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Bearwood Community Hub Benefit Society

Become a member for just £1!

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What is a community benefit society?

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A Community Benefit Society (CBS) is a type of cooperative organisation that’s registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

 

Unlike traditional co-ops, which mainly exist to benefit their members, a CBS is set up to benefit the wider community.

 

Any profits are put back into the organisation or community, not paid out to members.

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Like other co-ops, a CBS uses a “one member, one vote” system. This means every member has an equal say in decisions, no matter how much they have invested.

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A CBS must use all its assets to support the community. If the organisation is sold, changed into another legal form, or merged with another organisation, its assets - such as money, buildings, or vehicles - must still be used for community benefit and cannot be shared out among members.

How to become a member:

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  1. Complete the application form below and submit for approval.

  2. We will be reviewing applications for members over the coming weeks and you should expect to receive a decision about your application no later than the 30th January 2026.

  3. We expect to approve most applications unless we have reason to believe that your application does not align with the values of Bearwood Community Hub.

  4. If more information is required, we may get in touch using your preferred contact method.

  5. Once approved, you will be sent a manual payment link to confirm your membership. Alternatively, you may pay the membership fee by cash in person at our office on Abbey Road

Annual General Meeting - 2026

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  • Our first AGM will be taking place on Tuesday 10th February 2026, location details will be confirmed in January 2026.

  • Please note that if you have not paid your membership fee by Tuesday 10th February 2026 then you will not qualify as a voting member at the AGM on the same date.

  • It will still be possible to pay after this date to complete your membership, however you will need to wait until the next AGM to be able to exercise your voting rights or to stand for board election.

  • If you're interested in becoming a Board Member please look out for further emails from us about upcoming information sessions which will be happening in January or feel free to email Lizzie at communityhub@bearwood.cc with your query.

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