A Community Interest Company, or CIC, is a special type of social enterprise created for the benefit of a community rather than private shareholders. CICs reinvest any surplus into their social purpose, prioritising community value over personal gain. This guarantees that long-term decisions remain focused on public good, not profit for shareholders.
Why is Brae Rural Energy Hub a CIC?
We chose the CIC structure so the Hub:
- Exists to serve Brae and North Mainland, not private interests
- Stays answerable to local people through open governance
- Can receive grants and funding dedicated to social and environmental benefit
- Must, by law, lock its assets and use resources for community benefit
Our CIC status assures you that any income is either invested back into improving local services or used to expand what we offer - all to help Shetland thrive sustainably.
Read our Articles of Association
Accountability and openness
Brae Rural Energy Hub CIC is led by a board of local directors, reflecting a mix of community voices, technical expertise, and business backgrounds. Board appointments are open to local people and are made via a transparent recruitment process. Directors commit to putting community first and acting always with openness and integrity. Find out more about Our Team.
Our board meetings are minuted, and we regularly share annual reports and updates on progress with the community. Suggestions and feedback are warmly welcomed at any time.
How does a CIC Work?
- CICs are regulated by the Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies, providing robust legal oversight
- Directors must regularly demonstrate that the organisation is run for public benefit
- Asset lock provisions ensure that all Hub assets remain dedicated to community use - even if the Hub ever comes to an end
Why it Matters
Choosing to become a CIC means Brae Rural Energy Hub will always put Shetland’s people first. Whether you use the Hub to access grants, host an event, charge your EV, or simply pop in for a coffee and a chat, you can trust that our team is guided by a genuine commitment to local priorities - every step of the way.
If you’re interested in joining as a member, volunteering, or simply want to know more about how our CIC operates, please get in touch. As a community, our doors are always open.
