Models of social enterprise
Social enterprise organisations encompass a range of legal and governance models, each with their own history and key benefits.
The most common legal frameworks include:
- company limited by shares
- company limited by guarantee
- community interest company.
Within these legal frameworks it is also possible to set up a multiplicity of different governance arrangements, which are formal processes that dictate how the organisation is run and who is responsible for decision making.
More information on governance and legal structures can be found on the following websites.
Co-operatives UK
Co-operatives UK is the national trade body that campaigns for co-operation and works to promote, develop and unite co-operative enterprises.
http://www.uk.coop/economy/start-a-co-operative
The Employee Ownership Association (EOA)
EOA provides:
- succession advice to companies considering transition to employee ownership
- help to co-owned companies that want to make more of their employee ownership
- information to organisations and individuals with an interest in employee ownership.
http://www.employeeownership.co.uk/
Click here to read the latest report on how to become an employee owned mutual.
Community Interest Company Association (CIC Association)
CIC Association is the representative body for CICs in the UK and promotes the business model and supports its wider application.
http://www.cicassociation.org.uk/
For practical information and advice on the full range of legal and governance models and how to choose the right legal and governance model for your social enterprise, click here to be taken to the SEL training.