Community Support

The Compact

Voluntary Action Rutland has relaunched the Rutland Compact (March 2013).

The Compact is an agreement between the voluntary and community sector in Rutland and statutory organisations including; the local authority, the clinical commissioning group, police and fire services and the two army bases in the county. All signatories agree to work in co-operation and to build partnerships to provide better support for the Rutland community.

The Compact is a written document signed by Voluntary Action Rutland, as Rutland’s accredited Council for Voluntary Service, on behalf of all VCS organisations providing services in the county. Anglian Water has also signed up to the Compact as a business at the heart of Rutland.

Please click here for more details and to download copies of the Compact and the three additional protocols on; funding, communication & collaboration and disputest and complaints

Community Engagement

Whether you are thinking of setting up a new community group or your organisation is already well established, Voluntary Action Rutland can offer advice and information.
This information could be applicable to groups, small groups or individuals in the community.

Funding

The staff at VAR have a wealth of experience in fundraising and a network of connections with funders which can be used to identify funders and how to apply for funding.

donationsacceptedpiggy Through working together with, and sitting on, grant panels, VAR is able to offer a perspective on what details and information organisations providing grants, loans and alternative funding are looking for and how to present this.

VAR will not write the application for you, as we believe that only those directly involved with a group or project have the knowledge and expertise to write an application, VAR is however happy to be a critical friend and advise on an application.

Click on this link for more information on Funding, advice.

Two new grants for Rutland Community Groups will be launched in 2013, click here for more information.

Training

We help organisations and individuals to analyse their training needs. We can arrange training in a wide range of subjects if enough need is identified in the local community. VAR can also signpost to other training events in the East Midlands region and where to look for national training. Events and Training.

Resource Centre

We can advise both new and existing groups and have information on a wide range of topics including guides on starting up a new group, developing business plans, constitutions and duties of Trustees, and much more.

Click here to access Small Groups Toolkits.

Library_Shelves We have many of the latest publications in our Resource Centre: books, self-help guides and training booklets on recruiting and managing volunteers, safeguarding, how to manage meetings, how to fundraise and many many more that are all available on loan.

Click here to access information on publications and training guides that can be borrowed from the Resource Centre.

Networks, Forums and Representation

businessnetwork Groups and organisations work much better when they are put in touch with each other. VAR plays an active role on local networks.

VAR has established structures to enable dialogue with statutory bodies including Rutland County Council and the NHS

Click here for more details on Networks and Forums

Rutland Events Package

Rutland Together, a partnership of local government, charities and businesses, following consultation with; community groups, charities and other organisation been able to put together a ‘Rutland Events Pack’.

Containing all the equipment a charity or community group needs to put on an event, from a marquee to portable toilet hire.

The Rutland Events Pack is being managed by Arts for Rutland and Funky Tents, for more information on the equipment available and how to enquire on hiring the equipment follow this link.

The equipment is currently available at a subsidised rate, with funds provided by Rutland Together and managed by Arts for Rutland.

Facilities and Services

Rooms at the Centre are available for hire by voluntary and community groups at a reduced rate. We also provide a wide range of office services for groups. See Facilities and Services