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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 |
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NEWS ALERT FUNDING NEWS
TRAINING FORTHCOMING EVENTS LOCAL GROUP NEWS NATIONAL NEWS COMMUNITY PLANNING
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We have all seen the images and heard the statistics on the news - they speak for themselves. This is one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern times, a devastating natural disaster which has struck a country already suffering from extreme poverty and decades of oppressive rule.
It goes without saying that anything any of us can do to support relief efforts can only help. We can make a difference, even in a disaster of this scale.
Please remember no donation is too small. Any donation can be sent via the Disasters Emergency Committee (a collaborative of overseas aid charities including Oxfam, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Save the Children): - Online: www.dec.org.uk
High Street Banks or Post offices: Donations can be made by quoting Freepay 1149 Post: Please send a cheque made payable to DEC HAITI EARTHQUAKE and send it to DEC HAITI EARTHQUAKE, PO BOX 999, LONDON, EC3A 3AA.
Age Unlimited
NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, the UK's innovation agency) has just launched a new programme in Scotland called 'Age Unlimited'.
They are looking for people in their 50s and 60s in Scotland to come forward with new ideas that could be turned into live community projects which would improve the lives of older people (those in their 70s, 80s and above). The best ideas will be given support and funding to get them off the ground.
More information about the Age Unlimited programme can be found at www.nesta.org.uk/areas_of_work/public_services_lab/ageing/age_unlimited_scotland>
Applications close on February 14th, 2010. If you have any queries please contact NESTA on 01382 229521
State of Social Enterprise Survey 2009
Last week 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:
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Social enterprises are
recession-busters
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Social enterprises are
profitable
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Social enterprises
vary widely in scale
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Social enterprises are
different from the voluntary sector
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Social enterprises are
home to many women entrepreneurs
(entrepreneuses? – ed.)
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Social enterprise is a
very diverse sector
These are only some of the thought-provoking conclusions in the report. See full document here www.socialenterprise.org.uk/data/files/stateofsocialenterprise2009.pdf
UnLtd Sport Relief 'Make It Happen' Awards Scheme
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.
BIG Scotland is making additional funding available to some current grantholders to help families cope, stabilise and recover from the effects of the recession. To do this, they aim to work with grantholders in the following programmes: Life Transitions, Supporting 21st Century Life, Growing Community Assets, Primetime and Young People’s Fund. The additional support will be for current projects that are not due to end until March 2010.
An extra £5million is available to grantholders, who can request up to 20% of the original amount of their grant.
The investment will target a number of areas including projects that provide: · support for families with a newly unemployed member · family mediation · advice and counselling services that enable families to cope with changes in their circumstances and prevent further disruptive changes, including advice on income maximisation · tenancy support projects, including those that might be developed to include access to financial inclusion and capability services · support to families affected by alcohol or substance misuse · practical assistance such as affordable or refurbished white goods, renovated furniture or affordable children’s clothing · parenting support, especially for vulnerable families or families with specific needs such as lone parents and carers
BIG wrote to all eligible grantholders on 23 October. Completed application forms must be in by 18th December, and decisions will be made by the end of March 2010.
To find out more about the recession response or ask for an application form, call 0870 240 2391 or email enquiries@scotlandbiglotteryfund.org.uk .
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
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.
Heritage Lottery Fund – Skills for the Future Fund
The Heritage Lottery Fund's Skills
for the Future programme funds projects which provide paid
work-based training placements to meet a skills gap in the heritage
sector and which fully support trainees to learn practical skills. It
will fund skills that are essential to the future conservation of
heritage or to opening heritage up to wider audiences. The minimum size of grant available is £100,000 and the maximum is £1million. For more information go to www.hlf.org.uk/HowToApply/programmes/Pages/Skillsforthefuture.aspx Deadline for applications is 19th March 2010.
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
LintelTrust Celebrates 30th Anniversary
The Trust’s broad aim is to encourage and enable individuals to live as independent a life as possible in their homes and to play an active part in their communities.They have established three core funding themes:
1. Mainstreaming Equalities Programme 2. Older People’s Programme 3. General Grants Programme
Voluntary, not-for-profit organisations can seek funding for projects which meet the objectives of the Trust - projects which:
- support or develop communities throughout Scotland - encourage or enable individuals to live a full life in their own homes or community - encourage the development of new housing options or services to respond to new or existing needs, particularly for older people, ethnic minorities, single homeless, people with physical disabilities or learning difficulties - identify or enhance good practice in the delivery of services - encourage the development of partnerships to address needs - prevent or address homelessness - provide advice, information or advocacy services
The Trust does not fund individuals; large capital projects; holidays; vehicles; general appeals or projects that are not housing related. For a full list of criteria, and how to apply, visit the Trust’s website, www.linteltrust.org.uk/index.html
Future
Jobs Fund Bid Successful The Scottish Voluntary Sector Consortium’s bid to provide thousands of opportunities under the Future Jobs Fund scheme has been successful.
Over 200 voluntary organisations from across Scotland joined the collective bid to provide six month-long posts for 18-24 year olds who have been unemployed for nearly a year.
In the Forth Valley, Stirling local authority area will get 38 FJF jobs, 47 will go to Falkirk, and Clacks will get 22. Details of successful bids, jobs by area and types of jobs by sector can be found in the press release on the Scottish Office website, www.scotlandoffice.gov.uk/scotlandoffice/12423.html For the SCVO’s response, go to www.scvo.org.uk/scvo/TFNPR/ViewTFNPR.aspx?pr=9514&from=PRHome&al=t&page=
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!
PLEASE NOTE - Applications for this year can no longer be accepted as funding has been allocated - please watch this space for dates when the fund will be open for applications in 2010.
Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF) John Brabourne Awards
What''s it for? Supporting people towards a career in film or television
Charitable Purposes Grant
What''s it for? Support for general charitable 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:
We are also keen to fund groups who meet any of the following criteria:
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:
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:
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
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 SchemeStirling 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:
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:
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 |
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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
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.
The website went live on the 1st 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
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:
On 30th 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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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:
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
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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
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A Website Resource for FundraisersThe 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 anotherGRANTnet, 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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Learning Link SeminarsLearning Link Scotland is hosting two seminars:
Mindset and Resilience at Work
Mindset and Confidence
These seminars are for Learning Link Scotland Members, 3rd Sector organisations, FE/HE. They are designed to
Increase your understanding of how to develop a “growth mindset” ü Increase your resilience to succeed at work ü Learn new techniques in confidence building for you and your service users
The fee is £20 members/£40 non-members per seminar. Contact Stephanie shaigh@learninglinkscotland.org.uk for more information or to book.
Voluntary Sector Annual
Conference
The annual CVS/VC conference for volunteers and community groups working throughout Perth & Kinross offers a comprehensive programme including keynote speakers with prominent roles in public life, a series of workshops on crucial aspects of organisational development and an opportunity for delegates to participate in a “hands-on” activity based on the problems of running a voluntary organisation. This will be a wide-ranging and instructive day, hosted in one of Scotland premier hotels amidst the beautiful landscape of West Strathearn. Delegates will have the option of being transported directly from Perth to the conference venue by coach, should there be sufficient demand.
This is a date for the diary: we will publish details, including booking arrangements, as they become available.
FREE
Social Enterprise Resource Documents 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
Public Contracts Scotland
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 Health & Safety: Tough New PenaltiesMost 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= Charity Technology ExchangeCharity 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
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
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.
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 PortalThe 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/
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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LintelTrust,
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. 
Some
important changes to Awards for All in Scotland will soon be
coming into effect:
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.
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.
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.
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).