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Getting Set Up
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Get started with confidence using our support on setting up, registering and structuring your organisation.​
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Step-by-step Guide
Starting a new organisation can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Whether you’re forming a community group, charity or social enterprise, this section will guide you through the essential steps to get set up properly and confidently.
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Our step-by-step guide covers everything from choosing the right legal structure to registering with the appropriate bodies. You'll also find practical templates, checklists, and useful links to help you lay strong foundations and take your first steps with confidence.
Define your purpose
Before launching your not-for-profit, you need to define the specific purpose and mission of your organisation. What problem will you address? What impact do you hope to achieve? Clear goals will help you stay focused and attract supporters, donors and volunteers who share your vision. Think about the needs of your community and how your organisation will address them. This step is foundational for your strategy, operations, and fundraising efforts.
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Another thing to consider is whether the need you would like to address is being tackled by one or more organisations in your local sector. If so, it may be worth collaborating with existing organisations first or talking to them in order to get a sense of the issue's scope. In order to view what other charities are available locally, head to the Wirral InfoBank for a directory of local non-profit services in the community.
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Choose a legal structure
Your not-for-profit must be legally recognised to operate, and choosing the right structure is crucial. You can set up as a charity, a community interest company (CIC), a social enterprise or other non-profit types. Each structure has its own requirements for governance, financial reporting and tax exemptions. Carefully consider the benefits and obligations of each structure, including liability, funding sources and operational flexibility. It's important to make this your first step as the leadership team and governing documents required for each legal structure are different.
Form a leadership team
Recruiting a team of committed, skilled individuals is essential for the success of your non-profit. A strong leadership team, typically a board of trustees or directors, is responsible for the overall governance and strategy of the organisation. A good rule of thumb is recruiting at least three non-related trustees in order to provide accountability and diversity in representation of interests. This group will help make major decisions, ensure legal and ethical compliance and provide guidance on financial management and organisational goals. Trustees should have a range of expertise, from financial management to marketing, to ensure your organisation is well-run and sustainable.
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Create a governing document
A governing document (constitution or articles of association) outlines how your organisation will operate. It sets the rules for decision-making, responsibilities of the leadership team and how the organisation will be managed. It also defines your mission, aims and the process for changing the structure if necessary. This document is required for registering with regulatory bodies and will help keep your organisation on track. It ensures that everyone involved knows their roles and responsibilities, providing a clear foundation for the work you do. Below are some handy links to advise you on how to draft your governing document and what it should include:
Register your organisation
Once you've chosen your legal structure and have your governing documents in place, you need to register with the relevant authority. Charities must register with the Charity Commission, while CICs register with Companies House. This process formalises your non-profit’s existence and makes it eligible for grants, tax exemptions and other benefits. It’s also important for legal protection and transparency, as registration ensures that your organisation meets the necessary compliance standards.
Opening a bank account
Managing finances effectively is crucial to the success and sustainability of your non-profit. Open a bank account in your organisation’s name to keep your finances separate from personal accounts. Appoint a treasurer or financial officer to manage budgeting, accounting and financial reporting. Establish policies for handling donations, grants and income from fundraising activities. Having clear financial management processes will help ensure accountability and transparency, which are important for both legal compliance and building trust with donors and stakeholders.
Develop key policies
Policies are essential for protecting your non-profit, its stakeholders and the communities you serve. Basic policies include safeguarding (to protect vulnerable groups), health and safety, equality and diversity, data protection and financial management. These policies will guide your organisation's operations and ensure that you comply with legal requirements. They also demonstrate to potential funders and partners that your organisation takes its responsibilities seriously and is committed to ethical practices.
Plan for funding and sustainability
Securing funding is often one of the most challenging parts of starting a non-profit. It’s crucial to develop a clear plan for generating income, whether through grants, donations, fundraising events or social enterprise activities. Consider the costs of running your organisation and how you will sustain your operations in the long term. Explore diverse funding sources to reduce reliance on one stream, and think about the best ways to demonstrate your impact to funders. A solid financial plan is essential for securing support and ensuring your organisation’s future viability.
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