates from NCVO\n
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    \n \n Charity Excellence – Policies required by law and the Charity Commission\n \n
    \n Required policies and best practice guidance\n
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    \n External links may be updated periodically by their publishers.\n
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    \n\n
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    \n\n \n Back To Is Setting Up Right For You?\n \n\n \n Next: Step-by-Step Setup Journey\n \n\n
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    \n\n \n \n \n \n
    \n \n Need Help Or Have A Question?\n \n \n Email SCVS For Organisational Support\n \n
    \n     \n\n
    \n\n \n\n\n","embed_html_app1headerHtml":""},"metaData":{"position":{"left":-471,"top":227},"size":{"width":960,"height":3871}}}]}],"offset":{"left":231,"top":-3386}}],"connections":{"targetConnections":{},"sourceConnections":{}},"customStatesProperties":{},"pageId":"id1770818788118","version":17.004,"id":"id1774351714813","relativePoint":{"left":231,"top":-3386}}