Local community groups help people in Maidstone meet new friends and feel less lonely. Anyone can set up a group. Before you start, you should decide:

• what your group will do
• who will help run it
• what jobs each person should do

Group purpose

Having a clear goal helps residents understand what your group does. Your group could:

• support elderly residents
• clean up local parks or litter picking
• run social events

Your team

You only need two or three people to get started. Look for people you can trust and rely on. You can find team members by:

• posting on social media
• putting up a notice in a shop or a library
• talking to your neighbours

Once you have a team, you can meet to talk about group plans and structure. As your group grows, you can give people roles such as:

• a chair to lead meetings
• a treasurer to look after the money
• a secretary to take notes and send emails

Constitutions

If you want to apply for grants or open a bank account, you need to write a constitution. This is a list of rules that says how your group works. Constituted groups or associations can:

• apply for funding
• set up a bank account
• buy insurance
• rent property
• employ staff
• apply for charitable status

Writing your constitution

You can use a constitution template to help you write. It will need to explain:

• the name and purpose of the group
• who the members are
• how the committee or board members make decisions
• how you make decisions
• how disputes are resolved
• what designated roles are in place
• who is responsible for health and safety
• how money is managed

You will also need to explain what power the group has. This may include:

• raising funds
• giving out grants
• managing buildings
• employing staff

Bank accounts

Do not use personal bank account for group money. Most banks offer a community bank account. To get one, the bank will ask to see:

• your constitution
• a list of people allowed to sign for the group
• notes from a meeting that shows who has which roles

Insurance and safeguarding

You may need public liability insurance and safeguarding in place if you are:

• working with children or adults who need extra care
• running public events
• hiring a building