Choosing the right organisational structure is an essential management decision when trying to build a successful social enterprise. The organisational structure will impact on your business model, marketing strategy, the people working in the organisation and, ultimately, your business's performance.
To ensure success as a social enterprise, the structure should evolve with the business. As Rupert Scofield writes, "Having the one [structure] that allowed you to succeed in the early years of your existence will not work for ever".
But with a variety of organisational structures to choose from, how can social entrepreneurs ensure that they make the right choice for their organisation? In this week's Q&A we will consider:
• The different options available
• How to choose the right structure
• When to change your current structure
• What help and support is available
Do get in touch if you'd like to be a panellist – email Gines Haro Pastor for more details.
Also, if you'd like to leave a question, please do so in the comments section below, or come back to ask it live - and follow the debate - on Thursday 11th August from 1pm to 3pm.
Expert panel
George Ruddock - social business advisor, Future Business
George co-founded Recycle-IT!, the largest not-for-profit social enterprise in Europe recycling computer equipment. In 2006 George became a social enterprise consultant within the social enterprise sector. His work included helping the Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF), managing a Social Enterprise Loan Fund on their behalf for London Objective2 Wards. He is an expert in helping social enterprises expand and develop.
Twitter: @ftrbusiness / @GeorgeRuddock
John Atherton - membership officer, Co-operatives UK
Co-operatives UK is the national trade body that campaigns for co-operation and works to promote, develop and unite co-operative enterprises.
Twitter: @athertonjohn / @cooperativesuk
Adrian Ashton - independent advisor, trainer and consultant
Adrian works as a freelancer, supporting not only individual social enterprises on various issues, but also intermediary and sector bodies with projects that have included national research to inform policy, facilitating cross-sector partnerships to encourage the externalisation of public services and writing for various journals and periodicals. He has expert knowledge in the governance of social enterprises and the legal forms they can adopt, has stimulated public debate with regulators as to the 'appropriateness' of certain aspects of some of these legal forms, and supports groups to explore and understand options in ways that don't make their heads hurt.
Twitter: @AdrianAshton2
Linda Barlow - legal Officer, Co-operatives UK
Linda's work involves providing legal and governance advice to existing co‑operatives and assisting organisations and individuals that wish to form a co‑operative. This includes advising on the different legal structures available, as well as assistance with registration and providing legal and governance training and presentations to organisations working within the third sector.
Joanna Sanderson - solicitor, Wrigleys Solicitors LLP
Joanna advises charities and social enterprises on company formation and constitution, including advice on suitable legal structures; company administration and meetings; corporate and charity governance; and joint ventures, including mergers and partnerships.
Twitter: @Jo_Sanderson
Richard Patey - director, Profit Is Good Ltd
Profit Is Good Ltd is a social business consultancy that supports social entrepreneurs to start-up and enables existing social enterprises and charities to create social value through profitable business models and great design.
Twitter: @profitisgoodltd
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