If you are interested in setting up a new group there are a number of steps to take before you can start operating. Work through the list below in order. Some steps may not be relevant to you, as these are general guidelines and no two groups are the same. If in doubt, get some advice from us, our contact details are listed at the end of this fact sheet.

1. First Steps – an action plan

• What do you want to do? Think specifically, will your idea benefit only the group members or the wider community? Write down your aims, thinking towards the future as well as the present. You will need these for your constitution
• Where do you want to do it? How big a geographical area are you going to cover? Be realistic about this.
• Who do you want to do it with? If you are providing a service, is it for a specific group or people living in a defined area?
• Is there any overlap with other groups? You need to do some research to find out if there are any existing groups. If you are duplicating what already exists you may well find getting funding difficult.
• Could you work in partnership with others? If there are existing groups, is your idea something new that could be a useful addition?

 2. Practicalities

• Getting others on board. There is no way you are going to be able to do all this yourself. Find people you can share the running of the group with.
• Consultation. Is there a demand for what you want to do? Most funders want to see that there is a need for your idea. Use posters and leaflets to find out the level of interest. Questionnaires or ideas written from the people who will benefit from your group will be useful in securing funding.
• Organise your committee. Discuss the roles and responsibilities of those who will be on the committee.
• Develop a constitution. All groups, however small, must have a written set of rules to work by. Support agencies like CVS will help you produce a simple, easy to understand, constitution.
• Hold your first general meeting. Here, you will adopt your constitution and elect your committee.
• Open a bank account. This should be opened in the name of the group with a least two unrelated signatories, but it is useful to have three or four, from whom two can be selected.

3. Up and Running

• Getting funding. Think carefully about how much you need and what you are going to do with it. Be aware that you must be able to manage the project, particularly if it involves owning/leasing property, employing staff or signing agreements.
• Involving volunteers. Volunteers fulfil an extremely useful role in many organisations. Think carefully how they could be best involved and supported within your group
• Networking. Join relevant partnerships and umbrella organisations. Many similar groups will have identified problems and solutions that you can learn from.
• Insurance. Dependent on your group there may be insurance requirements. Make sure any company you are dealing with knows that you are a voluntary group and inform them if you use volunteers.
• Policies and procedures. Again, depending on your group you may need to develop certain policies and procedures. Support agencies will be able to help you with this process.

All of this may appear at first sight to be daunting, but it is best to get your organisation on a sound footing right from the start. Support is at hand, remember, it can be done! Good Luck