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Voluntary Action Lochaber Annual Report
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Annual Report
2011/12
Helping Communities to Help Themselves
Awarded
Committed to Excellence
Directors
Chairperson Harry Whiteside
Director Maureen Cameron
Director John Rosie
Director Donald Young (Appointed Oct 11)
Director Terry Lee (Appointed Sep11)
Director Gerald McIntyre (Appointed Feb12)
Advisor Emma Taylor
Core Staff
Chief Development Manager Sarah Ward (left Sep 11)
Janis MacDonald (start Oct 11)
Core Services Manager Flora McKee
Company Accountant David Govan
Finance Officer Deirdre Coull
Social Enterprise Outreach Worker Marion Smith
Volunteer Development Officer Rachel Tonks
Administrator Sean Fraser (left Aug12)
Information & Communications Officer James Young (start Aug 12)
Receptionist/Administrator Wendy Newton
Trainee Administrator Michelle MacGilllivray (left July 12)
Trainee Administrator Claire Harper (start April 12)
Trainee Administrator Ceri Tracey (start Sep 12)
Centre Operative Frances Logan
Lifestyles Project
LifeStyles Project Manager Bryan Powell
LifeStyles Support Worker Caroline MacPherson
LifeStyles Support Worker Duncan MacLeod (left Oct 11)
LifeStyles Support Worker Christine Clephan
LifeStyles Support Worker Laiza Lorimer
LifeStyles ROB Project Worker Steve Pimborough
Leading the way
Chairs Report
Dear Members
Welcome to our 2011/2012 Annual Report, and a warm welcome to our new Board members Donald Young, Terry Lee and Gerald McIntyre.
Back in September 2011 VAL achieved the EFQM “Committed to Excellence” award. This was seen as a major achievement for us as we have since learned that only 70% of organisations applying for the award successfully achieve this recognition status. As Chair, I have been working closely with the management team and fellow Board members, to further strengthen the VAL Board and continue to improve our operations using the EFQM Quality Framework.
The development of the Community Anchor Project, which saw the recruitment of a Chief Development Manager and Social Enterprise Outreach Worker through part-funding from LEADER and The Highland Council, has provided a degree of stability and a springboard for sustainability. We have worked towards segmenting our services and developing plans for future development and are now putting those plans into operation. We hope the attention to planning risk assessment and performance management will contribute significantly to future stability and growth.
All our services remain very much in demand despite the prolonged negative impact the economic climate has had on the Third Sector. I am pleased to report that we have continued to retain high occupancy levels at An Drochaid. We have fortunately managed to steer our way through a harsh funding climate without cuts in our frontline services, although we still remain concerned for the future. The EFQM process has enabled us to identify areas for streamlining to make our social business more effective and efficient.
We have continued to raise the profile of Voluntary Action Lochaber at regional level by actively participating in the newly formed Highland Third Sector Partnership (The Interface for Highland).
On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Sarah, our previous Chief Development Manager, our new CDM Janis and all our staff for their hard work and commitment to Voluntary Action Lochaber over the last year.
The Board would also like to thank Dot Ferguson and Emma Tayler for their continued support as our advisors. To my fellow Directors I thank you for your support, hard work and dedication over the past year.
Harry Whiteside Chairperson
Volunteer Development
“I like being a volunteer because I like helping people and it's rewarding.
Pop into the VAL office and see what opportunities there are - go on, get
involved”!
Grace Watson
Volunteer
Volunteer Development
Over the last year VAL took on a new area of development offering
Volunteer Support and Development for groups and individuals
throughout Lochaber. We were fortunate to be able to offer a seamless
transition and continuity of services with the recruitment of the Lochaber
Volunteer Development Officer formally employed by Volunteering
Highland.
During the period the Volunteer Centre in Lochaber saw 79 new
volunteers:
43 were female
36 were male
3 people indicated they had a disability
28 volunteers were 16-25 years old and working towards MV
6 achieved MV Awards
Those on Job Seekers allowance constituted the main category of
volunteer uptake at 23 people, followed by school pupils at 18 people
and thirdly those in further education/training being 8.
The top age band who came forward to volunteer was 0-18 followed by
19-25 year olds
12 new opportunities arose from 2 new organisations
Events & Promotions
“Get Involved ” Volunteer Recruitment Event
Volunteer Awards Ceremony
Promotion of Volunteer and Saltire Awards
Supporting & Developing a Strong Third Sector
“We are truly grateful and privileged to have experienced a sample of the
dedication and professionalism offered to local charitable businesses by
the team at Voluntary Action Lochaber”.
Geoff Heathcote
Lochaber Deaf Care
Support Services
VAL continues to deliver a wide range of support services to voluntary
and community groups within Lochaber. Our work includes assisting
groups with constitutions, policies, OSCR, funding searches and
applications:
184 registered members
614 enquiries for information or guidance
26 groups were signposted to other services
In addition to our core support service we delivered the following:
3 groups received health checks
3 groups received crisis support
5 groups trained on Implementing PQASSO Quality Standard
training
5 groups received mentoring support for PQASSO Quality Standard
2 groups received Board development support & training
3 groups received bespoke Governance training
4 groups supported with secretariat services.
Communicating with our members
VAL strives to keep our membership and wider third sector informed
of up-coming events, sector specific news and funding opportunities:
2 newsletters
20 e-updates.
Over the next year VAL is looking to develop and improve our website
and social media tools.
Social Enterprise Development
“VAL has been a constant support to Lochaber Hope and previous projects
I have been involved with over the last 12 years. To have such support
services available locally is invaluable for social enterprises in Lochaber.
Thank you VAL”.
Alyson Smith
Lochaber Hope
Social Enterprise Development
A relatively new area of activity for VAL enhanced by financial
support through the Highland LEADER Programme. This support
has enabled us to have a dedicated staff member to support new,
existing and emerging social enterprises within Lochaber.
During the last year:
56 organisations have benefited from support
17 of the organisations were new to VAL accessing start up
support
19 funding searches were completed
14 constitutions were prepared
5 organisations were assisted in changing their legal status.
Outreach Surgeries
A total of 4 outreach surgeries were held in:
Mallaig
Arisaig
Acharacle
Kinlochleven
As a result of the work in this area over the past year, more
organisations understand and identify with the terms social economy/
social enterprise. Organisations are utilising this thinking in their
management and governance approaches. Work has been identified
to manage risk and develop quality standards and progress is being
made to develop a social economy/enterprise strategy for this area.
A Connected Voluntary Sector
“Voluntary Action Lochaber continues to maintain an important and critical
role as a key community planning partner in Lochaber. The input from VAL
has been invaluable and welcome over the past year, not only helping the
area strategically establish its priorities but also contributing to the
achievement of area goals through the direct delivery of the quality services it
provides”.
Emma Tayler Assistant Ward Manager
Building the Third Sector Relationship with Community Planning
Community Planning works to deliver the five national outcomes
which are: a Smarter; Wealthier & Fairer; Healthier; Greener; Safer
& Stronger - Scotland.
VAL continues to represent the voice of the Third Sector in Lochaber
and participates in a number of local, Highland-wide and national
partnerships striving to ensure that its members also gain a place at
the table, where possible, putting communities first.
Local Partnerships include:
Lochaber Partnership Group
Lochaber Drug & Alcohol Forum
Lochaber Volunteer Managers Forum
Lochaber Outdoor Learning Partnership
Lochaber Migrant Workers Forum
Community Safety Action Team
Fort William Chamber of Commerce
Lochaber Transport Forum
Lochaber Business Women’s Network
Employability Forum
Lochaber District Partnership
Highland-wide Partnerships - Influencing Regional Policy
Highland Third Sector Partnership
HTSP Volunteering Sub Group
Highland Public Services Partnership
Economic Development Forum
National Partnerships - Influencing National Policy
Voluntary Action Scotland
Community Planning Reference Group
Through influencing change we can work together to help empower
communities and support community led regeneration leading to
success with the national outcomes.
VAL Services
This year has seen considerable growth and development for VAL
with the appointment of Janis McDonald in October 2011. This has
given us the platform needed for a move to a new way of working
allowing us to rise to the challenges ahead to ensure the future
sustainability of the organisation.
One of the biggest highlights of the year was being awarded the
EFQM Quality Framework Standard “Committed to Excellence”.
Building on this, two members of staff trained as licenced PQASSO
Mentors. Five local organisations received training and support to
implement the PQASSO Quality Standard. This is a project close to
our hearts at VAL and we look forward to delivering more training and
mentoring in this area in the year ahead.
VAL is in the process of developing two new projects. Firstly, the VAL
Community Accountancy Service. This project builds on the existing
robust accountancy and financial administration service, already
valued by many of our member groups, and is seen as having further
development potential in the future.
During consultation with third sector organisations throughout
Lochaber the need for sector specific training to be accessed locally
was identified. We are currently in the process of applying to become
an Accredited Learning Centre. Watch out for our training programme
coming soon!
The Community Anchor Team supported by the Admin Team has
continued to deliver on the four functions as directed by the Scottish
Government. These are: Supporting and Developing Third Sector
Organisations, Volunteer Development, Social Enterprise Support
and Building the Third Sector Relationship with Community Planning.
On behalf of the VAL Management Team I would like to thank our
Board of Directors for their on-going support and to all our staff for
their hard work and commitment over the last year.
Flora McKee - Core Services Manager
Lifestyles
Through the process of continual improvement LifeStyles strives to
deliver support services of a very high standard. The last inspection by
the Care Inspectorate awarded the following grades:
Quality of Care and Support - Excellent
Quality of Staffing - Very Good
Quality of Leadership and Management - Very Good
The attainment of these grades has only been possible through the
hard work and professionalism of the team, to whom I am grateful.
The support we provide is person centred, delivered to meet individual
need. Utilising an approach of doing with and not for, our support
workers enable clients to address housing related issues, build upon
and learn new skills, grow in confidence and maintain independent
living. We work with a diverse range of client groups including young
people, people with substance and alcohol addictions, people
experiencing mental health illness and individuals and families
experiencing poverty. Maintaining a secure place to live ensures a
stable base for our clients to work through the underlying causes of
becoming homeless and build upon a positive future to achieve their
aspirations and goals.
Investment in support services provides benefits to the wider society
and not just to the clients we see. The work we do reduces poverty
and tackles debt, prevents homelessness, reduces anti social and
offending behaviour, reduces alcohol and substance misuse,
promotes healthy living, helps access employment and training and
keeps children safe. By contributing to a healthier, wealthier, safer and
smarter community LifeStyles is improving the quality of life for all of
us who live in Lochaber.
The next year ahead is going to be challenging and the economic
climate will mean the vulnerable will be at greater risk of poverty, debt
and homelessness. LifeStyles as part of VAL, intend to meet these
challenges and deliver services to those most in need.
Bryan Powell - LifeStyles Manager
Opening Doors
“I don’t think you can improve the service, everything is fantastic”.
Service User Quote
LifeStyles Housing Support Service
LifeStyles provides a housing support service to people who are
homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The support is tailored to
the individual and may include developing an understanding of the
rights and responsibilities of a tenant, claiming benefits, budgeting,
managing housing related debt, developing gate-keeping skills and
practical life skills. In addition to this, support is provided to explore the
productive use of leisure time and to consider options for training,
education and employment.
People accommodated in temporary homeless accommodation are
assisted to maintain this and then move onto a suitable alternative.
Existing tenants who are at risk of losing their tenancy can access a
service to address the issues they have with the aim of keeping their
home.
In the course of the financial year 2011-2012 LifeStyles, supported a
total of 73 people:
61% of clients were male
39% were female
51% of the people who received a service were aged 16 to 25 years
old, the priority client group of the service
82% of the referrals to the project came from the Highland Council
Housing and Property Services
45 clients stopped receiving a service in the period
46% of those completed a planned programme of support.
Making Choices
“The service has been more than helpful”.
Service User Quote
CJS Reduction In Offending Behaviour Project
The project offers support and guidance to offenders and those who
are at a low risk of re-offending. The service also provides a Diversion
from Prosecution program if this is deemed suitable. The individual
works through a structured program combined with personal support
and encouragement to find ways to reduce their offending behaviour
and to make a positive link to the community.
Clients
In the period the service has worked with 11 clients:
11 Clients were male
27% of the clients identified their use of alcohol as being a contributing
factor to their offending behaviour
11 Clients have ceased with the service.
The following outcomes were achieved:
3 Clients worked on the “Dealing with Conflict” module
4 Clients worked on anger management
3 Clients worked on addressing their use of alcohol
2 Clients worked on problem solving
2 Clients worked on improving relationships
1 Client worked on addressing a gambling addiction
3 Clients worked on assertiveness
3 Clients received a housing support service.
Housing the Sector
“Having previously rented office space in An Drochaid with an earlier project,
it was the natural thing to do to approach VAL when I needed an office for my new project. The amenities are excellent and great value for money and nothing is too much trouble for efficient friendly staff. A great place to work in”.
Eleanor Brown LEAD Scotland
An Drochaid
An Drochaid, now in its 12th year of operation, continues to be a
popular meeting venue for both public and private sector
organisations. We thank all our customers for their continued support
of An Drochaid.
Following a successful funding application to Awards for All, new
electric front doors and the power assisted modifications of the inner
doors took place. This has further improved the access to and from
the building.
Office Rental
During the period April 2011 to March 2012 An Drochaid operated at
90% rental capacity.
Tenants
Action for Children
Lochaber Environmental Group
VAL LifeStyles Project
Lochaber Credit Union
Care Lochaber
Talk Lochaber
SENSE Scotland
Bord na Gaidhlig
LEAD Scotland
Pure Massage
Room Hire
242 Conference Room
217 Meeting Room
95 Recreational Room
Childs Play
“What a great service! I can’t believe I didn’t know about it before now”.
Individual member quote
Lochaber Toy Library
Voluntary Action Lochaber continues to administer the Lochaber Toy
Library. This is a resource that is envied by many other areas
throughout the country. We stock a wide range of toys including
sensory equipment which has proven to be popular over the year.
Accessibility
The Toy Library is open Monday - Friday 10 - 4 pm, 50 weeks of the
year.
Membership
The Library boasts a membership of 309 made up of the following:
235 Individual Members
35 Pre-school Groups
8 Out of School Groups
6 Youth Groups
25 Other
Membership of the Library has continued to grow year on year, and is
open to groups, individuals and families living within Lochaber. VAL
actively promotes the service through promotional and fundraising
events, e-updates and newsletters.
Finance
Surplus: £42,677
You will note from the above charts that VAL ’ s income has increased
substantially in the past year. This is due to VAL acting as banker on behalf of
the Highland Third Sector Partnership, therefore, £622,447 was not ours to
spend in Lochaber!
12%
66%
15%
7% 0%
Income £1,020,904
Generated Funds
Restricted Grants
Contracts
UnrestrictedGrants
Bank DepositInterest
7%
87%
6% 0%
Expenditure £978,227
SupportCosts
Runningcosts
Otherexpenditure
Governance
On reflection
Chief Development Manager’s Report
Dear Members
This is my opportunity to reflect on almost exactly a year since I took up
post as Chief Development Manager within VAL. It has been a busy
time: meeting lots of people from the 300 or so organisations working
in Lochaber; working with an excellent staff team to improve services
provided and change some of the ways we work; recruiting new Board
members and reviewing governance as part of our improvement cycle
and working with our regional partners to create an “interface” for Third
Sector in Highland.
It has been a real pleasure working in such a scenic environment,
particularly as my health was not at its best, and gaining understanding
and insight into rural Scotland. There is a fantastic rich tapestry of Third
Sector activity adding to life in the Lochaber area. It will be challenged
by economic threats which might help us find better ways of working
together. The political environment supports community led decision
making and a re-balancing of civic and civil society and as we move
from grant dependence into more flexible funding arrangements there
will be opportunities for those organisations that take quality standards
and management practices seriously.
Keep an eye to good governance, manage your money closely and
work with VAL towards a solid, positive future.
Janis McDonald
Chief Development Manager
Registered Office:
An Drochaid
Claggan Road
Fort William
Inverness-shire
PH33 6PH
Tel: 01397 706044
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.valochaber.org
Voluntary Action Lochaber is a Charitable Company Ltd by Guarantee
Registered in Scotland.
Company Number: 179048
Charity Number: SC020740
Printed & produced by Voluntary Action Lochaber