Frequently Asked Questions

Accessible Venues | Advertising | Business Plan | Childcare | Computers | Consultants | Disability & Access | Directories | Employment Matters| Equalities | Finance | Funding | Governance | Jobs | Loans | Policies | Training | Volunteering | Websites & ICT |

 

Below are a list of Frequently Asked Questions relating to the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. The list is being expanded over time, and will contain more and more questions as the weeks go by. Also visit the Resources Page which has many downloadable resources sheets on many of the subjects listed below.

 

Accessible Venues

Advertising

Where can I advertise in the voluntary, community & social enterprise sector?

  • Voscur’s bi-monthly newsletter – click here for details on deadlines and prices, or phone 0117 909 9949 or email Sophie Mellor at sophie@voscur.org
    You can place ads or insert flyers.
  • Weekly ebulletin – Voscur’s weekly ebulletin goes out every Wednesday. You can advertise your job vacancies via the website and ebulletin. Click here for details on how to add a job. There is a cost per job and you will be invoiced. Your job will then stay on Voscur’s website and ebulletin until the closing date. Post your job by 5pm Monday to ensure it goes out in that week's ebulletin.
  • You can also add your events, training, workshops, conferences etc to our online diary free of charge. Click here to find out how to add a diary event . A selection of community events & free training is taken from the online diary and placed in our weekly ebulletin.

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Business Plan

Who can help me set up a community business, or help with a business plan?

Social Enterprise Works
Ujima House
97 – 107 Wilder Street
St Paul’s
Bristol BS2 8QU
Tel:0117 907 0080
Email: info@socialenterpriseworks.org
www.socialenterpriseworks.org

 

Bristol City Council’s Community Development Unit
6 York Court
Wilder Street
St Paul’s
Bristol BS2 8QX
Tel: 0117 903 6415

 

CEED
97-107 Wilder Street
St. Pauls
Bristol BS2 8QU
Tel: 0117 942 9555
Email: enquiries@ceed.co.uk
www.ceed.co.uk

 

Brave Enterprise Agency
The Coach House
2 Upper York Street
St Pauls
Bristol BS2 8QN
Tel: 0117 944 5330
Email: admin@brave.org.uk
www.brave.org.uk

 

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Childcare

Where can I get information on childcare/creches?

Children & Young People’s Information Service
Email: askcyps@bristol.gov.uk
Tel: 0845 1297217

 

Bristol Association for Neighbourhood Daycare (BAND) Ltd
Website: www.bandltd.org.uk
Tel: 0117 954 2128

 

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Computers

Who provides free or cheap access to computers?

  • Barton Hill Settlement (Ducie Road, Barton Hill, Bristol) has a computer room where computer time can be booked (at a very small charge). Tel: 0117 955 6971. www.bartonhillsettlement.org.uk
  • The Central Library (College Green, Bristol) provides free access to computers in the reference section.
  • North Bristol Community Project (One in Eight) provides computer access (50p-£1 per hour). They also provide a range of courses, information and advice for the local community, as well as support for homeless people. 160 Gloucester Road, Bristol. Tel: 0117 924 6228 www.oneineight.co.uk
  • An ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Directory is available from Voscur. This provides a comprehensive list of organisations and individuals who provide ICT support services to the community and voluntary sector. This may be paid ICT support, training, website design, access to computers, recycled ICT equipment, or help with planning an ICT strategy.
  • Voscur members can book the Members desk for free and have access to the internet and Microsoft Office. Tel: 0117 909 9949 to book.

Where can I get second hand computers?

  • Knowle West Web is a community broadband service based at the Park Centre that provides affordable high speed Internet access to the residents of Knowle West and Filwood. Knowle West Web offer free computers, installed with Mepis Linux to low income families in South Bristol. Tel: 0800 024 2400. www.knowlewestweb.net
  • Re-commit provides ex-government IT equipment at low prices. Tel: 01722 339 660
    www.recommit.co.uk

 

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Consultants

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Disability & Access Issues

Where can I find out about disability & access issues?

  • WECIL (West of England Centre for Inclusive Living) run an advice line, giving advice on Disability issues – Tel: 0117 983 2828 (advice line).They also have a register of Personal Assistants.
    The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2QQ
    Tel: 0117 903 8900 (Voice and minicom) Email: reception@wecil.co.uk
    www.wecil.co.uk
  • RNID (Royal National Institute for the Deaf) South West
    Berkeley House, The Square, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3BH
    Tel/textphone: 01225 485765
    Fax: 01225 485778
    Email: information.southwest@rnid.org.uk
    National Information-line: Tel: 0808 808 0123
    www.rnid.org.uk
    Phone for information and to book British Sign Language Interpreters.
  • Bristol Disability Equality Forum
    Ground Floor, 6 York Court, St Pauls, Bristol
    Phone: 0117 922 2352
    Fax: 0117 922 2392
    Email: laura.welti@bristol.gov.uk

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Directories

Where can I get a list of Bristol's voluntary, community and social enterprise (vcse) organisations?

Other vcse sector directories:

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Employment Matters: Who can help?

Avon and Bristol Law Centre
2 Moon Street
Stokes Croft
Bristol BS2 8QE.
General Office Tel: 0117 924 8662
The Avon and Bristol Law Centre offer free legal advice on a range of subjects:

  • Community Care
  • Debt
  • Employment and Discrimination
  • Housing
  • Immigration and Nationality
  • Welfare Benefits

They also run a number of specific projects:

  • The Bright Project, set up to
    improve the standard and availability of legal advice to Black and other
    Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in Bristol.
  • The Butterfly Project, aims to
    help women who have moved to the UK and are in need of advice or
    assistance.
  • The Disability Rights Project
    provides a casework service to disabled people who have disability
    discrimination complaints about goods, services, facilities, housing,
    private clubs or public bodies.

Check their website www.avonandbristollawcentre.org.uk for further details on how to access their services.

 

 

NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations) offers advice and support, signposting and information about the voluntary sector. They have a range of employment related information sheets on their website at
www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/askncvo/hr
Helpdesk Freephone: 0800 2798 798
Textphone: 0800 01 88 111 (minicom)
Email: helpdesk@askNCVO.org.uk

 

NAVCA (National Association for Voluntary and Community Action) Employment Handbook (also available in Voscur Library).
Tel: 0114 278 6636
Textphone: 0114 278 7025

 

NAVCA Guidelines Handbook (available in Voscur Library) – for Job Descriptions.

 

‘Croners Management Guide’: section about taking on staff and draft employment contracts (available in Voscur Library).

 

Health and Safety Executive Helpline
Website: www.hse.gov.uk
Tel: 0845 345 0055

 

ACAS (Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
Website: www.acas.org.uk - question and answer section on contracts of employment.

 

‘Vol Resource’ Newsletter and website: www.volresource.org.uk - has a checklist of employment policies.

 

Business In the Community has ‘ProHelp’ which is a national network of over 1,000 professional firms who give their time and expertise for free to local community groups and voluntary organisations.
www.bitc.org.uk
Contact Marie Smith Tel: 0117 972 2111, email: marie.smith@bitc.org.uk

 

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Equalities

There is also a lot of information on the Equalities Page of this website.

Where can I get advice on equality issues?

  • ‘Communities of Interest’ are communities which have traditionally experienced inequality, discrimination and oppression. The Bristol Partnership recognises 6 Communities of Interest. They are: Disabled People; Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexual People and Transgender People; Older People & Younger People; People from Black and other Minority Ethnic groups; Women; and Faith groups.
  • Equalities Network
    This network provided by the Equalities Action Group (EAG), facilitated by Voscur and resourced by Voscur and the Bristol Partnership. It is for anyone working to an Equalities agenda. The network provides a forum for people to share and exchange current and relevant information. Equalities reps can then take any key issues to EAG meetings and forwarded to the Bristol Partnership if necessary. Anyone from voluntary, statutory or private sector organisations is welcome to attend. To find out more about the network, or to contact the Equalities reps please email: info@voscur.org or telephone the Voscur office on 0117 909 9949.
  • Equalities in Regeneration Toolkit
    The toolkit endorsed by the Equalities Action Group and the Bristol Partnership provides information for organisations on involving Equalities Communities and is particularly helpful for those aiming to run new projects, it includes a useful ‘how to’ good practice guide, plus sections on monitoring, funding, jargon and Equalities resources. For copies contact Voscur on 0117 909 9949 or email Gill DeWolf at gill.dewolf@bristol.gov.uk or download HERE
  • Equalities Policy, Equal Opportunities and anti-harassment
    Sets out Bristol City Council’s Equalities Policy and includes a section on anti-harassment. It explains the council’s commitment to supporting social justice through tackling inequality and social exclusion and creating a more cohesive society. It can also serve as a useful resource handbook for any group or organisation wanting to examine its own Equalities policies. For copies contact Ruth Pitter at Voscur on 0117 909 9949 or email: equalities.team@bristol.gov.uk

 

Equality Commissions and useful Websites

Useful contacts

Legislation

Download a Voscur Information Sheet ‘Legislation – websites with further information’

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Finances: Where can I get help with my group’s finances?


Bristol Community Accountancy Project (BCAP)
The Park
Daventry Road
Knowle
Bristol BS4 1QD
Tel: 0117 377 3388
www.bcap.info

BCAP offer the following services:
> Preparation of annual accounts (for small voluntary groups or companies limited by guarantee with income of under £90,000 p.a.).
> Independent Examination service (for charities with income under £250,000 p.a.).
> Staff and volunteer training Advice on all financial matters applicable to the voluntary sector.
> Payroll bureau (We offer both weekly and monthly services).
> Help setting up financial systems and procedures, from petty cash to financial reporting and everything in between.
> A twice weekly Helpline is available to members.

 

The Finance Workers and Treasurers Forum for vcse sector organisations meets quarterly. A chance to share information and good practise, and receive peer support. Contact Sabrina Lee at Voscur for more information and meeting dates. Tel: 0117 909 9949, email: sabrina@voscur.org

 

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Funding

Where can I find out about funding?

  • Voscur offers 'Funder Finder' sessions to its members on Friday mornings. Each slot is 50 minutes long and are at 9am, 10am and 11am. FunderFinder is a grant-finding database (released as general software) that will allow you to search through a list of possible sources of funding. It allows you to filter out grants not applicable to you, leaving you with a list of potential funders which will match your funding criteria.
    To book a session contact Voscur Tel: 0117 909 9949.
  • Voscur is implementing a funding health check for selected vcse sector organisations in Bristol, which are in need of support in developing strategic fundraising approaches. Voscur will work through an assisted funding health check with you, which will help us to develop tailored fundraising training and one-to-one advice and mentoring with your organisation. If you are interested in finding out more about this service, and how you might be eligible, please contact Sabrina Lee (Funding Advice Worker) on 0117 909 9949 or email: sabrina@voscur.org
  • The Black Development Agency has the 'Funder Finder' database. They are based at Russell Town Avenue, Redfield, Bristol BS5 9LT. Tel. 0117 939 6645 to book a session.
  • Individuals can find out about what funds, trusts or grant making bodies are available from the Reference Section of the Central Library, College Green, which has directories of grant-making bodies.
  • Voscur’s website has a Funding Updates page which is updated every week with current funding streams.

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Goverance: Who can help write a constitution / other info around setting up a community group or social enterprise


Social Enterprise Works (See Business Plan section for contact details).
For social enterprises.

 

Bristol City Council’s Community Development Unit. Tel: 0117 903 6415.

 

BRAVE Enterprise Agency – help and advice for small businesses
The Coach House,
2 Upper York Street,
Bristol, BS2 8QN
Tel: 0117 9445330
Email: info@brave.org.uk
www.brave.org.uk

 

 

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Jobs: Where can I find out about jobs in the sector?


Voscur’s website contains a job page for voluntary, community & social enterprise sector jobs. With over 25,000 unique visitors to the website, the jobs page is the most popular page. Search for jobs and advertise your vacancies.

 

Volunteering Bristol holds information on hundreds of volunteering opportunities in the community and voluntary sector.
Royal Oak House
Royal Oak Avenue
Bristol BS1 4GB
Tel: 0117 989 7733
www.bristolvolunteers.org.uk

 

The Evening Post (hard copy on Wednesdays) - http://jobs.thisisbristol.co.uk/

 

Bristol City Council - https://secure.bristol-city.gov.uk/item/jobs.html

 

Venue magazine – www.venue.co.uk

 

Big Issue - www.tbijobs.co.uk

 

Job Seeker Direct
Tel: 0845 606 0234
Minicom: 0845 605 5255

 

 

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Loans: Are there any organisations which give loans to voluntary organisations?


Triodos Bank
Brunel House
11 The Promenade
Clifton
Bristol BS8 3NN
Tel: 0117 973 9339
www.triodos.co.uk

 

Social Enterprise Works has an online Directory you can search for organisations that provide loans to the vcse sector. www.socialenterpriseworks.org

 

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Policies and Procedures


View a range of Voscur’s policies

 

The National Association for Voluntary & Community Action (NAVCA) have a range of policies on their website www.navca.org.uk/about/navcapolicy

 

The C3 Partnership website has some model policies www.C3partnership.org

 

The National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NVCO) website has a range of model policies and checklists www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/askncvo/hr

 

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Training: Where can I get training for community & voluntary groups?


Voscur offers a comprehensive programme of community and voluntary sector training. For full details contact Sophie Bayley (Workforce Development Co-ordinator) on 0117 909 9949 or visit the Training Webpage where you can view full details of the training programme and book online.

 

The Training Exchange
Easton Business Centre
Felix Road
Bristol BS5 OHE
Tel: 0117 941 5859
www.trainingexchange.org.uk

 



Phoenix Associates
94 Downend Road
Bristol BS16 5BH
Tel: 0117 957 4141
www.phoenixbristol.co.uk

 

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Volunteering: Volunteering opportunities and finding volunteers


Volunteering Bristol for hundreds of volunteering opportunities
Royal Oak House
Royal Oak Avenue
Bristol BS1 4GB
Tel: 0117 989 7733
www.bristolvolunteers.org.uk

 

 

RSVP (especially for retired volunteers) www.csv-rsvp.org.uk

 

Black Development Agency (for black and minority ethnic volunteering).
Russell Town Ave
Redfield
Bristol BS5 9LT
Tel: 0117 9396645
www.blackdeva.org.uk

 

Young Bristol (for youth volunteering)
113 Parson Street
Bedminster
Bristol BS3 5QH
Tel: 0117 953 7921
www.youngbristol.com

 

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Websites & ICT

 

 

www.freecharity.org.uk provides free web hosting and support to not-for-profit organisations.

 

The ICT Hub offers free advice and resources to the vcse sector.
www.icthub.org.uk
Help Desk: 0800 652 4737

 

Contact Voscur’s ICT Development Worker, Sean Kenny on 0117 909 9949 or email: sean@voscur.org for ICT advice.
Also see Voscur's ICT Webpage

 

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