Managing your community building

Managing a community building, whether it’s a village hall, a multi-purpose hub, or a repurposed urban space, is a significant undertaking. While providing a space for local communities to thrive, building managers must navigate a complex landscape of legal liabilities, health and safety compliance, and financial sustainability.

This guide serves as a roadmap for organisations looking to professionalise their operations. It transforms complex statutory requirements into actionable steps, ensuring your community asset remains a thriving, safe, and inclusive environment for years to come.

What you will learn

This resource provides an end-to-end framework for asset management. You will gain expertise in:

• Governance and compliance: Navigating legal structures, trustee responsibilities, and insurance requirements.
• Repairing, maintenance and operations: Building regulations and surveys, creating effective cleaning schedules, energy efficiency plans, and long-term maintenance cycles.
• Health and safety: Practical steps for risk assessments, fire safety protocols, and statutory inspections.
• Financial sustainability: Strategies for income generation, budgeting for repairs, and managing community-led business models.
• Staff and volunteer management: How to recruit, train, and support the people who make your building work.
• Community engagement: Techniques for marketing your space and ensuring it meets the diverse needs of local residents.

Who is this for?

This resource is tailored for those responsible for the stewardship of community-owned or managed spaces:

• Community organisation trustees: To understand your legal duties and strategic oversight.
• Community building managers and facilities teams: For practical, day-to-day operational checklists.
• Community Asset Transfer (CAT) groups: Essential reading for those in the process of acquiring a building from a local authority.
• Social Entrepreneurs: Looking to utilise physical space as a hub for social impact and commerce.