The CVO (East Ayrshire) can provide Information and assistance to Community and Voluntary groups.

Access to:

• Free Information
  Sources of Funding, Constitutions, Charitable Status
• Free Advice
  Grant Applications, Organisational Structures
• Seminars/Training/Conferences
  Effective means of sharing information important to the voluntary sector. Highlighting issues of concern.
• Free Advertising
  Promote your organisation in our quarterly newsletter
• Special Rates
  Photo-copying, Minutes, Reports, Tickets, Posters, etc
• Collective Fund-Raising Events

Sources of Funding

CVO (E.A.) can assist groups to identify potential funders and offer support with grant applications.

Constitutions

A constitution is a set of "operating rules" drawn up to assist a group or organisation to operate on a day to day basis. However, it assists in explaining who you are, the activities the group will undertake, who will be responsible for managing the group and the powers they have to enable to do this effectively.

If a group or organisation is seeking funding any potential funder may ask if you have a constitution in place and that it is sent along with any application for funding.

If you are a Trust or a Company Limited by Guarantee then you will need specific legal documents, which will require the assistance of a Solicitor.

If you require assistance with a constitution our Manager will be pleased arrange an appointment to meet you and discuss your groups particular requirements.

Organisational Structures

Starting up a new group or organisation is an exciting and challenging process. Groups and organisation can adopt one of several structures and it is important that you select the most appropriate one for your group and the activities you wish to carry out.

Charity Law has identified the following structures and CVO (E.A.) can assist you in selecting the right legal structure for your group or organisation;

• Association
• Incorporation
• Trust
• Charity
• Community Interest Company
• Social Enterprise

The structure that you choose will be governed by a different set of regulations and this will be part of the information you will need when deciding on the most appropriate structure for your group.

Management and Governance

Groups and organisations will be managed in different ways depending on their nature of their activities and the organisational structure they have adopted. It should be remembered that the way in which the group is managed and the organisational structure may change as the group grows and develops.

Our manager will be happy to assist with committee skills training, looking at the role of the chair, the secretary, the treasurer and the committee member without office.

If you have a Board of Directors, then you may wish to look at what a Director is and their roles and responsibilities.

CVO (E.A) CORE ACTIVITIES

Understanding The Voluntary Sector

CVO (E.A.) will gather up to date information on the local voluntary sector, using a standard range of data collection.

Communicating With The Voluntary Sector

CVO (E.A.) will provide relevant and up to date information to the local voluntary sector, facilitating networking between organisations and promoting opportunities for them to respond to emerging issues and consultations.

Representing The Interests Of The Local Voluntary Sector

CVO (E.A) will work to ensure their representation at the strategic level of the Community Planning partnership and will facilitate voluntary sector participation in thematic Community Planning forums.

Providing Support Services

CVO (E.A.) will provide support services to the voluntary sector on business planning, legal frameworks, management and monitoring and evaluation and will support the generation of income for the sector.

Promoting Good Practice

CVO (E.A.) will develop the skills and knowledge of those operating at all levels of the local voluntary sector, seeking to improve standards in management, policy implementation and service delivery through the provision of training events for staff and volunteers.

Growing the Sector

CVO (E.A.) will support the emergence of X of new groups in response to local issues and needs, to strengthen the capacity of existing organisations through training and support and also to identify the economic value of the local voluntary sector.