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
LifeStyles Support Worker
Christine Clephan
LifeStyles Support Worker
Laiza Lorimer
LifeStyles ROB Project Worker
Steve Pimborough
(left Oct 11)
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
Income £1,020,904 Generated Funds 7% 0% 15%
12%
Restricted Grants Contracts
66% Unrestricted Grants Bank Deposit Interest
Expenditure £978,227 6% 0% 7%
87%
Support Costs Running costs Other expenditure Governance
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!
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: admin@valochaber.org Website: www.valochaber.org
Voluntary Action Lochaber is a Charitable Company Ltd by Guarantee Registered in Scotland. Company Number: 179048 Charity Number: SC020740
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