Supporting Voluntary Organisations
This is a central part of our work and ranges from giving information to the public about the voluntary organisations in Watford to providing advice on all aspects of running a voluntary organisation. We publish a regular newsletter and offer a voluntary sector training programme
The History of Watford CVS
Following two years consultation between Watford Borough Councillors and interested local voluntary organisations under the leadership of Alderman Robert Caton and Audrey Deacon, at that time Secretary of the Hertfordshire CVS (later to become Community Council for Herts), Watford Council for Voluntary Service was inaugurated in May 1974. The first Chairman was Clifford Warburton with Mrs. Myrtle Frith as Honorary Secretary.
Find out more about the history of Watford CVS or visit the Watford CVS Timeline.
Promoting Volunteering
We run Watford Volunteer Bureau which is the job centre for volunteers in the Watford. The VB arranges opportunities for volunteering with voluntary and community organisations as well as statutory services. It also runs special schemes for volunteers who may need extra support. In addition, the VB provides advice, information and best practice for organisations which involve volunteers.
Enabling Consultation
Our consultation work is a direct response to the needs of statutory services to consult local communities, voluntary organisations and users of services. More and more people are able to have a say in what their needs are and what services should be provided to them.
Aiding Community Development
Our independence places us in a good position to bring people together to address the needs of a neighbourhood or a specific issue, test new ideas or help make public meetings work.
Giving the Voluntary Sector a Voice
We aim to foster a sense of identity and belonging. Organisations and individuals can feel stronger when they join together to speak about issues which affect them. We represent the interests of the voluntary sector on many strategic partnerships. It is important that the voluntary sectors opinion is known when others are making decisions which affect people in the district.
Watford Council for Voluntary Service is a registered charity whose role is to promote voluntary action by assisting voluntary groups to become effective and efficient in order to cope with rapidly changing needs. We provide local voluntary and community organisations with
- Practical help – office support, equipment loan
- Technical information and advice - on setting up, running and developing your group
- News on the voluntary sector
- Training courses – a training programme is drawn up from a training needs analysis.
- Networking - we host and facilitate the Watford Voluntary Sector Alliance, Watford Voluntary Sector Training Network.
- Volunteers - the Watford Volunteer Bureau matches volunteers and groups to their mutual benefit.
- Local Strategic Partnerships
- Registering as a charity
- Constitutions
- Funding / fundraising advice
- Working as a management committee
- Trainers and consultants
- Good employment practice
- Local and national voluntary organisations
- Equal opportunities.
For more information on how we can help your organisation or to find out about the benefits of CVS membership, please browse this site or contact us at info@watfordcvs.org.uk.
