SETTING UP A NEW COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP
Follow the links in orange to guides and toolkits to help you when you are starting to set up your group. You can always contact CAG staff for specific queries and 1:1 advice where needed. Please email us on info@cagoxfordshire.org.uk in the first instance.
Setting Up
-
CAG workbook: building your group from scratch - with exercises and examples, to guide groups into building a spark of an idea into a fully-fledged project
-
Becoming a CAG Oxfordshire member guide – for any community group or enterprise interested in joining the network this guide explains what we can offer you, what your contribution will be, and the process to become a CAG.
-
CAG Terms of Reference the common aims that are the root of our collective actions.
-
Transition Network guide: How to start a community action group (chapter 3, pg 44)
-
To join CAG, we require groups to have a governing document; for unincorporated groups, this would usually be a constitution. See Resource Centre guide to writing a constitution, including an example and CAG example constitution for adaptation.
Legal Structure and Governance
-
Locality guide to good governance
-
Resource Centre guide: Choosing a legal structure including an online tool
-
Resource Centre guide on becoming a charity and Gov.uk guide to charity types
-
NCVO guide to setting up a small charity
-
Resource Centre guide: The role of committee members
-
Guides for cooperatives from Coops UK: legal structures for cooperatives and simply legal guide for cooperatives and choosing your governing document.
Insurance
All CAG members are responsible for ensuring they have their own insurance cover.
You can find guidance and information on how to get insurance for your group in our Health and Safety briefing. This includes information on how to access financial support to cover this cost.
There are many brokers out there, but it can be a good idea to work with one that has experience of supporting community groups. While CAG does not have a recommended broker, two brokers who work with community groups are:
● Ladbrook Insurance Brokers. Obtain a quote via their website.
● Endsleigh. Find out more about their offer to community groups.
You can contact CAG Network Support Coordinators at info@cagoxfordshire.org.uk if you need any further advice regarding insurance