1. Key Information Update for Locality Network Members
VANL
Key Information Update for Locality Network Members
Autumn 2014

2. Early Years Collaborative…
VANL hosting new Early Years Development Worker post on behalf of Voluntary Sector Partnership Group
Care Inspectorate reviewing children’s services in North Lanarkshire during October 2014, with voluntary sector services included in inspection
Voluntary Sector Children and Families Network continues to facilitate sector representation at key groups
Advocacy to simplify process for voluntary sector groups to apply to EYC Change Fund
Contacts at Voluntary Action NL: Joyce Morgan for EYC on Sharon Bissett for Children and Families Network on
Full guidelines can be download from OSCR website at

3. VANL Organisational Development Training Programme…
Calendar of training programmes for August- December 2014 available for download at
Courses available in the following areas: Finance, Funding and Sustainability Governance and Management Information, Communication and Technology Additional Certificated Courses
Most courses free of charge to VANL members (£30 for non members)

4. Locator Tool for Voluntary Sector Services for Older People…
Online tool enabling senior citizens to search for services in their localities of North Lanarkshire
Details of over 250 organisations and 40 searchable categories, including befriending services, lunch clubs, day care services, health services and more
Locator Tool can be accessed by visiting:
Activity undertaken as part of Reshaping Care for Older People Change Plan

5. RCOP Volunteering Development Training Programmes...
Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire delivering free training for older people (65+) and voluntary sector organisations supporting older people
Training in following areas: Equality and Diversity, Conflict Resolution, Basic IT, Befriending, Communications and Listening, Personal Development, REHIS Food Hygiene (and more)
For further information about training available, contact Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire on
ons/gift-aid-and-digital-giving (closing date for responses is Friday 20 September 2013)

6. Keep Volunteering Voluntary…
Campaign launched in response to UK Government’s planned Community Work Placement Scheme
Scheme will force unemployed people onto six- month unpaid work placements within local councils and voluntary sector organisations
Voluntary Sector Partnership Group opposed to ‘mandated’ volunteering
Organisations can sign up to support the campaign:

7. Games Volunteering Legacy…
Approximately 18,000 volunteers helped make the Glasgow Commonwealth Games a huge success
Additional 250 North Lanarkshire Council volunteers supported cycling time trial and triathlon events
Contact VANL on for details of further sports volunteering opportunities in local area
‘Get Active Lanarkshire’ campaign keen to create physical activity legacy from The Games
org.uk/policy/international- news/eurogroup-updates/

8. Well Connected Speed Networking…
Social Prescribing for Mental Health Lanarkshire partnership
Speed Networking Event on Monday 22 September from 1.30pm-3.30pm at Gartlea Community Centre, Airdrie
Partner input about services provided for users with mental health issues
Contact Lynne McGinnes on or cot.nhs.uk to book places
scot.nhs.uk or telephone
Helpline is open seven days a week until 11pm and is free to call on
support also available at
For further information about helpline service, contact Catherine Cush on
Classes to help develop skills and Calendar of free 90-minute classes being run across Lanarkshire during August, September and October 2013
For further information, and to book free places, contact or nhs.uk

9. Shared Care Scotland Short Breaks Fund…
Grants available for organisations working with carers and people they support
Typical projects funded include: Short breaks, play schemes for disabled children, activity schemes or youth clubs for disabled young people, befriending and buddying schemes, sports activities
Applications from North Lanarkshire area low and being encouraged
Contact Alison Stevenson on for further information about applying
ons/gift-aid-and-digital-giving (closing date for responses is Friday 20 September 2013)

10. CLD Partnership Strategy 2014-18…
NL Community Learning and Development Partnership has released a CL&D Partnership Strategy
Vision of strong vibrant community where everyone is committed to improving quality of life, work and attainment
For further information about Strategy, contact David Young at North Lanarkshire Council CL&D on
Classes to help develop skills and Calendar of free 90- minute classes being run across Lanarkshire during August, September and October 2013
For further information, and to book free places, contact or t.nhs.uk

11. NL Properties LLP Trust…
Ownership of previous North Lanarkshire Council properties now with NL Properties LLP Trust
Previous concerns about voluntary sector organisations renting local authority premises being asked to pay VAT on rent
An exemption opportunity has now been identified for charities to claim back VAT
Contact Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire on for further support

12. Key Campaign Dates 2014-15… CSV Make a Difference Day
Saturday 25 October 2014
Social Enterprise Day
Thursday 20 November 2014
UN International Volunteer Day
Friday 5 December 2014
Student Volunteering Week
23 February – 1 March 2015
For information regarding local festivities for these voluntary sector campaigns, please contact Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire on

13. Citizens Advice Scotland Zero Contract Hours Concerns…
A report from Citizens Advice Scotland has raised concerns about Zero Hour Contracts
Thousands of Scots left in poverty by rogue employers use of ZHC
Workers left with little or no control over working hours and therefore pay
Full report available at
estimates that this has affected 4,600 Scottish households including up to 10,000 children
Over half of households affected have lost at least £50 per week, while over a quarter have lost £100 per week (£5,000 per year)

14. OSCR Annual Report Publishing…
OSCR keen for charities to publish annual reports and accounts on OSCR website
Move is to widen access and increase charities’ transparency
OSCR has asked Scottish Government to change legislation to enable this to be enforced
Charity Commission in England currently publish charity annual accounts
Visit for further information

15. Patient Opinion…
An independent non-profit website to share experiences of health services in the UK (good & bad)
Website informs staff of experiences reported and feedback is received for service users
Objective is to help improve and change health services for the better
Voluntary sector groups encouraged to use and promote website to users
Visit Patient Opinion at

16. Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs Helpline...
Free national confidential helpline for families of those misusing alcohol or drugs
Helpline is open seven days a week until 11pm and is free to call on
support also available at
For further information about helpline service, contact Catherine Cush on
Classes to help develop skills and Calendar of free 90-minute classes being run across Lanarkshire during August, September and October 2013
For further information, and to book free places, contact or nhs.uk

17. Social Enterprise Framework...
For further info, contact Yvonne McBride at North Lanarkshire Council on or
Classes to help develop skills and Calendar of free 90-minute classes being run across Lanarkshire during August, September and October 2013
For further information, and to book free places, contact or

18. Thank You!