Our most recent DALC Forum focused on the key responsibilities and challenges involved in running a community building, with a presentation delivered by Rona Rawson, Rural Community Development Officer at Rural Action Derbyshire (RAD).
Rona provided an insightful overview of RAD’s 100-year history supporting rural communities, including its long-standing advisory service for Village Halls and Community Buildings. Members heard about how many village halls were established post-WW1, the importance of their governing documents, and the role these buildings continue to play as vital community hubs.
The session covered:
· Governance structures for community buildings, including Trust Deeds, constitutions, and the differences between unincorporated and incorporated charitable organisations.
· Trustee roles and responsibilities, particularly the distinction between Managing Trustees and Holding/Custodian Trustees.
· Legal and operational obligations, such as financial oversight, insurance requirements, safeguarding, health and safety, and building management.
· Common challenges, including underinsurance, compliance with governing documents, and the practical realities of running volunteer-led facilities.
· Ways Parish Councils can support community buildings, including grant funding, use of the precept, representation on management committees, and general partnership working to support local needs.
Rona also highlighted the value of RAD’s Information Sheets, publications, and their Affiliation Scheme, providing accessible guidance for committees and councils.
The forum ended with a Q&A session, allowing members to raise specific issues and share experiences from their own community buildings.
Links: slides and recording
The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do (CC3) - GOV.UK