The CVS Network have adopted a Core Activities Framework (CAF) to ensure that voluntary and community organisations, funders, partner agencies and members of the public have a clear understanding of the services they can expect from their local CVS. 

 

The depth and range of activity undertaken by individual CVS will however be determined in part, by the human and financial resources available to them and the environment in which they operate.  Some CVS may deliver core activities in partnership, or by offering a signposting service to other appropriate providers.

 

The 6 core activities undertaken by all CVS are as follows:

 

Understanding the voluntary sector

·       Profiling the voluntary sector locally 

·       Understanding the sector’s concerns and needs 

·       Understanding policy

·       Identifying the economic value of the sector

 

Communicating with the voluntary sector

·       Providing relevant and up-to-date information

·       Facilitating networking

·       Promoting opportunities to respond to emerging issues and consultations

 

Representing the interests of the voluntary sector

·       Ensuring strategic representation 

·       Community Planning Partnerships

·       Local Compact Partnerships

·       Rural Partnerships 

·       Social Economy Partnerships

·       Facilitating voluntary sector participation & representation

 

Providing Support Services

·       Advice on funding  

·       Business planning 

·       Legal frameworks 

·       Management systems 

·       Monitoring and evaluation

 

Promoting Good Practice

·       Developing skills and knowledge 

·       Improving standards 

·       Providing training

·       Developing resource materials

 

Growing the Sector

·       Providing start-up support to new groups and organisations 

·       Responding to local needs

·       Strengthening organisations through training and support