Expert advice and guidance

Unlimited access to our senior advisor and team services such as: 

• Advice and guidance on starting, running or closing your organisation 
• Free or discounted tailored training and group facilitation, including introduction to trusteeship, how to be successful in raising funds, recruiting staff and much more 

• Organisation and project consultations, evaluations and reports 
• Advice on becoming or converting to a constituted voluntary group, charity or community interest company (CIC) 
• Guidance on policies, safeguarding, financial management, monitoring and evaluation, governance and trustees, employment and health and safety 
• New Quality Mark for smaller organisations, enabling you to evidence good practice – coming soon

News and information

• Free advertising of job vacancies on the CAN website, our social media channels and in our weekly email bulletin 
• ‘Know your stuff’ – a regular e-newsletter with snippets of news, information and advice about running a charity, voluntary and community organisation 
• Access to e-networks – providing information by email that is most relevant to your organisation, such as the latest VCS news, jobs and events, training courses, funding opportunities, and much more 
• Membership zone on our website – where you’ll find a wealth of information and signposting to lots of valuable information, advice and guidance 
• Quarterly e-newsletter promoting the work of our sector 

Practical services

• Free short-term equipment loan, such as screens, projectors, laptops etc. 
• Option to use us as a postal or registration address 

Network opportunities

• Who’s who in the VCS across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole – we’ll share our knowledge of all the local voluntary and community groups with you 

• Membership of our Trustee Network offering support and advice, along with opportunities to connect with other trustees 
• Invitation to our VCS annual celebration event 

In return, we'd love you to get involved - support our organisation and the wider VCS. It's not compulsory, but occasionally we'll invite you to:

• Network with and share your expertise with other VCS groups and organisations 
• Complete surveys about the VCS to support evidence of need and/or good practice 

• Support people from local VCS groups that represent the sector locally on boards or at strategic meetings by attending forums or events 
• Take part in our AGM