Sometimes when I talk to people who are starting a new organization and we talk about the need for a governing document they rush away and write one. I always point out that there are templates and models available that have stood the test of time and have been created by organizations such as the Charity Commission and Companies House – why reinvent the wheel? – as the saying goes.
Companies House has recently published its model constitutions for those who are thinking of forming a community interest company (CIC). There is a wide selection for every possibility along with guidance for:
Using a model template for your constitution will save a great deal of time and they cover all things necessary for a constitution to be legal and some good practice.
- CIC model constitution: company limited by guarantee with a small membership.
- CIC model constitution: company limited by guarantee with a large membership.
- CIC model constitution: private schedule 2 company limited by shares with a small membership.
- CIC model constitution: private schedule 2 company limited by shares with a large membership.
- CIC model constitution: private schedule 3 company limited by shares with a small membership.
- CIC model constitution: private schedule 3 company limited by shares with a large membership.
- Not using a model constitution.
The templates and guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-interest-companies-constitutions/cic-model-constitutions-introduction.
If you would like some help with forming a CIC then contact us at the numbers below.
