Resources Area
There are a number of free resources that have been listed below under key headings. We endeavour not to reinvent the wheel and therefore will link through to other sites which have some great information, and hopefully save you some time searching.
For our course members, we provide additional resources specifically to support the course that they are attending. If you are a course member, you will be entitled to a login and password to access this information.
LIST OF RESOURCES
Social Enterprises – Background
Co-operatives
- Starting a Co-operative This is a new guide recently published by Co-operatives UK and is a great overview of co-operatives, the types of co-operatives, areas of acticity and legal structures that may be adopted.
Business Planning
- No Nonsense Guide to starting a Business. This is a publication produced by Business Link and is a useful tool when initially thinking of your business idea and needing the first steps on what to do next.
- Business Planning. This is a guide produced by Forth Sector specifically for setting up a social enterprise (click to pdf document
Governance
- Responsibilities as a Director and Company Secretary. This guide is produced by Business Link and covers what Company Directors and the Secretary is responsible for under Company Law.
- Code of Governance for the Voluntary and Community Sector. This links to a guide produced by the Charity Commission for good governance.
Legal Structures
- Legal structures at a glance. An overview produced by Business Link
Access to Finance
- Financing a social enterprise
- ‘Credit where it’s due’ publication, RISE.
- Finding an Accountant
- Quick guide to tax rates, thresholds and fees from Business Link
Employing People
Two excellent sources of information which cover all the key aspects that you need to know are Business Link and ACAS. Both sites are updated to reflect changes in legislation.
- Employing People. - This links to a comprehensive document you need to know for your business
- Employing People – Business Link site map. This link takes you to the page that has all the headings and information which you are likely to need in employing people within your business
- Employment – Practical information and Advice.This link takes you to the ACAS website where they also provide all the up to date information plus there is a helpline for both employers and employees that is free of charge.
Quality and Impact
The following websites cover a range of information about impact measurements and performance improvement. One of the tools that we use is Social Accounting and Audit which is the first listed.
- Social Accounting and Audit. The site of Social Audit Network (UK), ideal for both organisations considering quality and impact tools and individuals interested in becoming social auditors.
- NEF Toolkit. For organisations looking to 'prove and improve'. This gives details of a range of tools and the nef website is a great source of information.
- Nef website. Lots of interesting information.