July 2012

BEDS-SPREAD
43 Bromham Road Bedford MK40 2AA Tel: 01234 354366 Fax: 01234 347503 E-mail:info@yourcvs.org Web:www.yourcvs.org

Volunteer Centre Quality Mark Achieved

Volunteer Centre Bedford and Biggleswade are pleased to announce they have passed their Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation. This will enable them to continue using the Volunteer Centre brand and allow them to work as a Quality Accredited Volunteer Centre. A portfolio of work was submitted to Volunteering England in February 2012. The assessment process for VCQA examines the activity of a volunteer centre in delivering these six core functions, namely brokerage, marketing, good practice development, developing volunteering opportunities, policy response and campaigning / strategic development of volunteering. For each of these, the Volunteer Centre had to demonstrate that it has processes in place to deliver that function and to monitor the outcome of its delivery. The assessors commented: This is a strong portfolio of well chosen evidence that has been clearly presented...The evidence demonstrates that the VC is delivering all six core functions to a good standard Evidence for the marketing function is also particularly noteworthy..The marketing plan is detailed and comprehensive. Target audiences have been identified..This core function has been met to a particularly high standard with some excellent evidence submitted. As well as working as a Quality Accredited Volunteer Centre the Volunteer Centre will continue to benefit from increased credibility, increased funding and better networking.

Changes to Local Council Tax Support: does this affect your users?
From April 2013, local authorities have to agree and implement a local scheme of Council Tax Support to replace the current national scheme of Council Tax Benefit. Local authorities will have the freedom to design schemes for working-age claimants, taking into account their responsibilities towards vulnerable groups and the importance of supporting incentives to work. However, as part of this change, local authorities will have 10% less funding to support residents with Council Tax Support. Bedford Borough Council is developing its Local Council Tax Support Scheme and would value, at this early stage, the input of local voluntary and community sector organisations. If you work with adults of working age who currently benefit from some form of Council Tax Benefit, then you need to know about these changes and make sure that the views of your users are heard. An informal meeting to discuss the scheme with council officers has been organised for 10am, Tuesday 21st August 2012 at CVS' offices in Bedford. If you would like to attend then please contact Poppy on 01234 354366 or email poppy@yourcvs.org.

Harpur Trust Launches New Visual Identity

On Sunday 1st July The Harpur Trust (formerly Bedford Charity (Harpur Trust) became a company limited by guarantee and celebrated the occasion by launching its vibrant, new visual identity. The companys new name is simply Harpur Trust. The new visual identity acknowledges the Trusts history and heritage by using part of the previous heraldic shield to create a striking capital H, reminiscent of the weave and weft found within fabric; pertinent given the Trusts founder, Sir William Harpur, was a tailor. For more information on the Trust visit their new website at www.harpurtrust.org.uk

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423

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BEDS-SPREAD

USEFUL UPDATES & INFORMATION

Changes to CRB Disclosures and Barring
The Government will be making important changes to criminal records and barring arrangements from September. The changes will affect organisations (employers, voluntary organisations and charities) who engage people to work with vulnerable groups including children. This is work which a barred person must not do (called regulated activity), or work for which the organisation may obtain a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. A leaflet has been published by the Home Office explaining the changes which are being made and how they will affect you. A copy can be downloaded at http://tinyurl.com/86nstle

Poverty News
Poverty News (the local newsletter on poverty issues) is being produced again, with Bedfordshire Child Poverty Action as the publisher. The newsletter aims to keep local professionals updated on national and local poverty issues. The latest edition is focused on Bedford Borough and includes a benefit update. You can download a copy from www.bedscpag.org.uk

Healthwatch Bedford Consultation

Bedford Borough Council is consulting on a new local consumer watchdog for health and social care. Healthwatch Bedford will have three main functions:
Influencing helping shape the planning of health and social care services Signposting helping people access and make choices about care Information, advice and guidance including independent advocacy for individuals making complaints about healthcare

We want to build Healthwatch Bedford into a successful organisation that is:

representative of our local community based in our local community responsive to local needs

Healthwatch Bedford will be a not for-profit organisation that is able to employ staff, manage volunteers and (if they choose) be able to subcontract parts of its role. Healthwatch Bedford will need to have a skilled governing board of local people. The final decision about what Healthwatch Bedford will look like is for Bedford Borough Council, but the decision will be made in consultation with local people including the existing Bedford LINk (Local Involvement Network). The consultation process will run from 16 July to 30 September 2012. There are two versions of the consultation document a Compact version and a Comprehensive version. Both consultation documents are available on the website www.bedford.gov.uk/healthwatch from Borough Hall reception, Bedford Borough libraries or from Anona Hoyle on 01234 718345. All comments should reach the Council by 30 September 2012. As part of the consultation process there will be an opportunity to attend consultation events on Thursday 23 August and Wednesday 5 September 2012, further details are available on the website www.bedford.gov.uk/healthwatch

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423

BEDS-SPREAD

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UPCOMING CVS TRAINING

Data Protection & Confidentiality
Wednesday 19th September 2012 This one-day workshop is for staff and trustees of voluntary organisations, particularly those responsible for policies and procedures and will most benefit those responsible for managing information about people. The workshop will explain the Data Protection Act and how related legislation affects voluntary organisations and give participants the opportunity to explore the practical implications for their own organisations.

Being An Even Better Volunteer Manager

Wednesday 7th November 2012 This workshop is aimed at those who have some experience of managing volunteers, may have attended the Volunteer Management course or wish to improve their understanding and practice further. Topics covered include the importance of relevant policies and procedures, legal obligations relating to volunteers, volunteer agreements and personal management style and its impact.

Behaving More Assertively

Tuesday 4th December 2012 If you think that you allow others to impose on you, find it hard to say no and tend to let others make decisions for you, this day will help. Learn whats involved in assertive communication, manage relationships better, how to give and receive praise and criticism and much more.

Workshop Bookings
Cost for these workshops from 12 per delegate unless otherwise stated All workshops are at CVS, 43 Bromham Road, Bedford For bookings please contact Jan at CVS on 01234 354366 or email: jan@yourcvs.org

These Training Workshops are supported by The Big Lottery Fund

Fit for Safeguarding Free Workshops

Tuesday 18th September & Wednesday 14th November The course is for you if you are from a local community group, want to develop your understanding of safeguarding and would like tools and resources to use to improve practice in your group. The aim of the workshop is to develop understanding of safeguarding and improve safeguarding practice in community groups. An essential part of this course is the safeguarding e-learning which has been provided by the Local Safeguarding Children Board for Bedfordshire. For the first part of the session, learners will complete the elearning using the computers that we will provide. If you have already completed the e-learning and you can provide a copy of your certificate, please contact us. You may come to the second part of the session. If you have access to a computer connected to the internet and would like to complete the e-learning before attending the course, please contact Jane Owen by email jane@yourcvs.org or telephone 01234 354366.

Risk Management For Trustees

Saturday 29th September 2012 9.30am to 12.30pm Trainer: Sandy Adirondack Venue: Corn Exchange Bedford Last year CVS ran a very successful half-day seminar aimed at Trustees, and by popular request have decided to offer another free half-day workshop specifically for Trustees, this time on the subject of Risk Management. If you want to book a place , please call Poppy on 01234-354366 or email: poppy@yourcvs.org

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423

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FUNDING
Sport Englands Inspired Facilities
The final round this year of Sport Englands Inspired Facilities will be open for applications from 23rd July to 17th September. It aims to give local community sports groups the chance to upgrade their facilities or convert existing buildings into venues that are suitable for grassroots sport, and accessible to the whole community. There is a range of useful tools on the website, including a video of a workshop about the fund, and a dummy application form which allows applicants to work through and develop their proposal, highlighting areas where they may need additional advice or support before submitting it. To qualify for a grant of 20,000 - 50,000 you will need to: Show how your project will keep, and ideally attract more people to sport Demonstrate that it is needed and wanted by the local community Explain how it will cover its running costs and remain open for sporting use for years to come In particular, they are looking for projects or organisations across the country that: Have not previously received an individual sports Lottery grant worth 10,000 or more Offer local opportunities to people who do not currently play sport, or Are the only public sports facility in the local community Further details are available at http://inspiredfacilities.sportengland.org/

Fit for Funding Workshops

These workshops will cover all the basics to get you to the stage where your organisation will be able to apply for funding. The next workshops at the CVS office are on:

Demonstrating Need and Understanding Outcomes

This workshop will build on the skills you gained from the Fit for Funding workshop. Using practical examples and interactive workshops they will explain how to identify and explain need for your work and define aims, outcomes, targets and milestones. The next workshops at the CVS office are on:
Tuesday 20th September - 10am to 12noon Thursday 22nd November - 7pm to 9pm

Tuesday 11th September - 7pm to 9pm Tuesday 2nd October - 10am to 12noon Saturday 10th November - 10am to 12noon Thursday 13th December - 7pm to 9pm

If you would like to attend one of the workshops please contact Mark or Linda on 01234 354366 or email mark@yourcvs.org or linda@yourcvs.org

If you would like to attend one of the workshops please contact Mark or Linda on 01234 354366 or email mark@yourcvs.org or linda@yourcvs.org

Connect your Community with BT Broadband

If you are a community group or charitable organisation which helps or wants to help people access the internet and improve their ICT skills, you could be eligible to receive 12 months' free broadband from BT. Applying for a BT Community Connections award is easy. Simply go to www.bt.com/ communityconnections to access the online application form and read the full rules and guidance notes. The closing date for applications is Friday 7th September at 5.30pm.

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423

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FUNDING
Climate Change Fund
The Mayors Climate Change Fund is a grant-funded scheme which provides match-funding of between 5k and 20k for community group projects that will contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions within Bedford Borough. The minimum grant level is 5k and the maximum level you can apply for is 20k. All monies must be spent within 12 months of a grant offer being made. Applicants will need to provide match-funding of at least 50% of the total project cost from other sources. Applications are welcomed from voluntary and community groups, not-for-profit organisations, registered charities, public sector and social enterprises. Projects that will be considered for funding include: Loft insulation Cavity wall insulation Upgrading of heating systems Boiler replacements Secondary glazing Low-energy lighting Solar hot water systems Ground or air source heat pumps Other low carbon and energy efficient technologies Submitted applications will be taken to the Sustainability Committee on the following meeting dates (applications need to be submitted at least 3 weeks before the meeting date): 19th September 2012 (deadline for submission - 28th August 2012), 14th November 2012 (deadline for submission - 22nd October 2012) 30th January 2013 (deadline for submission - 7th January 2013), 6th March 2013 (deadline for submission - 11th February 2013). Further information is included in the Climate Change Fund application form. For more information contact the Sustainability Committee on 01234 718259 or email: climatechangefund@bedford.gov.uk

Removing Barriers to Volunteering in Bedford Borough

The aim of this fund is to provide financial support to community groups to help them recruit, retain and train volunteers to work with them in improving the lives of people in Bedford Borough. The maximum you can apply for is 2,000. There is no minimum sum. However, awards in excess of 1,500 will be the exception rather than the rule. The fund will support: Projects where the objective is to recruit new volunteers to work for the applicant group Increasing the skills of volunteers by funding accredited training courses relevant to the work of the applicant group Non-accredited training courses for volunteers where the applicant can show an exceptional need or value to their volunteers Reasonable travel expenses so that volunteers can carry out their roles Capital items that assist with voluntary work Visit www.blcf.org.uk/grants to download an application form or contact the Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation on 01234 834930 or at administrator@blcf.org.uk

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423

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BEDS-SPREAD

SNIPPETS
Community Centres and Facilities Available for Hire
Bedford Borough Council currently provides nine community centre facilities in Bedford:

Brickhill Cauldwell Church Lane Faraday Jubilation Centre Queens Park Scott Hall Southfields Tavistock

Although the Council owns the buildings, the community centres are run entirely by voluntary management committees who are solely responsible for all aspects of centre management including income generation. The management committees also work hard to improve facilities at their centres by applying to outside bodies for grant aid for items such as new flooring, kitchen or garden improvements. Community centres provide a meeting place and base for activities for local people. All the community centres are available for hire. Facilities vary, and depend mainly on the size of the community centre. For more information contact Bedford Borough Council on 01234 276215 or 01234 276216 or visit their website: http://tinyurl.com/3d79m56

Fancy a Free Governance Consultation?

Charities can benefit from a free, confidential review from governance experts. This review is the second project undertaken as part of the Charity Commissions Review Programme aimed at encouraging charities to help strengthen themselves. The project is a collaboration between the Charity Commission and Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. For more information on how to apply, go to the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators website: http://tinyurl.com/cf8hrml

Free PQASSO Intensive Support Last chance!

Does your organisation want to implement a quality standard? If so, the CVS PQASSO Intensive Support could help you. PQASSO (Practical Quality Assurance for Small Organisations) offers a practical step-by-step approach to enable voluntary and community organisations to improve the way their organisation runs and to help them to improve the quality of their services. Support is available to all participating organisations by telephone, email or visit as needed. The PQASSO Mentor can provide support to:

carry out initial self-assessment develop action plans review progress towards the PQASSO standards provide resources such as templates for policies and procedures assist with the collation of evidence prepare for a PQASSO Quality Mark peer review

Funding ends in December. Contact Jane Owen on 01234 354366 or jane@yourcvs.org

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423

BEDS-SPREAD

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SNIPPETS
MK Dons Sports & Education
MK Dons Sports & Education are looking for volunteers. They have teamed up with Santander to create a community hub in the Bedford area. They are hoping to inspire and motivate residents to engage in activities to enrich the local community. Once established it is hoped local residents will continue to use the space for the benefit of the community. Community Champions are needed to be involved. Each one will have the opportunity to gain a nationallyrecognised qualification in personal development, at a level to suit the individual, free of charge. Being a Community Champion will also give individuals the chance to gain valuable key skills such as how to liaise with their community, how to organise events and how to sustain community activities. They will also have the opportunity to attend workshops delivered by Santander, BP, Thames Valley Police and Community Action. If you are interested or would like to find out more about this exciting new venture contact Lisa Hosking or Carol Fox on 01908 622936.

UpRising looking for People to Make a Difference

UpRising is Britain's premier leadership programme for young adults aged 19-25 from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. They are looking to recruit a new cohort of young adults who have the potential to become future leaders across the public, private and charity sectors. This is a part-time programme with a cost of 60 for certification in community leadership by Birkbeck University. Recruitment is now open for the October 2012-2013 programme. Programmes are running in East London, Bedford, Birmingham and Manchester. Applications are open to all 19-25 yearolds, regardless of qualifications or educational background. UpRising is designed to nurture and support young adults looking to develop leadership skills and become more active in their communities on issues they care about. Benefits of becoming an UpRiser include a comprehensive training package to enable you to lead on social action in your community, attendance to high profile learning sessions, bespoke leadership training run by some of Britain's leading experts in their field and individual coaching sessions at the start of the programme. For more information or to apply to join the UpRising Leadership Programme, visit: www.uprising.org.uk

VSC Hub
ContinYou is a charity that is working on behalf of the Department for Education to help schools broaden the range and raise the quality of the extra-curricular activities they provide for their pupils. Voluntary and Community sector organisations offering extracurricular activities are invited to join the VCS Hub to raise their profile with schools and to access support to increase the quality of their provision. Registering on the VCS Hub offers several benefits including free online marketing opportunities, free training opportunities, extra promotion opportunities and quality assurance. Registration on the VCS Hub and Learning Exchange membership are FREE until September 2012. For more information or to register, visit: http://www.learning-exchange.org.uk/

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423

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BEDS-SPREAD

SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL GROUPS

RUNAWAY Media
RUNAWAY Media is a not-for-profit production company that developed from a project at the University of Bedfordshire. They make high-quality, low-cost films. RUNAWAY help media graduates manage the transition from education to work by employing them to make short films for local public and voluntary sector agencies. They have made films for: LAMP a public information film for a charity supporting young homeless people Develop a recruitment film for the Bedfordshire Education & Business Partnership The Karen Trust a fundraising film for a charity for people with terminal cancer Signposts an information film for a residential charity supporting vulnerable people The Mid-Beds Domestic Abuse Partnership a training film The Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership a campaign film

Their creative teams are full of ideas and have a sound knowledge of production. For more information visit http://www.runaway-media.co.uk or email: jim@runaway-media.co.uk

Bedford Rotaract
Bedford Rotaract is a social club for young people aged 18-30 living in and around Bedfordshire. They raise money for local charities and help the community as well as offering a wide range of social activities that enable members to try something new, have fun, make new friends and develop both personally and professionally. They are currently looking for new members. For more information visit their website at: http://www.bedfordrotaract.org.uk/

Bedford VoiceAbility Service

VoiceAbility supports people who face disadvantage or discrimination to have a voice that counts and offer services across the advocacy and involvement spectrum. They have recently moved into the offices at Community and Voluntary Services on Bromham Road. Bedford VoiceAbility are in the process of launching a new phone line, dedicated to providing parents with learning difficulties and/or mental health illness with direct advocacy support. The new telephone line will be open to parents in Bedfordshire and Luton no matter how small or how complex their query is. Their experienced advocates can provide information to parents about their rights, local services and support groups in the area. They can also provide parents with the range of options open to them, and problem-solving techniques to enable them to take control of their situation. If parents require further advocacy support, they can then make a self-referral over the phone. The referral line is open from 10am to 1pm Mondays to Thursdays and the number to call for making referrals is 01234 880623.
CVS operations are funded by: Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, The Bedford Charity and The Big Lottery Fund
Please note: Every care is taken to provide accurate information, however CVS accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions in, or complaints arising from, items in this publication. Inclusion of information in this newsletter does not imply endorsement by CVS. Please feel free to replicate any articles, as long as you credit CVS.

Your CVS serving the local Voluntary and Community Sector

Registered Charity: 1091423