Getting Started - Overview
This section will provide information on the various structures a social enterprise can adopt. It will also explain the difference between an ‘incorporated’ and ‘unincorporated’ organisation and examine some of the relative advantages and disadvantages of those structures.
The Selecta-a-Structure questionnaire will also enable you to identify potentially what could be an appropriate structure for your social enterprise – the results of which can either be emailed to you or provided in a format suitable for printing.
It is intended that this tool be used as guidance and it is therefore strongly recommended you seek advice from a social enterprise business advisor before finalising your decision.
See the Business Support section of the Sports Kitbag
Within this section, there is also information on developing governance and enabling participation within an organisation. It is important for social enterprises to consider these, especially from the outset.
Good governance is about making an organisation more effective, resilient, while strengthening its purpose.
“Put simply governance is about how an organisation sets its direction, provides leadership and ensures it remains accountable to all its members”
Governance & Participation Project (2004)
Furthermore, governance is greatly enhanced by enabling participation from users, members and wider stakeholders. Participation is about acting together in a co-ordinated and organised way.
Ultimately, improved/appropriate governance, in conjunction with ‘enabled’ participation, can contribute greatly to the increased resilience and sustainability of a social enterprise.
See