CHARLIE CATTELL

Drafting an effective governing document requires an in-depth knowledge of the legal framework (company law, charity law, trust law etc) as well as an understanding of the values and practices of the not-for-profit and social enterprise sectors. Consequently neither commercial solicitors not generalist advisers will usually be able to make the best job of creating a legal structure: they may have one half of the necessary expertise, but they will rarely have both.

I wrote my first governing document (a set of mem & arts) for a community printing project when I was 18 years old. This involved sitting in the local library and reading the Companies Acts from cover to cover. My entire working life since has been spent working in or for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors, developing ever more specialised knowledge of the legal frameworks in which they operate while retaining close contact with organisations in the field.

One thing should be remembered, though: no matter how elegant and thorough a constitution may be, it can never absolutely guarantee the smooth running of an organisation. If there is a breakdown of goodwill between members or if pressure is created by financial difficulties, the constitution can help to ensure that adequate processes are in place to deal with such difficulties - but it can't necessarily solve them.

All types of company can be catered for: limited by guarantee, limited by shares, public limited companies.

I can design company structures that are suitable for charities, community organisations, co-operatives, community businesses, trading subsidiaries, social firms, development trusts, and so on.

Details of standard registration packages appear further down this page. Use the "Contact" button to make an initial approach. If you're not sure just what sort of company you want, I'll help you decide.