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There are many different regulations and legal requirements you need to consider in the running and management of your community group. This simple guide will direct you to the relevant information on the Community Toolkit, pulling together an overview of your potential legal responsibilities.
Setting up and running a community group
Whilst there is no legal obligation for your group to adopt a formalized structure, starting with a solid recognised and constituted structure will give you clear advantages when applying for funding and gaining public credibility.
Your committee or directors will have clear legal duties relevant to the type of structure you choose and whether or not your group becomes a registered charity.
Financial Management
Financial management is not just about cash handling. It includes keeping day to day cash records, managing your group’s bank account(s) and ensuring that all legal requirements relating to finance are complied with.
Employment
The people involved in your community group and project will always be your greatest asset, and being an employer brings many statutory obligations covered both by Employment Law and the Equality Act. It is the responsibility of your community group to ensure legal duties and best practice are complied with.
Health and Safety
Under Health and Safety legislation, all employers have a legal duty to provide a safe and healthy environment for their employees, volunteers, committee members and service users.
Working with children and vulnerable adults
Every individual in Scotland – whatever their age - has the right to be cared for, protected from harm and to live in a safe environment in which their rights and needs are respected. Some people are more vulnerable than others, and in these cases there are laws which enforce their rights and place a statutory duty on organisations to ensure that they are protected.
Data protection
The Data Protection Act 1998 regulates the use and protection of personal data. Individuals have a right to know what personal data you hold, how you are using it and that it is being processed and secured in a responsible manner. The legislation offers individuals the right to prevent the processing of personal data, particularly if it is being used for direct marketing purposes.
Licensing
Licensing Regulations most likely to affect your community group include those associated with the sale of alcohol, public entertainment and public performance.
Running a Minibus or other Community Transport Scheme
If your group or organisation is involved in the running of a community transport scheme and is responsible for a minibus, there will be statutory duties to consider relating to the taxing, licensing, maintenance and insurance of that vehicle.
For more information visit your
local support organisation
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The Community Toolkit is owned and maintained by Skye and Lochalsh CVO
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Last Updated 18/04/2013 09:33
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