Community Interest Company (CIC’s) are limited companies which operate to provide a benefit to the community they serve. The purpose of a CIC is primarily one of community benefit rather than private profit. Examples of a CIC could be a direct welfare service to vulnerable people, or an activity that generates profits which are used to support a specific purpose such as a running a cafe where all profits generated are used to benefit the community.

We were approached by Vladyslav Mieshkov who wanted to set up a charity/CIC to serve Ukraine communities across London. We discussed several options, worked on the objectives of the organisation to help them decided which structure would be right for them. They decided a CIC would be the right governance structure for the work they wanted to do.

After going through the process and supporting them with their application we were really pleased to hear that Uni Space UA is now a CIC. They are working hard to support the Ukraine Community with help and advice on employment, training, housing and legal issues across London.

If you would like support with legal structures and guidance on how to set up as a CIC, we can help – contact Razia – razia@communityactionsutton.org.uk