This is a free tool available to all voluntary and community groups offering services in Reading, who wish to take the first steps towards having good governance in place. (Unsure what ‘governance’ means? Take a look at our glossary which contains a list and explanation of common terms used when talking about charities and community groups).
How will your group benefit from First Steps to Safe and Sound?
- Confidence that you have the very basics in place to protect yourselves as trustees (committee members), your beneficiaries, volunteers and any staff against the risks associated with running your group.
- Advertise for volunteers through RVA (we advertise opportunities to thousands of people in Reading looking for volunteering opportunities).
- Work in partnership with other RVA Services such as Social Prescribing, and Get Online.
- Easily show that you have the very basics in place, such as to funders, partners, your members, beneficiaries and supporters.
How First Steps towards Safe and Sound works?
- Attend a short Introduction to First Steps session. This should be attended by either a trustee or manager of your group and this is required before taking the next step. Upcoming dates: Thursday 18 January 2024, 1pm-2pm (or take a look at our training page here for more dates)
- Complete this First Steps towards Safe and Sound Checklist to check whether you have everything in place. If you need support or templates, just get in touch. Complete the checklist by self-declaring at the bottom. Please keep copies of all documentation in a safe place. You may also be asked to provide copies to Reading Voluntary Action or others such as funders.
- Receive a confirmation email and we will add your organisation to a public list to show you have completed First Steps towards Safe and Sound.
Please note that First Steps towards Safe and Sound is a checklist and not a quality award. However you can choose to work towards the full Safe and Sound Quality Award now or at a later date if you wish. You can find more details about the Safe and Sound Quality Award here.
Resources and templates to help you:
- Data protection_guidance from NCVO
- DBS guide for voluntary and community groups_from RVA
- Equal Opportunities Policy_example policy_from NCVO
- Equality Act 2010 Protected Characteristics_short video explaining what these are
- Equality Diversity and Inclusion_Examples of awareness of EDI when providing services or recruiting staff or volunteers
- Glossary of common terms used in the voluntary and community sector
- Health and Safety_guidance from NCVO
- Insurance_guidance from NCVO
- Risk assessment template for services or activities
- Safeguarding_guidance from NCVO
- Training options, such as Safeguarding
- Volunteer Policy – what to include. Guidance from NCVO
- Volunteer Policy_example from WCVA
Support from RVA:
- If you have any questions or need any further templates or guidance, please contact Herjeet Randhawa, Advice Service Manager on 0118 9372273 or email Herjeet.randhawa@rva.org.uk
- If you would like paper versions of any of the above linked documents, just get in touch with us.