Advice Line
0845 847 4253

The telephone advice service will operate from 9.30 -1.00 Mon-Fri. Outside of these hours callers to the helpline will be logged, a contact number (must be landline) will be taken and they will receive a call-back the following morning. Members can still write & email at any time and these will be answered within 10 working days. The service is for relatively short enquiries and we try to allocate a maximum of fifteen minutes to each call.

We also operate a free written advice service where similarly brief queries can be submitted in writing by post, fax or email. We endeavour to answer all queries within 2 weeks of receiving them. If you wish to submit your query electronically, please email advice@communitymatters.org.uk or click here to complete a request form.

Legal Surgeries

Does your organisation need legal advice? Free legal surgeries take place at our London office. Solicitors will be on hand to give specialist advice to community organisations in areas such as employment law, leases, incorporation, contracts etc. The service, delivered in conjunction with our partner, LawWorks operates in pre-booked 30 – 45 minute one to one sessions. We ask that any available paperwork on the case be sent to Community Matters in advance so that we can ensure it goes to the right solicitor.

The surgeries are being offered monthly so you can book a place by calling Liz Cleverly on 020 7837 7887 or e-mail liz.cleverly@communitymatters.org.uk

Users of the advice line, in whatever format (phone, email or letter) should be aware that all enquiries are logged for monitoring purposes.

If your query is more complex or requires ongoing support you can still contact the Advice Service where you may be referred on to our Consultancy Services. Click here for details of these.

The advice services can answer questions on a broad range of issues including (but not limited to):

Employment matters
Leases
Governing documents (constitutions, etc.)
Committee procedures
Management of the community building
Some policy issues

Please note that some services such as detailed examination of leases and constitutions are only available to members. Click here for membership details.