Help
Where to get help
Free help from regulators and support organisations. Most cover England, and some cover Wales too.
Our wording and guidance are checked against legislation and official guidance (such as HSE's), but each organisation is responsible for its own compliance.
Fire safety
- Your local fire and rescue service Find your service from this list, then ask its fire safety team about your building.
- GOV.UK: Fire safety in the workplace Who is responsible for fire safety and what a fire risk assessment involves (England and Wales).
Health and safety
- HSE: Volunteering, how to manage the risks Health and safety for voluntary organisations, their volunteers and any staff.
- HSE: Village and community halls The legal responsibilities of whoever runs or controls a hall.
Scouts
- The Scouts: Managing a safe Scout premises Premises guidance, the Safe Scouting Premises Audit and workshops. Your District or County can help too.
Vehicles and drivers
- GOV.UK: Driving a minibus Who can drive a minibus on a car licence, and the conditions.
- DfT: Section 19 and 22 permits When you need a permit to carry passengers who pay, and how permits work.
- DVSA Vehicle safety, MOTs and roadworthiness guidance.
Charities and trustees
- Charity Commission: The essential trustee (CC3) What trustees need to know and do (England and Wales).
- Charity Commission guidance All of the regulator’s guidance for charities.
- NCVO: Help and guidance Guidance on governance, safeguarding, volunteers and running a voluntary organisation.
- Your local CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) Local support for voluntary groups. Find yours on the NAVCA map.
Data protection
- Information Commission (ICO): Advice for small organisations Data protection guidance and tools for small charities, groups and clubs.
- ICO helpline and live chat Ask the regulator a data protection question, Monday to Friday.
Taking payments and bookings
- Business Companion Free, government-backed Trading Standards guidance on consumer law, such as refunds and cancellations.
Free legal help
- LawWorks: help for not-for-profits Free advice from volunteer lawyers for eligible small charities and community groups in England and Wales.