Converting an existing company to a Community Interest Company
To convert an existing company to a community interest company you are required to deliver to the Registrar of Companies the following completed documents, with a fee:
Guidance on downloading forms
1. Form CIC37 - application to convert a company to a community interest company (DOC, 118 Kb)
2. A copy of the special resolution(s): (DOC, 48 Kb)
- stating that the company should become a community interest company;
- to make such alterations of the articles of association as it considers necessary to comply with the requirements imposed by and by virtue of section 32 or otherwise appropriate in connection with becoming a community interest company; and
- to change the company’s name to include one of the following designates community interest company / c.i.c. / community interest public limited company / community interest p.l.c. or the Welsh equivalent.
3. A printed copy of the articles of association , as amended. If you are not using one of the CIC model articles of association please click on the following: Constitution guidance.
Please ensure that all of the mandatory clauses that apply to community interest companies are included in your Articles of Association. These clauses are highlighted in a red typeface in our models and cannot be removed or altered.
The asset-locked nomination
Community Interest Company, a charity, a permitted Industrial and Provident Society or a body established outside the United Kingdom (UK) that is equivalent to those persons (if outside the UK evidence of charity status must be provided). There is no restriction on the number of asset locked bodies that you can specify
Please note: A community interest company cannot nominate itself as a potential recipient of the company assets in the event of the company being wound up
4. Form NM01- notice of change of name by resolution (PDF, 313Kb)
5. A cheque for £25 - made payable to Companies House.
6. Form CIC37 continuation sheets (DOC, 47 Kb)
CICs that work with children or vulnerable adults
The Regulator reminds community interest companies that work with children or vulnerable adults that it is their responsibility to ensure that they have appropriate measures and safeguards in place to ensure protection of these individuals. This includes ensuring CRB checks are made on all staff and volunteers that work with children.
Explanatory notes and examples of how forms should be completed
Registrars’ addresses:
