Help shape the future of community shares standards
We're reviewing the impact of the community shares Standard Mark to inform the next phase of our standards work.
Thanks to everyone who input into the research. We look forward to sharing the results with you shortly.
About the Standard Mark review
Over the past decade, the Standard Mark has become a vital part of the UK’s community shares market.
We now want to look at how the Standard Mark can continue to support and strengthen high-quality community share offers.
We’ve launched a short survey to review the impact of the Standard Mark and inform the next phase of our standards work – and we’d love your input.
Why does the Standard Mark matter?
Community shares are a unique and powerful way for people to invest in businesses that deliver real community benefit. But this market is not subject to statutory regulation – so maintaining strong voluntary standards is vital to protect the interests of investors and communities alike.
That’s where the Community Shares Standard Mark comes in. Launched in 2015 by the Community Shares Unit (CSU), it acts as a national ‘kitemark’ for high-quality share offers. It’s awarded by licensed practitioners who independently assess whether an offer meets the key principles of transparency, fairness, and community benefit.
To date, more than 400 community share offers have been awarded the Standard Mark, helping to raise millions in investment and build confidence with funders and the public.
Why we’re reviewing it
Now, ten years on from its launch, we’re reviewing how the Standard Mark is working – and how it can evolve to meet the needs of a growing and changing sector.
Your insights will help us understand:
- The impact the Standard Mark has had for your organisation or work
- How the current standards framework supports your aims
- What improvements could make the Standard Mark more effective and inclusive
Who's taking part in the review?
We’re keen to hear from a wide range of people involved in the community shares ecosystem:
- Community benefit societies that have run, or are planning, a community share offer
- Licenced practitioners and advisors using the standards framework in practice
- Funders, policy makers and institutional investors who rely on the Standard Mark to guide investment decisions
- Sector partners and networks who work to promote community shares and democratic finance
We're now reviewing the responses. Together, we can ensure the next phase of the community shares standards framework continues to support strong, independent, community-owned businesses for the future.
