If you are supporting people who are thinking about improving the legal status and structure of their organisation, or are a Trustee yourself,  then the revised Getting it Right Legally 1 & 2 (GIRL 1 & 2) are essential support documents for you. These updated publications provide advice in plain English on legal matters for community organisations.

The new and fully revised editions of GIRL 1 and 2 expand on key elements of the original documents, reflect changes to Company and Charity Law and have been made applicable to all community organisations, not just play and childcare.  Updated constitutions, case studies from a range of community organisations, relevant signposting and other improvements provide clarity and ease of use for the reader. 

The legal input has been provided by Bates Wells & Braithwaite solicitors, who specialise in advising charities and voluntary sector organisations.

Getting It Right Legally: Status and Structure for Community Organisations (GIRL1)
Written by Playwork Partnerships & Bates Wells and Braithwaite solicitors

GIRL 1 is aimed at community organisations and those that support them to help navigate successfully through the often confusing guidance available on setting up a voluntary or community organisation.  The original publication has been revised from a play and childcare focus to include ALL community and voluntary organisations.

Getting It Right Legally: Contract and Grant Relationships between Funders and Community Organisations (GIRL2)
Written by Playwork Partnerships & Bates Wells and Braithwaite solicitors 

This publication has been developed as a guide for voluntary and community organisations to understand and develop successful funding relationships with funders to deliver a range of local services. Many organisations can encounter frustrations and difficulties in this area - GIRL 2 demystifies legal issues faced by those running community organisations, prociding practical guidance and minimising technical legal content.

Model Documents

If you have purchased a copy of Getting it Right Legally you will notice it offers a number of model constitutions in word for organisations to download and edit with your organisational information. This documents are to be used with the guidance in the publication only.

Models A - E are available to download below for all those who have purchased a copy of Getting it Right Legally.

Model A Articles of Association for a charitable Company Limited by Guarantee - 'democratic' version

Model B Articles of Association for a charitable Company Limited by Guarantee - 'oligarchic' version

Model C Articles of Association for a charitable Company Limited by Guarantee - 'community partnership' version

Model D Articles of Association for a Community Interest Company

Model E Articles of Association for a Company Limited by Shares to be run by owner-managers

Model A/B/C Memorandum of Association for a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee

Model D Memorandum of Association for a Community Interest Company Limted by Guarantee

Model E Memorandum of Association for a Company Limited by Shares to be run by owner-managers

Model Incorporation Transfer Agreement