Formalising your group shows others you are serious in your ambitions, helps your fundraising and provides a structure that helps you to plan for the future and encourages others to join.

If you decide not to formalise your group, it is essential that you agree the group's terms of reference – its aims, objectives and activities. This will provide clarity of purpose and a focus for the group.

Alternatively, if you decide to constitute your group into a legal entity, you could model it on several different types of organisation.

The most common route for a community group is to become a trust or unincorporated charity, an incorporated charity (a not for profit company with charitable status, limited by guarantee or shares), or a community interest company (a legal form created specifically for social enterprises).

Having decided on the type of organisation you need, you can then describe your group accordingly, that is, as a board of trustees, management committee or steering group. Management committees are formalised bodies that have a legal responsibility for an organisation in carrying out its duties according to its constitution. 

Your steering group or management committee will need a skilled chair who is able to conduct meetings, make sure everyone participates on equal terms and provide direction. The success of your steering group and the likelihood of members staying involved will depend partly on how well meetings are facilitated by the chair.