Issue 52 October 2010 Rhif 52 Hydref 2010

The deadline for the next issue is: Friday 28 January 2011

Email to:enquiries@pavs.org.uk

ContentsForeword 2 Circuit Riders 7 Representation and Joint Working 8 Third Sector News 9 Charity Commission News 10 Funding News 14 Training 21 Volunteering 22 Members News 25

PAVS seeks new Board membersFollowing a change to its Constitution at the last Annual General Meeting, the PAVS Board consists of 7 members who are nominated and elected by its membership, and 3 members (Chair, Vice Chair, and Trustee with Special Responsibility for Finance) who are appointed by the Board through an open and competitive recruitment process.

Each year, one third of the Board stands down by rotation, with members being able to stand again for immediate re-election, if they so wish, to a maximum of 9 years’ continuous service.

PAVS is therefore seeking two new trustees, nominated by member organisations, to stand for election at its AGM on Wednesday 8th December. Nomination papers will be circulated early in November, but Ian Hunter OBE, Chair of PAVS is keen to encourage members to give the matter early consideration:

“Like many other third sector organisations, PAVS is facing a critical time in its development and needs a strong Board of Directors/Trustees to provide clear strategic leadership and robust financial management over the coming years. The Board is already engaged in key strategic and business planning activity, and wants to explore the potential of setting up a social enterprise trading arm to support core service delivery in future.

“As Chair of PAVS, I would like to encourage member organisations to put forward appropriately experienced nominees, who are able to devote sufficient time to helping secure the future of PAVS as a sustainable intermediary organisation, supporting voluntary and community action in Pembrokeshire.”

The post of TSR Finance is also due for re-appointment this year and an open recruitment process will be undertaken following the AGM.

PAVS AGM Picton Centre , Haverfordwest

Wednesday 8 December 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm

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Foreword

Challenging TimesSince the last time of writing, the context for our work here at PAVS seems to have been dominated by news of potential – and actual – public sector expenditure cuts. PAVS continues to work closely with public sector partners at national and local level to ensure that the third sector is not treated unfairly in the difficult decisions that undoubtedly need to be taken by service planners and commissioners. It is worth remembering that the third sector currently receives a very small percentage of public sector budgets (2.8% of WAG budgets; 3% of local authority budgets; 0.3% of health budgets) and delivers a massive return on this relatively small investment, providing vital services that support some of the most vulnerable people and disadvantaged communities in Wales.

Through membership of the Local Service Board and other strategic planning partnerships (including Health, Social Care and Well-being; Children and Young People; Community Safety and Carers), PAVS will continue to represent the views of the third sector and it is vitally important that you let us know what you want us to say on your behalf. Please take the time to get involved in network events and keep in touch with our Representation and Joint Working team. In addition to news published on the main PAVS website – www.pavs.org.uk – there is also an on-line resource specially designed to support Pembrokeshire third sector engagement in planning and representation at www.pembs-networking.org.uk

Whilst on this subject, it’s great to see that the Hywel Dda Health Board is leading the way in Wales in terms of engagement with the third sector, with the launch of the 3rd sector co-design project taking place in Narberth on 7th September. This event was attended by the Hywel Dda Chief Executive, Chair, Vice Chair and Directors of Planning and Strategic Partnerships, which clearly demonstrates the high-level commitment to involving the third sector in co-producing the design and delivery of health care services across the region. The following week, Sue attended a presentation in Cardiff given by the NHS Director of Resources, Chris Hurst, and can report that every other Health Board area

in Wales wants the “Hywel Dda” approach! For more information about this work in Pembrokeshire, contact Michelle Copeman at PAVS on 01437 769422.

PAVS has now completed the interview process for the third sector representatives on the Community Health Council (Pembrokeshire Association) and has made its recommendations to the Health Minister, Edwina Hart, who has to make the formal appointment. The standard of applicants was particularly high, and there is no doubt that the three successful appointees will be able to make a significant contribution to the work of the CHC in Pembrokeshire.

At the most recent meeting of the Voluntary Sector Liaison Group (which provides a formal interface between the local authority and the third sector in Pembrokeshire), members received a progress report on the work that has been done towards establishing a shared 3rd sector resource centre in Pembrokeshire. The objective of the project is to co-locate third sector organisations in one building, or within a network of buildings, with a view to reducing overheads, sharing support services, and encouraging collaborative working.

To date, just over 20 organisations have expressed some interest in being part of the project; three organisations have secured capital funding to purchase buildings; and 13 organisations collectively pay over £125,000 each year in rent – money which could almost certainly be put to better use if savings could be achieved through co-location. Further meetings are taking place to see if a suitable building or site can be identified and, in the meantime, efforts are being made to make the best possible use of existing third sector buildings by linking groups wanting accommodation to those with available space. PAVS is also looking at the potential to deliver shared support services (such as finance, personnel, printing, payroll, etc) through a social enterprise model. If you have not already indicated your interest, but would like to get involved, please contact Sue on 01437 769422 or e-mail sue.leonard@pavs.org.uk

In addition to overseeing the 3rd sector resource centre project, the Voluntary Sector Liaison

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Foreword

Group is also steering work on developing a new compact with the third sector. Broadly speaking, the aim of a compact is to set out a framework for public sector organisations engaging with the third sector and, in the past, the Pembrokeshire compact has been between Pembrokeshire County Council and PAVS on behalf of the wider sector. It is now proposed to develop a regional tri-partite compact which will include the Hywel Dda Health Board, together with the Local Authorities and the three county voluntary councils in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The new compact is likely to be based on the existing Carmarthenshire model, which sets out general principles of engagement, with separate codes of practice covering specific areas such as volunteering, funding, communication/consultation and partnership working. Developing the compact will take place through one of the workstreams associated with the Hywel Dda 3rd sector co-design project, and will be subject to full consultation with the sector in due course.

As part of the work associated with public service efficiencies, Sue recently attended a presentation and open forum session led by John Palmer, WAG Director of Improving Public Services, whose work includes heading up the Efficiency & Innovation Board. The event was interesting in itself – John was very positive about the potential contribution of the third sector to the public service debate – but the best bit was the fact that Sue was spared a trip to Cardiff as participation was made possible through a video link to Aberystwyth (much closer to home). WCVA organised the event through Participation Cymru and video links were available in Rhyl and Aberystwyth, with the main event taking place in Cardiff. The technology worked extremely well and all had an equal opportunity to take an active part in the question and answer session that followed the presentation, despite the fact that some were taking part “virtually”.

Video conferencing appears to meet both economic and environmental imperatives and we strongly believe that we should, as a sector, be making every effort to reduce the amount of time spent travelling to meetings. PAVS will be exploring different ways of engaging with people that do not always involve travelling to a central venue and we have set up a low-cost

video conferencing facility that uses Skype for one-to-one or small meetings. There are good video conferencing facilities in the county – we just need to get better at making use of them! All members of the Community Planning and Leadership Partnership (which includes PAVS) have pledged to sign up to a sustainable development or carbon reduction charter – and making better use of technology to reduce travel is just one of the ways that PAVS will be meeting that pledge. At a recent staff development session, PAVS used the PLANED Sustainability Toolkit to raise awareness of issues relating to sustainability and will soon be completing the audit associated with this work to develop appropriate organisational practice. The Board continues to update PAVS business planning processes – including planning for a PAVS social enterprise as a trading arm - and has appointed a working group chaired by John Gossage vice-Chair of PAVS. Staff are being consulted as the plan develops and it is hoped to give the sector an early opportunity to comment at the PAVS AGM on December 8th.

Finally, thanks to all of you who attended the recent Pembrokeshire Funding Fair, which was a great success once again with over 200 individuals attending during the day – a full report is included in this newsletter. Sue teamed up with Sinead Henehan from the Pembrokeshire County Council Community Regeneration Unit to formally launch the Collaborative Communities project in Pembrokeshire. This EU-funded project brings together officers in PAVS and Pembrokeshire County Council to provide an integrated support service to help voluntary and community groups move from grant dependency towards a mixed funding or social enterprise model of delivery.

Other successful events held recently have included the Youth Volunteering Fair and the Community Buildings Forum – again, full reports are given later in this newsletter. This edition of Pembrokeshire Voice contains the usual mix of interesting and informative articles, which we hope you will find useful. Happy reading!

Ian Hunter OBE - Chair of PAVS Sue Leonard - PAVS Chief Officer

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Facing up to the future PAVS is working hard on behalf of the sector to engage in early dialogue with the public sector at both national and local level around planning for the future in the face of potential cuts in departmental budgets and the impact this could have on services delivered by voluntary and community groups. As a member of the Third Sector Infrastructure Partnership, PAVS continues to work through its national networks to ensure that Ministers in the Assembly Government are made fully aware of the excellent contribution made by the sector; the value for money it represents and the likely impact of any cuts on the most vulnerable people living in communities across Wales.

This pressure resulted in a joint letter being issued by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and Ministers from the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) prior to the comprehensive spending review, setting out planning assumptions and giving an assurance that WAG would assess the impact of Ministerial budgetary decisions on the third sector. Since the results of the comprehensive spending review were published on 20th October, WCVA has issued a second letter to the sector, a copy of which is enclosed with this newsletter. An electronic version of the letter can be downloaded from the PAVS website at www.pavs.org.uk – please circulate it as widely as possible through your networks. PAVS is also working at national level through WACVC (Wales Association of County Voluntary Councils) representation at Ministerial meetings, which are held twice yearly. Sue Leonard (PAVS Chief Officer) and Michelle Copeman (PAVS Health and Well-being Co-ordinator) represent WACVC at the Health and Social Services Ministerial meetings, attended by the Minister, Edwina Hart and Deputy Minister, Gwenda Thomas. The issue of the potential reduction in investment in the third sector as a result of public sector expenditure cuts is high on the agenda at all the Ministerial meetings scheduled for early December.

The Assembly Government’s draft budget will be published on 17th November, with the draft settlement for Local Government being published a week later, on or around 23rd November. The budget will then be formally scrutinised and the final budget will be put before the National Assembly for approval, probably in late January or early February 2011.

In the interim, it is important that the third sector is proactive in engaging in dialogue with public sector bodies, particularly the local authority and the health board. PAVS is taking a lead on this locally through its membership of the Local Service Board (LSB) and the ongoing work of the Representation and Joint Working team. As part of the recent Pembrokeshire Funding Fair, LSB members delivered a workshop for third sector organisations, which provided an overview of the challenges presented by proposed cuts in public expenditure; the potential opportunities for the sector to play its part in service redesign and delivery; what might need to be done differently in future and what support was available to help with the change process. In addition, the session provided some insight into the role of the Pembrokeshire LSB. An overview of the workshop, together with copies of the presentations delivered, can be accessed via www.pembs-networking.org.uk – the PAVS on-line resource for planning, representation and joint working. The third sector – like the public sector – needs to consider how it can be more efficient, particularly through collaboration, and be ready to work with statutory partners to shape the future of service delivery. Hywel Dda Health Board is leading the way in Wales in its engagement with the third sector to co-produce the design and delivery of healthcare services. This work is being led by the County Voluntary Councils in each of the three Counties – for more information, contact Michelle Copeman, PAVS’ Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator on 01437 769422 or by e-mail michelle.copeman@pavs.org.uk.

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Over the next few months, PAVS will be undertaking some research with the sector to develop a clearer picture of the added value of third sector service delivery in Pembrokeshire, which will be a useful tool in the difficult conversations that undoubtedly lie ahead with Heads of Service and public service commissioners. We understand that this is a busy and uncertain time for everyone – PAVS included – but please take the time to contribute to this research, which will hopefully prove beneficial in the longer term.

Government Task Force on Cutting Red TapeThe Coalition Government is currently in the process of setting up a joint Task Force on Cutting Red Tape. The Task Force aims to reduce the burden on small organisations and wants to hear from individuals, voluntary organisations and businesses that regularly face unnecessary bureaucracy.

Stephen Crabb MP has asked PAVS to let him know about any bureaucracy that causes problems for voluntary and community groups in Pembrokeshire. The Task Force is keen to progress their work and this information is therefore needed as quickly as possible.

If you have any examples of unnecessary bureaucracy that places a burden on your organisation, please e-mail details to Sue Leonard at PAVS on sue.leonard@pavs.org.uk.

Towards a Sustainable SocietyThursday 11th November 2010 10.00am – 4.00 pm

Nant-y-Ffin Hotel, Llandissilio, Pembrokeshire This one-day conference jointly organised by The Environmental Network for Pembrokeshire (TENP),

PAVS and PLANED, offers a rare opportunity to hear internationally-renowned speakers without having to leave Pembrokeshire to do so!

The conference focuses on key issues of the day such as co-production of services, service user involvement, corporate social responsibility, community action and sustainable development – all set within the topical framework of rising demands and decreasing resources for public service delivery.

Speakers include David Boyle from the New Economics Foundation, who is the co-author of a recent series of papers around co-production of services that has kick-started serious debate in Wales around this issue. Lis Burnett from NESTA will provide first-hand experience of the work they have done recently around “Mass Localism” and the importance of cohesive and vibrant communities. Marc Mordey will bring a national perspective to service user engagement, with Peter Davies completing the line-up with input from the UK Sustainable Development Commission.

Workshops will provide an ideal opportunity for participants to get involved and have more in-depth conversations with the speakers.

The aim of the conference is to bring together people from the community, voluntary, public and private sectors to focus on how to make a transition to a sustainable society locally in West Wales. If you are a service user, commissioner or provider with either a specific interest in a policy area or a general interest in current social, environmental and economic trends, then this conference should not be missed.

More information is available online at www.pavs.org.uk and www.tenp.org.uk or contact PAVS on 01437 769422 to book your place(s).

If you feel you are over-dependent on public sector grants and contracts and would like to explore alternative ways of income generation through a social enterprise or mixed economy funding model, then please contact the Pembrokeshire Collaborative Communities team at PAVS on 01437 769422 or e-mail development@pavs.org.uk.

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Third sector invited to co-produce health servicesThe time has come for the voluntary sector to play an enhanced role in shaping local healthcare services.

Working together, Hywel Dda Health Board and County Voluntary Councils in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, have launched a new concept of ‘co-production’.

It means the two sectors are taking a fully joined-up approach from the earliest of stages, in the design and delivery of future healthcare and support services. Voluntary sector leaders welcome this approach and believe it will have a hugely positive impact on the services patients receive.

Chief Officer for Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services, Sue Leonard said: “This is a huge opportunity for the voluntary sector and one that we have earned over recent years. There has been a great deal of work to build relationships since the introduction of Building Strong Bridges by the Welsh Assembly Government and this new approach is the fruition of all that hard work.”

This approach is not about top-down consultation on a plan that has already been developed, but presents a real opportunity for the third sector to get involved right from the start in developing a joint plan. Voluntary and community groups have many skills to offer and are often better placed than the public sector to deliver certain services. The co-production project acknowledges the enormous contribution that the third sector already makes to health care provision in local communities, but also recognises that there may be opportunities to do more - or to do things differently.

Chief Executive of Hywel Dda Health Board Trevor Purt said: “This is about a continuous conversation and relationship with the voluntary sector that involves them fully, from the design of services right through to delivery. The impact that the sector can have on adding value to health improvement and healthcare should not be under-estimated and we are excited about building future opportunities in the area.”

The third sector is now working with the Hywel Dda Health Board on designing a vision and plan for ongoing development of the sector’s role in healthcare as part of continuous engagement on the five-year framework – The Right Care, in the Right Place, at the Right Time…Every Time. This work is being carried out through the County Voluntary Councils in Pembrokeshire (PAVS), Ceredigion (CAVO) and Carmarthenshire (CAVS).

For more information about this work, please contact Michelle Copeman, PAVS’ Health and Well-being Co-ordinator, on 01437 769422.

Back row L-R: Ian Hunter OBE, Chair of PAVS; Chris Martin, Chair Hywel Dda Health Board; Tony Chambers, Hywel Dda Director of Planning, Performance and Delivery; Sarah Veck, Hywel Dda Director of Strategic Partnerships; Trevor Purt, Chief Executive Hywel Dda Health Board.Front row L-R: Hazel Lloyd-Lubran, Chief Executive CAVO; Sue Leonard, Chief Officer PAVS; Mandy Jones, Executive Director CAVS and Janet Hawes, Vice Chair Hywel Dda Health Board.

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ICT

PAVS Runs Wales Circuit Rider TrainingPAVS Communities 2.0 Team helped improve the quality of technical support to the third sector by delivering the new Level 3 Circuit Rider Development Framework to staff across Wales.

The Framework works on the learners’ knowledge of the Third Sector, understanding of technology support and ability to communicate with clients. This means all ICT and Developmental Third Sector workers, or Circuit Riders, who go through the learning programme will operate at the same high quality standard so third sector organisations can get the best and most appropriate support available.

If you would like to know more about Circuit Rider support or training then please contact the Communities 2.0 team on 01437 771197 or email sue.blantern@pavs.org.uk

Manage Your Event OnlineIf you run events and meetings with many different people from different places then Eventbrite (www.eventbrite.com) may be for you.

Eventbrite can publish, promote, manage and even sell tickets for your event, all in just a few clicks. Perhaps it’s your AGM coming up, or there’s a fundraising concert locally. You can create a professional online registration page, manage your contact and attendee lists, accept donations, generate name badges and allow people to pay by credit card.

It’s a great tool and is free if your event is free. If you charge for tickets, there’s a charge of 2.5% of the fee plus 49p per ticket and a 3% credit card processing fee. All of which is still good value for the amount of time you will save.

Have a play and let us know how you get on!

Get Online with BBC First Click Campaign

You may have seen articles on Digital Inclusion on the news or heard storylines on Eastenders and The Archers. That’s because the BBC has launched its First Click campaign aimed at getting people to take their ‘first clicks’ online.

PAVS Communities 2.0 team are working closely with the libraries throughout Pembrokeshire to deliver a series of sessions for older people to get online. The over 60’s represent the largest

group of people who are not online and we will be helping many of them in Pembrokeshire to become internet savvy. Look out for more information on the website or at your local library.

If you work with clients who would like to learn more about how the internet can enhance their lives then talk to us about running basic and advanced skills sessions on 01437 771197 or email josh.hoole@pavs.org.uk

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Representation and Joint Working

In May this year Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) asked PAVS and Age Concern Pembrokeshire to look at services for people aged 50+ and find out:o What services people useo What services people would like to useo What difference services make to people’s

lives o What works well and what could work betterThe study would include all social care services which could be provided by any agency - such as the voluntary sector or PCC. A questionnaire was designed introducing the study and asking people to give feedback on up to three services they had used and explaining what services they might need but are currently not available. The questionnaire was distributed as widely as possible. 40 completed questionnaires were returned with feedback on 82 services. In addition, discussions were held with three groups with about 100 participants. The results of the study were presented as an interim report at an event held on the 21st of September 2010 at Rudbaxton Community Hall in Crundale. The event was attended by about 40 service users and officers from voluntary and statutory sector organisations, including elected Council members and senior PCC officers. Workshop sessions at the event added to the feedback received during the study:The majority of people who completed the survey questionnaire were ‘very happy’ or ‘happy’ with the services they had received, but a considerable number were ‘not happy’ or ‘not happy at all’. Some were ‘undecided’ about the service received; this was often when service delivery had just started or was still ongoing and when positive and negative feedback had to be

weighed up. Feedback collected in the group discussions was mostly negative, with some positive feedback.People who completed the questionnaire appreciated the services they had received and the change it had made to their life and mentioned for example home adaptations, care services, respite care, support groups, voluntary sector support services and health services. In addition to the benefits the actual service had given, people valued quick responses and a friendly, helpful and continuing service. Many commented that the service they had received helped them to live an independent life.Negative feedback was mostly expressed about long waiting times for a service or even for an initial assessment. Even positive or undecided feedback was often qualified with statements relating to long waiting times. Other negative feedback was due to a lack of specific services which people required but were not available e.g. specific services for carers, respite care, and help after coming home from hospital.A range of additional services and improvements were suggested. Repeated suggestions were for:• an independent advocacy service for older

people• more help and more information about

available services given at discharge from hospital

• more choice of respite care services• better public transport and more community

transport services• using more ways of sharing information about

services (online, in printed format and by speaking to groups)

This work will be ongoing and feedback will be compiled into periodic reports. If you would like to include your views1 or would like to receive a copy of the full report, please see the enclosed response form or contact Anne Isaac on 01437 769422 or email anne.isaac@pavs.org.uk.

1 Your identity will be kept confidential – only your comments will be used.

Have your say on... Serviecs for People Aged 50+

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Third Sector News

Pembrokeshire Community Buildings Forum

The Pembrokeshire Community Buildings Forum was held on 28 September in St. Patrick’s Community Hall in Pembroke Dock. The Forum is jointly organised by PAVS and Pembrokeshire County Council (through the regional Collaborative Communities project) and PLANED. It offers an opportunity for representatives from community buildings throughout Pembrokeshire to come together to network and discuss issues that affect the management of their halls.

The theme of this year’s event was ‘Thrive and Survive’, focusing on opportunities to ensure the long term sustainability of community buildings. The evening was opened by Elizabeth Cook, trustee of St. Patrick’s Community Hall, who explained how the committee took on a lease for the hall from the Church in Wales and over the years have steadily developed the hall in a phased approach. She also explained all the highs and lows the committee has faced along the way. The hall is now widely used by the local community. The attendees were invited to take a look around the hall during the break, including the ingenious use of space under the hall to house a shooting range!

The speakers for the event included Kevin Doolin, the Collaborative Communities Social Enterprise Development Officer from

Pembrokeshire County Council, who explained the importance of developing an appropriate business plan for a Hall. Mike Beckett from the Communities 2.0 project in PAVS, highlighted how information technology can help improve a community building. Following the break, Vanessa John, the Collaborative Communities Sustainable Organisation Development Officer from PAVS, gave a brief update on the Independent Safeguarding Authority. This was followed by a session by Janet Davies from Pembrokeshire College’s STEP project who spoke about how community halls can benefit from hosting a variety of courses run by the college for local people.

The evening ended with Lorna Livock from PAVS (also a member of the Pembrokeshire Collaborative Communities team) speaking on funding available to make halls more environmentally sustainable and the Pembrokeshire Impact Scheme, which offers grants of up to £3000 for capital projects.

If you are a trustee of a community building and would like to benefit from being part of the Forum, email vanessa.john@pavs.org.uk to register an interest.

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WCVA Trustee Conference 2010 11 November, Cardiff Holiday InnAre you a trustee for a charity, or a member of staff who works with trustee boards? Then the Trustee Conference 2010 organised by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) could play a pivotal role in planning for your group’s future.

This year’s Trustee Conference at the Holiday Inn, Cardiff on 11 November 2010, offers a wide range of topics of interest to trustees. Graham Benfield, WCVA Chief Executive, will start the day with a round-up of key issues to emerge from the Comprehensive Spending Review, while later on Rhian Brace of Geldards will advise audience members on the implications for the third sector of the Equality Act 2010.

Expect a diverse line-up of workshops too. Sara Burgess of Companies House will introduce attendees to the benefits of the Community Interest Company model, Gisele Davies of Geldards will take a look at the new Fit and Proper Person test and Maggie Bradley of Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council will speak on Managing volunteers – issues for trustees to consider. Not only will a great many other plenary sessions and workshops take place, the Trustee conference is also an invaluable opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas.

To book your place, download the programme and booking form from the WCVA website at www.wcva.org.uk or

Call the WCVA Helpdesk on 0800 2888 329 or Email eventsadmin@wcva.org.uk.

Charity Commission NewsCharity Commission publishes its Annual Report The Charity Commission has recently published its Annual Report, which outlines their work in the last year

• to help charities to maximise their impact

• to support the needs of the sector

• to promote public confidence in charity

• to highlight the increasing role that technology is playing to provide a more efficient and timely service for charities.

There are 180,000 registered charities with a combined income last year of £52 billion. The Commission’s role as the regulator of charities is to help them achieve what they do in the most effective way possible, and in a way which continues to command public confidence.

A full copy of the Report can be downloaded from the Commission’s website: www.charitycommission.gov.uk

More delays on Charitable Incorporated Organisations The introduction of Charitable Incorporated Organisations, a new legal form for charities, will not take place until 2011 at the earliest, according to the Office for Civil Society.

Provision for the new structure, which would allow charities to incorporate without registering with both the Charity Commission and Companies House, was included in the Charities Act 2006.

The form was originally expected to be introduced in 2008, but has been delayed several times due to a lack of resources and issues with the complexity of creating an entirely new type of legal entity.

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Charity Commission News

A Breath of Fresh Air: young people as charity trusteesNew research suggests that few young people know about charity trusteeship and that charities are not doing enough to think creatively about how to attract them to the role. As a result the vast majority of charities are missing out on the energy, enthusiasm and fresh perspective that young people can bring to charity trustee boards. It also means that many young people do not have the chance to experience a role that, as one young trustee interviewed pointed out, can lead to a sense of achievement, new friendships and enhanced job applications. The Charity Commission has published a new report on young people’s attitudes towards and experiences of trusteeship - A Breath of Fresh Air: young people as charity trustees. The research provides insight into the experiences of young trustees, as well as young volunteers’ attitudes to and awareness of trusteeship. Young people are hugely under-represented on charity boards in England and Wales. Although 18-24 year olds represent 12% of the total adult population, this age group makes up just a fraction (0.5%) of the trustee population across the two countries. Out of a total of over 810,000 trustees in England and Wales, only 4,220 are aged under 24. The report examines the barriers that stand in the way of young people becoming trustees and explores potential solutions to this problem. The findings of the research have been used to develop the Commission’s new checklist, a practical tool included in the report to help charities identify the questions and issues to consider when thinking about recruiting young people to their board, the best way in which to do this and how they can support young trustees once they are appointed. Both the report and the checklist are available on the Commission’s website, www.charitycommission.gov.uk

Five Easy Steps to complying online

Did you know that one in five charities in Wales has a deadline for submitting their accounts and annual returns to the Charity Commission in October? To make this process quicker and easier, have you considered sending your returns online? It’s easier than you think. Here’s a quick guide to complying on time, online:

Step 1 - Check what you need to submitYour charity’s income determines what you must submit. If your income is:

• over £25,000 - you must complete an annual return and send a copy of your trustees’ annual report and accounts;

• between £10,000 and £25,000 – you must complete an annual return;

• less than £10,000 – you need to keep your register details up-to-date and the simplest way to do this is by completing an annual update.

Find out more information about what you need submit, along with lots of help and guidance on preparing accounts and trustees’ annual reports, on the Commission’s website – www.charitycommission.gov.uk Step 2 - Get a passwordTo access the Commission’s online services you need a password unique to your charity. You can request a password from their website. If you have an email address for your charity they will email the password within 24 hours.

If not, they will send it by post to the charity contact’s address. This normally takes about a week, so make sure you request your password in plenty of time.

Once you’ve logged in it makes sense to update your charity information by email, so that future communication between your group and the Commission will be quicker and cheaper.

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Charity Commission News

Step 3 - Log on Use your password and charity number to log in. You can then follow the links to complete your annual return or annual update. If you discover you don’t have all the information you need, you can always save what you have done and go back to it later.

To make life easier, if you have your trustees’ annual report and accounts in ‘PDF’ format, you can attach a copy online. Otherwise, please send them to: Charity Commission, PO Box 1329, Liverpool, L69 3DY.

However, if you need to submit your trustees’ annual report and accounts by post, you can still submit your annual return online.

Step 4 - Submit your informationOnce you’ve entered all your information, remember to press ‘submit’. You will then receive an email confirming that your submission has been received. Your charity’s entry on the Register of Charities should update overnight.

Step 5 - Any problems?Visit the website www.charitycommission.gov.uk or try the online services helpline on 0845 3000 197.

Charity Commission Consultation - on line services

The Charity Commission is consulting on plans to make a range of its services accessible online or by email only. It follows the announcement in July that the Commission aims to provide all of its services online by 2012.

The Commission is now encouraging charity trustees to share their views about the first stage of that process, which will see the withdrawal of paper forms for Annual Returns and Annual Updates for the financial year ending 1 January 2011 onwards.

The Commission also plans to withdraw paper-based forms for registering as a charity from April 2011. That will also apply to those registering their charities as new Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), an option which is expected to be available from the first quarter of 2011.

The consultation on the first stage of these plans is open until 2 December 2010. The Commission is especially interested to hear suggestions for ways in which it can improve its online provision of services.

If your group needs help with getting on-line then the PAVS’ Communities 2.0 team may be able to help. Communities 2.0 offers ICT support to social enterprises across Pembrokeshire and to voluntary and community groups in specified wards in Haverfordwest, Pembroke and Milford Haven. To find out more, contact the Communities 2.0 team at PAVS on 01437 771197

LEGAL UPDATE - THE EQUALITY ACT

About 90% of the provisions of the new Equality Act 2010 came into force on 1 October 2010.

The Act replaces all of the previous equality legislation and covers the protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race (which includes colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation as well as pregnancy and maternity. The Act is intended to simplify the law, sort out the disparities between the different discrimination “strands”, extend some previous protections, and introduce new protections. It is now illegal to discriminate in a number of new ways in relation to workers; provision of services; access to premises; and access to membership organisations and associations.

However many voluntary groups provide benefits for people with particular protected characteristics (but not a group defined by colour), as defined in their governing document.

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Charity News

This will continue as long as it:

• Can be justified as intended to meet a legitimate objective in a fair, balanced and reasonable way.

• Is for the purpose of preventing or compensating for a disadvantage linked to that protected characteristic.

Rosie Chapman, Director of Policy at the Charity Commission said:

“The general principle of fair and equal treatment for all applies to charities; however the law recognises that some charities are set up to help particular groups in society because of disadvantage or for clear social objectives. It therefore specifically allows charities in these circumstances to depart from the principle and the Commission’s guidance summarises the position for charities. The Government Equalities Office and the Equality and Human Rights Commission have already produced useful guidance that charities can access. We believe our guidance will complement this. “If your organisation restricts its activities or services to certain groups you need to make sure you fall under one of the exemptions of the

Act. The Equality & Human Rights Commission and the Charity Commission have both issued guidance on the exemptions.

There is a useful website listing all the Government Equalities Offices who have produced a series of guides for voluntary and community organisations: www.equalities.gov.uk The guides include:

• Equality Act 2010: What Do I Need to Know? A quick start guide on religion or belief discrimination in service provision for voluntary and community organisations; and

• The Equality Act 2010: What Do I Need to Know? A quick start guide on harassment in service provision for voluntary and community organisations.

The implementation of the new Act can be seen as an ideal opportunity for your organisation to review its current policies covering employees, volunteers and service users. Contact the Development Team at PAVS if you would like support with this process.

Funding EventsPembrokeshire Funding Fair – Event Report

The popular Pembrokeshire Funding Fair 2010 took place at the Queen’s Hall in Narberth on Tuesday 5 October with a record attendance of nearly 200 people!!

Representatives from voluntary and community groups in Pembrokeshire attended a selection of presentations and browsed the funding exhibition. There was also a seminar in the afternoon led by members of the Local Service Board – Pembrokeshire County Council, Hywel Dda Health Board and PAVS. This session looked at some of the potential challenges and opportunities for the third sector as a result of rationalising public sector expenditure.

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Funding Events

The PAVS Development Team will be organising a similar event in 2011. Thank you for supporting the event and we hope to see you again next time! Details will be published in the PAVS quarterly newsletter in 2011.

If you would like to receive e-mail notifications about this event then please e-mail development@pavs.org.uk

The feedback was really positive with delegates welcoming the chance to speak face-to-face with funders about the work of their organisations.

It was a really busy day for funders who had lots of conversations with delegates about the funding available through their schemes. Groups also had the opportunity to attend informative presentations and the seminar. Some attendees came for the whole day whilst others popped in when it suited, fitting in with other commitments.

A big “thank you” must go to all of the funders and to the presenters for their sessions. It was a pleasure to welcome the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust to our event for the first time - see the Charitable Trust section of the newsletter for further details of their local funding deadline in December. Thanks as always to the Queen’s Hall for the use of the facilities, the support given by staff to get the venue ready and their help in making the event run seamlessly.

BBC Children in Need Surgeries 2011BBC Children in Need has agreed to run Funding Surgeries at the PAVS Offices on Tuesday 8 February 2011. Groups can now book a one-to-one session with the Grants Officer to talk through any possible project ideas and get further guidance on applying to the scheme.

Places can be booked provisionally and then eligibility for this funding will be checked prior to final confirmation – this is to ensure best use of your time and the time of the Grants Officer.

If you would like to register an interest in attending then please get in touch with PAVS Development Team on (01437) 769422 or e-mail development@pavs.org.uk.

See the Charitable Trust section for more details about the priorities of BBC Children in Need.

Convergence Funding

The role of 3-SET is to help third sector organisations in Wales engage with EU Structural Funds and as part of this work a range of training opportunities are provided which can be free of charge to organisations that can demonstrate that they are engaging with European funding. For full details of the range of training courses offered by 3-SET, please refer to the WCVA Training and Events programme for September 2010 - March 2011 which can be accessed through the WCVA website at www.wcva.org.uk/training or call PAVS on 01437 769422 for more information.

Third Sector Spatial European team (3-SET) offers new training opportunities

15

Convergence Funding & Funding News

Structural Funds programme updateAs at 26 August 2010, EU funding of over £1.4 billion, representing a total project investment of over £2.8 billion, has been approved for 185 projects. These will help provide over 33,500 opportunities for businesses and provide over 480,000 employment and training opportunities for individuals across Wales.

Funding News

Funders ‘ask for more solid evidence from applicants’Funders are becoming more rigorous in scrutinising the evidence provided by charities in funding applications, key sector voices have warned. The Big Lottery Fund puts great importance on charities providing evidence about the issues they are seeking to address and the outcomes of the work they do, which becomes increasingly important when funding is so competitive.

Wanless said providing this evidence could be harder for charities that were trying to address new challenges. “But we would still need clear evidence of the need and a demonstration of how their approach to it would work,” he added.

Funders are increasingly looking for a solid evidence base for charities’ outcomes.

Pressure on Chancellor over Gift Aid plans ACEVO (Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations), the Charity Tax Group and the Institute of Fundraising have written to the Chancellor expressing their disappointment at the Gift Aid forum meetings and calling for an extension of transitional relief - worth around £100m a year to the sector and due to expire in April. Transitional relief was introduced for three years in 2008, when the basic rate of income tax was reduced. Without the relief, the reduction means the amount of Gift Aid available to

charities for every pound donated falls from 28.1 pence to 25 pence. It is believed that this would support the challenging times ahead for the sector, in a climate of rising demands on services and funding cuts.

The organisations support many of the recommendations in the report of the Gift Aid forum, such as a Gift Aid database and the possible simplification of the process, but recommends that they should run parallel to the extension of transitional relief.

The Institute of Fundraising has also expressed concerns at the slow progress to reform Gift Aid, stating that donors give to support good causes, not because of Gift Aid. They cautioned against comparing our system with the USA where all the relief goes to the donor, creating an added incentive to give.

The Institute welcomes any reform of Gift Aid that “creates an opportunity to increase charities’ income from voluntary gifts and reduces the administrative burden and costs for all organisations involved in administering Gift Aid”. It is keen for voluntary groups to maximise Gift Aid and the choice it offers their donors to increase their gifts. Concerns have been raised that recent changes to the application process and the introduction of the “fit and proper persons” test is discouraging new charities from using Gift Aid.

For more information visit: www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk

Licence for public charitable collections put on holdImplementation of the part of the Charities Act 2006 that would make the Charity Commission the lead regulator of public charitable collections has been postponed indefinitely. This will now be considered in a review of the Act that was promised when it was passed and is due to begin next year. There has been no indication whether the relevant part of the Act will be implemented or not.

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Funding News and PAVS Grants

Under existing legislation, both street and door-to-door fundraisers must acquire permits from the local authority and the Charity Commission has no licensing role. Under Part 3 of the Act, both street and door-to-door fundraisers would be required to obtain Public Collection Certificates from the Commission. Street fundraisers would still also require a local authority permit, but door-to-door fundraisers would only have to notify the relevant local authority.

Institute of Fundraising adds checklists to Codes of Practice The Institute of Fundraising has added checklists to all 28 of its Codes of Practice to make them even more accessible to fundraisers. Each Code now has a checklist at the front that pulls out pertinent issues from the Code in a series of questions, making information easier to find and providing a structure for going through the information. They are intended as an additional guide to help people digest the Codes. In an environment of increased scrutiny of fundraising methods and practices it is more important than ever that fundraisers properly interpret and adhere to the Codes. The launch of the checklists coincides with a revamp of best practice information and guidance on the Institute’s web-site.

For more information visit: www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk

Further growth in loans to sector by Triodos and Charity Bank Two of civil society’s most prominent retail lenders have seen excellent growth in the amounts they lent to organisations in the first six months of this year.

In the first half of 2010, Charity Bank agreed loans to charities and social enterprises totalling

£20.9m - almost as much as the entire £22.9m approved during the whole of 2009. The bank is still actively encouraging applications and would seek to maximise its provision of finance to the sector as public spending cuts take effect.

For more information visit: www.charitybank.org

Pembrokeshire Impact Fund Funding still available – get your share now!The scheme has distributed almost £220,000 in funding to 102 groups in Pembrokeshire since May 2008. The current scheme runs until March 2011 with £50,000 remaining in the budget to allocate before the end of March.

The current grant scheme supports voluntary and community groups applying for up to £3,000 towards capital costs for a project. The scheme cannot fund the running costs of an organisation such as general office equipment.

Projects need to show how they address the key themes of community involvement, sustainability and equal opportunities. Examples of projects funded in the recent round include:• Equipment for community halls• Refurbishment of community facilities• Equipment for a play area...and much more!

Remaining deadlines for 2010 / 2011Friday 19 November 2010Friday 11 February 2011

All applications must be received in the PAVS offices by 5pm on the relevant deadline date. The PAVS Development Team is here to help, if you would like to discuss a possible project idea or request support from one of our officers to complete an application form, then just get in touch!

Application packs and further informa-tion are available from Lindsay Mogan development@pavs.org.uk or call (01437) 769 422.

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Funding News and PAVS Grants

Future of the Pembrokeshire Impact Fund beyond March 2011:

The Welsh Assembly Government has stated its commitment to supporting County Voluntary Councils (like PAVS) in the valuable work of providing local small grants schemes across Wales. The amount of funding which will be available post March

2011 will be a reduced amount, therefore the scheme will be more competitive. Further details of any changes will be announced on the PAVS website and in the

next edition of the newsletter.

Little Green GrantThe Little Green Grant is a local grant initiative supported by the Sustainable Development Fund, which is administered by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

If you have a project or idea which you think will help you and others in your community to put living in a more sustainable way into practice, then the Little Green Grant could offer you some help to get started.

Individuals, groups of individuals, voluntary or community groups, local organisations or small businesses may apply for up to £1,500 towards a project in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park or that shows genuine support and benefit to communities within the National Park.

Projects must achieve one or more of the principles of sustainable development which include:

• Protecting the environment• Careful use of natural resources• Greater understanding and awareness of

sustainable living• Recognising the needs of all people• Providing opportunities for local employment

and economic growth

In addition projects should deliver a more sustainable way of life, demonstrate consideration of how activities funded will continue longer term and show commitment by match funding 25% or more of total project costs. This can include voluntary and in-kind contributions.

Possible projects could include:

• Community allotments• Community composting• Education or information resources • Development of newsletters/ websites/

information networks • Community based sustainable transport

initiatives• Sustainable food production and consumption

of local produce• Sustainable use of water resources and

access to water• … and lots more!

PAVS’ Pembrokeshire Impact Fund (PIF) supports capital costs only for groups carrying out projects in Pembrokeshire. If a project meets the criteria for both grant schemes then funding could be applied for from the Little Green Grant for revenue project costs whilst applying to the Pembrokeshire Impact Fund for capital costs. Applications can also be made to the Little Green Grant for stand alone revenue projects or capital / revenue projects that do not fit the criteria for the PIF.

The remaining deadlines for 2010/ 2011 are:

• Friday 19 November 2010• Friday 11 February 2011

If you would like to discuss an application, request the application pack or seek further guidance to complete the application form then please contact the Development Team at PAVS on (01437) 769 422 or e-mail development@pavs.org.uk

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Charitable Trusts

The Millennium Stadium Charitable TrustThe Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust has opened its next round of grant giving, targeting local community groups, villages and towns in Wales. Any constituted community group can apply for funding of up to £2,500 to support programmes that improve the lives of people living and working in Wales. Project activities must fall into at least one of the categories of Sport, the Arts, the Environment or the Community. Applicants are asked to bid for the funding via an application form and process. The Trust receives its income from a levy on tickets sold at the Millennium Stadium and since its creation in 2001 has awarded grants in excess of £3 million.

Deadline Wednesday 22 December, with a decision being made in March 2011.For further information please contact the Trust Office on 029 2049 4963 or visit their website: www.millenniumstadiumtrust.co.uk

BBC Children in Need Grants Scheme (UK)BBC Children in Need is inviting not-for-profit organisations (including registered charities, voluntary organisations, schools, local authorities, churches, social enterprises, community interest groups, universities etc) working with disadvantaged children and young people aged 18 years and under, living in the UK to apply for: • Small Grants of £10,000 or less per year for

up to three years and • Main Grants over £10,000 per year for up to

three years.

BBC Children in Need can fund projects that focus on the differences made to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. Grants can be used to cover both capital and revenue costs. Deadlines 15 January, 15 April, 15 July and 15 October 2011For more information visit: www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/grants

See the Funding Events section to find out how you can book your space at the BBC Children in Need funding surgeries

on 8 February 2011. Groups will be able to book a slot and come along to meet with the

Grants Officer in the PAVS offices.

SITA Enhancing Communities Programme Funding for community projects in qualifying areas – in Pembrokeshire this is within a 10 mile radius of the Withyhedge Landfill Site. Eligibility can be checked on the postcode checker on the website. The type of projects supported include improvements to community amenities such as village halls, public parks and sports facilities, and improvements to historic buildings and structures. There are two funding levels:Core Fund grants (formerly Large Grant Scheme) up to £50,000Deadlines: 29 November 2010; 21 March 2011 and 25 July 2011

Fast Track grants up to £10,000Deadlines: 4 January 2011; 22 February 2011; 18 April 2011 and 20 June 2011For more information visit: www.sitatrust.org.uk

Comic Relief Older People’s ProgrammeThe programme aims to support older people in the UK to become a force for change, using their skills and experience to benefit the communities in which they live. Grants of between £15,000 and £40,000 per year for up to three years are available.

Deadline for the main programme: 17 December 2010.For more information visit: www.comicrelief.com

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Charitable Trusts

Comic Relief - UK Grant ProgrammeComic Relief awards grants for projects that will benefit refugees, the young, the elderly and the disadvantaged in a wide variety of relevant fields across the UK.

Deadline: 7 January 2011For more information visit: www.comicrelief.com

The Pilgrim TrustThe aim of the Trust is to give financial assistance concerned with the areas of social welfare, preservation and scholarship and places of worship. Under the preservation and scholarship theme, focus is on the preservation of the UK heritage for the benefit of future generations. The social welfare programme aims to break cycles of dependency along with helping to develop a sense of inclusion within society in disadvantaged or marginalised groups. The Trust distributes grants under two schemes:

Main grant fund - requests above £5,000Small grant fund - requests of £5,000 or less Further details are available from www.thepilgrimtrust.org.uk

Prince Charles launches 19th charity Prince Charles is to offer a helping hand to Britain’s beleaguered farmers and rural communities with the launch of a major new charity. The Prince’s Countryside Fund - described as the Prince of Wales’ brainchild - is designed to give a much-needed boost to the UK’s most vulnerable farmers and small communities.

For more information visit: www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk

Arthur Rank CentreThe Arthur Rank Centre is committed to supporting the rural community, and has set up the ‘Computers for Rural People’ scheme to provide computers at a very low cost to encourage people to take the first step.

For more information visit: www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk

Lottery FundingBig Lottery Fund allocation for charities to rise after the Olympics The amount of money allocated by the Big Lottery Fund to the voluntary and community sector will increase by more than 20% to £630m a year after it stops funding the 2012 Olympic Games, according to the Culture Minister.

£520m was awarded to the voluntary and community organisations by the Big Lottery Fund in 2009/10; estimates are that £630m will be given to the sector in 2013/14. The increase is expected despite the fact that the share of lottery ‘good cause’ money distributed by the Big Lottery Fund will be reduced from 50% to 40%.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sports’ recently published structural reform plan, explains plans to allocate 60% of lottery ‘good

cause’ money to arts, sports and heritage organisations and 40% to the Big Lottery Fund. Arts, sports and heritage organisations currently have a combined 50% share of the funding, some of which goes to charities.

Arts Council of Wales - Arts Funding for OrganisationsFunding for organisations in Wales seeking support for arts projects. Grants are awarded, for example to pilot projects, providing or undertaking training, and for larger projects which will have significant developments in the arts sector.

Deadline 14 January 2011For more information visit: www.comicrelief.com

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National Funding

Communities First Trust FundThe Fund is targeted geographically at the Communities First wards in Wales and provides grants of up to £5000 for activities organised by local people through small voluntary organisations that deliver economic, environmental, social or cultural benefits to their community. The grants can be used to fund a variety of expenses including:

• small-scale equipment for community groups• minor repairs and improvements to buildings

used for community purposes • small-scale community events, festivals and

trips• activity-based environmental schemes• feasibility studies for community businesses

and enterprises• training and educational courses• volunteer expenses

Deadline: 31 January 2011For more information visit: www.wcva.org.uk/grants

Care Council for Wales Social Care Accolades - 2011 Round Open to NominationsThe Social Care Accolades showcase excellence and recognise good practice in the social care sector across Wales. Accolades are awarded to teams, groups or organisations that have invested in learning and development, to meet the aims of the Welsh Assembly Government’s ten year strategy for social services, Fulfilled Lives, Supportive Communities. Trophies are awarded to the winners of nine separate categories. Winners and finalists will also receive publicity in relevant press and media in Wales. The Accolades enable all participants to share best practice among like-minded groups.

The winners’ efforts in improving outcomes for service users and carers also promote a positive image of the social care sector. Applications are accepted from private, voluntary or statutory agencies. Services can be residential or community-based, large or small. Organisations can be working with children or adults - good practice examples for the Accolades are welcomed from all parts of the sector.

Deadline: 4 February 2011For more information visit: www.ccwales.org.uk

Broadband Support Scheme Now Open to Applications in WalesThe Welsh Assembly Government has launched its Broadband Support Scheme with funds of up to a maximum of £1,000 for individual premises, covering up to 100% of costs. The scheme is de-signed to reduce the number of rural areas of the country without broadband Internet.

The Welsh Assembly Government does not fa-vour any particular type of technology; however the types of broadband solutions include:• a broadband satellite connection installed for

the home or business• a community purchasing a ‘larger scale’

satellite connection which is distributed around the village by a small wireless network

• a wireless network being delivered by a service provider across a community;

• a community purchasing a next generation broadband service such as Fibre to the Cabinet

Individuals, communities, small to medium-sized businesses and third sector organisations in Wales can apply. Applications may be submitted at any time.

For more information visit: www.wales.gov.uk/broadband

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National Funding

International Women’s Day GrantGrants of up to £2,500 for not-for-profit organisations in Wales towards the costs involved with organising and undertaking events celebrating the economic, social, cultural and political achievements of women as part of the annual International Women’s Day initiative. Contact Delwen Burton in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Division for more details.

Deadline: 17 December 2010For more information visit: www.new.wales.gov.uk

Open University “Openings Programme”. Third sector organisations supporting out-of-work people on skills and employment programmes can now link their work to educational opportunities offered free-of-charge by the Open University.

The Open University in Wales is looking to develop community partnerships with voluntary organisations and social enterprises to support people on benefits and low incomes into education.

Development Officer for the Open University, Gayle Hudson, told WCVA: ‘Through our Openings Programme there are a range of courses available that have been developed especially for those new to studying, returning to education or people who may not have achieved any formal qualifications at school.

‘They are aimed at helping people get a taste of subject areas, develop learning skills and to build confidence. They are ideal progression routes from community learning to more formal education and could offer ideal progressions from projects like the Engagement Gateway and Intermediate Labour Market.

‘We are keen to work with local communities and third sector organisations to help raise skills and aspirations. We also may be able to offer free taster and information sessions.’

The Open University’s Openings Programme courses run for 20 weeks and start four times a year in September, November, March and June.

For more information contact Gayle Hudson (North and Mid Wales) on 01691 671648 and g.hudson@open.ac.uk or Eleri Chilcott (South Wales) on 029 2026 2798 and r.e.chilcott@open.ac.uk. Alternatively visit www.open.ac.uk/openings

New Training Programme Out NowYou may have seen a copy of the new training programme if you visited the Learning Zone (at Pembrokeshire County Show) or you received a copy through the post. If you have not received a copy of the training programme, but would like one, please let us know.

Included with this newsletter is the calendar of courses up until the end of June 2011. However we may include additional courses if there is sufficient demand. There are a number of new courses this year, including Child Protection training, How to do Risk Assessments, Community Fundraising and much more.

If you would like more information about any of the courses you can visit the PAVS website www.pavs.org.uk/training or phone Louise Wilkinson on 01437 769422.

Training

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Volunteering

LATEST VACANCIESCITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU PEMBROKESHIREAdministration Assistant for Financial Literacy Project

YMCAYMCA Shop Volunteer

PAUL SATORI FOUNDATIONWarehouse Assistant

PEMBROKE DOCK ENCOMPASS GROUPFundraiser

TENOVUS NARBERTHGeneral Assistant

FAIR TRADE WALESFair Trade School Speaker

SWIM WALESGeneral Volunteer

HYWEL DDA HEALTH BOARD VOLUNTEERING FOR HEALTHLibrary SupportIT SupportShop AssistantGeneric Therapeutic VolunteerWard VolunteerDay Care AssistantBefriending / Activity AssistantActivity AssistantDriverPatient EscortOccupational Therapy Support Admin Support

VISION IN ACTIONCommunity Gardens and Energy Support Worker

WHIZZ-KIDZVolunteer

ACTION FOR CHILDRENUniversity Fundraiser Group MembersFundraiser Group LeaderCounter Collection Box Co-ordinatorSupport TeamSpeaker

CONTACT THE ELDERLYDriverHost Group Co-ordinator

WELSH DYSLEXIA PROJECTGwirvol VolunteerFundraiser & Income Co-ordinatorTrustee Board Minute Secretary

NATIONAL TRUST WALESPractical Conservation AssistantAdministration Assistant

PEMBROKESHIRE ADVOCACYGroup Worker

THE ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK FOR PEMBROKESHIRETreasurer

CLIC SARGENTLocal Collection Co-ordinator

VICTIM SUPPORT DYFEDSupporting Victims of Crime

NARBERTH AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY SPORTS ASSOCIATIONBrochure Delivery Person

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Managers of volunteers undervalued and underfunded: New research published

Volunteering

Skills - Third Sector have commissioned a new report*, Valuing Volunteer Management Skills. The report; reveals the need for more training and development for managers of volunteers. It shows that nearly half of people who manage volunteers have not received any training that would help them in their work. The report canvassed opinion from over 1000 third sector organisations and research for the report was carried out by the Institute for Volunteering Research.

Some of the key findings in the report include:

• 42% of people who manage volunteers have not received any training that would help in their work with volunteers

• members of networks were considerably more likely to access training and support than those who weren’t members - 74% compared to 49%

• there is strong demand for additional training and skills development across the range of functions outlined in the National Occupational Standards in the management of volunteers

If you are a manager of Volunteers in Pembrokeshire you might like to join PVON (Pembrokeshire Volunteer Organisers Network). The network was set up to give support, advice and guidance to Volunteer Managers on good working practice. It is free to join and members of PVON get regular email updates on good practice, legal issues, forthcoming training and events and much more. If you are not already a member, or are not sure if anyone in your organisation is already receives the email news bulletin, contact Caroline at PAVS on 01437 769 422 or email volunteering@pavs.org.uk

Some courses you might be interested in, if you manage volunteers:

Good practice in volunteer management 10 November 10.00am-1.00pmBy the end of this session, participants will:• understand key legal issues relating to

volunteers• understand the difference between good

practice and legislation• receive updates about new changes in

legislation and tips on good practiceThis session will be useful for those who manage volunteers and would like to improve and update their skills and knowledge around the area of good practice.

Developing the role of volunteers 27 January 10.00am-1.00pm By the end of this session, participants will• be able to:

identify volunteer roles and write a role description

• develop appropriate volunteer ‘task descriptions’

This session will be useful for those who recruit volunteers and would like to develop new or more interesting volunteer role descriptions.

Marketing your volunteering opportunities 2 March 10.00am-1.00pmBy the end of this session, participants will:• understand the importance of the role

description in marketing the opportunity • pick up useful hints and tips to market

opportunities • be familiar with a range of methods to attract

a diversity of volunteers.This session will be useful for those who find it difficult to fill volunteer vacancies and would like some ideas.

All the above courses are just £9 for full PAVS members and are held in the PAVS offices. The sessions will be delivered by Caroline Graham (PAVS’ Volunteering Co-ordinator). You can book your place online by visiting the PAVS website www.pavs.org.uk/training/train_prog.htm *The full report is available on the Skills – Third Sector website www.skills-thirdsector.org.uk

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Volunteering

PAVS Youth Volunteering Fair 2010

PAVS Volunteering Pembrokeshire held its second annual Youth Volunteering Fair on September 22nd, with nearly 400 young people attending from secondary schools, youth clubs and youth-involving projects around Pembrokeshire. Many of the students who attended the event were working towards achieving their Welsh Baccalaureate qualification which requires 30 hours of community participation as part of the course. Nearly 40 voluntary organisations were present with exhibition stands promoting their volunteering opportunities, offering valuable work experience and training opportunities to young people to add to their CVs in readiness for their UCAS applications next year. Many of the stands had activities for attendees to join in with, which were highly enjoyable and served to provide a greater understanding of the work of the organisations. For example, the Stroke Association had a ‘mirror writing’ activity which demonstrated how difficult writing can be for those affected by stroke. A large number of groups managed to recruit new young volunteers from those attending. Overall the event was deemed a great success and it is hoped this success will be repeated next year.

Miss Wales parade? No, it’s PAVS’ Volunteering team!

Attendees trying mirror writing at the Stroke Association stand

SPAN Arts creating props for this years’ pantomime

25

Members News

• Crossroads Mid & West Wales is one of three organisations in the UK chosen to establish a Dementia Day Centre of Excellence.

• The Development Fund for Excellence was set up with funding from the National Garden Scheme in partnership with Crossroads Care.

• Over the next two years, Crossroads Mid & West Wales will be developing Dementia Care Services to improve the outlook for living with dementia, through the provision of proven therapeutic activities and interventions while providing their carers with much needed respite.

• In order to benefit as many people as possible the service will be split between two Centres, one in Ceredigion and one in Pembrokeshire, working in partnership with both local authorities.

• In both Centres, the project will incorporate therapeutic activities for people with dementia including cognitive stimulation therapy, art

therapy, seated exercise and electronic games, all designed to stimulate memory and improve mental function.

• The service will also provide an opportunity for carers of people with dementia to meet each other for mutual support and problem sharing/solving.

.• Every year members of the National Gardens

Scheme open their gardens to the public across England and Wales and welcome over half a million visitors, raising over £2million a year for nursing, gardening and care charities, including Crossroads Care.

• Most gardens which open for the National Gardens Scheme are privately owned and open just a few times each year.

Crossroads Mid and West Wales

Welcome to the following new full members:

Llwycelyn Community Allotment Gardens Association To promote gardening activities and own growing of food in provided space. Providing information to enhance skills and knowledge of gardening.

All Sorts for God To advance the Christian religion particularly to young people. Also to advance the education of the public in communication and music by providing tutorial workshops.

Fishguard and Goodwick Bowl Club To provide a facility for people of all ages to play level green bowls. To host and compete in inter-club competitions.

Welcome to the following new associate members:

Prime Cymru

To encourage self-employment for the over 50’s through enhanced income to engage them in meaningful activity and to prevent social exclusion.

26

Members News

• The aim of the National Gardens Scheme Development Fund for Excellence is to create Centres of Excellence from which learning and resources can be made available, to improve Crossroads Care services across England and Wales.

• Roger Gant, General Manager of Crossroads Mid & West Wales, says:- ‘We are very privileged to be one of just three schemes in the UK chosen to provide this exemplary service. It is absolutely fantastic that, thanks to the support of the National Gardens Scheme, we will be able to apply ourselves to helping improve the quality of life of people with dementia while giving even more carers a vital break from their caring responsibilities.’

• For more information contact Crossroads Mid & West Wales on 01874 610346 or email us on mid.westwales@crosroads.org.uk

Contact: Lin Martin, Service Development Manager

Tel/Fax: 01239 851761Email: lin.martin@crossroadsmww.org.uk

FACTS ABOUT DEMENTIA IN WALES:

• There are currently 37,000 people living with dementia in Wales

• By 2021 the numbers of people with dementia across Wales will have increased by 31%, with Pembrokeshire and Powys seeing increases as high as 44% (Dementia UK report– Alzheimers Society 2007)

• Two thirds of people with dementia live in the community and two thirds of them are women

• Family carers of people with dementia save the UK over £6 billion a year and a survey for Carers Week 2009 found that many carers in Wales felt they had reached ‘breaking point’, and more than half (68%) had not had a break in over a year.

• Dementia is a condition associated with the decline of the brain and its functions, it can result in a range of changes in the person affected including loss of speech, mobility, swallowing and the ability to eat.

• There is currently no cure for dementia, it only gets worse over time and people require increasing levels of care and support. As with other illnesses and long term conditions, much of this care is provided by family carers.

• Changes in behaviour and personality make it particularly difficult for family members to care for someone with dementia, as they no longer seem to be the same person they once knew and loved

FACTS ABOUT CROSSROADS MID & WEST WALES:

• Crossroads Mid & West Wales is a registered charity providing practical support to carers and the people they care for, living in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys – a combined area of 3,300 square miles, containing a population of 325,000 people and over 35,500 unpaid carers.

• The organisation is affiliated to the Crossroads Care Association - the leading provider of practical support for carers across England and Wales.

• We aim to give carers time to be themselves, away from their caring responsibilities, through the provision of quality respite care, usually delivered in the home.

• Our services are co-ordinated from local offices in Aberystwyth, Brecon, Haverfordwest and Newtown, with a registered office in Brecon, and are almost always provided free of charge to the carer.

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Members News

Coppicing and Woodland Skills Courses in West WalesFestive Weaving Start Date: 4th December 2010. Duration: 1 day. Cost: £25.00 plus materials.A chance to experiment with willow and hedgerow materials and learn some basic weaving techniques, you will be able to make and take home your own festive object.

Hedgelaying Start Date: 14th February 2011. Duration: 4 days. Cost: £160.00.Do you have neglected hedges on your land? Then join us to learn how to make them stockproof and more beneficial to wildlife. We will teach you traditional hedgelaying using hand tools. Learn how to use a bill hook - the iron age tool that is still the best for the job today.

Green Woodworking Start Date: 14th March 2011.Duration: 4 days. Cost: £160.00 plus materials.AlsoStart Date: 6thth June 2011.Duration: 4 days. Cost: £160.00 plus materials.This is a craft course which demonstrates how to use coppiced wood rather than timber bought from the sawmill.

You will learn how to split and shape green wood using special tools, a cleaving break and shave horse.

The understanding of the basic skills can then lead to simple furniture making or producing your own gate or carving a spoon. The mysteries of traditional craft work can be revealed in this course.

Weave a Garden Plant Support Start Date: 16thth April 2011. Duration: 5 hours. 10.30 – 3.30 Cost: £20.00 plus materials.More weaving wizadry from our very own Babera Goodwin. A day in the woods not to be missed by keen gardners.

Make a Shavehorse Start Date: 30th April 2011. Duration: 3 days. Cost: £160.00 plus materials.Learn how to build this invaluable green woodworking tool, which you can then take home and start using immediately.

Scything for Beginners Start Date: Every Saturday in June 2011. Duration: 1 day. Cost: £40.00.Compare an Austrian Scythe and it’s various blades to a Tradional English scythe and learn the appropriate techniques for your preference.

Our Instructor Bruce uses an Austrian scythe to manage a 4 acre Forest Garden and two lawns. He highly recommends this method for efficiency, satisfaction and good exercise. Most importantly this method is truly sustainable.

Applications for these courses are welcome from anyone 16 and over. For Further information or to book a place on any of these courses, Contact Bruce Slark on 01239 881394, emal bslark@aol.com or visit www.coppicewoodcollege.co.uk

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Members News

‘Christmas Completed’ – a message from Tracy at Pembrokeshire Action to Combat Hardship (PATCH)Last year I met families and referral agencies who confirmed the need to deliver locally the ‘Christmas Completed’ project.

One mum said to me that she didn’t know what to do. Well-meaning people were saying to her children, “If you are good Father Christmas will visit you.” She was desperate for her children not to think they were naughty, but with Mum and Dad having lost their jobs, money was very tight. However with toy donations from Tesco Haverfordwest and National Westminster Bank in Milford Haven, we at PATCH were able to give a donation of toys to this and other needy families.

Tesco in Haverfordwest have already given us lots of toys and a mountain of wrapping paper for this year’s appeal. However we still need toys and gifts for children aged 0 -17years. We also need finances so we can buy for any gender/age group we are short of things for.

We are collecting new and as-new toys and storing them at the Light House church’s building.

We will need volunteers to sort the toys on Friday and Saturday the 10th and 11th December, 10am - 9pm. The following Monday and Tuesday (13th and 14th) we will need volunteers and vans/large cars to deliver these unwrapped gifts to parents whilst the children are at school.

If you can help please contact:- Tracy Olin PATCH Co-ordinator PATCH, Milford Marina, Milford HavenPembrokeshire, SA73 3AA 01646 696869/07775 571431 www.patchcharity.org.uk

Many of you will already be aware of the work of PATCH, a basics bank that operates from Milford Haven. Recently PAVS became aware that they had persuaded one of their young volunteers (Sarah Picton) to be a Trustee. In fact, we believe that this is the first case of a Trustee being appointed under the age of 18 in Pembrokeshire! To highlight this case, we asked Sarah to put in her own words how she feels about this appointment.

Becoming a Young Trusteeby Sarah Picton , aged 17

When I was asked to become a trustee for PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship), I was thrilled. Although I was already volunteering for the charity, I was excited at the prospect of having a bigger say in how it was run. It is really humbling to be so deeply involved in helping others. Also, at the age of seventeen, it is great to know that I can express an opinion, or put forward an idea, and it will be respected and considered. I love the opportunity I have been given to really make a difference to a charity which is so close to my heart and such an important part of my life. There is something amazing about having a positive impact on the community and working for a cause that is bigger than you. In a society where young people are often stereotyped as ignorant and selfish, it is brilliant to provide an example of a hopeful youth, as opposed to a hopeless one.

If you would like to explore the possibility of having a young person as a Trustee please contact Vanessa John on 01437 769422 or by email vanessa.john@pavs.org.uk