The charity wishes to raise funds by selling numbers for the National Lottery bonus ball to the public. When the national draw is made the person who has purchased the bonus ball number wins a money prize. Balls would probably be sold for £1 per week with a maximum prize of £25.

Do they require any form of licence?

Would it make any difference if they sold to "Members" only?

Dear Charlie,

As part of a procurement process, a local authority would have different requirements as the amount of money varies - e.g over £20k,  three quotes etc.

Someone has mentioned to me that if the goods to be purchased are specific as opposed to general i.e. so specific that one does not need to follow procurement guidelines - is this correct? Or are there any circumstances where the normal procurement guidelines are waived?

Any advice gratefully received.

I am looking for concise information on time management tools and techniques to enhance the performance of my office and also juggling work and home.

I am looking at a new leadership structure that is being considered by a charity, whereby two senior and equal positions jointly lead the  organisation. The two positions are: Executive Director - a totally externally facing role that focuses on networking, charity promotion, key net worth individuals, etc; and a Chief Operating Officer, who implements strategy, delivers projects, and runs the charity.  

I have seen structures where these roles have existed in a hierarchical form. I may be wrong but I believe that at the Shaw Trust these roles may have existed in a hierarchy where the Director General was fulfilling an externally facing role and the Managing Director (who reported to the Director General) ran the charity.

Has anyone seen this model in operation but where both positions exist but
at an equal level? If so, are there any observations about what works
well, what doesn't, etc. This may be a model that is seen more in arts organisations.

One added piece on information, the person who will slot into the Executive Director position is the founder of the charity and will probably be retiring in around five years time. The COO will be a new appointment.

Any help or views would be welcome.

Could I please have a template for Project Planning and also Time Management as a project manager so that they can use it as a basis for planning a project according to a timetable

Dear Sir / Madam, Do you have any templates for feasibility planning? Many thanks Ronan

We are set up as a Limited Community Interest Company following Virsa's recommendation. Our application to Palmer & Harvey for an account has stalled as they are requiring Personal Guarantees from our voluntary Chairman and Company Secretary and they are not willing to sign these guarantees. P & H insist their request is normal for a new limited company with no trading record. Can you comment and suggest any way round this impasse, please?

We are planning to open a village shop as a community co-operative. What is the best legal structure and can you advise the pros and cons of the various alternatives?