[ParentsforPlay]

Right I have no idea what I'm doing so need some help!

Basically I was advised to set up the company with two other directors and to just use family/friends. So I set it up with my sister and hubby.

But to get a grant from the lottery none of the directors can be related. Last time the lottery were ok as I said I was in the process of changing the directors and it would be completed in time if they have gave us a grant. But we didn't get the grant (as the project wasn't innovative enough for that pot of money) so I haven't sorted it out and really need to.

Really I guess I need people who want to be part of the project and can perhpas bring something to the table but I haven't found anyone with full commitment so I am going to have to ask friends. But is this a terribly cheeky thing to ask, if so is there another option? Also I believe that the only real problem for them is if I committed fraud (of course I wouldn't!) as they would be liable and that as we are limited by guarentee if we went bump they would only be liable for about £1, am I right?

I would be grateful for any advice.

Sarah

[boxby]

Originally Posted by ParentsforPlay

Right I have no idea what I'm doing so need some help!

Basically I was advised to set up the company with two other directors and to just use family/friends. So I set it up with my sister and hubby.

But to get a grant from the lottery none of the directors can be related. Last time the lottery were ok as I said I was in the process of changing the directors and it would be completed in time if they have gave us a grant. But we didn't get the grant (as the project wasn't innovative enough for that pot of money) so I haven't sorted it out and really need to.

Really I guess I need people who want to be part of the project and can perhpas bring something to the table but I haven't found anyone with full commitment so I am going to have to ask friends. But is this a terribly cheeky thing to ask, if so is there another option? Also I believe that the only real problem for them is if I committed fraud (of course I wouldn't!) as they would be liable and that as we are limited by guarentee if we went bump they would only be liable for about £1, am I right?

I would be grateful for any advice.

Sarah

Maybe this is a good chance to get some people onboard, or to commit a bit more than they have in the past.

I would recommend that you find someone with a legal background, a financial background, and a social background. Involvement by these kind of people will strengthen your application as the lottery etc will see that your board have the necessary skills to manage funds properly.

Do you know an accountant? Or someone that has their own business? Or perhaps a current or ex bank employee?

Anyone who has proper disclosure should be included as a director, as this will show the lottery (or whoever else) that you are fit for purpose as far as working with children is concerned. Anyone you know who works as part of a social work team? Or child protection? Teachers? (and if you yourself don't have appropriate disclosure then I recommend that you get it).

As an organisation involved with children you will have to demonstrate that you have child protection policies, so think who you know that has this knowledge, and ask them to become a director.

Some ideas............just a start,
I hope that they help.

Kind regards
Sandra

[ParentsforPlay]

Thanks for that.

Unfortunately I don't know anyone 'ideal' that would commit to being a director.

Sarah

[boxby]

Originally Posted by ParentsforPlay

Thanks for that.

Unfortunately I don't know anyone 'ideal' that would commit to being a director.

Sarah

Does your local council have a local community council worker that specialises in helping community organisations put in grant applications.

Our council has someone that works at quite a high level, and then local people in local resource centres. I had an application and they really really helped me.

[ParentsforPlay]

Yes is does.

Sarah

[boxby]

Originally Posted by ParentsforPlay

Thanks for that.

Unfortunately I don't know anyone 'ideal' that would commit to being a director.

Sarah

Do you have a company that gets involved in sponsorship regularly, maybe if you asked them would lend you one of their finance bods. Local companies get a good PR about beign involved in things like this, and its a trendy thing for big businesses to give some staff time to aid mangement of community projects - google it, there was a bit plug about it a couple of weeks ago.

[ParentsforPlay]

Anyway stop trying to help me for now as you have got work to do!

[boxby]

Originally Posted by ParentsforPlay

Anyway stop trying to help me for now as you have got work to do!

I can't concetrate, i'm all distracted!!!

[Inzvestor]

Have you tried companypartners? http://companypartners.com/

Not sure what their fees are like now for placing adverts but they (used to?) have a searchable database of potential partners / directors.

[frockery]

Originally Posted by ParentsforPlay

Also I believe that the only real problem for them is if I committed fraud (of course I wouldn't!) as they would be liable and that as we are limited by guarentee if we went bump they would only be liable for about £1, am I right?

I would be grateful for any advice.

Sarah

Just wanted to pick up on this bit as, contrary to what many people believe, company directors' liability is not limited in certain circumstances such as negligence in running the company's affairs. Directors can't just bowl along regardless, they must fulfil their legal responsibilities in order to be protected by limited liability status.

I have emailed you off the forum, Sarah, having been a charity trustee and company director for years (and years!)