Our Development Team, support new and existing voluntary and community groups. The type and range of support given includes advice and information on:

Running an Organisation

• Setting up a new group
• Writing a constitution or set of rules
• Applying for charity registration
• Becoming a company
• Forming an effective committee
• Writing policies and good working practices
• Insurance

Planning and Reviewing

• Preparing a business or development plan
• Starting new projects
• Monitoring and evaluating projects
• Researching community needs

Staff and Volunteers

• Recruiting and employing staff
• Writing terms and conditions of employment
• Managing staff, supervision and appraisal
• Writing a volunteer policy and developing a volunteer programme

Providing a Service

• Risk assessment
• Health and Safety
• Developing quality standards
• Monitoring user satisfaction

Finance and Funding

• Identifying funding
• Filling out grant forms
• Budgeting and book-keeping

Premises and Property

• Hire agreements
• Insurance
• Licences

How We Work

Jenny Allthorpe, our Development Officer, works in a very flexible way depending on a group’s needs and circumstances. She can provide advice and information by letter, telephone or email, or can meet with you to discuss your organisation’s needs. She can offer tailored support that may involve attending committee meetings to talk about roles and responsibilities of committee members, or work with staff or volunteers to review services and activities and plan for the future.

The advice and support offered by the Development Team is impartial and confidential. It is a free service to all voluntary and community groups based or working in Bedfordshire.

How to Contact Us

To get in touch with Jenny, telephone 01525 850559 or email.