.png)
‘Social enterprise guide: Legal issues to consider when setting up a social enterprise’, Justice Connect
Justice Connect’s guide helps social enterprises with legal needs, covering structures, governance, setup, compliance, and operational issues for all stages.
View resourceSummary
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
Related resources
What is a social enterprise?
OtherA social enterprise is a business that puts people and the planet first. They trade like any other business but exist specifically to make the world a better place.
Learn morePeople and Planet First (PPF)
PlatformsPeople and Planet First is a participatory verification and a global collective that’s helping accelerate the transition to an economy that puts people and the planet first.
Learn more