Friday 8 April 2016

A chance to bag a place in a new Academy for social enterprises

A chance to bag a place in a new Academy for social enterprises

WCVA, through its financing arm Social Investment Cymru has today announced a new partnership with Asda and Social Investment Scotland to bring the newly launched Asda Social Enterprise Supplier Development Academy to Wales.

This ground breaking opportunity will provide support for product-based social enterprises in Wales to apply for a place within a new Academy set up to increase the availability of products for ethically-minded consumers in Asda supermarkets.

The new Academy will support at least two Welsh social enterprises in this cohort to strengthen their understanding of supermarket retail and refine their commercial and marketing skills.

From 4 April until 22 April, any social enterprise in Wales that thinks it has a product that could be sold in Asda stores will be able to apply for a place within the Academy. Following a short listing process a number of social enterprises will be invited for interview by a panel in a Dragon’s Den style pitch format for the final places.

Successful Social Enterprises will receive:

  • Access to a range of specially developed training modules delivered over 3 days at Asda House in Leeds to include everything from understanding consumer purchasing to branding and packaging design

  • Support to pitch your product to Asda

  • Mentoring and insight from Asda experts and specialist support from Social Investment Cymru

  • A tailored grant to cover participation in the Academy

  • Access to bespoke investment to help develop and expand operations should Asda decide to list products within its stores

While there are no guarantees that Academy participants will receive a listing with Asda, the skills and support offered throughout the programme will significantly improve their prospects and, more importantly, provide them with all the skills necessary to access the large retail market.

Matthew Brown, Head of Social Investment Cymru said: ‘We are delighted to bring this innovative Academy to Wales to give our social enterprises the ability to access expert retail knowledge within Asda as well as financial support to make the most of the doors being opened by this Academy.’

Richard Mason, Senior Director Corporate Responsibility at Asda said: ‘At Asda we take great pride in supporting the communities we serve. Our partnership with Social Investment Cymru represents an exciting move beyond traditional grant-making programmes, providing tangible benefits for people across Wales.

‘We provide a lot of support to local suppliers in Wales to grow their business, many of whom have introduced their products to our stores across the UK. By harnessing the power of our retail experience and expertise, along with our 616-strong store estate and online shopping division, we can help social enterprises to access the large retail market. The potential benefits are multiple - customers get more choice and social enterprises get the support they need to move from small to medium to large business, which in turn could create more jobs, increase investment in local producers and build positive social impact.

‘Investing in social entrepreneurs is an innovative way for Asda to ensure that our customers’ money, raised through the carrier bag charge, is continually reinvested in communities and delivers long-term positive benefits for Wales.’


Full details of the Academy can be found at http://asdaseacademywales.strikingly.com or by emailing us at AsdaSEacademywales@wcva.org.uk

For more information please contact Simon Dowling
on 0800 2888 329.  WCVA website www.wcva.org.uk

Notes to editors:

  • WCVA supports and represents the third sector in Wales, with more than 3,000 members including a wide range of organisations working on issues such as housing, economic regeneration, childcare, community development, transport, the environment and health.

  • WCVA operates Social Investment Cymru (SIC) which is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) that is providing social investment finance to third sector organisations across Wales

  • Social Investment Scotland (SIS) is the largest not for profit provider of business loans to the third sector in Scotland as well as being a social enterprise and registered charity. SIS is also Scotland's, and one of the UK's, largest Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFI). A CDFI makes loans and other repayable investments to charities, community organisations and social enterprises that may find it difficult to access finance from other sources.
 Data Protection Act 1998  Contact details (name, address, organisation, tel, fax, emails) of press contacts are held and processed by WCVA on computer.  The information is used by WCVA for the promotion of the voluntary sector in Wales.  Contact details are disclosed to third parties for the purposes of assisting this promotion.

                                         Swyddfa Gofrestredig – Prif Swyddfa
                                                     
Tŷ Baltig, Sgwâr Mount Stuart
                                   ffôn 0800 2888 329
l ffacs 029 2043 1701
                 minicom 029 2043 1702 (defnyddiwch y cyhoeddwr)
                                                              ebost
help@wcva.org.uk

                           
Swyddfeydd hefyd yn y Rhyl ac Aberystwyth
                                                       Cadeirydd Peter Davies OBE
                                      Is-Gadeiryddion
Catriona Williams OBE 
                                         
Prif Weithredwraig  Ruth Marks MBE
    
Trysorydd Anrh Mair Gwynant l Ysgrifennydd  Tracey Lewis
Registered Office – Head Office
Baltic House, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff, CF10 5FH
tel 0800 2888 329
l fax 029 2043 1701
minicom 029 2043 1702 (use announcer)
email
help@wcva.org.uk

Offices also at Rhyl and Aberystwyth 
Chair  Peter Davies OBE 
Vice-Chairs 
Catriona Williams OBE
Chief Executive  Ruth Marks MBE
Hon Treasurer  Mair Gwynant l Secretary Tracey Lewis
 Elusen gofrestredig 218093 l Cwmni cyfyngedig drwy warant 425299 l Wedi ei gofrestru yng Nghymru
                                                                                                                               Rhif cofrestru TAW 736 645 09

Registered charity 218093 l Company limited by guarantee 425299 l Registered in Wales
 VAT registration number 736 645 09



Thursday 4 February 2016

SE- Assist Wales

Support, comprising a package of an interest free loan, a mentor and expert consultancy, for aspiring social enterprises in Wales that have a social impact addressing a local social or environmental need.

Further Information

Funding body:
Wales Co-operative Centre
Maximum value:
£ 30,000
Application deadline:
29/03/2016

Background

SE-Assist is administered by the Wales Co-operative Centre, which is mainly funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Welsh Government, with additional funding from Comic Relief and the Nationwide Foundation.
The programme’s delivery partners comprise the Charities Aid Foundation, Business in the Community, Legal & General, the Welsh Government and the Institute of Directors (IoD).

Objectives of Fund

SE-Assist enables aspiring social enterprises in Wales to access repayable finance and additional assistance from corporate bodies. Social investment decisions will be made by the SE-Assist Wales Social Investment Committee (SIC) that will decide who to award the package of support.
Support, comprising a package of an interest free loan, a mentor and expert consultancy, is available applicants that have a social impact addressing a local social or environmental need.

Value Notes

SE-Assist offers social enterprises across Wales the following package of growth support:
  • Interest free loans between £10,000 and £30,000
  • An experienced corporate mentor.
  • Access to a bank of experts.

Match Funding Restrictions

Match funding is not a stipulated requirement of this programme.

Who Can Apply

Social enterprises in Wales will qualify for assistance through this programme. Eligible applicants are those that:
  • trade for a social and/or environmental purpose;
  • have a clear charitable mission;
  • bring in some of its income through selling goods or services;
  • bring in some of its income through selling goods or services;
  • reinvests profits to further its social mission, and/or which, in a ‘wind-up’ situation, remaining assets would be passed on to another non-profit social enterprise that has a charitable purpose.
A variety of legal structures will be considered:
  • charities with a trading arm;
  • community interest companies;
  • companies limited by guarantee;
  • companies limited by shares, in certain circumstances.
Applicants should have a turnover less than £500,000 pa (over the last three years) for the organisation, or specific initiative, for which they are applying.

Location

Wales

Terms and Conditions

SE-Assist uses charitable funds to invest in social enterprises. Due to this, all applicants will have to subject to CAF’s charitable validation process.
Applicants must:
  • be willing to engage in ongoing learning and development process to improve the SE-Assist proposition;
  • have, or be working towards, a sustainable business model;
  • be seeking support for organisational growth or sustainability;
  • have a clear need for package of support that SE-Assist will provide;
  • demonstrate how the support package will help to achieve the organisation’s aims; and
  • outline how the loan will be used and repaid.
The loans are interest free and there are no fees for taking on an SE-Assist loan. Loans should be paid back within two to three years, usually in monthly instalments.
Full terms and conditions will be provided upon application.

Restrictions

As the loan uses charitable money the loan has to be used for a social purpose only.

Eligible Expenditure

Costs associated with eligible projects.

Employee Notes

Applicants should have a turnover less than £500,000 pa (over the last three years).

How To Apply

Deadline(s):
The deadline for receipt of applications is 12pm on 29 March 2016.
Frequency: Unspecified.
Link to guidelines:
Useful information:
Further advice and assistance with submitting an application may be sought directly from the sponsor.

(Source : Grantfinder)

Wednesday 2 December 2015

Considering Asset Transfer?

Is your organisation considering asset transfer?

Powys County Council have produced a comprehensive guide to the process.

To download a copy go to:

http://www.powys.gov.uk/en/democracy/one-powys-plan/one-powys-plan-stronger-communities/community-delivery/

Top tips for new trustees / directors

Here's a really useful article by Steve Palmer and Liz Scott which was first published in 2012 by the Guardian Voluntary Sector Network.

The information is still relevant now for anyone considering becoming a trustee or director of a Community Interest Company.

We're both relatively new trustees; Steve started in 2011 and Liz earlier this year. But we feel strongly that people can be put off. It sounds a bit posh and overwhelming doesn't it? Remember that boards are the critical friends to organisations. With that in mind, during this, Trustees Week, we have collated our thoughts into a list of top ten tips, so that if you think you might be trustee calibre, but were too afraid to ask, then "come on in, the water's lovely". Honestly, charities may need people like you on the board.

1. Don't be intimidated

You have been invited/voted onto the board and you deserve to be there. You bring something the board/organisation/membership says it needs. You may need to take big decisions on the board, but they won't be all the time, you'll probably have plenty of warning, and, most importantly, you'll have lots of support. Scott says: "I work in an administrative role and was concerned that because I'd never been a manager, I wouldn't be taken seriously. However, I've worked in the charity sector for nearly ten years, in several roles and have also been a volunteer. I discussed it with Steve and realised that boards want a variety of skills and experience. With the right support and a bit of confidence, you can do it and, as it turned out, he was right!"

2. If you don't understand something, ask

You can save yourself time by clarifying something quickly, rather than pretending you know what you're talking about. It's OK to ask; you're not expected to be a specialist. Palmer says: "I used to be a school governor and I was always getting teachers to explain education jargon. Investing ten seconds now can save you lots of embarrassment and lack of knowledge on a subject in the future."

3. Run ideas and thoughts past people, especially before a board meeting

This will help you to prepare, and those whose help you seek, for instance other trustees, will appreciate it. Read the papers you are sent and think about how you can contribute to a meeting, including how to be a critical friend to the charity. Palmer says: "In the past I've had a quick email chat with a few trustees so that I'd done a bit of research, and when the item came up before the board, a few more board members have known about it and have bought into the concept."

4. Think about what you can bring from your day job

Think about the jobs that other people do in your department and bring your general knowledge about them to the board meeting. Scott says: "My background in admin actually really worked in my favour. Boards need good processes and governance procedures. BMy general background in the charity sector has also given me an understanding of funding, communications, marketing, events and co-production. A broad understanding of the sector can really help when, for example, your board is faced with some challenging issues."

5. Take opportunities to be an ambassador for your charity

For instance use social media to publicise something it's doing, or help to recruit new members and talk about it at every appropriate opportunity. Palmer says: "I use my Twitter account to update followers on @charitycomms developments, plus news from the sector. This week I've retweeted an interview with one of my fellow trustees.

6. Offer to take on a couple of tasks or responsibilities for your board early on

This will show you're keen and will help to build your confidence. Make sure they fit in with your work commitments though so that you don't feel overwhelmed or can't deliver. Scott says: "Think about where your strengths lie. You can't raise a million for your charity overnight but you can offer to help organise an away day or write up a report. Be realistic though; if you're snowed under in your day job, only take on what you can manage. They'll be plenty of time to contribute more when you have the space and time to do it. And, when you do make a contribution, your fellow trustees will really appreciate it."

7. Know when to take a step back

You can't do everything, nor are you expected to. A board is more than one person and you don't want to alienate your colleagues by involving yourself in everything. Palmer says: "I can talk for hours on end but I know that others' views are important. In my first board meeting I noted down every time I said something so that I didn't over-speak! That's far too formal I know, but for the first meeting it really helped me to make sure I didn't come across as a loud-mouth."

8. Keep in regular contact with your colleagues

If you see an article or tips which may be of interest and relevant, perhaps email it to them. Scott says: "Learn about trusteeship. Read articles, follow organisations on Twitter, link up with trustees in other organisations, look out for updates and innovative ideas. If you see an article which has particular relevance to your organisation, circulate it. Not only are you showing an interest in the sector; you're also developing your knowledge as a trustee and that of your colleagues at the same time."

9. Keep your knowledge up-to-date

Sign up for Charity Commission updates and take up any training offered. Palmer says: "Professional development is really important. Also, write down some of your achievements. I spent six years as a governor and I'm proud that during my time, and partly because of the governing body, our school had an outstanding OFSTED inspection. Be proud of achievements and write them down."

10. Use the knowledge you are gaining as a trustee in your day job

Remember this is a two way thing, put it on your CV. Scott says: "When your colleagues at work find out you're a trustee, they usually want to ask you more about it and possibly do it themselves. It also gives you the confidence to take on more responsibility in your day-to-day role. or contribute to a meeting in a meaningful way. Being a trustee is a brilliant way to develop professionally so it's a win-win situation."
Steve Palmer and Liz Scott both work at the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE). They "buddy up" regularly to discuss their roles as trustees – Palmer atCharity Comms and Scott at Vauxhall City Farm.
(Source: Guardian Sector Voluntary Sector Network)

NEW - PAVO TRUSTEE NETWORK

The voluntary sector in Powys would come to a standstill without the support and hard work that trustees undertake, in order to enable groups and organisations to operate safely, efficiently and effectively.
Governance is an issue that affects any group, no matter what size it is. PAVO along with the Charity Commission is wholly committed to championing good governance in the sector, and trustees play an enormous part in enabling this to happen. In recognition of this, PAVO is setting up a Trustee Network in order to provide mutual learning and support to trustees of voluntary or community organisations operating within Powys (including charity trustees, management committee members and not-for-profit company directors).

The virtual network will ensure that members are kept up to date electronically with news, information, and developments in the field of governance and trusteeship.

The network will also:
· provide the opportunity for trustees to share learning and information about their experiences in fulfilling their governance roles
· provide a forum for determining the training and development needs of trustees.
· allow trustees the opportunity to be consulted and feedback on strategic policy developments.
The network will meet on an annual basis, so watch this space for the date of the first meeting.

We want as many trustees as possible to sign up to become a member of the network, so don't delay, join today!

To register your details please click on the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/<wbr></wbr>d/<wbr></wbr>1uVGdIm8xt3ZCJK6RmrmhLK7xZZuO3<wbr></wbr>mcPQT6srGDiz54/viewform?c=0&w=<wbr></wbr>1&usp=mail_form_link

Play Provision in Powys

Do you live in Powys and are you the parent, grandparent or carer of children/young people?

Is so, please could you take a couple of minutes to complete this short online survey? (It only takes 2 minutes to complete.)  Its part of work that PAVO is doing with Powys County Council to assess the sufficiency of play provision in Powys and your input as a parent, grandparent or carer would be greatly appreciated. 

The survey is anonymous and the information gathered will help in mapping the experience of Powys' children and young people as regards the opportunities they have for play and recreation, as well as helping inform future planning decisions about how this provision can be improved.



The survey is also for children and young people themselves, as well as parents, grandparents and carers, so please feel free to forward this message and the survey links to anyone you may feel would have an interest in it.

If you have any queries please feel free to contact PAVO on 01597 822191 or info@pavo.org.uk

Tuesday 18 November 2014

POWYS DANCE TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT - EXCITING OPPORTUNITY

Powys Dance is one of the leading dance development agencies in Wales and has a first class reputation for its wide-ranging work in the County. The service is revenue funded by the Arts Council of Wales. After 35 years of successful activity as a Council-operated service, Powys Dance will soon launch as an independent organisation with its own board of management. This exciting development will open up a variety of new funding opportunities and allow Powys Dance to operate more flexibly and engage the community more actively in its work.

PAVO and Powys County Council are now at an extremely important stage in the process of working to assist the emerging Charity to recruit a Board of Trustees to shape the new organisation and take it forward. The Board of Trustees will be responsible for driving the vision for the provision of dance services within Powys over the coming years.

If you have the drive, commitment and ambition to get involved in leading an exciting new dance venture, and can offer up to 4 days per year of your time, then please do take the time to read our Dawns Powys Dance Trustee Recruitment Pack ENG in Word or Dawns Powys Dance Trustee Recruitment Pack ENG pdf. Equalities Monitoring Form ENG  Alternatively. contact Claire Sterry PAVO on 01597 822191 or claire.sterry@pavo.org.uk