Community asset transfer policy 2025
Appendix 6: Pre-CAT assessment checklist for VCSE sector organisations (internal use)
The following list aims to provide useful information for the community organisation when taking on a transferred asset. Most areas should already be covered in a constitution, and be proportionate to the scale of the asset being transferred. To note the requirements may not currently be in place, but in place at the time of the transfer.
| Requirement | Complete |
| We know the asset - its history, any liabilities - for example, flooding, contaminated land, building plans | |
| We have written policies covering payment of trustees / directors / management committee members and volunteers | |
| We are a registered non-for-profit organisation | |
| We have the appropriate constitution with the appropriate registrations in place | |
| Our constitution allows the management / ownership of buildings and provision of community based activities | |
| We can demonstrate good governance by operating through open and accountable processes, with adequate monitoring, evaluation and financial management | |
| Our trustees / directors / management committee members understand their legal obligations | |
| We can demonstrate we have the skills and capacity required to run the asset of this scale or have a development plan in place | |
| Our roles and responsibilities are set out including powers to make decisions in our constitution or associated policies | |
| We have a conflict of interest register | |
| We have a reserves policy, have procedures for paying/reclaiming the correct amounts of tax, NI and VAT | |
| We can provide copies of the accounts of the organisation | |
| We have a clear purpose and understanding of the activities we wish to deliver | |
| We have a track record of creating social benefit for the people of Gateshead | |
| We have conducted consultation on our plans for the local area | |
| We embrace diversity and work to improve community cohesion and reduce inequalities | |
| We can evidence number of years established | |
| Our management proposal includes a specific plan on health and safety issues and compliance with legislation and any statutory requirements arising from ownership or management of the building asset and the activity provided as part of it | |
| We have all the necessary insurances in place or they are in plan | |
| We know how the asset will be managed day to day that doesn't just rely on one person, including having repair and maintenance arrangements in place along with safety and security | |
| Our governance structures are in place that rely on more than just a few people | |
| We understand the terms of the lease and received independent legal advice | |
| We know our digital requirements including IT security | |
| We have all the required policies in place including where appropriate safeguarding, continuity plans, charging policy, complaints procedure, membership scheme criteria | |
| We understand the statutory considerations that can include but are not limited to: Health and Safety at Work Act 1974; Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005; Occupiers Liability Act 1957; Landlord and Tenant Act 1954; Charities Act 2011; Town and Country Planning Act 1960 and subsequent regulations; Equality Act 2010; Building Act 1994; Defective Premises Act 1972; Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 | |
Download the Community asset transfer policy as a PDF (PDF, 1 MB)