Thinking of acquiring a Men’s Shed building?
The Scottish Men’s Shed Association (SMSA) works in collaboration with the Community Ownership Support Service (COSS) to help Scottish Men’s Sheds acquire buildings through the Community Asset Transfer process.
COSS is funded by Scottish Government to support community-based groups across Scotland take a stake in, or full ownership, of previously publicly-owned land or buildings.
COSS also supports local authorities, other public bodies and members of Community Planning Partnerships to transfer a building or land asset, recognising the benefits of partnership working with the community to meet future goals.
COSS provides support and resources for every stage of the process of taking on public assets.
COSS’ support includes:
- advice on all aspects of asset transfer
- a wealth of written materials and training modules
- web access to information on good practice, toolkits and case studies
- signposting to other support agencies
- communities will also be able to link into the Development Trusts Association Scotland’s wider network to explore the wide range of business models being adopted by other communities throughout Scotland and the UK
COSS has a wealth of online resources available including a Shed-specific factsheet entitled ‘Community Asset Transfer for Men’s Sheds under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 (CEA)’
The Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Process
The asset transfer process allows community organisations to take over publicly-owned land or buildings for community use, often at a discounted price, recognising the public and community benefits that the transfer can bring.
Transferring an asset to a suitable community organisation can enable a redundant public building to thrive again or turn a marginal public service into a viable community service.
This transfer can be facilitated in different ways:
- the transfer of Title for outright ownership
- the use of a long-term lease
- or indeed management agreements
Realistically however, the process can take on average up to 18 months, sometimes even longer. COSS’ route map can help groups navigate the process and timescales.
Found a fit-for-purpose building that meets the needs of your Shed members?
- your first point of contact is to discuss this with your regional SMSA Development Officer
- read COSS’ Factsheet: ‘Community Asset Transfer for Men’s Sheds under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 (CEA)’
- familiarise yourself with the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015
- and, finally, contact your regional COSS Advisor for additional advice if required
COSS is part of the Development Trusts Association Scotland—a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) No. SC034231