Community Base is not simply an office building. It is a shared civic infrastructure – a stable, trusted foundation that enables dozens of organisations to show up for the city everyday.
From our central Brighton hub, we provide affordable, secure workspace for more than 35 charitable and community organisations, some of whom have been with us since we opened in 1997. Together, these organisations support 40,000+ people each year, engage over 3,000 volunteers and provide employment for hundreds of people across the city.
We also provide low-cost meeting rooms for hire, and a postal address services to community groups and charities – as well as a range of free services:
- In-person signposting at our reception five days a week
- Online searches for local services, jobs, volunteering opportunities and venues
- Our annual Posterguide: a printed guide to local services
The friendly, supportive environment provided by Community Base allows a wide range of charities and community groups to work together, share their expertise and provide much needed services to the local community and beyond.
Governance & Management
Community Base is a registered charity (1052456) and a company limited by guarantee (3121688) with no share capital. Our membership is composed of charities and other not-for-profit, non-governmental organisations that use Community Base services.
Our Finances
Community Base uses income from rent, service charges and advertising on its north wall to cover mortgage and running costs.
Our Values
The things that underpin everything we do here at Community Base.
Support for Local Community and Voluntary Groups
We are committed to providing high quality services to local community and voluntary groups whether they licence space with us or not.
We achieve this by making our meeting rooms available for hire by community and voluntary groups at an affordable rate and providing local community and voluntary groups with other services free of charge.
A Community Resource for the People of Brighton & Hove
We are committed to providing the people of Brighton and Hove, especially those most in need, with free, accurate and accessible information about local community services.
We achieve this by maintaining an informative, welcoming reception open to the public five days a week; publishing and distributing a free annual guide to local community services; and providing free online information services.
Multiculturalism and Diversity
We are committed to opposing racism and promoting multiculturalism.
We achieve this by providing a home to groups providing services to local black and minority ethnic communities alongside groups providing services to the wider community and by holding events to promote multiculturalism.
Human Rights and Social Justice
We are committed to promoting human rights and social justice and opposing discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender, gender identity, race, religious or cultural beliefs, trade union or political activity or sexual orientation.
We achieve this by providing a home to groups campaigning for human rights and social justice and opposing all forms of discrimination when providing services, dealing with suppliers, and employing staff.
An Independent Community and Voluntary Sector
We are committed to the existence of a strong, independent and diverse community and voluntary sector as an essential element of a democratic society.
We achieve by developing our services in response to grassroots need rather than government or funders’ priorities and championing the importance of a democratic society of robust, grassroots community organisations independent of government or business.
Reducing Our Adverse Environmental Impact
We are committed to minimising the adverse environmental impact of our activities and encouraging others to do so.
We achieve this by using electricity supplied from 100% renewable sources, providing recycling facilities in our building, using energy efficient appliances whenever possible, providing reusable catering items, and by taking other practical steps to reduce our carbon footprint and the energy used in our building and in our activities.
