Annual Report 2019-2020

We support and represent a wide variety of voluntary and community groups

Benefits of becoming a member

VAAC member organisations will receive for free:-

• Regular information via e-bulletins

• Funding Focus monthly e-newsletter

• Opportunities to promote your organisation through VAAC communications

• Subsidised access to training and events where charges apply

• Access to networking opportunities

• Priority referral for Development Team Support

• Volunteer Plus – register your organisation and advertise your volunteer roles on our volunteer

platform, opportunities to promote through the local press and VAAC communications

• Voting rights at the AGM

• Ability to nominate a person to the Board

• Resources including low cost photocopying and equipment to borrow (projectors, display boards

etc.)

Our membership as of 31.3.20 was 469, increase of 12.5% from the previous year.

Statistics at a glance for 2019-20

• We received 314 requests for 1-1 support in funding, legal & governance, policy &

practice, start-ups and project management

• 116 participants attended 4 Networking Events throughout the year, an increase

of 46% on last year.

• 130 attendees at fundraising meetings and surgeries, learning and sharing what

funds are available, resulting in groups obtaining funds to continue their

essential work.

• 129 people attended our training events, building on skills and knowledge to run a

thriving voluntary and community group

• At the end of March 2019 there were 177 volunteering opportunities on our

website, with 112 volunteer enquiries

The impact our work has made on organisations and the local community

• Having up-to-date and clear policies and practice in place, safeguards both organisation, staff

and volunteers

• Being successful in funding applications improves the overall wellbeing of people lives

• Giving guidance to trustees boards on adapting their business plans in times of crisis, creates

organisational resilience

• Helping a new community group set up, results in local residents finding new friendships,

supports mental and physical health and gives volunteers purpose and enjoyment.

• Conducting a skills audit with trustees, helps to see gaps and informs trustee recruitment in order

to create a diverse and skilled board.

• Giving advice on project development, helps to achieve goals and extend services in the

community.

• Placing volunteering opportunities for member groups on our website, resulting in being able to

service the organisation whether this is administratively or through group activities.

Volunteering

Last 6 months

What we have learnt about our members:

• The VCS can respond quickly to a crisis and play a critical role in providing frontline services.

• Groups are very good at adapting their services in order to meet the needs of their service

users and residents. Eg Foodbanks delivered food to residents who were shielding

• Through a range of COVID19 Crisis funds, VCS could offer crisis support over the summer

• Partnership working with local, district and county councils has increased

Challenges:

• Demand for services in mental health, debt, domestic violence, carers support has increased

• Pressure on staff working from home and juggling family life has been very difficult

• Many volunteers are over 70 and are not returning to their roles, leaving a huge gap

• Fundraising from events and trading has plummeted and closures are probable for groups with

few reserves

• Although zoom/teams have changed our lives, some service users do not have IT access

What has VAAC’s response been?

• Given crisis funding advice to groups and helped them to find the most appropriate fund

• Held online training for groups in risk assessments, GDPR, fundraising, managing volunteers

• Supported trustee boards in adapting their strategies that meet their clients current needs

• Facilitated an online meeting with town and parish councils to help connect and support their

work in local communities

• Set up a new CEO/senior leaders forum to support leaders in navigating their way through

COVID -19

• Interviewed 32 groups to capture their experiences and learn from them as to how VAAC

supports our members going forward

Thanks!

Trustees:

Tony Sneller

Sue Holmes

Chris Dawe

Miranda Litchfield

David Ribbens

Joanne Kondabecka

Nik Demetriades

Staff:

Sharon Westcott

Lucie Maldoom

Samantha Wright

Nina Ghibaldan

Jenny Holmes

Chris Caspari

Simon Ritson

Stephanie Mooney

Left during the year:

Sandie Divers

Ellie Griffiths

Volunteers:

Sue

David

Left during the year:

Marina

Main Funders:

WSCC

Chichester District Council

Arun District Council