Choose the right structure
Compare the main legal options and what they’re best for, from sole trader to charity.
Understand liability and duties
Get clear on incorporation, limited liability, reporting and what boards and members are responsible for.
Think through money and grants
Explore how income sources like trading, grants, investment and Gift Aid can shape your legal choice.
Set up strong governance
Learn what good boards look like, who to invite, and how decisions and records should work.
About the workshop
Please note: the workshop content is for guidance only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice.
Choosing a legal structure can feel daunting when you’re balancing mission, money and momentum. In this practical workshop, we’ll demystify the jargon and walk through the main legal structures used by social enterprises. You’ll look at the difference between incorporated and unincorporated set-ups, what ‘limited liability’ really means, and how rules and reporting requirements change as you move from a sole trader or association to a company, CIC or charity.
We’ll also explore how your plans for income from trading, grant funding, donations or investment can influence the best option for you, and what different funders and investors tend to look for. Along the way, you’ll consider governance: members, boards, decision-making and the realities of maintaining records and filing returns.
You’ll leave with a clearer sense of the routes available, the trade-offs to weigh up, and the next steps to take before you commit.
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Key terms: incorporation, limited liability, members, boards and governing documents
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The main legal options for social enterprises and what they’re good for
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The difference between ‘for profit’, ‘not-for-profit’ and asset locks
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How funding routes (trading, grants, donations, investment) connect to legal form
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Practical steps for setting up a structure and the admin you’ll need to keep on top of
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Feel more confident discussing legal structures with peers, advisers and funders
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Narrow down the structures that fit your mission, risk level and growth plans
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Understand the implications for control, governance and paying yourself
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Anticipate reporting and compliance so there are no surprises later
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Be clearer about what you need before you register (people, documents and decisions)
You’ll learn through clear explanations, real examples and guided discussion. The workshop is designed to be interactive, with space to ask questions and test your thinking as you compare different options. You’ll be prompted to reflect on your mission, your plans for income and funding, and how you want decisions to be made, so you can start shaping an informed choice.
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You’ll be signposted to places to explore model governing documents and set-up routes, including Companies House, the Charity Commission, CIC and Co-operatives UK.
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We’ll also share ideas for finding grant funding (for example funding databases, newsletters and learning from similar organisations).
This workshop is for social entrepreneurs and early-stage organisations who want to understand their options before choosing (or changing) a legal structure. It’s useful if you’re currently unincorporated and considering incorporating, weighing up CIC vs charity, or trying to understand how your funding plans might affect your decision. You don’t need any legal background – just bring your idea or organisation and your questions.
About the trainer
This workshop is delivered by SSE’s Head of Grants, Louise Garner. She guides social entrepreneurs through the key choices around legal structures, governance and resourcing, helping you understand the practical implications of each option.
Drawing on examples from social entrepreneurs, Louise will explain the jargon in plain English and help you think through the trade-offs that matter most for your organisation – including risk and liability, who holds control, how boards and members work, and how different income sources (such as trading, grants and investment) can influence what’s realistic.
Impact skills for anyone
Our workshops are designed for people looking to create impact, but anyone, anywhere can join.
15% off for Early Birds
A limited number of Early Bird tickets are available at a discount of 15% off.
Expert-led course
Led by a specialist in helping social enterprises navigate legal structures, governance and resourcing choices.
Essential skills in a few hours
Strengthen yourself and your projects in less than a day. Take part in discussions and exercises. Come away with practical actions.
Feedback about SSE workshops
87 %
of people score 8/10 or above for quality of facilitation
84 %
of people score 7/10 or above for usefulness
758
Workshop places booked in 2025
FAQ
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us.
Yes, we can offer any of our workshops or completely bespoke training on request. Please contact us to discuss the options.
You are very welcome to book for multiple people but each individual joining the workshop must be booked on to join, even if sharing a computer. You can select your number of tickets when you make your booking.
If you are booking for 3 or more people, feel free to contact us to enquire about a group discount.
Cancellations or booking changes can be made up until 7 days before the workshop. You may change the name of the person attending at any time but only one person can join the course per booking.
If you wish to make a change or cancellation please contact us and state the name of the workshop and email address used to make the booking.
This workshop takes place online via Zoom. Once you have booked your place you will receive joining instructions in your confirmation email and in reminders closer to the time of the workshop.
All currently available dates are listed in the Book now section. We run most of our workshops repeatedly throughout the year, so if you cannot see further dates, they may not have yet been scheduled. Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the page to be kept up to date.
We do not record all our workshops as they are interactive workshops and watching back a recording does not provide the value of taking part live. It also allows people to speak more freely when taking part in discussions within the workshop.
Please see our section on Prices.
At the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), we back people with purpose. With practical learning that makes sense in the real world. With funding that grows as you grow. With mentors, peers and people who’ve been there and done it. We don’t care where you started. We care about where you’re going and the difference you want to make in your life, in your community, and in the world.
Find out more about SSE here.
You can see the times under the dates in the Book Now section. All the workshops are on London, UK time.
If you have a question that is not answered on this page, please feel free to contact us.
Prices
Select a date in the Book Now section to see prices. Please note:
- The price is based on your organisation’s total annual income, regardless of profit.
- Our pricing is designed to be as accessible as possible for people wanting to create impact at any scale.
- The prices you can see are already heavily discounted, particularly for smaller organisations.
- There are no additional discounts for not-for-profits or government organisations.
Early bird tickets
A limited number of Early Bird tickets are available at a discount of 15% off.
Group bookings
If you would like to make a booking for 3 or more places please contact us to get a price for a group discount.
Bespoke training and support
We have a range of options for delivering impactful training to your organisation or organisations you support. Get in touch to find out more.
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