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Visit our support map for information and guidance at all stages of asset transfer.

  • Getting Started

    • Site Selection

      You should begin by working strategically to identify a number of potential sites, and then establishing which site is the most preferred out of these by assessing each against a range of criteria (options appraisal), including ability to deliver the organisation’s objectives, design brief and development constraints. For more information see the Site Selection section of our wiki. The organisations listed below offer additional support with this aspect of asset transfer.

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    • Pre Feasibility

      Discuss the proposed project with other experienced community asset developers, advisory organisations and technical experts to establish in very broad terms whether the proposed project is ‘do-able’ by determining whether the resource, expertise and capacity requirements are surmountable.
      For more information see the Pre-feasibility section of our wiki or contact us for more information

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    • Securing Project Feasibility Finance

      Asset development feasibility studies are likely to require the coordination and input of a number of technical experts covering building engineering, planning, finance and legal aspects. At this stage, a community organisation will want to secure funding to meet the internal and external resource implications of undertaking a full feasibility study of the proposed project.
      For more information please see the Securing project feasibility section of our wiki. The organisations listed below offer additional support for this aspect of asset transfer

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    • Community Involvement

      There are many reasons to engage with and involve the local community from the outset. First and foremost, establishing a mandate to take forward asset development proposals on behalf of the community needs to be taken into consideration. Early dialogue with members of the community can also help to identify community needs, develop ideas and build vital local support - as well as to harness 'hands-on' assistance and technical input where it is available and forthcoming.

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    • Partnership Building

      Partnerships offer the means to bring valuable additional resources and expertise to a project. Being in a partnership may help to build confidence in a community asset development project by demonstrating strategic thinking and working. Inthe context of community asset transfer projects, building an effective partnership with the local authority based upon mutual understanding and shared aims is critical to the success of the project.
      For more information please see the  Partnership Building  section of our wiki.  The organisations listed below offer additional support for this aspect of asset transfer.

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    • Defining Purpose

      When a building is threatened with closure or a site becomes available for asset transfer, it is often tempting to begin with the asset then determine how it can be brought into productive community use. In ideal circumstances, a community organisation should begin by identifying how an asset can support and enhance its mission, and then identify the asset to fulfil this purpose.
      For more information, see the Defining Purpose section of our wiki.
      The organisations listed below offer additional support around this area of asset transfer

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    • Set up Community Organisation

      If the idea of developing a community asset is the factor that first brings a group of individuals to work together to achieve a common purpose, then part of the process of developing the community asset will include establishing a formal, legal and recognised community organisation.
      For more information please see the Setting up a Community Organisation section of our wiki.
      The organisations listed below offer additional support around this area of asset transfer.

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    • Capacity needs Analysis

      Organisations wishing to pre-empt future problems in developing community assets should assess how well their skills and resources meet the requirements of the task at hand. By undertaking such an assessment, an organisation can identify their learning and development needs, and become proactive in sourcing support to address those needs. Contact with other organisations who are further down the road in the process may be able to provide useful guidance.
      For more information please see the Capacity Needs Analysis section of our wiki. 
      The organisations listed below offer additional support for this aspect of asset transfer

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    • Creating a Baseline & Monitoring Impact

      At some point in the community asset development process, a community organisation will be asked to demonstrate its capability and what it aims to achieve through its work. If the organisation is not already gathering data about the outputs and outcomes its work generates, then this is a good time to begin to put a monitoring system in place.
      For more information please see the Creating a Baseline and Monitoring Impact section of our wiki.  The organisations listed below offer additional support for this aspect of asset transfer

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    • Strategic Fit

      Community asset development requires external support from public authorities, funders and other partner organisations. To gain this support, a community organisation needs to be able to align its vision and proposals for community asset development with the missions and strategies of these organisations and their collaborative partnerships. Understanding the strategic context and market drivers of these external organisations will be critical to success.

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  • Getting Investment Ready

    • Needs Analysis /Rational

      The case for the project should to be built upon evidence of community need and conform with the strategic objectives for the local area. It should state how the project will enable the organisation to deliver against the issues it faces and may make reference to similar projects which demonstrate the ability of such projects to achieve these desired outcomes.
      For more information, see the Needs Analysis/Rationale section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this aspect of asset transfer

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    • Negotiating Price

      Where the asset being acquired is owned by the private sector, price is usually based on market value. Where the asset is owned by the public sector, the community benefit of transferring the land or building to the community sector can be taken into account where the owner is a local authority, fire service or police authority. In both cases, there is scope for negotiation on the price at which an asset should change hands.
      For more information see the  section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this aspect of asset transfer

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    • Cost of Works

      Based on preliminary designs, cost estimates will need to inform the business plan. These should allow for contingencies, as capital works commonly run over budget. The cost of works will need to be reviewed as the project evolves, changes are made and detail added to the designs.
      For more information see the Cost of Works section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Business Plans

      A business plan is a document that describes the business, its rationale, its objectives, its strategies and its financial forecasts. It is essential to have a realistic, working business plan to make the case for financial investment and to allow progress of related projects to be monitored against business objectives.
      For more information see the Business Planning section of our website.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this aspect of asset transfer

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    • Finance Strategy

      A finance strategy describes financial needs, sources of support required to meet the project objectives, and plans for continued growth to enable future stability. Financial planning at this level is essential to ensure an organisation's sustainability.
      For more infomation see the Finance Strategy section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Grants

      There are a range of non-returnable sources of finance that a project may apply for - subject to it fitting the relevant criteria. The award of these grants may stipulate conditions related to how the project is developed and the end purpose to which the funds are put, so community organisations should be mindful of the implications and consider them carefully with regard to their aims and objectives.

      For more information, see the Grants section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to find out what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Loans

      Where the ability to generate income from the asset exceeds running costs, it may be appropriate to seek loan finance. The loan is paid back over time, together with interest, over an agreed period.
      For more information, see the Loans section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this aspect of asset transfer

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    • Share Issue

      Where the sole control of the asset and income generated by it is not the primary aim of the project, it may be appropriate to seek medium to long-term capital investment. This kind of investment is made in return for a share in the ownershipof the asset and sometimes an element of involvement in the operation of the project. Detailed information about community share issues can be found at: Community Shares .
      For more information, see the Community Share Issues section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Campaigning & Lobbying

      Where support for the project needs to be built, community organisations will need to engage in activities to influence important stakeholders. These may include policy and decision makers, community leaders, the business community and social groups.
      For more information, see the Campaigning and Lobbying section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional suuport they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Demonstrating Impact

      It may be necessary to demonstrate the quality of the organisation’s work and its ability to achieve desired outcomes in order to engage the support and backing of external organisations. In addition, the ability to demonstrate impact will be helpful in establishing credibility with partners. Detailed information is available from SROI UK
      For more information, see the Demonstrating Impact section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to find out what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Governance Structures & Accountability

      The project may introduce new requirements on the governing body of the organisation, such as the need for new structures, monitoring and reporting mechanisms. It may be necessary to develop the existing members of the board to support the adoption of new behaviours and practices.
      For more information, see the Governance Structures and Accountability section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Managerial Competence

      The project may place new requirements upon the organisation - for example, the need to develop administrative systems and introduce new technologies. It might also be necessary to develop the existing people within the organisation to support the adoption of new ways of working.
      For more information, see the Managerial Competance setion of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Securing Finance

      Time will need to be invested in exploring the options and identifying suitable sources of finance that can be brought together to fund the project. There are a number of organisations and directories that can assist this process.
      For more infomration, see the Securing Finance section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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  • Taking a Stake in an Asset

  • Property Development

    • Policy Development

      As organisations grow they will want, or may be required, to set down agreed policies and procedures to guide the way staff and volunteers carry out their work and behave within the organisational setting. Learn from what others have done, and tailor examples to suit the organisation’s need.
      For more information, see the Policy Development section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Staff Recruitment

      The project may require staff to be appointed, reflecting the need for additional dedicated resource or new specialist expertise. Organisations recruiting staff for the first time may wish to seek assistance with the process. Organisations contemplating the transfer of staff to deliver services as well as the asset from which those services are to be delivered will also need to have regard to TUPE regulations.  
      For more information, see the Staff Recruitment section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Project Management

      The complexity of many asset development projects will mean that considerable skill is needed to plan, organise and manage resource inputs to achieve the project goals and objectives. This may include the coordination of roles held by a number of different organisations contributing to the project. For more information, see the Project Management section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Planning & Consultation Process

      There is a formal process for the development and submission of planning applications in England. Guidance concerning this process is available through local planning authorities, as well as online at: Planning Portal .
      For more information, see the Planning and Consultation section of our wiki.
      Click on an organisation below to find out what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Design

      The design process offers opportunities to involve local people, influence the way people think about and use the space and to create safer, more inclusive places. The creation of good design will enhance the project and help to secure its place and future in the community.
      For more information, see the Design section of our wiki.
      Click on an organisation below to find out what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Appointing & Managing Professionals

      Organisations undertaking asset development are likely to need to appoint one or a number of professionals. Advice and guidance may be sought on matters such as the selection process, fees, contractual arrangements and day-to-day management.
      For more information see the Appointing Professionals section of our wiki.
      Click on an organisation below to find out what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Building Networks

      Organisations are likely to need to draw on the expertise of professionals outside their usual business networks. Opportunities to informally network with these professionals may help when it comes to appointing professionals to work on the project.
      For information, see the Building Networks section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to find out what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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  • Premises Management

    • Staff Development

      Staff training needs will need to be identified and met to support the organisation to meet its current and future operational needs. This process begins with a training needs analysis, followed by the identification of suitable development opportunities in the areas identified.
      For more information, see the Staff Development section of our wiki.
      Click on an organisation below to see what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Financial Management

      Financial management does not end once sources of financial support have been solicited and guaranteed. Through careful financial planning, control and decision-making, an organisation should aspire to achieving a positive cash flow and an adequate return on investment.
      For more information, see the Financial Management section of our wiki.
      Click on an organisation below to find out what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Health & Safety

      Organisations have a duty to protect staff, volunteers and members of the public against risks associated with work activities and service usage.
      Advice and guidance may be sought about a range of related issues - for example, how to prepare a risk assessment, safeguard employees working alone, prevent health problems pertaining to the presence of asbestos.
      For more information, see the Health and Safety section of our wiki. Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer.

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    • Security

      Part of managing the new facility includes minimising attendant security risks. These should be assessed and action taken to mitigate.
      For more information, see the Security section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to find out what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Maintenance Programme

      Once the facility has been opened and is in use, it will be important to carry out a programme of maintenance to ensure the up-keep and protection of resources for long-term community use. Access to finance for maintenance is also imperative.
      For more information, see the Maintenance Programme section of our wiki.
      Click on an organisation below to find out what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Measuring Impact

      To demonstrate the value of an organisation’s activities, progress against business plan objectives and to remain accountable for resources invested in the project, an organisation will want to continue to monitor and measure its impact.
      For more information, see the Measuring Impact section of our wiki.
      Click on an organisation below to see what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Developing New Enterprise Opportunities

      The new asset may present new opportunities for enterprise which will need to be explored and developed.
      For more information, see the Developing New Enterprise Opportunities section of our wiki.
      Click on organisations below to see what additional support they can offer around this area of asset transfer

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    • Developing new Facilities & Services

      The launch and establishment of a new facility or service is an intense period of activity, with high resource demands. Marketing and promotion of the new activities will be a high priority.
      For more information, see the Developing New Facilities section of our wiki.
      Click on the organisations below to see what additional support they offer around this area of asset transfer

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  • Support

    • Support Map

      Visit our support map for information and guidance at all stages of asset transfer.

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    • Toolkits

      This page contains links to various tools - information, guidance and templates to support elements of the community asset transfer and development journey.

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    • Organisations

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    • Newsletter Section

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    • Wiki History

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    • Business plan and bid appraisal service

      Part of delivering the ATU mission, the Funding Bid and Business Plan Appraisal Service is to promote and support community asset transfer and help a growing number of projects become viable realities through the application of accredited expertise.  This free service is available to community groups considering or already involved with asset transfer through review and discussion of plans and documents.  There can be an initial or full review with feedback on business plans or funding bids; recommendations made about the match to funders and the readiness of bids; funding strategies developed; further funding opportunities can be explored; guidance given on funding bids and further sources of support identified.  The service can be used to reduce the time needed to revisit plans and documents and maximise the value of the time already invested your community project. 

      For further information please download the frequently asked questions.  Alternatively contact the Asset Transfer Unit on 0845 345 4564 or email: info@atu.org.uk or visit the website:  www.atu.org.uk

       

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    • Valuing Community Asset Transfer

      The Valuing Community Asset Transfer events have now taken place, click on the specific presentations from the event for more information

      Session 1: The Practical Benefits of community asset transfer

      Charlotte Evans, Lambeth Borough Council and Steve Griffin, The Stokwell Partnership, London, November 10th

      Andy Dean, Northumberland County Council and Yvonne Probert, Prudhoe Community Partnership

      Session 2: Policy Developments: measuring the value of community asset transfer

      Government policy on community asset transfer Charles Woodd Community Resource Division

      Priorities for Assets. Tony Gale, SW RIEP Construction & Asset Management Programme

      Session 3: How do we measure the value of community asset transfer?

      Comming Soon!

      Session 4: What does the future hold for community asset transfer?

      What does the future hold? Key Elements from the National Picture Annemarie Naylor, Development Trusts Association, Asset Programmes Manager

       

      As a key element of the Government's empowerment agenda, community asset transfer is about enabling local people to take a lead in local neighbourhoods and services. Essential to this, is the development of effective partnerships and mutual respect between local authorities and third sector organisations.

      The Advancing Assets and Community Assets Programmes have supported forward thinking local authorities and their dynamic third sector partners to work together and transfer a number of exciting property assets across the country.

      Objectives of the conference:

      Through these conferences we will identify the key elements for building these effective relationships and how we can demonstrate the value of community asset transfer clearly and objectively.

      These conferences will explore:

      • what makes a good partnership
      • how can we measure and demonstrate success
      • the future challenges to taking forward asset transfer

      The conferences will be highly participative - allowing delegates the opportunity to share best practice, explore what has worked and what has not and learn from each other. The programme for the day will include inspiring case study examples of existing community asset transfers. To view the conference programme please select the link at the bottom of this page.

      Dates of the conferences

      There are two dates available for this conference:

      • Tuesday, 10th November 2009 - Honourable Artillery Company, London (this event has taken place)
      • Tuesday, 17th November 2009 - Cutlers Hall, Sheffield (this event has now taken place)

      Who should attend?

      These conferences will bring together a wide range of the key players involved in community asset transfer as well as those who are yet to begin their asset transfer journey, these include:

      • Voluntary and community organisations
      • Local authorities (elected members and council officers)
      • National and regional policy makers

      Programme 

      Tuesday 10 November 2009, Honourable Artillery Company, London Tuesday 17 November 2009, Cutlers Hall, Sheffield
       

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    • Legal Toolkit

      As part of our work in making the process of transfer more effective, we have commissioned Anthony Collins Solicitors to prepare some model guidance and documents for community organisations and local authorities. Our aim has been to produce a set of documents which will genuinely assist the transfer process, and strike the right balance between the interests of local authorities and those of community organisations. We would be particularly grateful on your views as to whether the documents achieve this. We acknowledge that, on some issues, there are genuine differences of approach and opinion, and we hope that our note on the issues of difference between third sector bodies and local authorities reflects those standpoints.

       

      Disclaimer: These documents is intended to be used as general guidance only. Neither the Asset Transfer Unit nor Anthony Collins Solicitors can accept any responsibility for any liability arising from its use in any given context. We would recommend that further legal advice is taken before application of the guidance/use of the documents in specific circumstances.

       

      Overview

      1. Legal process “map”: Table setting out the stages of the process and the legal tools needed

      Getting started

      2. Note on requirements in relation to disposal at an undervalue

      3. Asset Transfer Protocol in relation to a transfer

      3.  Asset Transfer Protocol in relation to a transfer explanatory note

      4. Note on asset transfer and procurement of services from TSOs

      5. Heads of terms guidance


      Investment readiness

      6. Note on asset transfer and state aid

      Property Development

      7. Note on development and procurement

      8. Note on construction contracts

      Taking a stake

      9. Model lease

      9. Model lease explanatory note

      10. Note identifying key issues of difference between TSOs and local authorities

      11. Note on TUPE transfers

      Long term relationship

      12. Joint working agreement and explanatory note

      12. Joint working agreement explanatory note

      Factsheets

      13. Good practice in negotiations: factsheet

      14. Equality and Diversity obligations: factsheet

      15. Glossary of lease jargon

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    • Model strategy guidance

      Guidance developed by the Asset Transfer Unit to help Local Authorities develop community asset transfer policies.

      Example Community Asset Transfer policy

      Preparing a Community Asset Transfer strategy: a guide


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    • The Place Station

      The Place Station is an exciting new service from the Asset Transfer Unit which aims to introduce owners of land and buildings across to social and community entrepreneurs with ideas for transforming their local areas.

      The website allows people to find information about assets of community value; campaign for assets threatened with closure; find and suggest ideas for new social and community enterprise activity in need of a space and find support for community assets or enterprise initiatives.

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    • Support for transfer of sports facilities

      Locality’s Asset Transfer Unit and Sport England have launched an interactive on-line platform to guide organisations through the process of community asset transfer for sports facilities.

      Community ownership and management of sports facilities is not new. Across Locality’s membership, there are many examples of innovative communities taking on sports centres, swimming pools and other sporting facilities for the benefit of the communities they serve.

      The Lenton Centre in Nottingham, took on the ownership and management of the local swimming pool and fitness centre in 2006 following a decision by the local council to close down the facility.   Taking ownership of the sports centre enabled the Lenton Centre to improve and develop the facilities and create a sustainable, thriving resource for the whole community.

      The new toolkit will enable organisations to follow a step-by-step guide to each stage of community asset transfer, and includes information, resources and case studies to make the process as simple as possible.

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    • Policy

      Page with a list of policy documents

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    • Heritage Assets

      A noticeable aspect of the asset transfer agenda in recent years has been the trend in the transfer of heritage assets – historic buildings, monuments, places or landscapes which have significance and are valued by the community. All of these assets have significant local, communal value, and many represent prime examples of their kind and have statutory protection. The transfer process can encourage local people to get involved in the management of historic places, as well as enjoying them. By taking prompt action to secure appropriate new ownership, local authorities can harness the enthusiasm and skills of local people as well as help to prevent heritage assets becoming vulnerable and at risk of neglect.

      In response to the growing interest in this field, the Asset Transfer Unit has been working closely with a range of heritage partners. In 2011 we produced comprehensive guidance with English Heritage, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Trust, the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Prince’s Regeneration Trust. The full guidance, called ‘Pillars of the community’, covers a range of issues from the viewpoint of the local authority and the community respectively. It sets out the process in nine steps, aimed at resolving a series of questions. These are considered in more detail in the full guidance, but summarised as follows:

      1. Taking stock
      2. Formulating strategies for transfer
      3. Assessing options for use
      4. Developing support for the project
      5. Addressing the risks
      6. Agreeing terms
      7. Building an effective organisation
      8. Raising finance
      9. Maintaining long-term viability

      A series of case studies have also been published and show how a range of heritage assets are flourishing under community management. These include Sanford Parks Lido in Cheltenham, Arnos Vale cemetery in Bristol and Hebden Bridge Town Hall, a transfer from Calderdale Council to the Hebden Bridge Community Association.

      Pillars of the Community can be downloaded here

      Helping historic parish churches at the risk of closure 

      The Asset Transfer Unit has worked closely with the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) to support local communities to reclaim a number of CCT churches, in both rural and urban areas, by creating new uses for some of the nation’s finest historic buildings. 

      The ATU is a founding member of the advisory board to CCT’s regeneration taskforce, which is England’s first specialist team to place historic churches at the heart of community led regeneration. The advisory board also includes: English Heritage, The Church Commissioners, The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Media Trust, The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, Lankelly Chase Foundation and RBS Community Banking. 

      For more information on the work of the taskforce, see: www.visitchurches.org.uk/regenerationtaskforce 


      Useful Resources

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