Community Interest Company

A Community Interest Company is ideal if your business will benefit the community. Follow these steps to get registered.

1. / 01

   Choose a company name

   Check on Companies House. Must end with 'Community Interest Company' or 'CIC'.

2. / 02

   Prepare your community interest statement

   Describe how your activities will benefit the community. Reviewed by the CIC Regulator.

3. / 03

   Draft your articles of association — with asset lock

   Use the CIC model articles. The asset lock clause guarantees profits & assets stay in the community.

4. / 04

   Complete form IN01 (incorporation)

   Standard Companies House incorporation form: directors, registered office, share details.

5. / 05

   Complete CIC36 (community interest statement)

   Official CIC Regulator form declaring your community purpose. Submitted with IN01.

6. / 06

   Submit to Companies House

   Send IN01 + CIC36 together. Fee is £27 online or £40 by post.

7. / 07

   Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC

   Within 3 months of starting business activity.

8. / 08

   Set up a CIC business bank account

   Many banks offer accounts specifically for CICs and social enterprises.

9. / 09

   Apply for an enhanced DBS check

   Most community/youth/recovery contracts require enhanced DBS. Apply via gov.uk or an umbrella body.

10. / 10

    Complete Safeguarding Level 2

    Mandatory before working with vulnerable adults, young people, or in NHS settings. Online from ~£25.

11. / 11

    Build your grant-readiness pack

    Mission statement, theory of change, simple budget, safeguarding policy, monitoring plan. Unlocks National Lottery, Sport England, Comic Relief, Tudor Trust, PCC violence-reduction funds.

12. / 12

    Charity Commission decision (if income > £5k/yr)

    Above £5,000/year you can also register as a charity for tax relief & Gift Aid. Below £5k stay as a CIC.