communitymatters.org.uk Governance and asset transfer David Tyler, CEO Community Matters

communitymatters.org.uk Governance and asset transfer 1200 members, mostly community organisations Reach 3,700+ community organisations 96% manage a community building 56% of buildings owned by LA 25% under £10K turnover Average of £80K turnover Community Matters members

communitymatters.org.uk Governance and asset transfer Mostly multi-purpose – education, recreation, welfare Neighbourhood based Advocacy and community voice Independent and neutral Providing and hosting services Community development Strong social value Community Matters members

communitymatters.org.uk Governance and asset transfer Governance Keep the governance local Keep the asset relevant Use it for empowerment (ala NI4) Use it to address wider community empowerment “…optimising the use of public assets is not the primary objective: the over-riding goal is community empowerment” “There are risks but they can be minimised and managed”

communitymatters.org.uk Governance and asset transfer Identifying risks Organisation does not have the capacity/ability to manage the asset Organisation doesn’t have cash to buy/refurbish the asset Organisation can’t afford to maintain the asset State aid rules prevent public support of a project Asset is captured by minority interest group Fragmented ownership of assets precludes a strategic approach Confusion about liability of organisation Conflict between competing organisations for an asset Asset provides little enterprise opportunity Low utilisation of the asset Poor reach into wider community Constantly changing corporate priorities

communitymatters.org.uk Governance and asset transfer Managing risk Small groups can manage assets Retain a partnership approach Work with group to assess viability of asset Assess the capability of the group to manage it Assess the social value delivered Recognise the achievement of both through resourcing Resource through appropriate mechanisms –Administration grants –Commissioning –Shared maintenance –Low rents –Discretionary rates relief Ongoing capacity-building of the managing group

communitymatters.org.uk Governance and asset transfer Transfer of community centres Most transfers identified to date are community centres Trend toward Councils selling-off their centres? Communities need community buildings Need to monitor, to research and to explore solutions

communitymatters.org.uk Governance and asset transfer Management of community buildings Legal and technical support Telephone helpline & advice service consultancy service for members Major consultancy service for LAs Training programmes Publications VISIBLE standards Community Matters services

communitymatters.org.uk Governance and asset transfer Community Matters David Tyler Baron Street London N1 9LL