CICs are registered at Companies House and regulated additionally by the CIC Regulator. They must pass a "community interest test" at incorporation, have an asset lock (assets cannot be distributed to members except in narrow circumstances), and file an annual CIC Report alongside accounts. CICs can be limited by shares (with capped dividends) or by guarantee. Slightly more administrative work than a standard company, but the asset lock is a strong signal of social intent for grants, contracts, and funders.