Derby CVS is the umbrella organisation for the city’s voluntary sector and the main provider of support for local voluntary and community groups. We are part of the national Councils for Voluntary Service network and have over 200 member organisations.

Derby CVS exists to create and enhance effective voluntary action aimed at improving the quality of life of people in Derby City by:

• encouraging, supporting and developing individuals, groups and organisations involved in voluntary action
• promoting new initiatives that tackle social exclusion and economic disadvantage
• establishing partnerships between the public, private and voluntary sectors.

How can DCVS help you?

We support voluntary and community groups within Derby through:

Capacity building: we offer information and support on all aspects of setting up and running an organisation, including:

• a Management Development Service, offering advice on developing good management practices; covering topics such as charity registration, legal issues, crisis management and business planning
  
• a Personnel Advisory Service, offering advice and information on employment issues such as recruitment, salaries and grading, employee rights, appraisal and disciplinary procedures
  
• a Funding Advice and Information Service – our service includes access to our Funderfinder database, Funding Information Sheets and extensive library of funding publications, and we can offer advice on topics such as helping develop a fundraising strategy, preparing successful funding applications and accessing sources of local funding
  
• support to self help groups in areas such as getting started, gaining publicity, promoting good practice and key information sources. We also offer a specialist support service to minority ethnic groups

Recruiting and placing volunteers: our Volunteer Bureau interviews over 300 people each year for volunteer placements within local organisations. We also run a successful Millennium Volunteers programme, which supports young volunteers aged between 16 and 24.

Training and vocational development: we run a continuous programme of short courses and training events in areas such as health and safety, fundraising and First Aid. We have a programme of volunteer training that's accredited through Open College Network, and CVS is an accredited centre to deliver the NVQ in Community Work.

Promoting consultation and policy involvement: we represent voluntary and community organisations on the wide range of local partnerships, often through specific consultation forums serviced by CVS. We liaise with various statutory bodies such as the local authority and health agencies and influence policy development at a local, regional and national level.