Hub Creation Blueprint.

This list is not exhaustive, use for inspiration as requirements and legal guidelines in various locations may differ.

1) Vision & Governance

One-paragraph purpose + guiding principles

Name, local hub identity

Governance model chosen (CIC / co-op / PMA / charity)

Founding team & decision rules (who decides what, how)

2) Legal & Policies

Legal form registered + bank account opened

Core policies: safeguarding, H&S, data/privacy, inclusion, complaints, risk register

Insurance (public liability, employer’s, volunteer cover)

3) Finance

12-month budget (fixed + variable)

Income mix (donations, grants, memberships, room hire, events)

Cashflow tracker + reserves target

Simple expense approvals + bookkeeping flow

4) Location & Facilities

Premises shortlist + access needs (parking, ramps, quiet/sensory spaces)

Layout plan (welcome, sensory, therapies, learning, garden/food growing, storage)

Compliance checks (fire, first aid, DBS where relevant)

Essential kit list + staged procurement

5) Programs & Services

Core offer (communication/letterboards, peer meetups, therapies, maker/craft, nature)

Session outlines + capacity limits + safety notes

Inclusion & adjustments process (non-speakers, sensory needs)

6) People & Roles

Role map (lead, safeguarding lead, volunteer coordinator, comms, finance, facilities)

Volunteer onboarding (DBS if needed, training, codes of conduct)

Scheduling & coverage plan (who opens/closes, keyholder list)

7) Tech & Comms

Website basics (About, Join, Volunteer, Donate, Updates, Safeguarding)

Email + forms + consent wording

Social channels & community guidelines

Incident log + feedback form (easy, accessible)

8) Partnerships & Fundraising

Local partners (schools, SEN groups, farms, equine therapy, halls)

Grant calendar + two “evergreen” proposal templates

Donor thank-you system + transparency/reporting plan

9) Operations & Logistics

Daily open/close checklist

Session risk assessments + de-escalation plan

Cleaning rota & supplies

Equipment maintenance log

10) Launch & Growth

Soft-launch pilot (invite list, feedback loop)

Public launch plan (press note, socials, photo consent)

90-day goals + success metrics (attendance, wellbeing signals, volunteer retention)

Review cadence (monthly ops, quarterly strategy)