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Octopus3 CIC Pro Bono Services Policy

 

Purpose

Octopus3 CIC exists to create social benefit through the delivery of high-quality marketing, communications and business development services. Pro bono work is one of the ways in which the Company fulfils its community purpose by making its expertise available to organisations that would benefit from professional support but cannot reasonably afford to purchase it at commercial rates.

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When this policy applies

Octopus3 will only provide pro bono services when the organisation is financially secure.

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This policy will come into effect once Octopus3 has unrestricted cash reserves equivalent to at least six months’ forecast operating expenditure, and not less than £45,000.

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The Directors may suspend or limit pro bono work if maintaining these reserves would be put at risk.

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In addition, Octopus3 will normally allocate no more than 10% of its annual consultancy capacity to pro bono work unless the Directors determine that exceptional circumstances justify a higher allocation.

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Eligibility

Priority will normally be given in the following order:

  1. Charities, Community Interest Companies, registered social enterprises and volunteer-led community organisations based in Cumbria.

  2. Organisations elsewhere in the UK delivering measurable social, environmental or community benefit where Octopus3 believes the work will create significant social impact.

  3. Organisations that have previously been paying clients of Octopus3.

 

Where demand exceeds the resources available, previous paying clients may be given priority over first-time applicants.

 

Assessing applications

 

Applications will be assessed individually against this policy and the strategic objectives of Octopus3 CIC. Directors may request additional information before making a decision.

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In reaching a decision, the Directors will consider:

  • the likely social benefit;

  • the organisation’s financial circumstances;

  • whether the work matches Octopus3’s skills and expertise;

  • available staff capacity;

  • the potential value and sustainability of the proposed work.

 

The Directors may request additional information before making a decision. Their decision is final.

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Scope of support

 

Pro bono support is provided entirely at the discretion of Octopus3. There is no automatic entitlement to free services and Octopus3 may limit the amount or type of work offered.

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Support may include, but is not limited to:

  • marketing strategy;

  • communications planning;

  • branding advice;

  • business development;

  • funding communications;

  • website reviews;

  • social media strategy;

  • training and mentoring.

 

Exclusions

Octopus3 will not normally provide pro bono services to:

  • private businesses seeking commercial gain;

  • organisations that are able to purchase professional consultancy;

  • organisations whose activities conflict with the values or community purpose of Octopus3 CIC;

  • organisations with unresolved governance, legal or safeguarding concerns.

 

Withdrawal of support

Octopus3 reserves the right to withdraw pro bono support where:

  • information supplied during the application process is found to be misleading or inaccurate;

  • organisational priorities or available capacity change;

  • the relationship no longer aligns with the community purpose of Octopus3 CIC;

  • inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour is experienced by Octopus3 personnel.

 

Disclaimer

Acceptance of an application does not create an ongoing entitlement to free services. Each application will be considered independently and any future requests will be assessed afresh against this policy.

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Governance

This policy supports the Community Interest Statement of Octopus3 CIC by enabling the Company to use its expertise to generate measurable social impact while ensuring that sufficient financial resources remain available to sustain its long-term community benefit.

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Review

 

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Directors to ensure it continues to support the community purpose of Octopus3 CIC while protecting the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

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To apply, please complete the contact form below.

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