Starting Up is CAS's step by step guide to the things you need to consider when starting a new group.

Sometimes a simple constitution will do. Depending on what you plan to do you may have to consider registering your group as a charity, becoming a company or choosing other legal forms.

It is useful to put in writing what you plan to do. Do you want to employ staff or will you use volunteers? You should also think about whether you really need to set up a new group, as there may be other organisations in the area that already do the same kind of work.

All groups need to decide how much money they will need, how they will look after the money, and whether they will raise it themselves or make applications to various funding sources.

CAS’s ‘A Guide for Management Committees’ will help you think about many of the responsibilities you will have when setting up a new group.