1. Define the Purpose and Community Benefit

Objective

• Clearly state the social, environmental, or economic benefit the society exists to deliver.
• Identify the community of benefit (geographic area or group of people).

Key Actions

• Write a concise mission statement.
• Define the specific problem or unmet need you are addressing.
• Ensure benefits are primarily for the wider community, not just members.

Outputs

• Mission and values statement.
• Description of community impact.

2. Engage the Community and Stakeholders

Objective

• Ensure the society is rooted in real community need and has local support.

Key Actions

• Hold community meetings, workshops, or surveys.
• Engage key stakeholders (residents, voluntary groups, councils, businesses).
• Identify potential founding members.

Outputs

• Evidence of community demand.
• List of supporters and founding members.
• Summary of consultation findings.

3. Define Activities and Services

Objective

• Translate your mission into practical, deliverable activities.

Key Actions

• Specify products or services to be provided.
• Explain how activities create measurable community benefit.
• Identify beneficiaries and access arrangements.

Outputs

• Activity plan.
• Theory of change or impact logic model.

4. Establish Governance and Membership Structure

Objective

• Create a democratic, transparent governance framework.

Key Actions

• Define membership eligibility and rights.
• Determine board structure and roles.
• Decide on sub-committees or advisory groups if required.

Outputs

• Governance structure chart.
• Membership policy.
• Role descriptions for directors.

5. Legal Formation and Registration

Objective

• Formally register as a Community Benefit Society.

Key Actions

• Choose an appropriate model constitution or rules.
• Ensure asset lock provisions are included.
• Register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Outputs

• Registered rules.
• FCA registration confirmation.
• Society registration number.

6. Financial Model and Funding Strategy

Objective

• Ensure financial sustainability while delivering community benefit.

Key Actions

• Develop startup and operating budgets.
• Identify income streams (trading, grants, contracts, community shares).
• Decide whether to issue community shares.

Outputs

• 3–5 year financial projections.
• Funding and investment strategy.
• Community share offer (if applicable).

7. Operations and Delivery Planning

Objective

• Ensure the society can operate efficiently and compliantly.

Key Actions

• Define staffing and volunteer needs.
• Establish policies (safeguarding, equality, data protection).
• Set up systems for finance, reporting, and risk management.

Outputs

• Operational plan.
• Key policies and procedures.
• Risk register.

8. Impact Measurement and Reporting

Objective

• Demonstrate accountability and community value.

Key Actions

• Define success metrics and indicators.
• Collect qualitative and quantitative impact data.
• Plan regular reporting to members and funders.

Outputs

• Impact framework.
• Annual impact report template.

9. Launch and Growth Strategy

Objective

• Successfully launch and build long-term resilience.

Key Actions

• Plan communications and marketing.
• Recruit members and partners.
• Identify opportunities for scaling or replication.

Outputs

• Launch plan.
• Growth and sustainability strategy.

10. Review and Continuous Improvement

Objective

• Ensure the society evolves with community needs.

Key Actions

• Schedule regular board and member reviews.
• Update strategy based on learning and feedback.
• Maintain compliance and good governance standards.

Outputs

• Annual review process.
• Continuous improvement plan.