Freegle Affiliated Group Area Guidelines - Revision history

RevampBot: Wiki revamp: restructure & modernise

2026-07-17T12:00:00Z

Wiki revamp: restructure & modernise

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:00, 17 July 2026
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	These guidelines are used in order to implement Freegle policy and were adopted by the Board at their meeting of 30th October 2014.		These guidelines are used in order to implement Freegle policy and were adopted by the Board at their meeting of 30th October 2014.

			====Core Area====
			NGT defines a core area for a community when they are considering approval. Communities will not be approved in the future within that area. The core area is determined in agreement with the community by NGT.

	====~~Core~~ Area====		====Catchment Area====
	~~NGT defines~~ a ~~core~~ area ~~for~~ a community ~~when they are considering approval. Communities will not be approved in the future within that area~~. The ~~core~~ area is ~~determined in agreement with~~ the ~~community by NGT~~.		Operating in a geographic area that is agreed with Freegle is a highly recommended requirement (not mandatory). NGT complies with this by allowing individual community owners to decide their own catchment areas. The catchment area is the geographic area within which a group accepts posts and members.

	~~====Catchment Area====~~
	Operating in a geographic area that is agreed with Freegle is a highly recommended requirement (not mandatory). NGT comply with this by allowing individual community owners to decide their own catchment areas. The catchment area is the geographic area within which a group accepts posts and members.
	The catchment area is the area a community subsequently may serve if it chooses, although recommended good practice is that this wider area should be in consultation with neighbouring Freegle communities.		The catchment area is the area a community subsequently may serve if it chooses, although recommended good practice is that this wider area should be in consultation with neighbouring Freegle communities.

	====Community Names====		====Community Names====
	New ~~commmunity~~ names must be approved by NGT. Freegle Affiliated Group Name and Logo Guidelines outlines agreed protocols.		New community names must be approved by NGT. Freegle Affiliated Group Name and Logo Guidelines outlines agreed protocols.

	====Community Size====		====Community Size====
	20,000 - 30,000 is believed to be the ideal population size for a community to be as small and local as possible and still viable. It is based on a lot of previous experience and informal study of community growth. This ideal is not always practical however and we do our best to be practical, take local situations and views into account and approve communities which will grow and serve their local area.		20,000-30,000 is believed to be the ideal population size for a community to be as small and local as possible and still viable. This is based on a lot of previous experience and informal study of community growth. This ideal is not always practical, however, and we do our best to be practical, take local situations and views into account, and approve communities which will grow and serve their local area.

	====Principles====		====Principles====
	It is recognised that the population and demographics of the UK are extremely diverse and that a strict population criteria or one which is rigidly linked to local government administrative boundaries is not practical.		It is recognised that the population and demographics of the UK are extremely diverse and that a strict population criteria, or one which is rigidly linked to local government administrative boundaries, is not practical.

	Standard Freegle community ~~CORE~~ areas should not overlap, specialist ones might overlap standard ones.		Standard Freegle community core areas should not overlap; specialist ones might overlap standard ones.

			Experience from Freecycle and Freegle indicates that successful communities can usually serve areas with populations of between 20,000 and 100,000, depending on density, but there are many examples of communities successfully serving smaller or larger populations.

			Given two or more viable options, it is generally better to go with the smaller option and leave space for more communities later.

	Experience from Freecycle and Freegle indicates that successful communities can usually serve areas with populations of between 20,000 and 100,000, depending on density but there are many examples of communities successfully serving smaller or larger populations.
	~~Given two or more viable options it is generally better to go with the smaller option and leave space for more communities later.~~
	Non-Metropolitan areas tend to serve a particular town together with satellite villages, or just the town if it is large.		Non-Metropolitan areas tend to serve a particular town together with satellite villages, or just the town if it is large.

	Large Metropolitan areas and Cities are usually served by communities aligned with metropolitan boroughs within the city.		Large Metropolitan areas and Cities are usually served by communities aligned with metropolitan boroughs within the city.

	Communities in rural areas tend to serve part of a county including named villages, but not normally bigger than a single county district.		Communities in rural areas tend to serve part of a county including named villages, but not normally bigger than a single county district.
	Sometimes a community will make more sense to cover parts of two or more districts due to geographical or social divisions but this should still stay within guidelines and suitable council boundaries.
			Sometimes a community will make more sense to cover parts of two or more districts due to geographical or social divisions, but this should still stay within guidelines and suitable council boundaries.

	Communities thrive where there is a mix of demographics leading to an equilibrium of supply and demand for items.		Communities thrive where there is a mix of demographics leading to an equilibrium of supply and demand for items.

	====Approval Conditions====		====Approval Conditions====
	1. Community areas will be approved if:		1. Community areas will be approved if:

	*They serve a population of between 20,000 and 100,000 and there is no overlap with an existing Freegle community area; and		*They serve a population of between 20,000 and 100,000 and there is no overlap with an existing Freegle community area; and
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	Either:		Either:

	*There is a clear town or population centre as a centre of gravity for the community or:		*There is a clear town or population centre as a centre of gravity for the community; or
	*It is a rural area within a county district or natural geographic boundary or:		*It is a rural area within a county district or natural geographic boundary; or
	*It is an area covered by a metropolitan borough council		*It is an area covered by a metropolitan borough council.

	2. Community areas serving populations of less than 20,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:		2. Community areas serving populations of less than 20,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:

	The area is rural and to include additional population would lead to impractical travelling times between members (including islands)and/or there is a strong sense of community within the area proposed.		The area is rural, and to include additional population would lead to impractical travelling times between members (including islands), and/or there is a strong sense of community within the area proposed.

	3. Community areas serving populations of greater than 100,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:		3. Community areas serving populations of greater than 100,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:

	*It is a single settlement with a strong identity; and/or		*It is a single settlement with a strong identity; and/or
	*The population is dense and the distances between members are small; and/or ~~to split~~ the area would be jeopardise the success of the community for demographic reasons.		*The population is dense and the distances between members are small; and/or splitting the area would jeopardise the success of the community for demographic reasons.


	NGT will normally bring issues surrounding the implementation of the above guidelines to the Development Working Group for discussion. In a small number of cases where the NGT have major doubts about approving an application and cannot reach a compromise ~~then~~ they may cite the particular application. The decision whether to bring a case to the Development Working Group will be at the discretion of the NGT. Permission for this will be obtained from the applicant who will not be named. The Development Working Group will try to agree a way forward. The decision on that case then ~~will~~ form a precedent for future similar cases.		NGT will normally bring issues surrounding the implementation of the above guidelines to the Development Working Group for discussion. In a small number of cases where the NGT have major doubts about approving an application and cannot reach a compromise, they may cite the particular application. The decision whether to bring a case to the Development Working Group will be at the discretion of the NGT. Permission for this will be obtained from the applicant, who will not be named. The Development Working Group will try to agree a way forward. The decision on that case will then form a precedent for future similar cases.

	====Links====		====Links====
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	*[[New Groups Team - NGT]]		*[[New Groups Team - NGT]]

	[[~~category~~:~~Policies, Procedures, Remits~~]]		[[Category:Organisation & Governance]]
	[[~~category~~:New Groups Team]]		[[Category:New Groups Team]]
			[[Category:Policies, Procedures, Remits]]

Neville Reid: /* Links */ update link after old page move

2026-04-15T15:29:46Z

Links: update link after old page move

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:29, 15 April 2026
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	====Links====		====Links====
	*[[Glossary]]		*[[Glossary]]
	*[[~~Group Mapping~~]]		*[[Maps]]
	*Previous Freegle UK document: Group Affiliation Team Area Guidelines		*Previous Freegle UK document: Group Affiliation Team Area Guidelines
	*[[Document Approval Policy]]		*[[Document Approval Policy]]

Jacky: Protected "Freegle Affiliated Group Area Guidelines" ([Edit=Allow only administrators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators] (indefinite))

2024-11-14T12:32:35Z

Protected "Freegle Affiliated Group Area Guidelines" ([Edit=Allow only administrators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators] (indefinite))

← Older revision	Revision as of 12:32, 14 November 2024
(No difference)

Jacky at 14:06, 22 November 2021

2021-11-22T14:06:47Z

Roger at 13:31, 23 August 2021

2021-08-23T13:31:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:31, 23 August 2021
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	Given two or more viable options it is generally better to go with the smaller option and leave space for more groups later.		Given two or more viable options it is generally better to go with the smaller option and leave space for more groups later.
	Non-Metropolitan areas tend to serve a particular town together with satellite villages, or just the town if it is large.		Non-Metropolitan areas tend to serve a particular town together with satellite villages, or just the town if it is large.
	Large Metropolitan areas and Cities are usually served by ~~Communities~~ aligned with metropolitan boroughs within the city.		Large Metropolitan areas and Cities are usually served by groups aligned with metropolitan boroughs within the city.
	Groups in rural areas tend to serve part of a county including named villages, but not normally bigger than a single county district.		Groups in rural areas tend to serve part of a county including named villages, but not normally bigger than a single county district.
	Sometimes a group will make more sense to cover parts of two or more districts due to geographical or social divisions but this should still stay within guidelines and suitable council boundaries.		Sometimes a group will make more sense to cover parts of two or more districts due to geographical or social divisions but this should still stay within guidelines and suitable council boundaries.

Roger at 13:29, 23 August 2021

2021-08-23T13:29:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:29, 23 August 2021
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	Standard Freegle group CORE areas should not overlap, specialist ones might overlap standard ones.		Standard Freegle group CORE areas should not overlap, specialist ones might overlap standard ones.

	Experience from Freecycle and Freegle groups indicates that successful ~~Communities~~ can usually serve areas with populations of between 20,000 and 100,000, depending on density but there are many examples of groups successfully serving smaller or larger populations.		Experience from Freecycle and Freegle groups indicates that successful groups can usually serve areas with populations of between 20,000 and 100,000, depending on density but there are many examples of groups successfully serving smaller or larger populations.
	Given two or more viable options it is generally better to go with the smaller option and leave space for more groups later.		Given two or more viable options it is generally better to go with the smaller option and leave space for more groups later.
	Non-Metropolitan areas tend to serve a particular town together with satellite villages, or just the town if it is large.		Non-Metropolitan areas tend to serve a particular town together with satellite villages, or just the town if it is large.

Roger at 13:28, 23 August 2021

2021-08-23T13:28:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:28, 23 August 2021
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	====Group Names====		====Group Names====
	New ~~Community~~ names must be approved by NGT. Freegle Affiliated ~~Community~~ Name and Logo Guidelines outlines agreed protocols.		New group names must be approved by NGT. Freegle Affiliated Group Name and Logo Guidelines outlines agreed protocols.

	====Group Size====		====Group Size====

Roger at 13:27, 23 August 2021

2021-08-23T13:27:34Z

Roger at 10:41, 23 August 2021

2021-08-23T10:41:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:41, 23 August 2021
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	====Core Area====		====Core Area====
	NGT defines a core area for a ~~ommunity~~ when they are considering approval. Communities will not be approved in the future within that area. The core area is determined in agreement with the group by NGT.		NGT defines a core area for a Community when they are considering approval. Communities will not be approved in the future within that area. The core area is determined in agreement with the group by NGT.

	====Catchment Area====		====Catchment Area====

Roger at 10:24, 23 August 2021

2021-08-23T10:24:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:06, 22 November 2021
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	====Core Area====		====Core Area====
	NGT defines a core area for a ~~group~~ when they are considering approval. ~~Groups~~ will not be approved in the future within that area. The core area is determined in agreement with the ~~group~~ by NGT.		NGT defines a core area for a community when they are considering approval. Communities will not be approved in the future within that area. The core area is determined in agreement with the community by NGT.

	====Catchment Area====		====Catchment Area====
	Operating in a geographic area that is agreed with Freegle is a highly recommended requirement (not mandatory). NGT comply with this by allowing individual ~~group~~ owners to decide their own catchment areas. The catchment area is the geographic area within which a group accepts posts and members.		Operating in a geographic area that is agreed with Freegle is a highly recommended requirement (not mandatory). NGT comply with this by allowing individual community owners to decide their own catchment areas. The catchment area is the geographic area within which a group accepts posts and members.
	The catchment area is the area a ~~group~~ subsequently may serve if it chooses, although recommended good practice is that this wider area should be in consultation with neighbouring Freegle ~~groups~~.		The catchment area is the area a community subsequently may serve if it chooses, although recommended good practice is that this wider area should be in consultation with neighbouring Freegle communities.

	====~~Group~~ Names====		====Community Names====
	New ~~group~~ names must be approved by NGT. Freegle Affiliated Group Name and Logo Guidelines outlines agreed protocols.		New commmunity names must be approved by NGT. Freegle Affiliated Group Name and Logo Guidelines outlines agreed protocols.

	====~~Group~~ Size====		====Community Size====
	20,000 - 30,000 is believed to be the ideal population size for a ~~group~~ to be as small and local as possible and still viable. It is based on a lot of previous experience and informal study of ~~group~~ growth. This ideal is not always practical however and we do our best to be practical, take local situations and views into account and approve ~~groups~~ which will grow and serve their local ~~community~~.		20,000 - 30,000 is believed to be the ideal population size for a community to be as small and local as possible and still viable. It is based on a lot of previous experience and informal study of community growth. This ideal is not always practical however and we do our best to be practical, take local situations and views into account and approve communities which will grow and serve their local area.

	====Principles====		====Principles====
	It is recognised that the population and demographics of the UK are extremely diverse and that a strict population criteria or one which is rigidly linked to local government administrative boundaries is not practical.		It is recognised that the population and demographics of the UK are extremely diverse and that a strict population criteria or one which is rigidly linked to local government administrative boundaries is not practical.

	Standard Freegle ~~group~~ CORE areas should not overlap, specialist ones might overlap standard ones.		Standard Freegle community CORE areas should not overlap, specialist ones might overlap standard ones.

	Experience from Freecycle and Freegle ~~groups~~ indicates that successful ~~groups~~ can usually serve areas with populations of between 20,000 and 100,000, depending on density but there are many examples of ~~groups~~ successfully serving smaller or larger populations.		Experience from Freecycle and Freegle indicates that successful communities can usually serve areas with populations of between 20,000 and 100,000, depending on density but there are many examples of communities successfully serving smaller or larger populations.
	Given two or more viable options it is generally better to go with the smaller option and leave space for more ~~groups~~ later.		Given two or more viable options it is generally better to go with the smaller option and leave space for more communities later.
	Non-Metropolitan areas tend to serve a particular town together with satellite villages, or just the town if it is large.		Non-Metropolitan areas tend to serve a particular town together with satellite villages, or just the town if it is large.
	Large Metropolitan areas and Cities are usually served by ~~groups~~ aligned with metropolitan boroughs within the city.		Large Metropolitan areas and Cities are usually served by communities aligned with metropolitan boroughs within the city.
	~~Groups~~ in rural areas tend to serve part of a county including named villages, but not normally bigger than a single county district.		Communities in rural areas tend to serve part of a county including named villages, but not normally bigger than a single county district.
	Sometimes a ~~group~~ will make more sense to cover parts of two or more districts due to geographical or social divisions but this should still stay within guidelines and suitable council boundaries.		Sometimes a community will make more sense to cover parts of two or more districts due to geographical or social divisions but this should still stay within guidelines and suitable council boundaries.
	~~Groups~~ thrive where there is a mix of demographics leading to an equilibrium of supply and demand for items.		Communities thrive where there is a mix of demographics leading to an equilibrium of supply and demand for items.

	====Approval Conditions====		====Approval Conditions====
	1. ~~Group~~ areas will be approved if:		1. Community areas will be approved if:

	*They serve a population of between 20,000 and 100,000 and there is no overlap with an existing Freegle ~~group~~ area; and		*They serve a population of between 20,000 and 100,000 and there is no overlap with an existing Freegle community area; and

	Either:		Either:

	*There is a clear town or population centre as a centre of gravity for the ~~group~~ or:		*There is a clear town or population centre as a centre of gravity for the community or:
	*It is a rural area within a county district or natural geographic boundary or:		*It is a rural area within a county district or natural geographic boundary or:
	*It is an area covered by a metropolitan borough council		*It is an area covered by a metropolitan borough council

	2. ~~Group~~ areas serving populations of less than 20,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:		2. Community areas serving populations of less than 20,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:

	The area is rural and to include additional population would lead to impractical travelling times between members (including islands)and/or there is a strong sense of community within the area proposed.		The area is rural and to include additional population would lead to impractical travelling times between members (including islands)and/or there is a strong sense of community within the area proposed.

	3. ~~Group~~ areas serving populations of greater than 100,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:		3. Community areas serving populations of greater than 100,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:

	*It is a single settlement with a strong identity; and/or		*It is a single settlement with a strong identity; and/or
	*The population is dense and the distances between members are small; and/or to split the area would be jeopardise the success of the ~~group~~ for demographic reasons.		*The population is dense and the distances between members are small; and/or to split the area would be jeopardise the success of the community for demographic reasons.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:27, 23 August 2021
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	====Core Area====		====Core Area====
	NGT defines a core area for a ~~Community~~ when they are considering approval. ~~Communities~~ will not be approved in the future within that area. The core area is determined in agreement with the group by NGT.		NGT defines a core area for a group when they are considering approval. Groups will not be approved in the future within that area. The core area is determined in agreement with the group by NGT.

	====Catchment Area====		====Catchment Area====
	Operating in a geographic area that is agreed with Freegle is a highly recommended requirement (not mandatory). NGT comply with this by allowing individual ~~Community~~ owners to decide their own catchment areas. The catchment area is the geographic area within which a ~~Community~~ accepts posts and members.		Operating in a geographic area that is agreed with Freegle is a highly recommended requirement (not mandatory). NGT comply with this by allowing individual group owners to decide their own catchment areas. The catchment area is the geographic area within which a group accepts posts and members.
	The catchment area is the area a ~~Community~~ subsequently may serve if it chooses, although recommended good practice is that this wider area should be in consultation with neighbouring Freegle ~~Communities~~.		The catchment area is the area a group subsequently may serve if it chooses, although recommended good practice is that this wider area should be in consultation with neighbouring Freegle groups.

	====~~Community~~ Names====		====Group Names====
	New Community names must be approved by NGT. Freegle Affiliated Community Name and Logo Guidelines outlines agreed protocols.		New Community names must be approved by NGT. Freegle Affiliated Community Name and Logo Guidelines outlines agreed protocols.

	====~~Community~~ Size====		====Group Size====
	20,000 - 30,000 is believed to be the ideal population size for a ~~Community~~ to be as small and local as possible and still viable. It is based on a lot of previous experience and informal study of ~~Community~~ growth. This ideal is not always practical however and we do our best to be practical, take local situations and views into account and approve ~~Communities~~ which will grow and serve their local community.		20,000 - 30,000 is believed to be the ideal population size for a group to be as small and local as possible and still viable. It is based on a lot of previous experience and informal study of group growth. This ideal is not always practical however and we do our best to be practical, take local situations and views into account and approve groups which will grow and serve their local community.

	====Principles====		====Principles====
	It is recognised that the population and demographics of the UK are extremely diverse and that a strict population criteria or one which is rigidly linked to local government administrative boundaries is not practical.		It is recognised that the population and demographics of the UK are extremely diverse and that a strict population criteria or one which is rigidly linked to local government administrative boundaries is not practical.

	Standard Freegle ~~Community~~ CORE areas should not overlap, specialist ones might overlap standard ones.		Standard Freegle group CORE areas should not overlap, specialist ones might overlap standard ones.

	Experience from Freecycle and Freegle ~~Communities~~ indicates that successful Communities can usually serve areas with populations of between 20,000 and 100,000, depending on density but there are many examples of ~~Communities~~ successfully serving smaller or larger populations.		Experience from Freecycle and Freegle groups indicates that successful Communities can usually serve areas with populations of between 20,000 and 100,000, depending on density but there are many examples of groups successfully serving smaller or larger populations.
	Given two or more viable options it is generally better to go with the smaller option and leave space for more ~~Communities~~ later.		Given two or more viable options it is generally better to go with the smaller option and leave space for more groups later.
	Non-Metropolitan areas tend to serve a particular town together with satellite villages, or just the town if it is large.		Non-Metropolitan areas tend to serve a particular town together with satellite villages, or just the town if it is large.
	Large Metropolitan areas and Cities are usually served by Communities aligned with metropolitan boroughs within the city.		Large Metropolitan areas and Cities are usually served by Communities aligned with metropolitan boroughs within the city.
	~~Communities~~ in rural areas tend to serve part of a county including named villages, but not normally bigger than a single county district.		Groups in rural areas tend to serve part of a county including named villages, but not normally bigger than a single county district.
	Sometimes a ~~Community~~ will make more sense to cover parts of two or more districts due to geographical or social divisions but this should still stay within guidelines and suitable council boundaries.		Sometimes a group will make more sense to cover parts of two or more districts due to geographical or social divisions but this should still stay within guidelines and suitable council boundaries.
	Groups thrive where there is a mix of demographics leading to an equilibrium of supply and demand for items.		Groups thrive where there is a mix of demographics leading to an equilibrium of supply and demand for items.

	====Approval Conditions====		====Approval Conditions====
	1. ~~Community~~ areas will be approved if:		1. Group areas will be approved if:

	*They serve a population of between 20,000 and 100,000 and there is no overlap with an existing Freegle ~~Community~~ area; and		*They serve a population of between 20,000 and 100,000 and there is no overlap with an existing Freegle group area; and

	Either:		Either:

	*There is a clear town or population centre as a centre of gravity for the ~~Community~~ or:		*There is a clear town or population centre as a centre of gravity for the group or:
	*It is a rural area within a county district or natural geographic boundary or:		*It is a rural area within a county district or natural geographic boundary or:
	*It is an area covered by a metropolitan borough council		*It is an area covered by a metropolitan borough council

	2. ~~Community~~ areas serving populations of less than 20,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:		2. Group areas serving populations of less than 20,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:

	The area is rural and to include additional population would lead to impractical travelling times between members (including islands)and/or there is a strong sense of community within the area proposed.		The area is rural and to include additional population would lead to impractical travelling times between members (including islands)and/or there is a strong sense of community within the area proposed.

	3. ~~Community~~ areas serving populations of greater than 100,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:		3. Group areas serving populations of greater than 100,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:

	*It is a single settlement with a strong identity; and/or		*It is a single settlement with a strong identity; and/or
	*The population is dense and the distances between members are small; and/or to split the area would be jeopardise the success of the ~~Community~~ for demographic reasons.		*The population is dense and the distances between members are small; and/or to split the area would be jeopardise the success of the group for demographic reasons.


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	====Links====		====Links====
	*[[Glossary]]		*[[Glossary]]
	*[[~~Community~~ Mapping]]		*[[Group Mapping]]
	*Previous Freegle UK document: Group Affiliation Team Area Guidelines		*Previous Freegle UK document: Group Affiliation Team Area Guidelines
	*[[Document Approval Policy]]		*[[Document Approval Policy]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:24, 23 August 2021
Line 3:		Line 3:

	====Core Area====		====Core Area====
	NGT defines a core area for a ~~group~~ when they are considering approval. ~~Groups~~ will not be approved in the future within that area. The core area is determined in agreement with the group by NGT.		NGT defines a core area for a ommunity when they are considering approval. Communities will not be approved in the future within that area. The core area is determined in agreement with the group by NGT.

	====Catchment Area====		====Catchment Area====
	Operating in a geographic area that is agreed with Freegle is a highly recommended requirement (not mandatory). NGT comply with this by allowing individual ~~Group~~ owners to decide their own catchment areas. The catchment area is the geographic area within which a ~~Group~~ accepts posts and members.		Operating in a geographic area that is agreed with Freegle is a highly recommended requirement (not mandatory). NGT comply with this by allowing individual Community owners to decide their own catchment areas. The catchment area is the geographic area within which a Community accepts posts and members.
	The catchment area is the area a ~~group~~ subsequently may serve if it chooses, although recommended good practice is that this wider area should be in consultation with neighbouring Freegle ~~groups~~.		The catchment area is the area a Community subsequently may serve if it chooses, although recommended good practice is that this wider area should be in consultation with neighbouring Freegle Communities.

	====~~Group~~ Names====		====Community Names====
	New ~~Group~~ names must be approved by NGT. Freegle Affiliated ~~Group~~ Name and Logo Guidelines outlines agreed protocols.		New Community names must be approved by NGT. Freegle Affiliated Community Name and Logo Guidelines outlines agreed protocols.

	====~~Group~~ Size====		====Community Size====
	20,000 - 30,000 is believed to be the ideal population size for a ~~group~~ to be as small and local as possible and still viable. It is based on a lot of previous experience and informal study of ~~group~~ growth. This ideal is not always practical however and we do our best to be practical, take local situations and views into account and approve ~~groups~~ which will grow and serve their local community.		20,000 - 30,000 is believed to be the ideal population size for a Community to be as small and local as possible and still viable. It is based on a lot of previous experience and informal study of Community growth. This ideal is not always practical however and we do our best to be practical, take local situations and views into account and approve Communities which will grow and serve their local community.

	====Principles====		====Principles====
	It is recognised that the population and demographics of the UK are extremely diverse and that a strict population criteria or one which is rigidly linked to local government administrative boundaries is not practical.		It is recognised that the population and demographics of the UK are extremely diverse and that a strict population criteria or one which is rigidly linked to local government administrative boundaries is not practical.

	Standard Freegle ~~group~~ CORE areas should not overlap, specialist ones might overlap standard ones.		Standard Freegle Community CORE areas should not overlap, specialist ones might overlap standard ones.

	Experience from Freecycle and Freegle ~~groups~~ indicates that successful ~~groups~~ can usually serve areas with populations of between 20,000 and 100,000, depending on density but there are many examples of ~~groups~~ successfully serving smaller or larger populations.		Experience from Freecycle and Freegle Communities indicates that successful Communities can usually serve areas with populations of between 20,000 and 100,000, depending on density but there are many examples of Communities successfully serving smaller or larger populations.
	Given two or more viable options it is generally better to go with the smaller option and leave space for more ~~groups~~ later.		Given two or more viable options it is generally better to go with the smaller option and leave space for more Communities later.
	Non-Metropolitan areas tend to serve a particular town together with satellite villages, or just the town if it is large.		Non-Metropolitan areas tend to serve a particular town together with satellite villages, or just the town if it is large.
	Large Metropolitan areas and Cities are usually served by ~~groups~~ aligned with metropolitan boroughs within the city.		Large Metropolitan areas and Cities are usually served by Communities aligned with metropolitan boroughs within the city.
	~~Groups~~ in rural areas tend to serve part of a county including named villages, but not normally bigger than a single county district.		Communities in rural areas tend to serve part of a county including named villages, but not normally bigger than a single county district.
	Sometimes a ~~group~~ will make more sense to cover parts of two or more districts due to geographical or social divisions but this should still stay within guidelines and suitable council boundaries.		Sometimes a Community will make more sense to cover parts of two or more districts due to geographical or social divisions but this should still stay within guidelines and suitable council boundaries.
	Groups thrive where there is a mix of demographics leading to an equilibrium of supply and demand for items.		Groups thrive where there is a mix of demographics leading to an equilibrium of supply and demand for items.

	====Approval Conditions====		====Approval Conditions====
	1. ~~Group~~ areas will be approved if:		1. Community areas will be approved if:

	*They serve a population of between 20,000 and 100,000 and there is no overlap with an existing Freegle ~~group~~ area; and		*They serve a population of between 20,000 and 100,000 and there is no overlap with an existing Freegle Community area; and

	Either:		Either:

	*There is a clear town or population centre as a centre of gravity for the ~~group~~ or:		*There is a clear town or population centre as a centre of gravity for the Community or:
	*It is a rural area within a county district or natural geographic boundary or:		*It is a rural area within a county district or natural geographic boundary or:
	*It is an area covered by a metropolitan borough council		*It is an area covered by a metropolitan borough council

	2. ~~Group~~ areas serving populations of less than 20,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:		2. Community areas serving populations of less than 20,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:

	The area is rural and to include additional population would lead to impractical travelling times between members (including islands)and/or there is a strong sense of community within the area proposed.		The area is rural and to include additional population would lead to impractical travelling times between members (including islands)and/or there is a strong sense of community within the area proposed.

	3. ~~Group~~ areas serving populations of greater than 100,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:		3. Community areas serving populations of greater than 100,000 will be considered and can be approved if the following apply:

	*It is a single settlement with a strong identity; and/or		*It is a single settlement with a strong identity; and/or
	*The population is dense and the distances between members are small; and/or to split the area would be jeopardise the success of the ~~group~~ for demographic reasons.		*The population is dense and the distances between members are small; and/or to split the area would be jeopardise the success of the Community for demographic reasons.


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	====Links====		====Links====
	*[[Glossary]]		*[[Glossary]]
	*[[~~Group~~ Mapping]]		*[[Community Mapping]]
	*Previous Freegle UK document: Group Affiliation Team Area Guidelines		*Previous Freegle UK document: Group Affiliation Team Area Guidelines
	*[[Document Approval Policy]]		*[[Document Approval Policy]]