Downloads
This page contains resource downloads that are useful and relevant to Third Sector organisations.
We would appreciate any feedback on the information provided and welcome any suggestions for additional resources to include in the future. Please forward any feedback or suggestions to Paul
Equality & Diversity
Funding & Procurement
Governance
Volunteering
The Cornwall Diversity Toolkit (May 2006) (PDF, 944kb)
Although originally written for organisations based in Cornwall, this toolkit provides a useful and comprehensive set of resources that any organisation can use in their pursuit of equality and diversity excellence.
Improving financial relationships with the third sector: Guidance to funders & purchasers (HMT 2006) (PDF, 680kb)
The Guide to Government Assistance to the Third Sector (HMT 2006) aims to provide an overview of the key sources of financial support available through the Government for the third sector.
NCVO - Before You Sign on the Dotted Line - All you need to know about procuring public sector contracts (June 2006) (PDF, 419kb)
A guide to enable small and medium sized organisations to navigate the complex rules, procedures and practices that constitute the public sector procurement process.
NCVO - How voluntary and community organisations can help Transform public services (June 2006) Full Report (PDF, 358kb)
Government remains committed to reforming public services and to enabling the voluntary and community sector (VCS) to take on a greater role in public service delivery, and this report explains how.
Governance Hub & Co-Operatives UK - Guide to Governance and Organisational Structures (August 2007) (PDF, 553kb)
According to Governance Hub research, many trustees and management committee members want greater reassurance and access to practical information about legal structures. In response, the Governance Hub commissioned Co-operatives UK to produce this guide about the common organisational and legal structures, including newer forms outlined in the Charities Act 2006: Community Interest Companies and Charitable Incorporated Organisations.
Charities Act 2006 - What trustees need to know (May 2007) (PDF, 1.26mb)
The Cabinet Office and Charity Commission have launched this concise guide to to the biggest shake up of charity law for centuries. The guide is primarily aimed at those running small charities that may not have the knowledge or expertise to make the most of the new laws.
What Management Committees Need to Know (May 2007) (PDF, 84kb)
This report is a guide that helps small voluntary organisations and community groups understand the Trustee and Management Committee National Occupational Standards and provides an introduction to key issues related to the running of their organisations. It is aimed at trustees, management committee members and paid workers who are helping committees to understand their role. Published by Governance Hub / Bradford CVS.
Governance Hub - Support and resource needs of Trustees and Chairs in voluntary and community organisations (September 2006) (Word, 1.19mb)
This report was commissioned by the Governance Hub, which is part of the ChangeUp programme, managed by CapacityBuilders.
Assisting the Development of Good Governance in Voluntary Organisations (Word, 232kb)
Based in Northumberland, the Foundation for Good Governance is an independent charity that focuses on developing greater understanding of governance within the charitable and not for profit sector by organising events, undertaking research and disseminating the results of its work.
The Governance Hub - Code of Governance and Standards (PDF, 264kb)
The Governance Hub has also produced a Code of Governance and Standards for the voluntary and community sector.
Governance Works - Essential Business Understanding for VCS Boards: Module 2 - Planning (PDF, 737kb)
Governance Works - Essential Business Understanding for VCS Boards: Module 4 - Money (PDF, 409kb)
The learning materials above were prepared by Governance Works for the Social Enterprise Unit, Office of the Third Sector.
They have been designed for trainers and advisors to use in voluntary and community sector organisations or with social enterprises and are free to download.
Office of the Third Sector - Criminal Records Bureau checks Guidance for volunteering (June 2008) (PDF, 200kb)
The Cabinet Office has published new guidance for organisations that make use of volunteers, to clarity when Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks need to be carried out.
The guidance, said the Cabinet Office, explains how CRB checks work as part of a proper risk management process, and will help cut unnecessary red tape by identifying when checks are not necessary.
acevo & Volunteering England - Essential Guide to Involving Volunteers 2007 (PDF, 196kb)
Many volunteer-involving organisations say they are experiencing problems in recruiting and retaining volunteers. This guide aims to help organisations to develop a volunteer programme which will not only survive but prosper.
Jobcentre Plus Volunteering While Unemployed Report (April 2006) (PDF, 138kb)
Volunteering while you are unemployed and looking for paid employment can help you as well as helping to make a difference in society. Volunteering allows you to use your
skills and talents in a different way for the benefit of your community.
Disability Rights Commission (DRC) -Recruiting, Retaining and Developing Disabled Volunteers: Guidance for Volunteer Opportunity Providers 2006 (PDF, 296kb)
The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) believes that disabled people should have the same rights, choices and opportunities as non-disabled people. This applies as much in the field of volunteering as elsewhere. This document seeks to improve access to volunteering opportunities for disabled people by providing advice and guidance to organisations providing, or who are planning to provide, such opportunities.
The DRC hopes that organisations of all kinds will use this document to help them create barrier free volunteering opportunities for disabled people in many different types of volunteering environment.
Volunteer Management Training Needs Report (May 2006) (PDF, 112kb)
Volunteer Management is a complex role, requiring highly skilled, knowledgeable individuals who are prepared to work flexibly to provide a quality experience for their volunteers. The aim of developing a National Training Strategy for Volunteer Management is to help build the leadership, management and learning capacity of those who manage volunteers.
UK Workforce Hub - Management of Volunteers NOS (PDF, 976kb)
National Occupational Standards (NOS) define a framework of good practice in the way people work, based on the functions of their job or role, and the UK Workforce Hub has developed these sector specific standards for the management of volunteers.
Age Concern Newcastle and the University of Newcastle upon Tyne - Volunteering, self-help and citizenship in later life (2006) (PDF, 576kb)
Age Concern Newcastle worked with the Department of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne on this research project for two years, the outcomes of which will be of use across the voluntary sector and to public policy makers.
Volunteering England - Volunteers and the Law (PDF, 298kb)
Volunteers and the Law has been created as a readable overview of legal issues for volunteer managers and anyone who works with volunteers.
