visible from nadia denton
DESCRIPTION
VISIBLE Communities is a qualities standard fro community groups. Here the details are presented Richard Bridge and Nadia Denton of the Visible Standards Team. She was speaking in Birmingham on March 23rd 2010 which was part of the learning from the Birmingham City Council Community Asset Transfer development Programme funded by AWM, which began in January 2009 and ran through until March 2010. see http://www.communityassettransfer.comTRANSCRIPT
VISIBLE Communities TM
Richard Bridge and Nadia DentonVISIBLE Standards Team
VISIBLE Communities TM
• A set of quality systems and standards for the community sector.
• A unique approach to promoting and developing quality and best practice in the community sector.
• Based around a set of seven core principles that we believe underpin strong sustainable community organisations.
What is VISIBLE?
a VOICE to represent issues of Local Concern
an INDEPENDENT and politically neutral organisation
a SERVICE provider for local people
an INITIATOR of projects to meet locally identified need
a BUILDER of partnerships with other local organisations and groups
a strong LOCAL network of people and organisations
a way to ENGAGE local people to become active in their communities
What is VISIBLE?
• A development tool for community based organisations which can either be used as a self-assessment model or for accreditation.
• A quality framework developed by Community Matters in association with its members and other core stakeholders.
• An accredited standard endorsed by the Charity Commission.
Who is VISIBLE For?
• For community groups of all shapes and sizes but particularly relevant to those groups often referred to as community anchors.
• Organisations who want to improve and build upon their existing capacity.
• Organisations that want to increase their chances of securing funding.
• Local Authorities who may want to support groups that they are working with.
• Local Authorities engaging in an asset transfer where the VISIBLE Standards can be used as a risk management tool. (c.f. The Quirk Review)
Why Chose the VISIBLE Standards?
• Accredited standards specifically designed by, and for, the voluntary and community sector.
• Comes with many easily accessible forms of support to get you through the standard.
• They are standards specifically designed to allow you as many options as possible.
The VISIBLE Process
• Log on to www.visiblecommunities.org.uk and click on the Online Workbook page for a free demo of the VISIBLE online workbook.
• Register and set up your account.
• You are free to use the Visible tool for an indefinite period.
• Select 28 out of 121 indicators, including those that are compulsory
• Once ready for accreditation apply to the VISIBLE Standards team.
• Organisations outside of London can apply for support for the costs of accreditation through the Lankelly Chase Bursary.
The VISIBLE Process
• Organisations outside of London can apply for support for the costs of accreditation through the Lankelly Chase Bursary.
• You will be sent a list of the required documents that need to be sent back to Community Matters.
• The first stage of assessment is an initial desk based assessment of the documents, your evidence and the indicators.
• If the VISIBLE Assessors feel at this stage your group is not ready to accredit you will be withdrawn from the process and a proportion of your fee will be refunded (see website for full details). You will also be given a report from the assessor indicating areas for further work.
The VISIBLE Process
• The assessment visit lasts for a day. It includes a tour of the facility and a series of short interviews.
• The VISIBLE Assessor produces a report recommending accreditation; conditional accreditation or failure.
• If successful, you will receive a certificate confirming that you have attained the VISIBLE Standards. This is valid for 3 years.
• The VISIBLE Standards Development Officer will carry out a short telephone evaluation with you every six months for those three years.
What is preVISIBLE?
• An entry level review drawn from the indicators in the main VISIBLE Standards.
• A reference tool that is packed with useful guidance and suggestions.
• A test of the systems an organisation has in place via a series of online questions and requests to attach specific pieces of supporting evidence.
• A report, if requested, that reviews your systems and policies, conducted by independent assessors.
• A report that can be shown to potential funders to demonstrate that an organisation is legally compliant.
The preVISIBLE Process
• Log on to www.visiblecommunities.org.uk and click on the preVISIBLE page for a free access to the preVISIBLE Review.
• Register and set up your account.
• Complete the preVISIBLE assessment over time. It contains detailed guidance on the information and evidence required.
The preVISIBLE Process
• When ready submit the preVISIBLE assessment for review. A desk-based assessment will be carried out by trained Community Matters Visible Assessors.
• A full report will be provided with recommendations for future development. This will be valid for 3 years.
• Continue to use preVISIBLE as a development tool and maintain it as your online quality file.
• Progress on to the full VISIBLE Standards. If you come forward for accreditation within 18 months from paying for a preVISIBLE review then you will receive a discount of £350 off your VISIBLE accreditation fee.
Why Chose preVISIBLE ?
• The preVISIBLE review looks at whether an organisation is fit for purpose and legally functioning.
• It is packed with advice and guidance, and is a positive development tool.
Who is preVISIBLE For?
• Democratically organised community groups of any size. It is also suitable for many other voluntary sector groups.
• Community Associations, Charitable Trusts, Incorporated Charities, and Community Interest Companies.
• Groups looking to develop/review their governance and management arrangements to ensure they are up to date, legally compliant, and adhere to best practice.
• Groups looking to secure funding, apply for grants, or negotiate other forms of support where it is important to demonstrate that the group is fit for purpose.
• Groups embarking on a period of growth or development (for instance asset transfer) who wish to ensure they are they are in the best possible shape for the challenges ahead.
Who else is preVISIBLE For?
• Local Authorities, Councils for Voluntary Services and other support organisations as a diagnostic tool to help understand the development and capacity support needs of the groups they are working with.
• Funders and Commissioners who wish to assure (or reassure) themselves that they are funding suitable, fit for purpose groups.
Top Ten VISIBLE Communities TM Benefits
• Achieves a recognised independent national standard.
• Evidences the quality and breath of the organisation’s work.
• Gives confidence to funders, members, users and other stakeholders.
• Helps frame service level agreements.
• Provides a framework for development.
Top Ten VISIBLE Communities TM Benefits
• Gives early warning of potential problems.
• Helps organisations to stay legal.
• Improves the management of community buildings.
• Improves local relations and communication.
• Puts the community anchor concept into practice.
The Costs
Online Workbook £15 + VATFREE to members of Community Matters
preVISIBLE Review£450 + VAT
VISIBLE Accreditation Standard £1650 + VAT Community Matters Members £1500 + VATLocal Licensed Agent £1400 +VAT
(discount of £350 available if preVISIBLE review has been conducted within previous 18 months.)
For More Information
www.visiblecommunities.org.uk
Community Matters12 – 20 Baron Street, London N1 9LL0207 837 7887
Richard Bridge, Regional and QualityProgrammes Manager [email protected]
Nadia Denton, Visible StandardsDevelopment [email protected]