What was our brief?
We were instructed by the Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust ("the PCT") to help them 'externalise' a social enterprise, that is to take something that was done 'in-house' by the PCT and make it into a stand-alone organisation.
What did we do?
We assisted the Health Exchange from the very beginning, setting it up as a community interest company (CIC), helping with the process of appointment of new directors, and offering company secretarial assistance. We also advised the new organisation on the detail of its relationship with the PCT (with the PCT taking its own advice) including helping to negotiate a contract for services, arrangements over premises and equipment, and matters relating to employees including transfer of staff. Finally, we also set up the infrastructure for involvement in the company by staff as well as members of the public.
How did we add value?
The new organisation has now separated from the PCT and is up and running as a stand-alone entity. We continue to offer legal advice and company secretarial support when required.
"Working alongside Anthony Collins gave us the confidence to manage the inevitable complexities involved in transferring both the service and the staff into the successful trading CIC."
Graham Beaumont, CEO Health Exchange CIC