Thinking of starting a voluntary organisation?
This page is for you if you are thinking of creating a group, whether that is a voluntary or community group, or a charity.
Voluntary Action Lewisham is the local council for voluntary service. Or put another way, we are here to assist voluntary and community groups (hence the new term). In particular we work with new groups as we recognise that new groups may be faced by additional pressures as they are not always familiar with how the voluntary sector operates and are just starting out.
Voluntary Action Lewisham is one of a number of organisations - often known as Councils for Voluntary Service - that operate throughout the country. We cover the Lewisham area. Other groups cover neighbouring Local Authorities - Greenwich, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, and Bromley. Most are members of NAVCA (the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action).
If you are thinking of setting up a group there are three areas you need to think about:
- What do you want to do? Is there anybody doing anything similar? How will you differ from them? Can you work together to minimise duplication? Will you need to employ staff? How will you get from where you are now - just starting out - to where you want to be?
- Who will you work with? It may be obvious, but a group needs members. Who else shares your dreams or vision? Do they have the skills your group will need?
- How will you operate? A group needs some form of rules. This area - known as governance - is vitally important and can have an impact on how you work, raise funds, and handle money.
Next steps
We can help take you through some of the steps you'll need to take. In particular:
- We have produced a start-up guide that goes through some of these issues in greater depth. Click on the image on the right to download the document
- Several of our members of staff specialise in working with new or emerging groups. Again their details are available on the right.
- Finally we arrange a number of events and training courses. These cover a wide range of issues, but some are targeted at new groups. They will also allow you to meet other people doing similar things. See the list on the far right of the screen.
Registering as a charity
If you are thinking of registering your group as a charity, the Charity Commission has information available. Before registering you will need to:
- Have an income of at least £5,000 per year
- Have charitable aims
- Be set up for the public benefit
We can provide you will help in drafting your aims (objectives) and going through the registration process.
Membership
You may also want to consider joining VAL. This will help us to keep in touch. As members you will also receive our regular newsletter - Grapevine - and our eBulletin. More details are available on our membership pages.
eBulletin
You can also subscribe to receive our free, fortnightly eBulletin by emailing info@valewisham.org.uk.
Contacts @ VAL
Mike Umoren
Development Officer (CRIB Project)
Tel: 020 8698 6034
Email: mike@valewisham.org.uk
More details of Mike's work can be found on the CRIB page.
Christine Wykes-Driver
Community Accountant
Tel: 020 8314 6576
Email: christine@valewisham.org.uk
More details of Chris' work can be found on the Asset pages.
Other Resources
As our name suggests, Voluntary Action Lewisham only works with groups in the Lewisham area. This is due to our funding only covering the Lewisham area.
There are similar organisations that cover some of the neighbouring areas. If your group is based in one of these areas you should approach them for support. If they cannot help they may be able to signpost you to other organisations that can help.
Each CVS differs in the services it provides - depending upon local need and the availability of funding - but most offer services for new groups.
Support in Neighbouring Areas
If your group is based further afield, you can find details of your local infrastructure support organisations from the NAVCA website.
