Getting Started

Useful resources

Below are a selection of resources to help you make sense of the social sector starting out. If you would like a copy of our full guide with more such information, please contact us.

The different forms of not-for-profit

The social sector contains a mind-boggling array of different legal forms, and you will need to become familiar with the pros and cons or each. The National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has produced a short guide.

Do you want to set up a charity of your own?

The government’s Charity Commission has a series of helpful step by step guides.

Or do you want to set up a social enterprise?

Social Enterprise UK has produced a smart guide or you can watch our own interview with Ann Nkune of Bloomsbury Beginnings.

Is it risky being a Trustee or Director?

Lawyers Russell-Cooke LLP, experts in the charity sector, have some thoughts and advice worth reading.

Understanding charity finances

This is a gentle intro to charity finances aimed at the non-financial individual, from Rathbones.

How do I assess charity performance?

Though charities and social enterprises must be financially viable, performance is not just about money - it is about leadership, strategy, governance and most of all social impact. Charity sector think-tank NPC have provided a useful look at these and other performance criteria.

Other organisations that might be useful to you

Our aim and ambition is to help bring the best talent into the social sector, with a special focus on the portfolio careerist. This website is aimed at supporting you, but we are not alone. Here is a selection of other organisations who might be of interest.

Cranfield Trust

Cranfield Trust is a national charity and one of the UK's leading providers of pro bono business support for the voluntary sector. Their volunteers work with charity leaders, offering support with everything from planning their business strategy to producing a realistic marketing plan. 

NCVO

Apart from being the ‘voice’ of organisations in the charity sector, NCVO runs an accreditation system for consultants who want to be included on their authorised list.

Pilotlight

Pilotlight is an award-winning charity that connects Pilotlighters (their business members) with charitable organisations, to unlock solutions that help charities become more effective and sustainable. Since 2003 more than 1,800 Pilotlighters have served as mentors and coaches for over 800 charities and social enterprises in the UK, all tackling disadvantage.