Governance Decision-Making Tool

Organisational structure

What degree of independence should our organisation have?

The “independence” here refers to independence from existing organisations, such as local authorities or municipalities. The SHAPE project included areas that are closely linked to municipalities and regional councils, as well as those that are independent organisations – for example, registered charities, or Companies Limited by Guarantee. There are clear advantages and disadvantages both to being affiliated to local government, and to being an independent organisation, depending on the particular national or regional context of the area. Essentially, this is a case of (potentially) stable funding and links to government priorities on the one hand, and on the other, self-determination and the freedom to pursue fresh ideas and directions.