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Collaborative working and mergers

Are you planning, or embarking on, joint working with another organisation or a group of organisations?

You may be working together with another organisation on a joint project; sharing 'back office functions' like office space and equipment; or planning a full blown merger with another group.

We've compiled a roundup of where you can get advice and guidance on this complex topic.

Advice and information - exploring the options and learning from others

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) runs a Collaborative Working Unit, providing good practice information and advice. The Unit helps voluntary and community organisations make decisions about whether and how to work collaboratively.

Visit www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/cwu to access a range of documents and case studies, including:

• should you collaborate? key questions. This 'starter' checklist aims to help trustees and others in the organisation decide on whether or not to embark on joint working or merger with another organisation.
• Case studies and guidance on
  • sharing back office services (includes a case study of Community House)
  • joint working for public service delivery
  • merger
  • national organisations working with local groups

The Collaborative Working Unit also provides telephone and email advice - although not consultancy - and is happy to answer your questions. You can contact the Unit on collaborate@ncvo-vol.org.uk or 020 7520 2441.

The legal and regulatory aspects of merger

The Charity Commission has launched a new booklet: Collaborative Working and Mergers (CC34) seeks to clarify the legal and regulatory aspects of the issue. The Commission has also established a Head of Mergers to advise registered charities on the legal and regulatory aspects of merger.

The Commission deals with many cases of merger each year, and will be able to advise trustees on regulatory issues: these can include the compatibility of governing documents, the technical process involved and when the Commission needs to be formally involved.

Guidance is available either from www.charitycommission.gov.uk (Publication CC34) or from 0845 300 0218.

The Charity Law Unit at Liverpool University has published a guide to the legal aspects of mergers. Mergers: A Legal Good Practice Guide (in PDF format) is available at www.liv.ac.uk/law/clu/docs/mergersrep.pdf