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If you are looking for legal advice, try these useful links as a starting point:

Get Legal
A new online tool to help new organisations decide which legal model to adopt has been created by NCVO (with support from law firm Bates, Wells and Braithwaite).
Get Legal covers charities, social enterprises and co-operatives, aiming to give clear information and guidance on the most appropriate legal form and governance structure for delivering the organisation's goals. The Legal Journey section does explain (briefly) unincorporated bodies as well as seeming to cover all possible forms of incorporation (limited liability). To use the ‘decision tool’ (but not the rest of the site) you need to register, and there are case studies and links to the relevant documents www.getlegal.org.uk/

LawWorks for community groups
LawWorks is a charity which aims to provide free legal help to individuals and community groups who cannot afford to pay for it and who are unable to access legal aid. If you are in need of help, please visit their website: www.lawworks.org.uk/

They also offer FREE legal seminars for charities and community groups in Manchester and London, which includes a Practical Advice Talk.  These free legal training talks should help identify legal problems, avoid future legal claims and strengthen governance.  To find out more, contact Megan Pearson on 020 7929 5601 or at megan.pearson@lawworks.org.uk

Charitybuilder (CBUK)
CBUK is designed to help not-for-profit groups become compliant quickly, easily and free of charge.  They focus on key areas such as Human Resources and Health & Safety but it doesn't just signpost advice.  It actually helps you produce documents such as contracts, policies and job descriptions and because the content is written by lawyers you'll be kept up to date with any changes in legislation. You'll also find practical guides to insurance, governance and volunteering.

CBUK is an ideal way of simplifying your daily administration and is a great staff training tool. Register now and benefit from the peace of mind CBUK brings www.charitybuilderuk.com/ 

Citizen's Advice Bureau
Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau specialises in free, independent, impartial advice and many of them offer legal advice as part of their key areas of work.  Try the following links:

   
Useful documents:

Simply Legal - All you need to know about legal forms and organisational types for community enterprises, published by the Co-operatives UK. Download PDF