We strive to bring you the latest news from within the voluntary sector.  if you have any community news, events, vacancies that are of interest to the members please contact our office on 01786 469916 or email info@cvs-stirling.org.uk

News Alert

Funding News

Training

Forthcoming Events

Local Group News

Community Planning

NEWS ALERT*

• Big Lottery Fund - Investing in Communities - Forth Valley Launch Event

• Stirling Community Hospital

• Falkirk Community Hospital

• State of Social Enterprise Survey 2009

FUNDING NEWS*

• CashBack for Communities Funding Workshop

• Forth Valley Launch Event - BIG Lottery Fund - Investing in Communities

• Voluntary Sector Development Fund

• The Lintel Trust: Older People's Programme

• Faith in Community Action Fund

• Lloyds TSB Foundation Back in Business!!

• Save the Foundation Petition

• Funding Portal

• The Nationwide Foundation

• Microgrants

• UnLtd Sport Relief 'Make It Happen' Awards Scheme

• UnLtd Awards for Social Entrepreneurs

• 2010-2011 Community Chest Programme

• Scottish Community Foundation Express Grants

• CSF Funding Stays with Rural Priorities - for now

• Help for Community Energy Schemes

• LintelTrust Celebrates 30th Anniversary            

• Children in Need – a plea to applicants

• Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF)

• The Scottish International Education Trust:

• Community Chest

• Awards For All

• Community Grants Scheme

• BIG Website Redesigned

• Charity Bank Loan Service

• Scottish Investment Fund Online

• Volunteering Scotland Grant Scheme

• Resilience Fund Launched

• £30 Million Investment Fund

• Helping Rural Access to Funding

• Rural Funding: Opportunities Guide

• A Website Resource for Fundraisers

TRAINING*

• Training on the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Scheme

• SCVO Training Calendar

• FREE Business Gateway Workshops

• Achieving Community Empowerment (ACE) Support Programme

• Free Tender Writing Training

FORTHCOMING EVENTS*

• Blood & Organ Donation Awareness Workshop for Ethnic Minorities in Scotland - Sunday 8th August

• Bringing the Strands Together - Workshop for Voluntary Sector Providers of Adult Learning

• Forth Valley Launch Event - BIG Lottery Fund - Investing in Communities

• FREE Social Enterprise Resource Documents

• Call for Disabled Volunteers

LOCAL GROUP NEWS*

• Tacking the Organ Donor Deficit

• Get Cash as You Recycle

• Charity Technology Exchange

• Free ‘Quick Guides’

• Getting involved in your Local Health Service

NATIONAL NEWS*

• Helping with the Switchover - Digital Outreach Programme

• Government Response to Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme Consultation

• Equality Act Passed

• Help with Accessing Community Regeneration Events

• Health & Safety: Tough New Penalties

• The NHS Scotland Costs Book

• Reducing Your Energy Costs

• Criminal Justice & Licensing Bill

• Public Contracts Portal

COMMUNITY PLANNING*  

•  New Essential Guide to Single Outcome Agreements

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NEWS ALERT

Stirling Community Hospital
 

This week, NHS Forth Valley’s vision for the community hospital in Stirling, to be developed on the Stirling Royal Infirmary site, came into clearer focus as details emerged of the development plans.

Stirling is one of four new community hospitals which will link with the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital at Larbert to provide an integrated approach to healthcare across Forth Valley.  It will continue to be a base for hundreds of NHS staff, handle over 200,000 patient appointments each year, and offer a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services.

As the project has progressed and the public concerns have been taken on board, there have been some changes to the original plans. These include the retention of the Minor Injuries Unit at Stirling and the removal and replacement of the Queen Elizabeth Wing.

Key points of the plan:

New build
The existing Queen Elizabeth Wing and the Theatre Block will be demolished to make way for new purpose-built outpatient and inpatient facilities -

Inpatient facilities
Patients from across Stirling who require rehabilitation and palliative care will be treated in modern, attractive accommodation in the new facility, which will have single en-suite rooms. Around 90 beds will be transferred from Bannockburn Hospital, most of which will be provided in the new facility.

Outpatients
Outpatient services will continue to be provided in Stirling. These will include: dermatology, ophthalmology, pain clinics, audiology, appliance and orthotics, women’s health (including antenatal and post-natal care), child health, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, dietetics and sexual health clinics.

A number of these will be based in the new outpatient facility. In addition, a range of outreach clinics will be provided, including those for patients with diabetes, neurological or rheumatological conditions and hepatitis.

Minor Injuries Unit
While acute services (major A&E, ITU, medical and surgical, maternity and paediatric inpatient services) are due to transfer from Stirling to the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital in the summer of 2011, a Minor Injuries Unit will now be provided at Stirling. This will mean that around 70% of people who currently attend the A&E department at Stirling Royal Infirmary will continue to be treated locally.

Community mental health
Community mental health services provided at Kildean Hospital and Orchard House, which were due to transfer to the community hospital, will stay at their existing location until a detailed review is carried out to identify future service requirements.

‘Care Village’
Discussions are also underway with Stirling Council to explore a number of joint initiatives. This includes the potential to create a ‘care village’ on the site to make effective use of land freed up by the redevelopment which could lead to the creation of new care homes and sheltered housing. 

What next?

-      

      A detailed business case for the accommodation plans will now be developed

-     Internal service moves should take place towards the end of 2011, following the transfer of acute and emergency care services to the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital in the summer.  Initial demolition and enabling works are expected to start in early 2012, and construction work should be completed by summer 2013.

Falkirk Community Hospital
 

Falkirk will continue to handle around 75,000 patient attendances each year, offering inpatient and outpatient services. Most of the c.100 inpatient beds will be provided within the community hospital either in a new purpose-built, facility or within existing modern ward accommodation.

The Windsor Unit, Surgical Block and older parts of the Infirmary will be taken down. Newer accommodation on the site will be retained and extended with the addition of a new purpose-built single-storey inpatient facility.

Acute services will transfer from Falkirk District Royal Infirmary to the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital in August 2010, and after the Summer of 2011 minor injuries services will transfer to the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert. Ophthalmology and pain clinics will transfer to the Stirling Community Hospital site in late 2011.  Community mental health services provided at Westbank and Dunrowan will stay where they are until a detailed review is carried out.

Construction work is expected to be completed by Spring 2012 and the Falkirk Community Hospital should be fully operational by Summer 2012.

State of Social Enterprise Survey 2009

We recently saw the publication of the first ever ‘State of Social Enterprise' survey, the largest survey of its kind of social enterprises across the UK. Commissioned by SE Coalition (England), it was supported by the Scottish SE Coalition (SSEC).

Headline figures suggest the UK has 62,000 social enterprises, contributing £24billion to the economy. In spite of the economic downturn, 56% have increased their turnover during the last 12 months and are confident of future growth.

Here are some of the other findings:

-          Social enterprises are recession-busters
Despite the recession, they are twice as confident about future growth as SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises), with 48% of social enterprises responding positively as opposed to just 24% of SMEs

-          Social enterprises are profitable
Despite the economic downturn, two-thirds of social enterprises are making a profit, and a further 20% are breaking even.

-          Social enterprises vary widely in scale
While some social enterprises are very large, with turnovers in excess of £100 million, the majority operate at small-business scales, with an average turnover of £2.1 million and a median turnover of £175,000. 

-          Social enterprises are different from the voluntary sector
The profile of social enterprise turnover is closer in size to that of the UK's small businesses, and comparatively larger than the voluntary/charity sector with which it is often confused

-          Social enterprises are home to many women entrepreneurs (entrepreneuses? – ed.)
41.1% of all board members of social enterprises are women, compared to just 11.7% of board members in FTSE 100 companies and 4.9% in AIM-listed companies.  Furthermore, 26% of social enterprises could be described as 'women-led' – almost twice as many compared to small businesses (14%).

-          Social enterprise is a very diverse sector
There are few business sectors that don't include social enterprises. However, within those sectors, many have a focus on developing human capital through employment and training.

These are only some of the thought-provoking conclusions in the report. See full document here www.socialenterprise.org.uk/data/files/stateofsocialenterprise2009.pdf

FUNDING NEWS 

CashBack for Communities Funding Workshop

Raploch Community Campus, Drip Road,
27^th July, 7 – 9 pm

A series of CashBack for Communities Funding Workshops will be held across the country from next week until mid August. The Stirling event on 27^th July is for organisations based in Stirling, Clacks & Falkirk, and the facilitator will be Dougie Peddie, Senior Grants Officer.

These workshops will be helpful to first time applicants thinking of applying for a CashBack for Communities award.

Places are limited at each session, therefore booking is essential. Participants can take part in any of the workshops available, i.e. Glasgow groups can attend an Edinburgh workshop.

Contact Dougie Peddie or Hazel Selby on 0131 313 2488, email dpeddie@youthlinkscotland.org   or book online  at www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=BmsCj%2b80TqDrLjnTp%2bLXGCNURIJgwXPxkBh%2bIe1TIS0%3d&

NB. The Application Form and Guidance Notes for Round 4 of the CashBack for Communities Fund are now available for downloading using the following link:

CASHBACK FOR COMMUNITIES FUND ROUND 4 WEB PAGE

Bringing the Strands Together - Workshop for Voluntary Sector Providers of Adult Learning

Friday 27th August - 9.30- 2.00pm

Raploch Campus

If you are part of a voluntary organisation (either a volunteer or paid employee) and you are involved in developing and delivering learning opportunities to adults, this event is for you.

The workshop will be an opportunity to discuss:

- what voluntary sector adult learning is, and who is involved,

- how it contributes to Community Learning and Development

- how  we know it's really making a difference, and to meet others involved in voluntary sector adult learning activity, and explore what opportunities there might be for working together.

To book places, please contact Jennifer McKeand ( 01786 432360 / mckeandj@stirling.gov.uk ) by August 23rd (maximum two places per organisation). Please confirm any special dietary requirements when booking.

Big Lottery Fund – Investing In Communities Programme
Forth Valley Launch Event

Falkirk Town Hall (Lesser Hall)
Wednesday, 25^th August.

3 Sessions: 10 – 11.30am; 12 noon – 1.30pm; 2.15 – 3.45pm

The Big Lottery Fund in Scotland will be launching its new look “Investing in Communities” programme on 30^th June 2010.  “Investing in Communities” will run from 2010 to 2015 and will support projects across Scotland that help people, families and communities most in need.  To ensure that voluntary organisations and community groups from across the Forth Valley area can take full advantage of these opportunities, an information event has been organised to take place on Wednesday 25^th August 2010, in the Lesser Hall, Falkirk

Town Hall. 

The event will provide groups from the Forth Valley area with an opportunity to find out more about Investing in Communities, the level of grants available and the application process.  You will also have an opportunity to ask questions and speak to Big Lottery staff about your project ideas.  The session will also cover the Lottery small grant schemes: Awards for All and 2014 Communities.  As we expect demand to be high, the session will be held at the following times throughout the day:  10am – 11.30am; 12 noon – 1.30pm; 2.15pm – 3.45pm 

If you would like to book a place, please complete and return the tear-off slip, clearly indicating your preferred session time.  You should send/email your booking no later than Wednesday 18^th August to the External Funding Unit, Corporate and Neighbourhood Services, Falkirk Council, Municipal Buildings, Falkirk, FK1 5RS email:funding@falkirk.gov.uk or tel: 01324 506065/506260.

Please note, due to the expected high level of demand for places bookings are restricted to two representatives per organisation.  If your first choice is fully booked, you may be offered an alternative session time.

Further information on the Big Lottery Fund in Scotland is available from the website at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotland or you can call the enquiries line on 0300 123 7110.

 
Please send/email your booking to the External Funding Unit, Corporate and Neighbourhood Services, Falkirk Council, Municipal Buildings, Falkirk, FK1 5RS
or email:funding@falkirk.gov.uk
or tel: 01324 506065/506260.

Voluntary Sector Development Fund

The Scottish Government has now published the application form, equality monitoring form and guidance notes for the 2010 Voluntary Sector Development Fund (VSDF).

The purpose of the VSDF is to contribute to the costs associated with meeting the qualification criteria set by the Scottish Social Services Council for registration, and to assist employers in achieving a qualified workforce. This year the fund will support a range of managers, supervisors, support workers and practitioners in the home care  and residential care fields.

Application forms and guidance notes are now available on the Workforce Unit website. For more information, and to apply, visit www.ccpscotland.org/workforceunit/information/voluntary-sector-development-fund-information-and-forms  Applications must be returned to the Scottish Government by Friday, 3^rd September.

The Lintel Trust: Older People’s Programme

The Lintel Trust has been helping to provide good quality housing and related support services to people in housing need in Scotland for nearly 30 years.

This new programme aims to improve the lives of older people by providing grants to innovative projects which help people to live full and independent lives in their own homes and to fully participate in their communities.

Voluntary, not-for-profit organisations operating in Scotland can apply. Please note that the Trust does not fund individuals; large capital projects; holidays; vehicles; general appeals or projects that are not housing related.

To find out about all the Lintel Trust Grant-giving Programmes, and how to apply, go to http://www.linteltrust.org.uk/index.html

Faith in Scotland Community Action Fund

Faith in Community Scotland will consider applications for funding of up to £15,000 for projects that respond to community need, particularly in the economically poorest urban and rural communities. This may be spread over a maximum of three years, with no more than £7,500 being awarded in the first year.

In its first year of operation, Faith in Community Scotland has awarded grants totaling £145,000 to 18 groups across Scotland.

Applications are considered twice each year. The next deadline for applications is the 30th September 2010. For full details on eligibility and how to apply, visit their website, http://www.fiscaf.org/

Lloyds TSB Foundation Back In Business!

Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, one of the leading charitable funders in Scotland, is to restart its grantmaking programmes. Last October the Foundation had closed its door to new applications for grants indefinitely as a result of an ongoing dispute with Lloyds Banking Group around its future funding and independence.

Initially, there will be £2m available to be disbursed before the end of 2010. This money has been raised through the sale of additional shares the Foundation bought in the two Rights Issues held by Lloyds Banking Group in 2009. Although a shareholder, initially the Board was told by the Banking Group that the Foundation was not entitled to take part. After pursuing the matter vigorously, the Foundation was subsequently allowed to participate.

Grant programmes will be open for applications in mid-April and charities are being advised to check online for further instructions and information at www.ltsbfoundationforscotland.org.uk  Awards are likely to be made in mid-summer.

Save the Foundation Petition

Although Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland has announced it is resuming some of its funding programmes, its long term future is far from secure.  For 25 years it has invested in and supported communities across Scotland - now it is our turn to support the Foundation. 

Help safeguard the future of this important funder by taking a few seconds to sign the petition at www.savethefoundation.org  

Funding Portal

A free to use funding information portal focused on the funding available in the Stirling area.

To access the portal, either log on to the Home page of the Stirling Council website – www.stirling.gov.uk  - then from the top toll bar, select “Your Community” – then select “Grants – Funding” and then from the menu on the left select “Search for Funding” – finally from this page select Community and Voluntary group funding.

You will be required to register - it only takes a few seconds, and from then on it is simply a matter of a quick log-in to access all the information on what’s available in your area.

If you would rather, you can use the following as a quick, direct link to the site – www.open4community.info/stirling1

The Nationwide Foundation

The Nationwide Foundation is a registered charity, set up and funded by the Nationwide Building Society. We make grants to other registered charities across the UK within criteria defined by our Board of Trustees.

To achieve maximum impact with their funds, Nationwide say they define their criteria based on research into social needs and gaps in provision supported by other funders, including government. They review their criteria every few years.

The Foundation states it has incorporated feedback from charities into its operating practices, resulting in a streamlined application process, and a ‘light-touch’ monitoring. Unlike many funders, Nationwide supports the core costs which many charities need to be viable. The grants they currently make are in support of work related to financial inclusion and housing.

Nationwide is keen to encourage charities which work in the same fields to work in partnership with one another to

• share experience and learning

• identify ways of reducing duplication to save valuable charitable resource

• achieve greater outcomes for their beneficiaries e.g. through signposting them to one another's services, to forming awareness raising projects together.

The Foundation’s small grants programme offers grants of up to £5,000 to registered charities with incomes of under £500,000. For full guidelines, go to www.nationwidefoundation.org.uk/funding.asp

Microgrants

The Scottish Centre for Intergenerational Practice (Generations Working Together) wishes to provide funding to stimulate projects that demonstrate good practice and innovation in intergenerational activities in Scotland.

There will be a limited number of grants of £250 to £750 through their one-off Micro Grants Programme.

For full information, eligibility, guidelines and downloadable application form, go to www.scotcip.org.uk/microgrant.html

UnLtd Sport Relief 'Make It Happen' Awards Scheme

UnLtd Sport Relief Awards are funded by Comic Relief and provide opportunities for young people to bring communities together, to help promote understanding and solve problems through sport, arts and recreational activities.

The 'Make It Happen' awards scheme is now open for applications. Young people can apply for awards ranging from £500-£10,000

The UK-wide funding programme is for 11-21 year olds, who are prepared to go that extra mile and use their passion for sport or recreational activities (art, music, or drama) to bring respect and understanding to their communities by setting up their own projects.

To find out more visit www.unltdsportrelief.com/index.html, phone 0141 221 2322 or e-mail thomasmcalister@unltd.org.uk

UnLtd Awards for Social Entrepreneurs

UnLtd, the national charity that supports social entrepreneurs, has announced that the Autumn 2008 UnLtd Millennium Awards (Level 2) competition is open for applications.

UnLtd's Millennium Awards provide practical and financial support to social entrepreneurs in the UK to develop their ideas and projects.

 There are two levels of support available:

Level 1 Awards provide grants of between £500 and £5,000 to develop new ideas into real projects. They are aimed at individuals or informal groups of people who have an idea and want help getting it off the ground. The money is to help with the running costs of the project. 

Level 2 Awards support people whose ideas are already developed or pay for the living expenses of Award Winners to help them devote more time to their projects. These Awards are given out once in the spring and once in the autumn.

UnLtd offers support to individuals, not organisations. If you're interested in applying they recommend you take an eligibility quiz to find out whether you qualify – these can be accessed on the website, www.unltd.org.uk

2010-2011 Community Chest Programme

The Voluntary Action Fund, Scotland’s leading independent grant-making body investing in small voluntary and community-based organisations throughout Scotland, has announced its funding priorities...more

Scottish Community Foundation Express Grants

Express Grants are for community groups based in Scotland looking for funding of up to £2,000. As the name suggests, Express Grants have a straightforward application process, and a short turnaround time, meaning that within six weeks, applicants will know if they’ve been successful.

Express Grants replace the Small Grants programme, introduced in 1998 to support small community groups who only needed small amounts to make big differences in their communities. The Foundation has increased the value of Express Grants to £2,000 to reflect the increased cost of living.

To find out more about Express Grants go to http://www.scottishcf.org/strengthening-communities/apply-for-a-grant/scotland-wide-grant-programmes/

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CSF Funding Stays with Rural Priorities - for now

Funding for community services and facilities (CSF) under the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) is to remain under the Rural Priorities option for the time being instead of transferring to LEADER.

The switch to LEADER had been announced in September, but it has now been decided that, in response to concerns expressed by stakeholders, a longer transitional period is required and that CSF funding applications will continue to be accepted and progressed by the Regional Proposal Assessment Committees (RPACS) under Rural Priorities. The announcement can be seen on the Scottish Government's website, www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities/WhatsNew 
 
Applicants should note that the November RPACs will consider CSF projects as usual. Projects containing CSF options which meet the appropriate January deadlines (see website) and information requirements can be assessed at the RPACs scheduled for March 2010, where the 90% grant rate announced by the Cabinet Secretary will apply.

Projects still in development should continue to follow Rural Priorities guidance and timescales, in consultation with Case Officers. Details on the arrangements for assessment beyond the March RPACs will be announced in due course.
 
The Government have said that work will continue on transferring CSF into LEADER and that further details on this process will be published on their SRDP website as they become available

Help for Community Energy Schemes

Organisations looking to develop renewable energy schemes may be able to access assistance from Community Energy Scotland.

This is an independent Scottish charity, actively supporting and funding community groups throughout Scotland to develop sustainable energy projects.  Community Energy Scotland were awarded the contract to deliver CARES across the whole of Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government for three years from May 2009

CARES stands for Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, and is the Scottish Government's rebranding of the previous Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative (SCHRI) programme.

CARES offers grants of up to £150K to a range of community organisations – such as Community Councils, Development Trusts, Housing Associations and Local Authorities - to help develop renewable energy schemes. Communities may apply for funding for technical assistance and capital grants for renewable energy equipment installation and associated costs. Under CARES there is no set grant funding. The amount of funding awarded is determined on a case by case basis.

The local CARES Development Officer (Stirling, Perth and Kinross) is Jamie Adam, phone 07768864118. More details on the website, www.communityenergyscotland.org.uk/cares.asp

Children in Need – a plea to applicants

CVS Stirling is responsible for administering the Children in Need fund across the Forth Valley area, and processes over 300 applications each year. 

While the great majority of applications are fine, a few turn out to be incomplete or inadequate. Common faults are not giving full, accurate information about the recipient’s bank account, and not entering the client’s post code (essential). This can mean delays - delays in getting funds to where they’re needed. So please help us to help you by

reading the guidance notes carefully before applying

checking the form to make sure it’s complete

But the most common problem is failure to produce receipts, as required by the conditions of award. This involves us wasting a lot of time chasing them up, so please obtain and return receipts - and keep Pudsey happy!

Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF)

John Brabourne Awards

What''s it for? Supporting people towards a career in film or television

Who can apply? Individuals interested in working in film or television

What is available? Up to £5,000

The John Brabourne Awards encourage new talent to develop their careers in film and television industry.

Priority will be given to applicants who are disadvantaged in some way, either through lack of funds or set-backs due to illness or accident.

Awards provide cash sums to help with training, rental of equipment, or the costs of travel, rent, bills or childcare.

More info: Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF) Click here for further information
 

The Scottish International Education Trust:

Charitable Purposes Grant

What''s it for? Support for general charitable activities

Who can apply? Charities and community groups in Scotland

What is available? Between £1,000 and £3,000

The Scottish International Education Trust offers support for activities that can contribute to the cultural, social or economic well-being of
Scotland or the improvement of the Scottish environment.

More info: The Scottish International Education Trust . Click here for further information

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Community Chest

Community Chest is a small grant programme providing grants of up to £1,000 and free training to help small community groups in Scotland sustain and develop their activities.

Groups can apply for funding for a wide range of activities or operational costs.  However, they are particularly keen to fund activities that will help build and develop strong organisations, for example: 

• Training for committee members and volunteers;

• Visits to other organisations or conferences;

• Professional support or consultancy.

We are also keen to fund groups who meet any of the following criteria:

• Work with disability or health related issues;

• Whose beneficiaries might be disadvantaged through their ethnicity, disability, gender or sexual orientation;

• Provide childcare.

Free training will be offered to all groups applying for a grant on topics such as charity law, making successful funding applications, and monitoring and evaluation.  The training events will also provide information on where groups can go for further support and funding. 

Groups receiving a grant will be expected, as a condition of the grant, to attend at least one of the free training events.

Groups will be considered for a grant if they have:

• An annual income below £25,000 per year (excluding any income for capital items such as buildings or equipment);

• A signed constitution or set of rules (if you do not have a constitution you should approach your local Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) who will be happy to advise you);

• A bank account in the name of the group;

• An independent referee who can vouch for the group and has knowledge of the plans for using the grant, such as community worker or a CVS or volunteer centre worker.

The Community Chest programme will not consider funding individuals or activities that promote a political party or religion.  The Voluntary Action Fund (VAF) will also not fund groups that have had a Community Chest grant within the previous 12 month period.

Hobby groups that do not provide a service wider than their members will be a low priority and are unlikely to receive a grant.

Applications for the Community Chest programme are welcome throughout the year with the next deadline - 31 December 2009

We will let you know within 12 weeks of the deadline whether your applications has been successful or not.

To download an application form and guidance notes please follow the links below:

Application Form

Guidance Notes

For further assistance please contact either Patricia or Chris at the Voluntary Action Fund on 01383 620780.

The Community Chest grant programme is managed by VAF with funding from the Scottish Government.  The programme has £400,000 available over the two years 2009-10 and 2010-11. 

Awards For All

Some important changes to Awards for All in Scotland will soon be coming into effect:

From April, Awards for All will continue as a joint scheme of sportscotland and the Big Lottery Fund.

Heritage Lottery Fund will no longer play a role in Awards for All - instead it will use its current grant schemes (Your Heritage and Young Roots) for small community grants within the heritage sector.

The Scottish Arts Council is in the process of transition to a new organisation, Creative Scotland, and will confirm its position in the New Year. However, it has recently given assurance that it will continue to be a partner in the Awards for All programme and its support for voluntary arts.

Awards for All will still give grants of £500 to £10,000 and will continue to prioritise smaller voluntary and community sector organisations.

More information about the changes and FAQs can be found at www.awardsforall.org.uk/docs/scot_change_q&a.doc  or you can contact the Information Team, email scotland@awardsforall.org.uk, phone 0870 240 2391.

Community Grants Scheme

Stirling Council’s Community Grants Scheme supports voluntary and community organisations working for the benefit of people in the Stirling Council area. It offers grants of up to £1,000.

To apply, an organisation must be working in Stirling Council area and must:

• be constituted

• be well run and properly managed

• have the capability to effectively deliver the project/activity

• have sound financial procedures

• meet the following visions and values which contribute to the wider visions and values of Stirling Council: inclusion, health and care, learning and culture

The Community Grants Scheme will fund projects that can demonstrate they meet community needs or concerns. The fund will pay for a wide range of projects, including start up costs (including first year running costs), one-off capital or equipment costs, community events, activities or performances, provision of training courses and advertising.

It is recommended that you submit your application at least 8 weeks prior to the start date of the project for which you are seeking funding. The deadline dates for this year are as follows:

Application Form

Guidance Notes

Applications can only be considered when they are fully complete, with all the relevant supporting information supplied.

Groups wishing to apply should first contact Jean Cowie, Funding Officer, on 01786 432268, email cowiej@stirling.gov.uk  for guidance and to receive an application form.  Application forms are also available at the CVS Stirling Office.

BIG Website Redesigned

The new Big Lottery Fund website, redesigned to be easier to use and more accessible, has gone live after months of research and development Information has been rewritten to make it easier to get the facts you need more quickly.

Additional applications have been developed to make the grant application process easier and customer service more effective, and there is a user guide (on the homepage) to highlight the main changes to the site.  Over the coming weeks there will be further modifications, so keep an eye out for developments on www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/

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Charity Bank Loan Service

The Charity Bank is the UK's only regulated bank that is also a registered general charity, and the only bank that uses its depositors' funds solely to support organisations providing solutions to society's problems.

It has now launched an asset finance service for charities and emerging social enterprises.

The Bank’s team of assessors will work with local charities, social enterprises and community organisations across the UK to agree loans of up to £1 million. These loans can help with anything from working capital to building purchase and refurbishment.

It also operates an Asset Finance service, aimed at organisations struggling to obtain finance for the purchase of equipment, (e.g. a new minibus, computer system) that could transform their ability to deliver services. Loans are available for between 2 and 7 years at a fixed interest rate of 7.5%

.

More details on the Bank’s website, www.charitybank.org

Scottish Investment Fund Online

The Scottish Investment Fund (SIF) is a £30m fund established by the Scottish Government to build on the activities of the Futurebuilders Scotland Programme which invested almost £18m between 2004 and 2007 in expanding the role of the social economy in delivering public services.

While SIF shares a number of the aims associated with Futurebuilders Scotland, it will target social outcomes achieved in specified priority areas and adopt an investment-based approach fundamentally different to traditional grant-based schemes.

Current investment priorities will be organisations with social missions to address issues of employability, environmental action, and the underlying causes of health inequality.

Key features of SIF:

A total of £30m will be subscribed over a three-year period - £4m in 2008/2009, £10m in 2009/10 and £16m in 2010/11;

SIF is targeted at established, ‘investment ready’ social enterprises which have been trading successfully, generating income other than grants, for at least three years and which aim to achieve a step change in their activities;

SIF aims to provide a blend of funding solutions including loan finance and non-repayable strategic investments as well as other financial products providing the equivalent of risk capital;

Loan funding will be a key element of all SIF investment packages.
NB: Organisations unwilling (or unable) to consider loan finance will not be eligible for SIF investment.

The website went live on the 1^st September when the SIF opened for applications.

A key feature of the website is an Online Appraisal mode, which enables organisations seeking investment to establish

• whether or not they meet SIF eligibility criteria 

• whether they meet investment-ready criteria, and

• the extent to which their  activities and social outcomes fit with the fund’s investment priorities. 

On completion of all three stages of the online model, they will be given an initial indication of the likelihood of their proposal progressing to the next stage.

The SIF is managed by Social Investment Scotland and further information can be found on the SIF website www.scottishinvestmentfund.co.uk or by phoning 0131 558 7706.

Volunteering Scotland Grant Scheme

The Voluntary Action Fund (VAF) has announced  that its flagship volunteering investment fund is once more open for business. The Volunteering Scotland Grant Scheme (VSGS) can provide grants for up to three years for projects that attract harder to reach volunteers.  The philosophy behind VSGS is simple: that with dedicated resources, organisations can develop and sustain high quality volunteering opportunities for people who need more support to get involved; and that with this extra resource of volunteers, the organisation can enrich its services.

Applications for small one off grants of £5000 are invited from small organisations. 

To download an application form and guidance notes please follow the links below:

VSGS Guidance Notes

VSGS Application Form

Resilience Fund Launched

On 30^th September, the Scottish Finance Minister John Swinney announced the launch of the £1.7 million Resilience Fund, to help Third Sector organisations suffering from the impact of the recession.

Speaking at the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations' (SCVO) parliamentary reception, the Finance Secretary encouraged Third Sector organisations to apply.

He said: “Scotland's Third Sector has the unique ability to connect with vulnerable people and create employment opportunities - something we must take advantage of in an economic downturn, but we recognise the sector is not immune from the effects of recession. That's why, as we build on our economic recovery plan, we want to help the sector withstand the pressures of recession and emerge stronger.”

Grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 could be available to Third Sector organisations which can demonstrate:

- How the recession has led to increased demand or significantly undermined their services

- Any increased pressure on their services is as a direct result of the recession

- That prior to the recession they were a viable organisation with a proven track record of delivery over two years.

- What caused the problem, and their proposed solution including the submission of a detailed Recovery Plan.

- They have unrestricted reserves equating to less than six months' running costs of the organisation.

- The requirement for the Resilience Fund and their longer term viability with certification by an auditor or chartered accountant to that effect.

- Appropriate safeguards are in place for both the expenditure of funding and, if the need arises, recovery.

The fund, which is open for five weeks from late October, is being delivered as a ring-fenced part of the £12 million Third Sector Enterprise Fund.

Organisations seeking information on the fund, or potential applicants, should contact Mary Lyden on 0141 305 4176, or Polly Chapman on 01463 663918.

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£30 Million Resilience Fund

A £30 million Scottish Investment Fund has been launched to help enterprising Third Sector organisations become more effective and efficient. 

The fund opens on September 1, 2008 and will provide support to established Third Sector organisations with the potential to grow their turnover or become financially sustainable.

The Scottish Investment Fund will be targeted at established Third Sector organisations which are:

·        Located and trading in Scotland, with an appropriate legal constitution in place, and reinvest surpluses for a social purpose

·        Have been trading successfully, partly through income generation, for at least three years. In the case of new joint venture or consortium arrangements at least one of the partners must have been trading successfully for at least three years

·        Have established, successful experience in public service delivery or trading in other markets

·        Have potential to grow their turnover and/or become financially sustainable

·        Are investment-ready in terms of management, governance and financial position or in a position to become investment-ready with business support

Organisations not eligible will include those with no track record of generating income other than grants; support, intermediary or infrastructure functions and those where the beneficiaries live outside Scotland. Proposals that relate to the running costs of services and projects and proposals that could normally be funded by commercial loan finance or other funding sources will not be eligible.

For more details, visit www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/06/18150321

Helping Rural Access to Funding

The Scottish Government has contracted with the Crofters Commission and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) to provide a technical support service for rural community organisations to help them access funding from a range of sources, including the new Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

The Rural Direct service will offer advice, support and technical expertise. This is a free service available to constituted community groups in rural areas throughout Scotland. The Crofters Commission are delivering the scheme in the Crofting Counties and the SCVO are delivering the service in the rest of Scotland. 

Rural Direct won’t write applications for you, but they will help your community group with the applications process to programmes such as Rural Priorities, Big Lottery Fund, Climate Challenge Fund and more.  If you’re applying for Scotland Rural Development Funding, Rural Direct can help you in a range of ways.  They will also help you understand the range of other funding opportunities available and to write the best possible funding applications.

You can contact the service by calling 0845 838 8598. Calls will be charged at local rate. You can also email your query to ruraldirect@scvo.org.uk

Rural Funding: Opportunities Guide

This publication from the Scottish Government is a handy resource that lists the main rural funding sources, giving short descriptions, links and contact information. You can download it at www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/285089/0086564.pdf

A Website Resource for Fundraisers

The Institute of Fundraisers now has a dedicated website offering a comprehensive, free, online resource for the UK's 16 million volunteer fundraisers.

The site contains ideas, tips, events, news and resources, all to do with raising money for good causes. Share what you know and get inspired by others...

The site is supported by The Vodafone UK Foundation and The Office of the Third Sector. Visit www.how2fundraise.org  to see what’s on offer.

… and another

 GRANTnet, a straightforward free-to-use service from GRANTfinder, can help groups and small businesses find suitable funding. It allows community and voluntary groups, sports and other clubs, schools, social enterprises and small businesses to search across EC and UK sources including Government departments, local authorities, charitable trusts and corporate sponsors.

It is presented in the format of an online, step-by-step questionnaire that provides the enquirer with information on over 4,000 grants and other incentives. Visit www.grantnet.org.uk to find out more. 

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TRAINING

Training on the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Scheme

CRBS, Volunteer Development Scotland, Forthside Way, Stirling
Dates in August and September
FREE

The Central Register Body for Scotland (CRBS) is offering a comprehensive training programme to meet the needs of all voluntary sector organisations wishing to access disclosure certificates for paid and unpaid staff working with children and/or adults at risk.

Training sessions are tailored to meet the needs of both non-enrolled and enrolled organisations and cover all issues relevant to the disclosure process.

Training covers the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act and the new Protection of Vulnerable Groups disclosure scheme, which will go live towards the end of 2010.

Signatory Training – Half Day Session
This session is for both newly enrolled and existing lead person’s and signatories who are looking for further support, information and guidance
 

Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 (PVG) Training - Full Day Session
This training is aimed at organisations enrolled with CRBS to ensure they are prepared and understand their requirements and obligations under the new PVG Scheme.
 

General Awareness Training - Half Day Session
This session is suitable for individuals/organisations who are wishing to enrol with CRBS.

To book a place, or for more information on training courses, visit the CRBS website at www.crbs.org.uk/?dm_i=7XU,7213,1MD7B0,HJ3D,1 or call 01786 849777 and select option 3.

SCVO’s Training Calendar

SCVO's new training programme features a wide range of courses as well as opportunities for flexible learning such as learning short courses, distance learning and learning blocks.

And if you earn £22,000 per annum or less, you could be eligible for an Individual Learning Account (ILA) which could save you £200 on the cost of any of SCVO's courses.

Here are just some of the training events coming up after the summer – click on the course title for details:

Practical Employment Law  16^th  September (2 hours), Edinburgh
Managing and Supervising People  27/28^th September, Edinburgh
Thriving in a Downturn - How to Diversify Your Income  5^th October, Edinburgh
Writing a Good Funding Application  6^th October (2 hour), Inverness
Media Work for Beginners 12^th October, Edinburgh

Supporting Voluntary Action Calendar: 

The SVA Calendar provides details of training and events delivered through the Supporting Voluntary Action programme. Access it at http://scvo.cmph.org/l/go41aHz0C2Ln0sTm2jmR-g

To find out more and make bookings visit www.scvo.org.uk/training

FREE Business Gateway Workshops
 
In August

3rd & 4th - Book Keeping
6pm - 9pm, Stirling

The golden rule of setting up a system to manage your finances is that it should be simple and methodical.  This course will teach you the fundamentals and at the same time equip you with a new skill for life.

10th - Sales Presentation Skills
9.30am - 12.30pm, Stirling

12^th, 26^th  - Business Advice Clinic
2pm - 4pm, Callander

27th - What you need to know before starting your website
9.30am - 12.30pm, Stirling

31st - Employment Issues, A fair dismissal and how to do it
9.30am - 12.30pm – Stirling

For more information on the above workshops contact STEP on 01786 463416 or email adavidson@stirling-enterprise.co.uk or visit their website, www.stirling-enterprise.co.uk/

 

 Scottish Community Development Centre: Achieving Community Empowerment (ACE) Support Programme

The ACE Programme is designed to provide hands-on developmental support to community groups so that they can improve their skills and confidence to carry out community activity and become more effective organisations.

The more effective a community organisation is, the more likely it is to be able to influence decisions made about its community and improve the quality of life for local people. The support provided will help groups to make thorough assessments of the needs and issues they want to tackle, create project plans to address these needs and identify who can help to carry out the plan. They will also be able to assess what changes have taken place as a result of group activities, and what has been learned from the experience.

The ACE Programme is paid for by the BIG Lottery Fund and is managed by the Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC).

To apply for support for your group to SCDC, see the Guidance Notes (www.cvsfife.org/temporary/aceguide.pdf)  and Application Form www.cvsfife.org/temporary/aceapply.doc   For more about SCDC, visit their website: http://www.scdc.org.uk/achieving_community_empowerment/ or email: aileen@scdc.org.uk

Free Tender Writing Training

Delivery of services to the public sector is an important market for enterprising Third Sector organisations. But how do you find out about these opportunities  - and how do you write a successful tender document?

CEIS, the Supplier Development Programme, and partners, are running a series of free tender writing workshops across Scotland. Designed for managers and staff of Third Sector organisations with responsibility for business development and tender writing, the workshops will offer practical guidance for organisations wishing to compete for public sector contracts.

The programme has been designed for introductory, intermediate and advanced levels:

Workshop 1: Introductory - Accessing Public Sector Tenders (1 day)

- Inverness 7th Sept 2010
- Borders 1st July 2010
- Edinburgh 9th Dec 2010

Workshop 2: Intermediate - Successful Tendering for Public Sector Contracts (3 days)

- Inverness 30th Sept, 7th Oct and 21st Oct 2010
- Edinburgh 13th, 20th and 27th Jan 2011

Workshop 3: Advanced - Advanced Tendering for Public Sector Contracts (3 days)

- Aberdeen 2nd, 9th and 16th Sept 2010
- Glasgow 12th, 19th and 26th Jan 2011

For more information and to apply, visit https://secure2.symphonyem.co.uk/tenderwriting/ or phone on 0141 425 2946.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

FREE Social Enterprise Resource Documents
RCVS (Renfrewshire Council for Voluntary Services) have free copies of the following documents available: 

Tendering for Public Sector Contracts (2nd Edition)

Better Business: A Strategy and Action Plan for Social Enterprise in Scotland

To request copies, email gordon.mclean@rcvsweb.co.uk or phone 0141 587 2487

Enterprising Third Sector Organisations Zone
There is now a new zone on the Third Sector Division pages of the Scottish Government website which outlines all support available to Third Sector organisations through the Enterprising Third Sector Action Plan. This includes support on business development, public sector procurement, opening markets and demonstrating added value.
Check it out here: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/15300/enterprising-organisation

Public Contracts Scotland
Once more we would remind any voluntary organisations interested in delivering public sector services that they should register for the Public Contracts Scotland portal - just visit www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk for this free service.

By registering, you will automatically be made aware of contract opportunities as they arise for any theme(s) in which you have expressed an interest.

Call for Disabled Volunteers

A new project, Inclusive Networks, has just been launched by the Fieldfare Trust and disabled people who enjoy getting out onto the many paths across the Scottish Countryside are being asked to help.

Building on a pilot in East Fife and covering Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Stirling and west and central Fife, the Inclusive Networks Project will aim to make the core path networks of the area more inclusive and capable of providing better outdoor access opportunities for all disabled people. That won’t mean making every path on the newly published core path plans fully accessible as long as they provide choices for disabled people as to where they can go, the sort of environments in which they can expect good accessibility and the range of experiences they can gain from using the network.

The Fieldfare Trust is asking disabled people to help it identify which paths are important to them, survey those paths and provide information to other disabled visitors on levels of accessibility. This will mean disabled people will be able to decide for themselves which paths they can and want to use.

Anyone interested in getting out into the countryside and helping the project should contact Alison Rae, Project Officer, on 01334 657708 or email: info@fieldfare.org.uk

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LOCAL GROUP NEWS

Tackling the Organ Donor Deficit

The Scottish Ethnic Minority Resource Centre was established last year in Stirling with the aim of transforming the lives of Scotland’s ethnic minority groups in a range of ways. Health matters are one focus, and the SEMRC is concerned at the relatively low organ donation rates among Black and Asian people. This means the chances of finding a successful match are reduced - in fact a Black or Asian person will have to wait on average twice as long as a white person for a transplant.

SEMRC is therefore seeking to raise awareness among Forth Valley ethnic minorities about the life-saving importance of organ donations. It plans to hold regular workshops in Stirling and Falkirk to identify obstacles, educate and inform, and in general promote and facilitate organ donation in these communities.  The first Stirling workshop is scheduled for August, and we will bring you details as we receive them.

For more information about the work of SEMRC, visit their website, www.semrc.org.uk, phone 01786 44578, or email info@semrc.org.uk

 

Get Cash as You Recycle

ACE Recycling Group CIC are a social enterprise dedicated to recycling and re-use of a wide range of materials while providing support, employment and training in disadvantaged areas of the community. ACE work continually to minimise waste and with your help we can get closer to waste reduction targets in our community. 

Encouraging people in your organisation to recycle drinks cans will help to save energy and resources as well as reduce waste going to landfill. So, while benefiting the planet, you can raise some cash to put towards your chosen project.

All you need to do is create a can collection point (e.g. large box) to make it easy for everyone to deposit their used cans.  ACE will uplift your collection and once it is weighed will pay you around 30p per kg. 

No need for you to travel to a collection point - increasing your carbon footprint and using your time and fuel.  ACE will use one vehicle to collect from several locations reducing the numbers of journeys taken.

And it’s not just cans - ACE will uplift and recycle paper, cardboard, textiles and glass – and pay you per kg.

If you are interested call Linda Kidd on 01259 215090 and get advice on the best way to raise funds by recycling your waste. Find out more about ACE Recycling on their website: http://recycleit.org.uk/

Charity Technology Exchange

Charity Technology Trust (CTT) in partnership with the not-for-profit technology capacity building organisation TechSoup, are offering charities a great opportunity to get their hands on donated or discounted technology products from partners such as Microsoft, Symantec and Cisco.

These products include operating system software, server software, security software and hardware products such as switches, routers, wireless equipment and firewalls. Charities have access to a wide array of educational resources through the CTX Programme which also helps them best choose, implement, and use the available technology.

In order to participate in the CTX Programme, organisations must meet the eligibility criteria. In Scotland, this means being registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). (Charitable Housing Associations registered with the Financial Services Authority under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act AND with HM Revenue & Customs confirmed charitable status are also eligible).

To take advantage of it, simply register your organisation on the website, www.ctxchange.org. If it meets the eligibility criteria, you can go ahead, browse over 170 items, and place an order.

A small administrative fee will be charged for each request to cover the cost of the programme; however, CTX claim that charities will still make savings of around 92-96% on typical rental prices.

Free ‘Quick Guides’

Renfrewshire Council for Voluntary Services (RCVS) has produced a range of free ‘Quick Guides’ on various topics for all charities and voluntary organisations.

Each Quick Guide is a short but informative read that will quickly bring you up to speed on subjects such as fund raising, committees, constitutions etc. These Guides are free and can be found on the RCVS website at http://rcvs.synthasite.com. Alternatively you can call 0141 587 2487 to request a hard copy.

Getting involved in your Local Health Service
 

Health provision in the Forth Valley is undergoing major changes and developments. The planning process for the future Stirling Community Health Facility on the Stirling Royal site is now fully under way.

To function effectively, a Public Partnership Forum needs representation from all sections of the community. Stirling PPF currently has a vacancy for a Voluntary Sector Representative and also a Community Representative. Interested parties should contact Jessie-Anne Malcolm, Public Partnership Forum Development Co-ordinator for further information, Tel: 01324 614660 or 0845 130 3714. Email: jessie.malcolm@fvpc.scot.nhs.uk

Another way to get involved is to join the Public Involvement Network PIN).  Involvement can range from e-mail or postal surveys to attending meetings and joining a PPF - you can do as much or as little as suits you.

To find out more about PIN, call the freephone line on: 0800 456033, or email YourHealthService@fvhb.scot.nhs.uk

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NATIONAL NEWS

Helping with the Switchover
 

Digital Television Switchover is the process of converting the UK's terrestrial television system to digital. Between now and 2012, analogue channels will be switched off region by region and replaced with free-to-air digital TV and radio services (Freeview). Switchover will extend Freeview coverage to the whole of the UK and free up airwaves for new services such as ultra-fast wireless broadband and mobile television.

Digital Outreach been set up through a unique partnership between Age Concern, Help the Aged, Community Service Volunteers and Collective Enterprises Ltd., to deliver a Community Outreach Programme, providing advice and guidance about the Digital Television Switchover. The Digital Switchover Community Outreach Programme supports people who do not qualify for the government's Switchover Help Scheme, but who nevertheless need or would like some assistance or advice in making the switch from analogue to digital TV.

Digital Outreach is rooted in the voluntary sector and works through voluntary sector and charitable organisations. In each region local organisations are enabled to support older, disabled and other potentially vulnerable local people, by providing information and speakers for events or drop-ins, training volunteers and developing a network of help and advice for older, disabled, vulnerable and disadvantaged people to help them make the switch. Those targeted include:

• Older people (other than those who qualify for the Switchover Help Scheme)

• People with sensory, mobility and/or dexterity impairments

• People with learning difficulties

• People who are socially isolated

• People who have English as a second language and require extra assistance to understand the implications of switchover

• People who have experienced mental health problems

In order to deliver the programme, Digital Outreach will:

- research, identify and scope the number of people in a region who will need support, and which organisations are currently working with them

- Make outreach activities as accessible as possible and provide grants to other organisations to enable them to disseminate information

- Mobilise and train volunteers to deliver these services in line with sector best practice

- Establish and coordinate volunteer services in localities where support services do not currently exist

If you would like further information on Digital Outreach in these areas, please contact us via enquiries@digitaloutreach.org.uk or call us on 01457 891912.

 

Publication of Scottish Government Response to PVG Scheme Consultation

The latest issue of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme) can be accessed through the Scottish Government Website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Young-People/children-families/pvglegislation/News  Its purpose is to keep people who work with vulnerable groups up to date with progress and plans in the run up to the first phase of the PVG Scheme going live at the end of 2010.

The link will give you access to:

• Adam Ingram, Minister for Children and Early Years publishes the Scottish Government Response to the Consultation on secondary legislation required to implement the PVG Scheme, draft guidance and draft Regulatory Impact Assessment.

• Guide to the different disclosure types available under the PVG Scheme.

• Sample of the new application form for a PVG Scheme Record Update.

• Updates on the PVG Scheme IT system, determining unsuitability to work with vulnerable groups
• Update for the voluntary sector from the Central Registered Body in Scotland.

Equality Act 2010

The Equality Bill received Royal Assent on the 8th of April and formally became The Equality Act 2010.

It is intended that the provisions in the Act will come into force as follows:

• October 2010: Main provisions.

• April 2011: The integrated public sector Equality Duty, the Socio-economic Duty and dual discrimination protection.

• 2012: The ban on age discrimination in provision of goods, facilities, services and public functions.

• 2013: Private and voluntary sector gender pay transparency regulations (if required) and political parties publishing diversity data.

You can download the full Act at www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2010/pdf/ukpga_20100015_en.pdf  The webpage www.equalities.gov.uk/equality_bill.aspx also has downloads for Equality Impact Assessment and simple guide to the provisions of the Act in the form of an Equality Bill Factsheet.

Free Social Enterprise Guide

Forth Sector Development has a free, simple to use step-by-step guide: “Business Planning Guide to Developing a Social Enterprise”.  Drawing upon over twenty years of experience working with social enterprises, the guide suggests some key issues to consider.

To access the Guide, click on here

As well as the Business Planning Guide, Forth Sector Development has a range of training and development packages, eg:

• Business Planning and Project Development support

• Procurement and Tendering support

• Social Enterprise Development training

They also offer direct support to local voluntary organisations with courses in marketing, project development or Social Return on Investment (SROI). 

To learn more about how Forth Sector Development can help you adopt an enterprising approach, call Beth Brewis on 0131 659 4740 or email beth.brewis@forthsector.org.uk.  For more information about Forth Sector Development, visit www.forthsectordevelopment.org.uk.

Help with Accessing Community Regeneration Events

SURF, Scotland’s independent regeneration network, has the overall objective of improving the health and wellbeing of residents in Scotland’s disadvantaged communities. It now has a joint project to help community representatives take a more active part in the wider debate on community regeneration.

This project, called the SURF Network Access Programme (SNAP), provides resources for voluntary community activists to attend events organised by SURF. (These might include topical seminars, conferences, lectures, international policy exchanges, annual awards for best practice and lunch/dinner discussion events.) 

All expenses related to their attendance are covered, including event booking fees, travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.

Community representatives can sign up to the SNAP network through their website at http://www.scotregen.co.uk/knowledge/faqs.asp?Itemid=230 or by contacting Derek Rankine, SURF Events and Communications Officer, on 0141 585 6879, email derek@scotregen.co.uk. We write to contacts on the SNAP network database regularly with details on how to apply for free places at upcoming SURF events.

Health & Safety: Tough New Penalties

Most of us comply with Health & Safety regulations, and most of us do so with the welfare of staff, volunteers, clients etc. in mind, rather than from fear of legal sanctions.

And that’s just as well, because last month tough new penalties came into force which could even see employees and business owners facing imprisonment for breaching health & safety regulations.

While the new legislation doesn’t change or add to the existing health and safety requirements, it does introduce a power of imprisonment for a wider range of health and safety offences. It also imposes greater financial penalties: the maximum fine available in the magistrates' courts will increase from £5,000 to £20,000 for most health and safety breaches.

It is therefore all the more important we are all aware of what is legally required of us, and that we have the correct measures and precautions are in place. 

If financial strictures have led you to put off investing in adequate risk assessment procedures and tools, we strongly encourage you to act now to remedy the situation – it could cost you a lot more in the long term!

Now would be a good time to review your health and safety procedures and systems, which should include the following:

Procedures to identify risks and processes in place to manage them

Reporting procedures on matters relating to health and safety

Systems for ensuring recommendations from serious untoward incidents are implemented

Systems for recruitment of competent staff, ongoing training and supervision.

You can read more on the Act on the Health and Safety Executive web site: http://news.hse.gov.uk/2009/01/19/health-and-safety-offences-act-2008-chief-executive-welcomes-tougher-penalties/?rss=  

The NHS Scotland Costs Book

Every year the Information Services Division, Scotland's national organisation for health information, statistics and IT services, collects annual data on the cost of providing health care in Scotland and publishes this information in Scottish Health Service Costs, commonly known as the Costs Book.

Costs Book 09 is now available online and it contains a wealth of financial information on NHS services from both a local and a national perspective in an easily accessible format.

The Costs Book is a series of Excel spreadsheets whose detailed reports are structured to analyse around 93% of the NHS operating costs, presenting information on the Boards and hospitals that provide care directly to patients as well as an overview from a Scotland wide perspective.

It notes, for example, that across Scotland there were over 1.6 million attendances at Accident and Emergency in 2008-09, with an average cost of £100 each. To support Shifting the Balance of Care, NHS Boards require to achieve agreed reductions in the rates of attendance at A&E within their 2010 HEAT targets.

It can be seen from the information that NHS services have a high percentage of fixed costs, such as staff salaries, which third sector organisations cannot influence.

However, by using the geographical breakdown in the Costs Book, local organisations will be able to show where they are reducing pressures on the NHS by providing services which complement and support existing services while providing value for money.

Third sector organisations may do this, for example, by providing evidence that their services are influential in reducing their client group’s attendance at A&E. This may be for services as diverse as preventing falls in the elderly to supporting young people to safely manage their alcohol intake.

Although it is in itself no guarantee of securing future funding, when used in this way, the Costs Book is another tool which can be effectively used to evidence the added value of the third sectors involvement in health.

The NHS Costs Book is available online from the Information Services Division at http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/4683.html

 Reducing Your Energy Costs 

Utility Aid Ltd, SCVOs energy advice provider, can help SCVO members lower their exposure to high energy prices.

The SCVO energy service can be simply but not exclusively summed up in 3 ways:

1. Free Energy Audit. Establishing exactly how you currently do things, ultimately looking to help reduce costs.

2. Automated Meter Reading. Helping drive down the cost and usage with a 100% support service via the Charity Utilities Initiative, a service uniquely provided by people with disabilities who are experienced Energy Efficiency Managers.

3. The ability to purchase directly from the Wholesale Energy markets. Through its partnership with Inenco: the UK's largest wholesale energy broker, SCVO members can now combine their energy purchasing power and access prices that previously only large blue chip companies could.

Other services from the team are:

Water cost validation and reduction services

Energy Invoice validation services

Housing Association specialist services

Gas installation services

So to save money, control cost and help the Environment, why not give Paul Clark, Utility Aid’s new Regional Director, a ring on FREEPHONE 0808 178 8170 quoting 'SCVO.'  You can also contact him via email: pclark@utility-aid.co.uk or call him on 07500 798 922.

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Criminal Justice & Licensing Bill 
 

The implications of this bill for voluntary sector organisations could be severe. If left unchallenged, it could force organisations such as faith groups, charities and youth groups to apply for a licence if they wish to hold even modest events like bring-and buy-sales, art auctions and cake sales. 

Such a licence can cost around £200 - a substantial amount for a small organisation. 

SCVO is appealing to the Justice Committee to reverse this decision.  For more information or to join the campaign, contact Sarah Beattie-Smith on 0131 474 8045, email sarah.beattie-smith@scvo.org.uk. You can read more about the bill on the Scottish Parliament website at www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/24-CrimJustLc/index.htm

Public Contracts Scotland Portal

The Scottish Government has launched its new Public Contracts Scotland Portal.   This site is where all contracting opportunities can be found as well as the Government’s latest procurement project for promoting and supporting Public Social Partnerships.  If you’re interested in tendering for any of these opportunities either individually or as part of a consortia, keep an eye on the site as it will be updated on a daily basis. This portal gives free access to contract opportunities in Scotland

Find details of contracts with Scottish Local Authorities, NHS Scotland, the Scottish Government, Agencies and NDPBs, Higher and Further Education and Emergency Services by browsing the available contracts. You can also register to receive free e-mail alerts. www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/

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COMMUNITY PLANNING

New Essential Guide to Single Outcome Agreements
 

A new guide to everything you ever want to know about Single Outcome Agreements (SOA's) has been added to SCVO's Interactive Evidence Library this week. 

The Evidence Library houses essential information, research and guides for anyone working in the Scottish voluntary sector, including the latest UK Civil Society Almanac and Funders Almanac.  Click here to register and browse over 700 documents on everything from data use in voluntary organisations to CAF's UK Giving report on trends in fundraising and donations.  You can even submit your own research and post comments on evidence. 

Please email research@scvo.org.uk to feedback on this new venture.

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