Hempsons & Stepping Out – Public Service Mutuals
An overview of the ‘spinning out’ process – statutory services becoming their own entity, including examples of why that might happen and what may need to be considered. May be useful considerations for VCFSEs when looking at wider system planning. Important to note this is a presentation and not full detail is provided and it appears to be an older document. Intended to provoke general thinking rather than be a step by step guide
Local Government Group: a practical guide to organisation models
This guide provides practical advice for councils on how in‑house services can be delivered through alternative models such as social enterprises, staff mutuals, cooperatives and other employee‑led organisations. The publication includes the top ten issues to assess when evaluating a proposal, sample response letters, and guidance on TUPE, pensions and procurement. It may also be useful for VCFSE organisations to understand how local government is expected to assess and respond to such requests, offering insight into the processes and considerations councils must follow.
CIC annual report detailed example
Official detailed CIC annual report form example, to demonstrate what the CIC regulator is looking for from a report to demonstrate public benefit. Also includes a link to gov.uk website for further guidance and support completing the form
CIC annual report simple example
Official simplified CIC annual report form example, to demonstrate what the CIC regulator is looking for from a report to demonstrate public benefit. Also includes a link to gov.uk website for further guidance and support completing the form
Co-Creating Green: A Strategic Public Art Vision for Lyngford Park, Taunton
Details co-created approaches in Taunton, Somerset, showing how arts-led and green-space activities build community capacity and shape inclusive places. It offers practical steps, templates and evidence to support arts, culture & heritage. A partnership between Somerset Art Works and North Taunton One Team.
TrustLaw – Data protection: a guide for charities and NGOs (Nov 2024)
Plain‑English UK GDPR explainer for charities (roles, lawful bases, DPIAs, breaches); handy as a board/manager primer.
ICO – Recommendations for charities – Data protection essentials
Short tips for small charities: KPIs, training, incident plans, retention/erasure and transparency; links to ICO charity hub.
Somerset Council Volunteering Policy and Framework (Nov 2025)
Sets out a county-wide framework for recruiting, supporting and celebrating volunteers across 70+ roles. Clarifies standards, safeguarding, data protection, and the Central Volunteer Team’s processes.
A Guide to The Effective Involvement of Children and Young People: Resource Pack
A comprehensive resource which explores the ‘why, what, who, when & how’ of involving children and young people in consultations for service development. While the intended audience is Local Authorities, there is lots of information, activities, practical guidance and case studies which will be useful to the VCFSE sector.
Finding your voice: confidence in the community
The toolkit is intended for use with Key Stage 2 aged children, in order to support them to conduct a research and action project in their school to make changes on things within their school or local community which matter to them.