Capacity building support is key to the strength and sustainability of non-profit Organisations

Capacity Building Support helps non-profit organisations to gain support, skills and expertise to review and adapt their business models and support their strategic development in the medium to long term.

'Our support comes in many different types of services that are all designed to improve and enhance a non profit’s ability to achieve its mission and sustain itself over time.'

Useful Documents

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Setting Up a New Community Group

For people who wish to set up new community groups:

A constitution is basically a formal document stating the aims of your groups and a set of rules that your organisation will follow.

For example, how you will conduct your elections and committee business. A committee is usually formed with named officers such as: Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and some others who would be Committee members. These people would be responsible for the management and running of the group to see that it meets its aims and objectives.

As the group grows and develops, a member/s of staff may be bought in to help to carry out projects that meet the aims of the group.

A constituted group with a bank account can apply for funds to carry out community projects and such and will be expected to have an annual general meeting with its members.

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Developing a Business Plan

This can be daunting for some community groups who wish to make the transition to become a social enterprise. There is plenty of support available and we have supplied some links as well as a business plan template.

The size and detail of your business plan will most probably depend on the size of your organisation and the length of vision that you have for your social enterprise.

Why have a business plan?

Well, it helps investors and funders know about your planned journey and how you are going to get there. Also, what services you are going to deliver and your projected income streams.

In addition to this, it lets your Board or Management Team what you are working towards and in which timescales certain milestones need to be met. In other words, a plan to work towards.

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Protection of Vulnerable Adults Policy

Policies are an important part of any organisation, and you must have them. They help organisations to comply with the law and keep good governance within the organisation.

Many funding bodies will also wish to see that you have these policies. They are a good guide for your staff and users to follow as well. Especially, when things go wrong.

The aim of the policy is to ensure the safety of vulnerable adults by outlining clear procedures and ensuring that all staff members are clear about their responsibilities. A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 years or over who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm or from being exploited.

The overall idea behind safeguarding adults is to protect their life, keep them safe and prevent them from being threatened with or experiencing neglect or abuse.

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What is the meaning of social enterprise?

Social enterprises are businesses whose primary purpose is addressing a social or environmental challenge rather than creating profit for owners or shareholders. They bring together the entrepreneurial skills of the private sector and the values of public service.

Learn more about social enterprise

What is social investment UK?

Social investment is the use of finance to achieve a social, as well as a financial return. Money is provided by investors who want to see it paid back and see that it has been spent on making society better. Social investment provides finance to build an organisations long-term capacity to achieve its social mission.