A forum for discussing the issues affecting the voluntary and community sector
Our help and guidance content includes step-by-step guides, downloadable templates and interactive tools to help you run your voluntary organisation
Learn about the practical steps you need to take to set up your own organisation
Access our guidance to help you decide if you should set up a new charity, voluntary organisation or community group
What you need to consider when choosing your legal structure and the main characteristics of different legal structures
Find out what charity status is and if you need to register as a charity
Information on the types of charity mergers and the different reasons for merging
This page highlights key questions to think about before making the decision to merge
Actions to ensure a planned merger is in the best interests of your organisations and beneficiaries
Things to consider in the run-up to a formal merger
Planning the process with stakeholders and making sure you are clear about the role of your organisation’s regulator is key
What to consider once your merger has completed
A guide to implementing local Compact agreements between voluntary organisations and local authorities, health services, and government departments
How to involve people who use services in the design and delivery of services
What to consider when setting up a joint working agreement
A checklist to help you develop a joint working agreement