1 May 2024

Social enterprise guide

By Justice Connect

This guide from Justice Connect helps social enterprises understand their legal responsibilities. It covers choosing a legal structure, setting up governance, meeting compliance requirements, and managing day-to-day operations. The guide supports organisations at different stages of development to make informed legal decisions.

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Summary

This tailored guide developed by registered charity Justice Connect, helps social enterprises navigate legal and regulatory requirements throughout their lifecycle. It emphasises the importance of appropriate legal structures and governance models to support their mission and business model. This guide:

Explores distinct attributes of social enterprises and their core characteristics
Outlines startup considerations: planning, impact measurement, funding, and legal structures
Explains legal structures: for-profit, not-for-profit, and hybrid models
Details setup processes: board formation, membership, governing documents, charity/tax registration
Addresses operational issues: insurance, employment, safety, record-keeping, IP, events, privacy
Covers ongoing governance and compliance requirements
Discusses managing changes and potential problems

Two circular portraits on a light grey background with abstract curved shapes and teal arrows. Christina Chun, Chief Product Officer, is pictured smiling at the top left against a coral background. Kate Kutty, Engagement Lead, is pictured at the bottom right against a cream background with an orange circular border.

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