Ross-shire Voluntary Action

Advisory

The organisation offers a wide range of advisory services ranging from funding through volunteering to quasi-legal advice. Most of the requests for advice come from local voluntary groups but a significant number are generated by the local authority, the Local Enterprise Company and national bodies from outwith the area. The service can take the form of a five minute telephone call about a source of funding or several days spent with a group in the process of re-engineering. Some of the output is delivered by means of short training sessions. This aspect of work requires that the staff keep up to date with changes and movements.

Representative

Because of its position as an independent non-topic focussed group, Ross-shire Voluntary Action is viewed and used as a representative of the local voluntary service. Representative roles are usually delivered by both staff or voluntary managers attending meetings, for or conferences. This role requires that Ross-shire Voluntary Action is fully aware of and sensitive to the needs of the local voluntary sector.

Training

It has long been recognised that capacity building through training is the best way for the organisation to fulfil its main role. Constantly fire-fighting the problems faced by local groups is not sustainable and an alternative way of supporting the local sector is essential. Ross-shire Voluntary Action now provides a range of training courses to local voluntary groups. There are well established and successful courses in Treasurer Training and Converting to Company Limited by Guarantee. In addition, a range of advisory booklets has been written and produced.