Establishing a strong framework of policies and procedures is key to building a transparent, inclusive and legally compliant community organisation. These documents help ensure consistency, support sound decision-making and make it easier for boards and managers to carry out their roles effectively. The types of policies you’ll need depend on your organisation’s purpose, structure and activities.

Putting your policies and procedures in writing isn’t just best practice, it’s often a requirement. Here’s why they matter:

• Legal Compliance: Helps your organisation meet legal and regulatory standards
• Consistency: Encourages uniform practices and accountability across the organisation
• Fairness: Supports inclusive practices and equitable treatment of staff, volunteers and service users
• Conflict Resolution: Provides a clear reference point when handling disputes
• Credibility: Demonstrates professionalism and good governance to funders, partners and the public

Creating these documents may feel like a daunting task, but they’re crucial for responsible management and sustainability. Many funders will expect to see these in place before providing support.

We aim to inform and empower VCSE organisations by signposting to trusted sources of information, resources and guidance ensuring the support we offer is relevant, up to date and practical.

Below, you’ll find links to webpages with useful templates, tools and advice to help you start, run or grow a charity, community group or social enterprise.

Charity Commission is the governing body for charity registration

CharityConnect is a free online community where people working in UK charities can connect, share advice, and learn from each other.

Charities Aid Foundation provides services and assistance to UK charities and their donors, and promotes general donation to charities.

Charity Excellence is a free one-stop-shop for charity funding, policies, help and resources

Chartered Institute of Fundraising are the membership body for UK fundraising.

Civil Society Media is the media outlet supporting third sector with news, training, events and publications.

Directory of Social Change provide training courses, publications, online funding databases, research, conferences, and lots of free resources on our website such as top tips and best-practice articles

Good Finance give information and support around social investment

.Gov.uk contains some useful advice on setting up a charity

My Community provides a hub for information and support for community organisations

National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)  are the membership community for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups in England.

Resource Centre is a really useful place for community groups

Small Charities Data is a digital research hub that brings together the latest and best available data on small charities in the UK.

Small Charity Support provides management, governance and other support to small charities and voluntary organisations

Social Enterprise UK are the membership body for social enterprises

UnLtd finds, funds and supports social entrepreneurs