Community asset transfer

The Community Ownership Support Service (COSS) offers a wide range of support documentation for groups and organisations exploring Community Asset Transfer. Below, you will find key links and resources relevant to the operational management of a community hall. We encourage you to explore the COSS website further, as it contains extensive information under various headings.

Legal and regulatory

The Legal and Regulatory Responsibilities section provides valuable information to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Health and safety

The Health and Safety section offers several useful checklists to help groups operate a community hall safely.

Additional resources

• Village hall safety guide    
• Quick premises checklists 

Fire safety

The Fire Safety section provides an overview of fire safety regulations and includes a fire safety risk assessment.

Statutory checks, maintenance and servicing

Useful information on statutory checks, maintenance schedules and servicing requirements can be found below.

Licences

The Licensing section provides detailed guidance on the types of licenses required for community halls.

 It's the responsibility of groups to ensure all relevant licenses are in place. Examples include:

• Public Entertainment Licence: Ensure it is current and accurate for planned activities.
• PPL PRS Licence: Required for playing live or recorded music.
• Premises or Occasional Licence: Necessary for the sale or consumption of alcohol.

Additional information and useful links

COSS provides additional modules and publications that cover various aspects of community asset management:

• Module Six: Asset Management
• Module Five: Governance and People   

Health and safety regulations:

• The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 
• The Manual Handling Operations Regulations
• The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
• The Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations

These Regulations have been amended and updated at various times. They implement various European Directives on health and safety. They also clarify how employers must comply with their duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.