Network and Support Section
This section provides links to external sources of support for community groups and volunteers, and includes details of a range of organisations that provide discounts for voluntary organisations.
Use the links below to work through this section.
Contents
Support for Community Development and Social Regeneration projects
Support for Children & Youth Projects
Support for Environmental and Sustainable Development Projects
Resources for Voluntary Organisations
Support and Contacts for Volunteers
Discounts and Donations
Publications
Support for Community Development and Social Regeneration
National Rural Network
A portal site for community groups in Scotland at www.ruralgateway.org.uk
Community Development Trusts and Associations
Development Trust Association Scotland aims to encourage the growth of new development trusts; support and strengthen established development trusts and promote and represent the interests of development trusts. Visit their support site at www.dtascot.org.uk/
Social Enterprise Academy
The Social Enterprise Academy provides learning and development programmes for leaders of social enterprises in Scotland, including courses in the Highlands and Islands. Visit www.theacademy-ssea.org
The Qualifications Company
They have an accredited Community Leadership Award Highland programme for managers and aspiring managers in the voluntary sector. Phone 01349 864583
Evaluation Support Scotland
Provides specialist support across Scotland to voluntary organisations and their funders to help them evaluate and learn. They help voluntary organisations access evaluation tools and expertise, and also work with funders to join up and simplify monitoring requirements and focus efforts on learning about what works. Visit www.evaluationsupportscotland.org.uk or phone 0870 850 1378.
The Scottish Compact
The Compact is an agreement between the Scottish Voluntary Sector and the Scottish Executive on the best practice principles for their dealings with each another. For further information and advice contact Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) on 0131 556 3882.
Scottish Community Development Network
This network supports people who support communities in Scotland by providing a forum for community development practitioners to share experiences, exchange information, discuss and debate practice and policy issues within a framework which seeks to empower communities. Visit www.scdn.org.uk
Senscot Exchange
If you are looking for support to help develop your business, Senscot Exchange, funded by the Futurebuilders Scotland support programme, could help. The Exchange provides three levels of support to emerging or developing social enterprises: web based information includes: tools and templates and a directory listing social enterprises, statutory agencies and intermediary bodies. Personal response provides a response by phone or email to any particular questions you might have about developing your social enterprise. Active accounts provide longer, in-depth support for those organisations starting up or looking to grow. Visit www.senscot.net or Phone 0131 220 4104
Supply2.gov.uk
Supply2.gov.uk is a government-backed service designed specifically to give companies easy access to lower-value contract opportunities offered by the public sector. It opens up the market to all types of business including social enterprise, and allows them to search and view open lower-value contract opportunities (typically under £100,000) and promote themselves to the UK public sector. Visit www.supply2.gov.uk
Local People Leading (LPL)
LPL is a campaign for organisations and individuals across Scotland who support a strong and independent community sector. LPL has been initiated by a consortium of networking organisations which serve hundreds of community-based groups across Scotland. It is not intended to create a new organisation but to raise the profile of the 'community agenda' in Scotland. Local People Leading contends that extending community ownership of assets and investing communities with more control and responsibility through community anchor organisations are the cornerstones for developing a more sustainable, inclusive and democratic Scotland. For more details and how to join visit www.localpeopleleading.co.uk
Best Value and Sustainable Development Toolkit
The Sustainable Scotland Network (SSN) have recently published the final version of the Best Value in Local Government - Sustainable Development Toolkit. This Toolkit, which aims to help support continuous improvement on sustainable development across local authority services, is supported by The Scottish Executive, The Sustainable Development Commission in Scotland, WWF Scotland and COSLA. It was developed in close consultation with local authority sustainable development and Best Value practitioners. Visit www.sustainable-scotland.net
Social Economy Useful Information
Social Economy Scotland’s website has lots of useful information and a regular e-bulletin, available at: www.socialeconomyscotland.info/
Some of their specific guides include:
- A Guide to Social Added Value – a guide to assist organisations to demonstrate their social end environmental impact.
- Tendering for Public Sector Contracts – a guide aimed at levelling the playing field for social economy organisations to enter the public procurement market.
- E-business - a web based guide to encourage uptake of ICT within social economy organisations.
- Tall Poppies Resource Pack – looks at some of the projects, resources and tools available to encourage and support social enterprise activity by individuals.
Lifelong Learning - Building on Success
Scottish Executive consultation on lifelong learning; a discussion on specific issues related to lifelong learning in Scotland is now accessible at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/11/06141044/0
The discussion focuses on five themes: engagement with employers; flexible learning opportunities, entitlement and discretionary support; information, advice and guidance; journeys into and through learning; and community learning and development.
Neighbourhood play and community action
The Neighbourhood Play Toolkit was conceived to develop and pilot a practical, comprehensive set of resources for improving public neighbourhood play spaces and services for children and young people. Five local community groups took part in developing and piloting the resources, which sought to bring together ‘play development’ and ‘community development’. This summary, by Haki Kapasi and based on the project’s self-evaluation and the reflections of those taking part, draws together lessons learnt from the pilots: www.jrf.org.uk/knowledge/findings/housing/1942.asp
Dialogue Designer, online design tool to aid engagement
A new online process design tool, Dialogue Designer, can help you resolve dilemmas of public and stakeholder engagement. Created by Dialogue by Design which specialises in running public and stakeholder engagement processes, the online tool is free to use and has already proved to be very popular generating over 400 subscribers. Visit http://designer.dialoguebydesign.net/
Scottish Community Land Network
A a web-based network for community land groups, including a monthly e-bulletin with news on land issues, funding, events and others. Visit their website at www.communityland.org.uk/
Utility Aid
Helps charities manage their risk to rising energy costs by providing services that reduce their energy costs and help them become more energy efficient. To find out more about Utility Aid’s services for charities and apply for your free energy audit. Please contact us on 0808 178 8170 or visit www.utility-aid.co.uk and www.inenco.com
Standards for community engagement in Scotland
The Scottish Government's web pages on the National Standards for Community Engagement set out best practice principles for the way that government agencies, councils, health boards, police and other public bodies engage with communities.Visit their website.
Support for Children & Young People's Projects
YouthLink Scotland
YouthLink is the National Agency for Youth Work in Scotland. For more information on this organisation and support for youth projects, visit their website.
Support for Environmental and Sustainable Development Projects
Sus it Out
Sus it Out is a three-year, national awareness raising programme for community groups. The programme aims to promote greater community participation in the implementation of the Scottish Executive's Sustainable Development Strategy, Choosing Our Future. Sus it Out enables community and voluntary organisations to work out how they already contribute to sustainable development and to decide how they can build on this for the future.
Groups take part in Sus it Out by:
- Using the Sus it Out Toolkit with a trained Facilitator
- Pledging to develop in a more sustainable way
- Building real and online links with other groups who are trying to Sus it Out.
Sus it Out is managed by the Scottish Civic Forum on behalf of the Future Scotland Partnership with funding from the Scottish Executive. For more information visit: www.susitout.org.uk
Freecycle
The Yahoo group dedicated to free transfer of unwanted goods in the Highlands as part of the Freecycle(R) movement. Open to individuals and organisations wanting to "recycle" that special something rather than throw it away. Keep it free, legal and appropriate for all ages. Visit the website. Our aim is to keep usable items from landfill, so please don't ask for a swap, a loan or ask for advice.
Why not try the FreecycleInverness cafe ?
Community Webnet
Share information and network with other local communities engaged in sustainable development projects via Forward Scotland's Community Webnet which includes discussion forums and a database of information on over 300 community projects. Send your questions to the funding surgery and receive answers from a panel of experts from the partner organisations, BTCV Scotland, Greenspace Scotland, SNH, SEPA, Scottish Executive and the Sustainable Scotland Network. Phone 0141 222 5607 Email webnet@forward-scotland.org.uk or visit their website
Community Webnet
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Community Woodlands Association
Provides training, support and advice to community woodland groups in Scotland, e.g. on undertaking woodland surveys, working with consultants. Represents and promotes woodland groups, e.g. to Community Land Unit and Paths For All. For more information Phone 01854 613737 or visit their website.
Paths For All Community Support Project
Set up to help communities develop well designed, managed and promoted path networks for walkers, horseriders and cyclists of all ages and abilities. Includes advice and resources to assist with land management, the law and liability, funding, identifying needs, surveying and feasibility studies, consultants, promotion, maintenance, etc. http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/ email info@pathsforall.org.uk
Scottish Community Land Network
A support and networking site for community land groups to share skills, resources, find out about training, events, campaigns, etc: www.communityland.org.uk
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Community Energy Scotland
Community Energy Scotland have a library of documents containing reports and publications which may be a useful resource as you develop your community project. Click here to visit their on-line library. They also have a Community Renewable Energy Toolkit to help community groups develop their own renewable energy projects. The toolkit is designed to help groups work through available options and provides further help and information to take your project forward. View the Toolkit
Scottish Sustainable Development Forum (SSDF)
As the focus for thinking and action on sustainable development across Scotland, the Scottish Sustainable Development Forum (SSDF) exists to: facilitate debate; encourage participation; raise awareness and understanding; promote good practice; and recommend action in the pursuit of a more sustainable Scotland. The Forum meets twice a year to share experiences and set priorities for action. The strategic direction of the Forum’s work is overseen by a Steering Group elected from the Forum's membership. The Forum has established Five Task Groups to develop practical actions for sustainability in Scotland. Forum membership is open to all individuals who want to make Scotland more sustainable. We do not have any provision for organisations to officially affliate to the SSDF, but we encourage interested organisations to support the participation of members and/or employees.
Sustainable Development Education (SDE ) Network database: to register online with the go to http://www.ssdforum.org.uk/ : click on the "who's who" tab at the top of menu bar, click on "register your details" on the left hand menu, choose the "register as an organisation" option.
Community Action for Energy (CAfE)
CAfE is the Energy Saving Trust's network for people involved with sustainable energy projects in their community. Free membership brings individuals or groups access to support, information, advice and training. Other benefits include downloadable briefing notes on topics such as working with volunteers or making presentations, a travel bursary to visit projects to gain expertise, downloadable publicity resources and case studies.
Call 08701 261 444 or visit www.est.org.uk/cafe
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Highland Council Waste Educator’s Pack
Highland Council’s Waste Educator’s Pack for schools and others involved in waste education was launched in August 2006, and has been proving quite popular. The pack is now on the Council’s website in the Waste Aware Schools section:
The pack has been written with Highland-specific information about what happens to our waste and recyclable materials, as well as information and activities about composting, and The Three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Carbon Calculator
Find out your carbon footprint using the new carbon calculator. Useful for working out a plan to cut your emissions on home and business energy including appliances & transport.
Community Recycling Network Scotland (CRNS)
Provides community recycling organisations with business development support, assistance with funding applications , networking, promotion and training.
Community Recycling Network Scotland David Bryan, CRNS Highlands and Islands Officer, Phone 07887 758012, Email david@crns.org.uk
Scottish Education and Action for Development (SEAD)
SEAD offer information about Climate change and have recently launched a new Climate Mythbuster which will be available to download from their website.
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Resources for Voluntary Organisations
The Internet Advertising Bureau have produced a toolkit to help groups to increase their internet visibility. The Toolkit also covers topics such as internet advertising campaigns and how to assess whether your efforts are paying dividends. For more information and to download go to www.iabuk.net/search. To download the guide directly click here.
Research Briefings
The Scottish Parliamant's Website contains Research Briefings written by research specialists in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe). Research Briefings are used by MSPs in support of parliamentary business in the Committees and in the Chamber, but can provide useful information for groups, such as data from which trends within the Scottish economy can be identified. View all briefing papers.
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Support and Contacts for Volunteers
UNA Exchange
This organisation has a wide range of international volunteering opportunities from between two weeks and twelve months long in more than 70 countries worldwide. For more information visit their website.
Projects Scotland
This is a portal site for young Scots to access full time volunteering opportunities. Visit www.projectscotland.co.uk
Learn by volunteering
For a range of opportunities with Learndirect and VDS visit www.volunteerscotland.org.uk/
GO4Volunteering
This is a programme to help voluntary oranisations to involve volunteers www.voluntaryactionfund.org.uk/
TimeBank
This charity encourages people to volunteer their time and skills for worthy causes in areas such as education, young people, health and the environment. Visit www.timebank.org.uk/
Volunteer Development Scotland
Volunteer Development Scotland aims to increase diversity of volunteers by improving access to volunteering opportunities; enhancing volunteering experience, encouraging a balanced and proportionate response to legislation and influencing policy and decision making through an evidence based approach. Visit their website at www.vds.org.uk.
Making volunteering more accessible.
Download Volunteer Centre Midlothian's volunteering from home toolkit from http://www.volunteeringfirst.com/
The CSV Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP)
Activities include opportunities in education and craft, helping children without English as their first language, accompanying nursery children to their swimming classes and supporting Eco School activities. RSVP is keen to develop opportunities for green-fingered volunteers for a growing number of eco-projects and school gardens. Working with school children is a great way to break down generational barriers, as these days many children don’t have close contact with grandparents. RSVP is also keen to engage with individuals and groups to support volunteers to design and deliver projects in their own communities. These projects could be linked to local history, the environment, health and well being, arts and crafts and any other areas of interest. As a partner in such projects RSVP can offer public liability insurance, personal accident insurance up to age 85 and Disclosure checks where appropriate. RSVP’s approach is flexible and volunteers can choose how much time they wish to give – even 1 hour a week has its value. Differences in culture and physical ability are welcomed, all that matters is that a volunteer enjoys being with other people and would like to make a difference in their community. Visit www.csv.org.uk for more information
Volunteers Standard
This new quality standard provides a 10-step method for organisations to review and improve the way in which they manage and develop their volunteers. It operates by addressing the organisation's policies and procedures for recruiting, supporting, involving, valuing, developing and protecting its volunteer workforce. On registering to undertake the standard, organisations will be assigned a quality approved assessor who will arrange an introductory workshop for their staff and volunteers. They will also be signposted to Volunteer Development Scotland training courses and reading materials and be given access to on-line learning resources that may help them to achieve the award. The total cost involved in undertaking this process is approx £1000 for most organisations in Scotland and it is recommended that the standard should take no more than 12 months to complete. For further information on this please visit www.investinginvolunteers.org.uk
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Discounts and Donations
Technology Donations
Scottish charities can request product donations from organisations such as Microsoft, Symantec and Cisco through Charity Technology Exchange (CTX). A wide range of products can be requested as donations including:
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Microsoft Sever products (Windows Server, Small Business Server, Sharepoint etc.)
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Microsoft Office 2003 & 2007
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Windows XP and Vista upgrades
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Cisco routers, switches and wireless access points
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Symantec desktop and enterprise anti-virus and firewall products
Charities pay a small administrative fee to cover the costs of running the programme and whilst the administrative fees vary, charities will still make savings of between 92-96% on typical retail prices. In practice, this means that a small charity with say 10 computers, can acquire the latest office, anti-virus, publishing and server software to equip the organisation for around £200. For full details of all participating donors, including available products and eligibility criteria, and to find out about how the programme works and to start the registration process visit the CTX Website.
Free & Cheap Refurbished Computers for Charities
OASIS provide refurbished computers to charities at special charity rates, they also have an ongoing limited number of FREE computers to give to charities. For more information visit their website
Lush Product Donations
Lush give product donations to charities and other good causes for raffle prizes. They also donate soap that is not perfect enough to sell in their shops to people to whom something as simple as soap can make a big difference and have been finding ways of getting the soap into the hands of those who need it most. If you know a charity or group that could put soap to a good use (overseas aid, hospices, homeless shelters, women’s refuge etc) or would like to ask them for a product donation for a raffle, please email charitypot@lush.co.uk or visit their product donation page
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Publications
Volunteer Development Scotland
Publications available:
- Engaging Volunteers,
- Guidelines on Volunteers' Expenses,
- A Virtuous Circle - Volunteering with Extra Support Needs,
- Insuring Volunteers,
- Volunteering - the Legal Framework
Contact Volunteer Development Scotland, Stirling Enterprise Park, Stirling, FK7 7RP Phone 01786 479593 Email vds@vds.org.uk
The Directory of Social Change
Publications available:
- Essential Volunteer Management
Phone 020 7209 5151
The National Centre for Volunteering
Publications available:
- Safe and Alert - Good Practice Advice on volunteers working in a vulnerable situation,
- The Good Practice Guide: for everyone who works with volunteers,
- The Volunteer Recruitment Book, Supervising Volunteers
Phone 020 7520 8900
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Have published online the results of a pilot programme conducted in London which aimed to help voluntary organisations adopt more business-like approaches to capacity building and become more outward-looking. 'Capacity building: lessons from a pilot programme with black and minority ethnic voluntary and community organisations' can be reviewed at www.jrf.org.uk/knowledge/findings/socialpolicy/1928.asp
Midlothian Voluntary Action (MVA)
Have produced a publication Document Retention - A Quick Guide which provides an overview of the main situations in which voluntary organisations are required to hold on to documents. The guide covers the legal and good practice requirements on the retention of financial accounts, insurance policies, staffing records, etc. For further information please see the MVA website www.mvacvs.org.uk or contact Margaret.Nisbet@mvacvs.org.uk
Voluntary Arts Network
'Taking the next step: from an informal group to a registered organisation'. This publication gives an overview of things to consider. From the Publications section of their website or download direct (pdf, 63KB)
Accessibility Guidance Booklet
NHS Highland have published an Accessibility Guidance booklet. The guidance was developed for specific use by staff working for NHS Highland, however, it may well be used as a good practice guide by a whole range of other service providers, networks and groups. To view the publication click here.
Fourth Sector Development
Forth Sector Development have a range of useful publications available to download for those involved in Third (voluntary) Sector Development, including their “Business Planning Guide to Developing a Social Enterprise”. To view their publications visit their website.
Contracts, Service level Agreements and Grants - Understanding the Differences
Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Senscot have produced a report which clarifies the definitions of contracts, service level agreements and grants by public sector organisations in funding social enterprises. To view click here.
Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations
The Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) has set up a new Cutswatch website, at www.cutswatch.org.uk, to provide guidance and support to third sector organisations through public spending cuts.
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Other Toolkit Sections to look at:
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