Noticeboard
If you are a voluntary group that would like to promote any services, please contact VAK to place information here.
*NEW* Cabinet Office guidance for CRB checks for volunteers
The Cabinet Office have recently published guidance to help organisations that use volunteers to be clear about when they do and don't need to carry out Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks on volunteers. The guidance will help cut unnecessary red tape and responds to concerns voiced by the voluntary sector that potential volunteers can be put off if they are asked to undergo a CRB check without good reason. People volunteering to work with children or vulnerable adults are sometimes legally required to have a CRB check. Where contact with vulnerable people will be limited or perhaps the person has recently been CRB checked for a different role, a decision about clearance must be made. The guidance clearly explains how the check works as part of a proper risk management process. Other safeguards such as interviewing, training and taking references from potential volunteers can also be employed. You can download the guidance via this link, CRB Guidance. To order a hardcopy of the guidance, please call 0845 015 0010 and quote URN 08/Z1.
Strike Action
As you may be aware Unison have voted Yes to two days strike action on 16th and 17th July. Unite (T&G) have also voted Yes to strike action, but we haven't received official notification of when they will be striking. GMB have agreed to the pay offer. Please click here to link to the LGE guidance on Industrial Action.
HAVE YOUR SAY! - PEWSEY SKATE & ART PARK PUBLIC MEETING
July 1st 2008 - 7pm-8:30pm at the Bouverie Hall, Pewsey
Do you have children or grand-children in the village? Are you a young person who wants to be heard? Do you think young people deserve better, safer facilities to play? We want to hear your opinion on providing a new park for the whole family. Visit www.pwzsk8.com for more information.
2008 CARE Wiltshire at Rowde Summer School
Click here for more information about the Summer School for Adults with Learning Disabilities in August 2008.
Join up as members with We Love Marlborough to get links to funding bodies, other members, businesses who are interested in the Marlborough Arts scene, ask questions/take part in debates on the forum and much more soon! Email louisa@welovemarlborough.co.uk or call 01672 811515 for more information.
Carers Emergency Cards
Wiltshire County Council's Department of Community Services is launching a Carers Emergency Card scheme to provide support to carers in the event of an emergency or an accident.
If you are a carer in Wiltshire and would like to apply for a card or if you require further information about the scheme the Carers Emergency Card Co-ordinator on 0800 066 5068.
for 2007/08, applicable from 1 April 2007.
Extra Money for Projects at Kennet District Council
Kennet District Councillors have agreed that some of their capital budget will not be required due to the impending new single authority for Wiltshire therefore they have agreed that an extra £1.3m will be spent on housing and £1.3m will be available for capital projects from the voluntary and community sector. In the main this money will only provide 40% of total costs and MUST meet the strategic plan objectives of Kennet Local Strategic Partnership or a strategy from the 4 community area plans.
Kennet councillors also agreed a small increase in revenue funding and details can be obtained from Kate Davis at Kennet District Council.
Email kate.davis@kennet.gov.uk or phone via switchboard 01380 724911.
If you need any further help or advice please ring VAK on 01672 564140.
Local Authority mileage rates 2008/09
Local Government Employers has published the new mileage rates and car allowances from 1 April 2008. Please click here for the new rates. Please also click here for the HM Revenue and Customs mileage rates for 2008/09 which remain unchanged from 2003/04.
Coaching - an offer
Christine Hardisty is now offering coaching/mentoring at reduced rates to voluntary bodies. Please click here to find out more about coaching and the costs involved. Alternatively email c.hardisty@cosmea.co.uk or call 07968 948459.
