How to structure your group
Informal, non-constituted groups
Starting as an informal group is a good option if you want to do simple and straightforward projects and events. This enables individuals within a community to collaborate on enhancing their local green space without formal constitution requirements. Anyone entitled by the group’s rules to be a member can simply turn up and take part. As an informal group, there is no separate legal entity, meaning individuals bear personal liability for obligations and debts. Limited access to funding opportunities and potential challenges in competing for resources are other considerations.
However, you still have to register your group with the Council, as it's essential to make it official.
Constituted groups
If you become a formal group it will be easier to get credibility and recieve funding. You’ll need to write a set of rules, called a constitution, that explains what your group does and how it works. This also helps prepare your group eventually become a registered charity.
Either way, when it's time to give a name to your group, operating under the title of 'Friends' will help make your group show up as familiar and helpful.
Register your group
To register with the City of Edinburgh Council’s Parks, Greenspace, and Cemeteries team, fill out the Friends of Edinburgh Greenspace Registration form.
Your group’s goals should match the Council's Parks and Gardens Strategy and the Green Flag Award. Working with other groups and organisations will help you run successful activities and projects. Your Parks and Greenspace Officer, Natural Heritage or Cemeteries Officer will be able to help you with linking to the Parks and Gardens Strategy, as well as providing help with working with other parks users.