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CNB (Community Notice Board)

This section is designed to provide voluntary and community organisations like yours an opportunity to publicise events, vacancies, achievements, indeed anything you want to tell Wansbeck and beyond about, on this page.

If you want to publicise anything about your organisation be it a special event, a job vacancy, or some news please contact us with the details.

Community Notice Board - New This Week:

Vacancy: Ashington Credit Union - Finance Administrator post for 30 hours per week to start 1/9/08. Salary begins at £16536 (pro rata) and is Go Wansbeck funded to March 2010. In the main a person is required to maintain all Credit Union financial records for multiple accounts both computerized and manual, including nominal ledger, petty cash and bank reconciliations. The post will also on occasions involve processing membership applications from enquiry to interview and member transactions.

With The Transition To A New Unitary Council What Will Happen To The Wansbeck Compact? - The Compact is an agreement between the public sector and voluntary & community sector organisations. It is a commitment from both sides to work in partnership for the benefit and support of local communities.

For full versions of these stories please see below.

Vacancy: Ashington Credit Union

Finance Administrator post for 30 hours per week to start 1/9/08.

Salary begins at £16536 (pro rata) and is Go Wansbeck funded to March 2010.

In the main a person is required to maintain all Credit Union financial records for multiple accounts both computerized and manual, including nominal ledger, petty cash and bank reconciliations. The post will also on occasions involve processing membership applications from enquiry to interview and member transactions.

For further information, or to apply contact Susan Lonsdale at the address telephone number below:

Susan Lonsdale

Manager

Ashington Credit Union

92 Station Road

Ashington

NE63 8RN

Tel. 01670 522779

The job description and person specification are available for reference by clicking on the links below:

Job Description

Person Specification

With The Transition To A New Unitary Council What Will Happen To The Wansbeck Compact?

The Compact is an agreement between the public sector and voluntary & community sector organisations. It is a commitment from both sides to work in partnership for the benefit and support of local communities.

Currently there are two Compacts in Northumberland. Wansbeck Compact having paved the way back in 2001 followed by the Northumberland Compact in 2006. Although Compact documents are similar in content, the Northumberland Compact has wider coverage in terms of sign up by public sector organisations.

The decision to become a unitary authority was taken in July 2007. Since that time work has begun to ensure a smooth transition, with the 6 district councils and the county council working together to form a new unitary authority. Members of the VCS consortium are contributing to this work and raising issues which affect the sector. If you want to find out more go to

http://www.northumberlandvcs.org.uk/pages/local-govt-reform.php

During this time of transition work continues to progress both the Wansbeck and Northumberland Compacts, so what will happen in March 2009?

Naturally, Wansbeck Compact will cease to exist, as it is an agreement with Wansbeck District Council. The Northumberland Compact will continue and VCS organisations currently covered by the Wansbeck Compact may like to take the opportunity to sign up to the Northumberland Compact in order to continue their commitment to working in partnership with public sector bodies.

The Northumberland Compact not only covers the Council but other public sector organisations working in Northumberland, for example, PCT, JC+ and Learning Skills Council.

The Wansbeck Compact Group support this transition and will continue to meet to ensure a local perspective is maintained for the Northumberland Compact. The group, chaired by David Futers, meet every two months.

To find out more and to sign up please visit http://www.northumberlandvcs.org.uk/pages/compact.php alternatively,

Lynda Watson, Compact & Contracts Officer, would be happy to supply any further information. Tel: 01670 500815

New Radio Station Planned

A new community radio station is being planned for south east Northumberland. Synergy is hoping to go on air for a first trial broadcast in July 2009. Working as a social enterprise, Synergy will be a community resource providing training for individuals and groups as well as promoting local causes, campaigns and initiatives.

Programmes will include music to suit all tastes as well as acting as a sounding board for organisations in the area. It will also be a showcase for creative talent and a forum for debate about important local issues.

Synergy will be working with a variety of organisations to help promote social cohesion, educational activities, voluntary work and charities, local development, job opportunities and community services. It will assist in promoting health and crime prevention initiatives.

Chairman of the South Northumberland Radio Group (SNRG) Colin Heathcote, said: “Synergy will be a genuine community resource. We believe we can play an important part in the regeneration of the area through the promotion of social and economic development activities via the entertaining and powerful medium of radio.”

The first planned broadcast for July 2009 will be through a Restricted Service Licence (RSL) issued by broadcasting regulator Ofcom and will last for four weeks. This initial broadcast on FM will enable SNRG to gauge the successes and weaknesses of the project, allow it to make any improvements and demonstrate demand before applying to Ofcom) for a full time Community FM licence.

Currently the group is trying to raise funds to get the project firmly established.

For more information about Synergy or South Northumberland Radio Group, go to: www.snrgroup.co.uk

Vacancy - Women's Health Advice Centre (WHAC) - Female Education & Training Officer

(The post is exempt under the Sex Discrimination Act SDA S (7)(2)(e))

WHAC are looking to recruit someone to take responsibility for new and existing training and development for staff and volunteers.

18 ½ Hours Per Week

Salary: £18,907 - £20,736 (pro rata)

For an application pack please contact:

WHAC, 1 Council Road, Ashington, Northumberland NE63 8RZ.

Tel. 01670 853977

Email: admin@whac.uk.com

The post is initially funded to March 2009 (future funding pending)

Closing date for applications: 4th July 2008

Vacancy - Deputy Manager, East Ashington Development Trust

East Ashington Development Trust is a dynamic and growing community organisation requiring an enthusiastic, dedicated and knowledgeable individual to compliment the team.

Salary: NJC point 22-25 Hours: 37 hours per week

The candidate is required as soon as possible to assist with community regeneration projects. They must possess the relevant experience, knowledge and skills:

• Fundraising
• Social Enterprise and the Third Sector
• IT skills: Word, Excel and Outlook
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Flexible attitude

For an application pack please apply to the office address by post or in person

East Ashington Development Trust, 82 Beatrice Street Ashington NE63 9BP

Telephone: 01670 854422

Alternatively email your address details to enquiries@eastashington.co.uk

Closing date for receipt of all applications is 12 noon 4th July 2008

Interviews 17th July

Something for Nothing

We would all like something for nothing and thanks to financial support from Northern Rock Foundation and Big Lottery BASIS fund we can offer you various services either free or with a fifty percent subsidy.

This offer is open to the first 20 organisations that apply, so we urge you to register your interest quickly, to beat the expected rush.

Recent research shows that above all training and advice is what the sector wants the most. CITA offer bespoke and on-site training, we can also help you to identify your needs, design, plan and implement a programme, be it a training, hardware or software development.

CITA is offering the following services:

• Maintenance agreements at 50% discount for 1 year
• Membership at 50% discount for 1 year
• Tailored and bespoke training courses discounted by 50%
• Website Design – content managed websites from £500
• ICT Strategy development (Net:Gain) at discounted rates

CITA is offering access to the following funded services:

• IT mentoring
• IT consultancy & advice
• Documents archive - a bank of useful resources
• Website and database specification
• Advice on fundraising for IT
• Assisted purchasing – guidance to the best deals
• The value of the additional support is limited to a maximum of £1000 per organisation.

For more details of this opportunity or any of the other services CITA operate please visit our website at www.communityitacademy.org or give us a call on 0191 256 5015

Why not test drive the VCO toolkit on our new look website. You will find a useful resource of documents and tools to help you plan a wide range of aspects of your IT from purchasing to legal compliance.

PAT Testing – CITA are planning a PAT Testing week, we offer the service from £2 per item to voluntary sector groups.

A Fund Designed to Sustain the Communities

Bidding is now open for funding for voluntary or community groups in Wansbeck from the Sustainable Communities Fund (SCF). In the last 2 years this fund has enabled community groups and organisations in the area to benefit from grants totalling £375,000. These grants have ranged from small grants of £100, to larger grants of £15,000.

The Sustainable Communities Fund aims to help develop the community and voluntary sector in Wansbeck, and enable these organisations become healthier and stronger.

The fund is available to all ‘not for profit' constituted organisations operating within, and providing services in Wansbeck. Funding is available to support small to medium sized projects which fall into one of three areas:     

1. Projects that can demonstrate how they can maintain and develop services for the local community. An example might be developing or extending the life of a community building or facility.

2. Projects that build the abilities and skills of the Voluntary and Community sector. Examples of this are IT equipment to improve services; training; or the development and management of volunteering.

3. Projects that improve the environment. For example, energy efficiency measures for a community facility, or training in environmental activities.

Grants of £100 to £5,000 are available though the Wansbeck Centre for Voluntary Service, while grants of £5,000 to £15,000 are available through applying to Wansbeck District Council.

Potential applicants are invited to talk over their ideas with the Project Co-ordinator, Karen Dent, prior to making an application. Karen can be contacted on 01670 843 499 or e-mailed on k.dent@wansbeck.gov.uk

If you wish to apply application forms for the small grants are available from Wansbeck Centre for Voluntary Service on 01670 858 688 and the application forms for the larger grants are available from Wansbeck District Council by contacting Karen Dent on 01670 843 499. In addition application forms for the larger grants are available from the website Wansbeck Online, which can be found by clicking on the link below.

Funding for the scheme is provided through the Safer Stronger Communities and Cohesion Fund, which has been awarded through Wansbeck Initiative, the Local Strategic Partnership.

Wansbeck Sustainable Communities Fund

Some People Wait For Change To Happen - Other People Volunteer. Your Platform To Change Your World

Platform2 gives you an opportunity to make a real difference to people in Asia, Africa & South America and then come back and creatively express your experience in the UK. We offer volunteer opportunities in the developing world for 18-25 year olds who wouldn't usually have the chance to help out overseas.

A global volunteering experience funded by the Department for International Development and run by Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and Bunac.

There are still have places on programmes departing this summer, so if you know someone who is eligible and interested, we would recommend that they apply as soon as possible.

Painting with Words

Painting with words is all about having the chance to express yourself creatively, sharing your work with others and improving your natural writing ability and having a lot of fun along the way!

There are 9 places available within Painting with words as the office has limited space. There is a selection process which will be explained later but first lets see what Painting with words can offer you…

By joining Painting with Words you will become an important member of the group. You will have a say on how things are run and what actions the group will take. You will learn how to apply for money through the key fund and help decide how the money is spent in a way that will benefit the group!

You will take part in fun activities aimed at improving your natural writing ability. Having fun is an important part of expressing yourself. Painting with words is not an English class, spelling and grammar are not as important as getting your feelings, thoughts and ideas down on paper. So don't worry if you're not too confident with your spelling!

Writing doesn't always have to be done at a desk, in fact getting out can feed your imagination and get your creative juices flowing! That's why during your time at Painting with Words you will attend lots of enjoyable trips and events where you can learn about famous authors such as Beatrice Potter and William Wordsworth!

Every member of Painting with Words will be able to access an ASDAN expressive arts award. An ASDAN award is completed by doing set activities while recording your progress and the new skills you have gained. At the end of the short course you will be awarded with a certificate.

For those who want to complete more, other ASDAN awards are available.

In 2009, there will be a showcase of your work and achievements in a celebratory event where you will be awarded with a professionally published anthology of your work!

Sound good? Now, here is how to apply...

As there are a limited number of spaces we regretfully cannot accept everyone who would like to join. So, to help us choose the nine members we are asking all who are interested to apply by writing a piece about what made you want to join a creative writing club.

Was it your love of writing? Wanted to meet new people? Or was it the fun trips that got you hooked?!

You can write your application in any form you like! You can write a poem, you can write a short story, you can even write a jingle! You can type it up on a computer or you can write it with a pen...feel free to use any colour ink you want!

Just make sure it is not more than two sides of A4 and you get it too us as soon as possible! Make sure it has your name, address and telephone number on it so we can tell you if you've been successful and please don't forget the permission slip signed by your parent or guardian!

Your application pack can be handed in to the school or at the East Ashington Development Trust office which is where the writing group will be held.

The club will start as soon as we recruit our first four members!

Good Luck!

To view the Permission form please click on the link below:

Permission Form

To view the Project Proposal please click on the link below:

Project Proposal

To view the Project Flyer please click on the link below:

Project Flyer

Public Contract Tendering - Training Opportunity

Date: Wednesday 23 July 2008

Time: 10am – 4.00pm

Venue: Wansbeck CVS, Station Road, Ashington

Trainer: Janet Roberts, Tendering for care

Cost: £50 (contribution towards cost)

Who should attend:

• VCS organisation who are, or are considering delivery of public sector contracts
• VCS organisations who are likely to sub contract through a consortium

No matter what size your organisation you may have considered tendering for public service contracts or perhaps would like more information regarding what's involved in becoming part of a consortium as a sub-contractor. This training will ensure you are in a better position to respond to future procurement opportunities.

• completion of the Pre Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) is the essential first step. Getting this right opens the door to the invitation to submit a full tender.
• how to improve the techniques of tender preparation
• sub contracting including implications for trustees
• The supply chain
• the opportunities which exist for organisations large and small

Janet Roberts has delivered a programme of training ‘Secrets of Successful Tendering' nationally on behalf of NAVCA so I am delighted that we have been able to secure her services to deliver a training session in Northumberland.

If you would like to find out more, or make a booking please contact: Lynda Watson Community Action Northumberland, Tel 01670 500815 or email lyndawatson@ca-north.org.uk or visit our website: www.northumberlandvcs.org.uk

Public Law Training - Empowering The Voluntary Sector

Date: Monday 22 September 2008

Time: 10am – 4.00pm

Venue: Wansbeck CVS, Station Road, Ashington

Trainer: Terry Perkins, NAVCA

Cost:  £15 for Northumberland VCS / £25 for VCS from other areas

Last year CAN and Wansbeck CVS jointly held a Public Law training session. The feedback was amazing, with attendees discovering how to challenge unjust public body funding and consultations decisions.

Many principles contained within the Northumberland Compact, are similar or overlap with Public Law principles. By having an understanding of your rights under public law many situations can be avoided.

Keen interest is anticipated so please book early, to ensure the opportunity is not missed.

Workshop outline

Introduction to public law

• working definition of public law/public bodies and public functions/duties & powers/legislation, regulations & guidance

Public law wrongs

• Illegality/fairness/irrationality/maladministration

Making a challenge

• decisions, actions and failures to act by a public body/information gathering and problem analysis

Public law remedies

• Complaints/compact & mediation/ombudsman schemes/judicial review

Attending the training session will give you the knowledge to identify if a public body is acting unlawfully, to promote collaborative working and if necessary, challenge decisions.

If you would like to find out more, or make a provisional booking please contact: Lynda Watson Community Action Northumberland, Tel 01670 500815 or email lyndawatson@ca-north.org.uk or visit our website: www.northumberlandvcs.org.uk

This offer is open only to members of the voluntary & community sector.

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