Councils for Voluntary Service in Brighton & Hove

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Local services

Services provided by the CVS in Brighton & Hove, many of which are provided free or at cost, include;

• Information on local volunteering opportunities, a database directory of local groups and other contacts, a bi-monthly newsletter on voluntary sector activity locally and a reference/loan library of materials on voluntary sector issues.
• Advice on setting up and running a group, charity and company registration, drawing up a constitution, working with volunteers and on fundraising sources (incl. Funderfinder database of charitable trusts)
• Training provision of courses for local groups (some "tailor-made"), assistance in the evaluation of training needs, supervision of trainees pursuing voluntary sector qualifications and information on other local training opportunities.
• Support project management, developing new projects, help and advice on keeping accounts, payroll service, access to equipment and meeting space, access to networks / contacts to other voluntary groups, local authority, health authority and other agencies

There are two CVS in the Brighton and Hove area;

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About CVSs

What are CVSs?

Councils for Voluntary Service (CVS) are local voluntary organisations set up and run by local groups to support, promote and develop local voluntary action. There is a national network of some 230 CVS committed to shared values and standards, including equal opportunities. Most receive grant aid from their local authority.

Individual CVS differ in size, character and in the services they offer. They also differ in name, not all are called CVS; some are simply known as Voluntary Action, others as Councils of Community Service or Councils for Voluntary Organisations.

  Objectives

Whatever their title, CVS have the following objectives:-

1. To help non-profit making organisations improve their operational effectiveness by the provision of support services
2. To encourage co-operation between voluntary agencies in order to share experiences and improve services .
3. To encourage increased, better administered and more diverse resources for voluntary agencies by representing sector needs to statutory and commercial bodies, and to the public at large.
4. To improve relations between voluntary and other agencies by developing links to, and partnerships with, other sectors and agencies.

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National Organsiations

NACVS http://www.nacvs.org.uk

There is a directory of Online CVS around the country at http://www.neilirving.demon.co.uk/cvsnet/directory/

NCVO http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/

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CVSNet

The CVSNET mailing list is for the discussion of all aspects of the work, activities and management of Councils for Voluntary Service and similar bodies. Anyone involved in a CVS (staff, trustee, volunteer etc) or with an interest in CVS is invited to join.

CVSNET is an opportunity to share information and experiences, ask questions or seek advice. New members are asked to send a short introductory message to the list with a few words about themselves and their CVS

To join, or subscribe, send an email to listserv@maelstrom.stjohns.edu with no subject and the following in the TEXT area or the message

SUB CVSNET yourCVS yourfirstname yourlastname

For example, SUB CVSNET Brighton CVS John Kelly

Once you have joined, you can post a message to all members of the list by emailing: cvsnet@maelstrom.stjohns.edu

You can find more details at http://www.neilirving.demon.co.uk/cvsnet/

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