This session provides a clear, non‑technical introduction to commercial leasing, specifically for charities, trustees, staff and volunteers.
Many charities occupy their premises under commercial leases without fully appreciating the long‑term legal and financial commitments involved.
The session will explain how commercial leases work, what costs and responsibilities charities typically take on, and where problems most commonly arise. It will also focus on practical scenarios charities face, such as repairs, carrying out alterations, sharing space and ending a lease, and offer guidance on how to manage these issues effectively.
The aim is to help charities make informed decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and understand when and where to get help before problems escalate.
Objectives / learning outcomes:
Understand what a commercial leasehold property arrangement is and how it affects charities
Recognise the key terms and financial commitments commonly found in commercial leases
Identify common risks and problem areas for charities, trustees and volunteers
Know what activities are usually restricted under a lease (use, alterations, sharing space)
Understand the role of trustees, staff and volunteers in managing property responsibly
Be able to spot when professional advice is needed and why early input matters
Important information
This course is fully funded for Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance members. If you're not already a member but are a non-profit organisation operating in Gloucestershire, you can become a member for free here: Become a Member | Join & Collaborate Today — Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance
To enable as many groups & organisations to access this course, we limit bookings to two per organisation. Please note we only accept bookings from individuals attending the course and we are unable to accept multiple bookings in one name. If you would like to book more than two spaces, please email bookings@glosalliance.org.uk and we will aim to accommodate individual needs where possible.
Our events are often over-subscribed and we will activate our wait list process if this happens. We advise anyone interested in booking a place to book asap.
Please ensure that you read our Terms & Conditions of Booking before you book your place:
If you book a place and cannot attend for any reason, please email bookings@glosalliance.org.uk asap so that we can allocate your place to someone else.
If you have any enquiries about this course, please email bookings@glosalliance.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.