Writing a constitution
A constitution is simply the aims and rules that your group will use. It’s a statement of what your group is going to do and how it is going to do it.
Our information about constitutions is suitable for a small organisation such as a residents’ association or campaign group. It will work well for you if you want a simple, uncomplicated structure to guide your group. It is not suitable if you are employing workers, buying premises or dealing with large amounts of money.
For details of other organisations that can help with constitutions, click on the Links tab above.
Constitutions
A step-by-step guide to writing a constitution for a small community group.
Legal structures for community groups and not-for-profit organisations
This page provides simple explanation of different types of not-for-profit organisation, and what to consider when choosing a legal structure.
Charity Registration
Information to help your community organisation understand whether it is or could be a charity, whether it should register with the Charity Commission, and how to do so.
These books are available at the Resource Centre, to borrow or to use in the Centre.
- Charities and Public Benefit
- Community Matters: Reference Manual for Community Organisations Advisers
- Governance & Participation: Development toolkit CD ROM
- Model constitution for a community association
- Setting up and running Tenants' and Residents' Associations
- Simply Governance: A comprehensive guide to understanding the systems & processes concerned with the running of a sustainable community enterprise
The services listed below are not provided by the Resource Centre. These are websites and services we feel are particularly useful for small groups in Brighton & Hove, and which are not easy to find by searching the internet.
Most useful services for local groups
Services provided:
Help with developing constitutions and sample constitutions, Information on charities and charity law, Information on insurance, Information on legal structures, Information on managing money, Information on running a group, Information on running childrens groups, Information on setting up a company, Risk Assessment (Financial and Organisational)
Notes:
Very comprehensive website with information how to set up a charity, legal guidance, and a database of all registered charities. Also has specialist guidance section specifically aimed at small groups wanting to become charities.
The Charity Commission is now part of the GOV.uk site, which can make it difficult to search for the information you need. They advise you to:
Some specific guidance you may find useful: