Shared Assets is the UK’s only think and do tank specialising in the development of new models of management and governance of land for the common good. We have 8 years’ experience of supporting groups to work and learn together, including taking on green space and asset management responsibilities and have a track record of working closely with communities, local authorities and other practitioners to co-create new models for parks, public spaces, woodlands, food growing land and open countryside. Our successful work and distinctive contribution is recognised by our inclusion in national advisory groups such as the Healthy New Towns Advisory Board, and Defra’s Civil Society Partnership.

We collaborate with trusted associates and partners who share our values and vision, bringing complementary skills and expertise.

Our previous clients include local authorities, development corporations, the National Trust, the Forestry Commission, Locality, Community Development Foundation, Local Trust and numerous local land based community enterprises.

Example of Previous Experience:

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation: Stewardship Model
Shared Assets was commissioned by the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation to develop a governance and business model for a new legacy and stewardship body capable of managing the green spaces and community assets arising from the development of Ebbsfleet Garden City. We worked with our partners Vivid Economics to; undertake a review of existing stewardship models and site documentation, interview key high level stakeholders, engage with EDC staff and board members, complete an interim options appraisal against agreed criteria and a final recommended option for the new structure, and develop a flexible financial model based on a range of data sources. We brought our expertise and ability to identify the shared objectives of a wide range of stakeholders to develop a proposal that was financially viable, able to be supported by a wide range of stakeholders, and ensures ambitions can be met regarding quality and multiple outcomes.

Governance Model Development: recommended 17 days

Governance and legal structures for any new organisation should be aligned with the delivery of its proposed functions and business model. Through Shared Assets’ process to develop a governance model, considerations also include the types and levels of stakeholder participation in decision making, how and to whom the organisation needs to be accountable for its decisions and actions, and considerations of power, interest, equity, and inclusion. Governance is therefore a wider question than simply who needs to be on the board or steering group, but extends to considering how different stakeholders are engaged in strategy development and decision making.

Shared Assets will work with you to develop a governance model by working through the following processes: <additional text box pop up/ click through to another page>

• Why, how, what / purpose and vision
• Stakeholder mapping
• Legal model options development
• Legal model options development
• Consideration of corporate group
• Add on: network mapping
• Decision Making and Scheme of Delegation
• Governance options development
• Governance options appraisal
• Support with incorporation
• Objects, powers, etc
• Inducting new board members
• Terms of reference / facilitating engagement with stakeholder groups.

Strategic land and assets review

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• Review of existing assets and uses
• Mapping assets (1 day of GIS and support from the Digital Commons Cooperative)
• Internal and external stakeholder engagement / ideas generally
• A workshop locating and understanding Intentions, concerns, boundaries and dreams.
• New model(s) development
• Risks and opportunities
• Broad business and governance models
• Consultation
• Strategic proposals
• Transition plan
• Business Model Development
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• Reviewing existing costs and incomes
• Reviewing asset base/ including quality assessment
• Reviewing operational structures and skills
• Visioning: possibilities and constraints
• Market assessment
• Stakeholder analysis / engagement
• Add on: network mapping
• Business model options
• Options appraisals
• Risks and liabilities assessment
• 5 year financial model - revenue
• Set up / capitalisation requirements
• Implementation plan
• Organisation change process - skills/culture

Example of Previous Experience:

London Borough of Camden: Bloomsbury Squared
Shared Assets was commissioned to develop a detailed proposal and business model for a proposed Parks Improvement District (PID) covering nine central parks and squares as part of the Rethinking Parks programme. We undertook a baseline analysis of each of the sites, bringing together and reviewing existing data, interviewing local residents, businesses and institutions, conducting condition surveys and commissioning a survey of park users. After developing and reviewing a range of options for income generation we developed a detailed proposal for a PID based on a short term levy on local business rates. We calculated that a levy would provide sufficient income to enable investment in all nine sites in order to improve their potential for ongoing revenue generation, and to establish an endowment to create a long term investment income. Outputs included a business plan, five year financial model, a staged implementation plan and recommendations for internal leadership and coordination.

Add in: Urban Design Package

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