Frequently Asked Questions

About LEAF CIC
What is a community interest company (CIC)?

CICs were developed in 2005 to give non-charitable, social enterprises across the UK a legal identity. They are normal companies with some unique and important additional features to safeguard their social mission. A CIC has to carry out activities which fulfil a community purpose. A CIC has a "lock" on its assets. This prevents profits from being distributed to its members or shareholders and means that all assets must be used for the community purpose. If a CIC is ever wound up, any assets must be transferred to another, similarly asset-locked body. As a non-profit making organisation with a social purpose, in 2016 the LEAF membership agreed to seeking CIC status to secure the group's existence going forward.

Is LEAF associated with any governmental or political bodies?

LEAF is non-political and does not, as a group, take a stance on early years policy. It cannot be quoted in support of or against any development or position. Views expressed at conferences are personal and do not represent any service or organisation.

Does LEAF provide training?

LEAF is not a training organisation.

About Our Events

Do I have to pay to attend events?

If you have paid for membership, there are usually no additional fees for attending events. All conferences are paid for from LEAF CIC subscriptions, to provide an attractive environment for Advisors to come together. Occasionally facilities may need supplementing by members. This information will be shared in advance if necessary.

Do I have confirm attendance?

Members are asked to confirm their attendance in advance to ensure catering and capacity are sufficient. Conferences are held at central London venues selected to take in to account members' preferences for accessibility, local resources and facilities. 

Is information discussed during events shared with any 3rd parties?

Conversations and discussions are treated as confidential between colleagues. 

What can I expect to be discussed at events?

Our conference format has been agreed between LEAF community members and represents the wishes of the majority. It can be changed on the same basis. Our format seeks to meet the needs of our community by finding a balance between:

• Sharing local good practice
• Opportunities for open discussion with colleagues
• In-depth consideration of current issues of broader significance

Each conference also includes local updates, where members showcase significant achievements and innovative projects that they have undertaken. These short presentation slots (up to 30 minutes) may be requested by the Directors.

About Feedback and Development of the Service

How do you evaluate the effectiveness of LEAF's services?

Each conference is comprehensively assessed by attendees. Evaluation data is collated and analysed by the Directors. Evaluations of the events are supplemented by questionnaires on specific topics or themes, which may be sent to members outside of conferences. Members' responses provide extremely helpful data on live issues for the London Early Years community.

How often does the Board meet?

The Directors of LEAF meet twice a year, usually in July and January. These meetings follow a legally required framework and are minuted. The minutes are approved by all directors and are a matter of record.  A minimum of two directors must be in attendance for the meeting to be quorate (legally viable).  These meetings are not open to non-Directors but are informed by, and reported on to, the LEAF membership.

As a member can I be more involved?

Each conference is followed by a meeting of the LEAF Advisory Group. Any member is free to join the Advisory Group, which feeds comments and knowledge regarding events, initiatives and sector developments to the Directors. This input, along with evaluation and questionnaire feedback, enables the Directors to plan future events and focuses in response to members' interests and to compile their annual report to stakeholders.