GET stands for Guidance, Employment and Training and was formed in 1989 with a mission to provide an ‘umbrella’ Infrastructure Group for the adult skills not-for-profit sector of Cambridgeshire.
Over the years membership has grown significantly, becoming more fluid and diverse. It includes voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations (VCSE), statutory bodies, private sector providers and individuals.
The GET Group meet 4 times a year. Speakers are invited to attend and share relevant organisational updates and information, we often have funding updates to share and update on as well.
We are excited to announce the return of the GET Group conference on Wednesday 5th March 2025, taking place online. We will be discussing how the voluntary sector can work with organisations offering guidance, education and training. We will also look at how we might put on some supporting training in that same week.
In the past GET ran an in-person celebration event where learners were able to tell their story. As we are now a truly county wide organisation we want to continue this idea but enable people from across Cambridgeshire to contribute. This means we want you to break out your phones and make short videos (a maximum of 2 minutes) that introduce your organisation, and that gets your learners to tell their stories. You can do more than one if you have a number of learner stories but we do suggest you keep them short. We will then arrange for you to submit the videos to us along with a permission form so that we can share these on the GET website and across social media. We will look to show some of these at the event on the 5th March but we will highlight them across that week. We are looking forward to celebrating our groups and organisations’ adult learners, so if you have an adult learner with a story to share and celebrate, please do get in touch with Jigna: jigna@cambridgecvs.org.uk
https://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Staff-Blog-1.jpg684845Karen Cannhttps://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/support-cambs.svgKaren Cann2024-10-17 12:08:032024-10-17 14:13:56GET Group update. October 2024.
Get synergised, have created this basic introduction to working with business on behalf of Support Cambridgeshire. We regularly collaborate with Get Synergised to support groups looking to make connections with businesses. This particular training is aimed at small charities and voluntary groups, whether you are at the beginning of your journey in engaging with businesses or seeking a refresher.
Introduction to Engaging with Businesses: 5 Things I Wish I Knew
Hello and welcome to this Introduction to Engaging with Businesses: 5 Things I Wish I Knew, a recording for Support Cambridgeshire delivered by Get Synergised in partnership with Cambridge CVS and Hunts Forum.
This is one of several recordings developed to support small charities and voluntary groups in engaging with businesses. This recording includes some tips for success and is supported by a transcript and links that will take you to additional resources and information on the Get Synergised website.
Title Page
Introduction to Engaging with Businesses: 5 Things I Wish I Knew
If you are beginning your journey in engaging with businesses or seeking a refresher, this on-demand training video presents five insights that you probably wish you knew.
By avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be well-prepared to cultivate partnerships with businesses eager to support you and your mission to help diversify income and resources for greater sustainability.
Slide 1
Firstly – Why Does Partnering with Businesses Benefit Your Organisation?
Expanded Resources: Businesses can provide financial support, in-kind donations, and access to expertise, enhancing your organisation’s capabilities and impact.
Enhanced Visibility and Credibility: Partnering with reputable businesses can elevate your organisation’s profile and credibility within the community and among stakeholders.
Innovative Solutions: Collaboration with businesses can spark innovation and creativity, leading to new ideas and approaches for tackling social challenges.
Sustainable Relationships: Establishing partnerships with businesses fosters long-term relationships built on shared values, which can lead to ongoing support and collaboration.
Now we know that, let’s delve into the 5 Things I Wish I Knew.
Slide 2
Introduction to Engaging with Businesses: 5 Things I Wish I Knew
Think About What You Might Need from a Business
Take Time to Build Relationships
Align Goals and Values
Confidently Make That Initial Ask and Contact
Always Follow Up, Celebrate Success, and Give Thanks
Slide 3
Think About What You Might Need from a Business
When engaging with businesses, it’s crucial to consider and request support beyond just financial contributions – although monetary support is indeed significant. Businesses are busy, so a well-defined request helps them understand exactly how they can contribute and what is needed. Here are some points on how to prepare to maximise your chances of success:
Time:
Volunteer Opportunities: Clearly outline how much time you need from business volunteers and what specific activities they will be involved in. For example, you might need volunteers for pro bono expertise or a fundraising event.
Flexible Options: Offer flexible volunteering opportunities that can fit into busy schedules on both sides, such as virtual volunteering or short-term projects.
Skills:
Skill-Based Volunteering: Identify specific skills that would benefit your nonprofit and seek volunteers who can provide those skills. For example, you might need help with marketing, graphic design, legal advice, or IT support.
Professional Development: Highlight how volunteering can also benefit their employees by providing professional development opportunities and enhancing their skills.
Expertise:
Advisory Roles: Invite business leaders to join advisory boards, trustee boards, or committees where their expertise can guide your non-profit’s strategy and operations.
Workshops and Training: Request experts to conduct workshops or training sessions for your staff or beneficiaries. For instance, financial experts could offer financial literacy workshops.
Resources:
In-Kind Donations: Specify what physical resources or equipment you need. This could range from office supplies, technology, or transportation.
Rooms and Space: Request meeting rooms or event spaces that the business can provide.
Finance:
Monetary Donations: Clearly outline the financial support you need, specifying amounts and how the funds will be used.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Offer sponsorship packages for events or programmes, detailing the benefits the business will receive in return, such as branding opportunities, meeting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, recognition, and networking.
Slide 4
Take Time to Build Relationships
Personal Connections: Develop personal relationships with key individuals in the business, rather than just seeking money and going in with a hard ask. Take the time to understand their motivations, interests, and values. Personal connections and warm introductions can strengthen the partnership and facilitate smoother collaboration.
Understand the Business: Research the company if you can. Understand their mission, values, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and any past involvement with non-profits. This helps tailor your approach and shows that you’ve done your homework.
Identify the Right Person: Find out who the decision-makers are through a bit of research or asking others if you can. This might be someone in the CSR department, marketing, HR, or even the CEO, depending on the size and structure of the business.
Slide 5
Align Goals and Values
Good Fit: When looking for businesses to meet your asks, think about which businesses would be a good fit, might share your values, where they might be located, and what industries might be able to help you with what you need.
Know Your Own Mission, Vision, and Values: Be clear about your own non-profit’s mission, vision, and values to find the best alignment with potential business partners.
Slide 6
Confidently Make That Initial Ask and Contact
Personalise Your Approach: Tailor your message/email to the specific business and individual. Mention any common ground and keep your message brief and to the point, including a clear call to action that encourages a response.
Highlight What’s in It for Them: Shift the focus to their interests – why should they care? Clearly explain how your non-profit’s mission aligns with their goals and values.
Utilise Storytelling: Craft a compelling narrative that introduces your non-profit, what you do, the impact you make, and how it relates to the business. Explain the reason for reaching out and the potential synergy between your missions.
Utilise Existing Networks: If possible, leverage mutual connections to facilitate an introduction. A warm introduction significantly enhances the likelihood of a positive response.
Attend Networking Events: Engage in events where business leaders are present. These venues offer opportunities for face-to-face interactions and deeper engagement.
Phone Calls: Direct calls can sometimes be more effective. Be prepared with a concise pitch and ready to address any inquiries.
Utilise Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn are effective for connecting with business professionals. Craft a concise and polite message outlining your purpose or share your organisation’s needs on the platform.
Propose a Meeting: Request a brief meeting to explore potential collaboration. Offer flexible scheduling options and suggest a few dates and times that work for them.
Articulate What You Can Offer: Describe the mutual benefits of collaboration, emphasising how their involvement will create a positive impact and meet their CSR goals, among other business benefits. Use stories, data, and examples to illustrate the value and potential returns on their investment.
Slide 7
Always Follow Up, Celebrate Success, and Give Thanks
Prompt Follow-Up: If you don’t receive a response within a week or two, send a polite follow-up email or call to reiterate your interest and inquire about their decision.
Share Impact Stories: Share stories and experiences that illustrate the impact of your partnership. Highlighting real examples and successes can reinforce the value of the collaboration and inspire continued support.
Thank Them: Regardless of the outcome, thank them for their time and consideration. This leaves a positive impression and opens the door for future opportunities.
Slide 8
Case Study Examples
Mills & Reeve and Hannah Nunn Kick Starter Coffee
Tees Law and Cambridge Acorn Project Legal Clinic
Slide 9
Benefits of Adopting Effective Partnership Strategies
Saves time and money
Enhance ROI (Return on Investment)
Maximise resource collaboration potential
Support sustainability of your organisation
Slide 10
Final Words – Image slide
We hope that you have enjoyed this short video, “An Introduction to Engaging with Businesses: 5 Things I Wish I Knew.” Hopefully, you now feel more equipped with some key points to get you off the starting block or to refresh your partnership strategy in this area for greater success.
Building influential relationships with corporate business partners, if done correctly, will help you diversify your income and resources while also boosting your credibility, profiling your organisation, reaching new audiences, making an even greater impact in your community, and sustaining your operations.
If you’re seeking to take your corporate partnership to the next level, we encourage you to enrol in our Foundation Course, “Winning Corporate Partnerships in 5 Steps.” This course will teach you to understand what businesses are looking for to attract their attention and how to use your time more efficiently to achieve better results with a proven strategic, relationship-first approach. It will also give you an overview of our strategic blueprint to help you build your Corporate Partnership Strategy.
Discover more about our courses, or subscribe to our newsletter for insightful tips and updates by taking a look at our website – www.getsynergised.com
Brought to you in collaboration with Support Cambridgeshire, CCVS, Hunts Forum and Get Synergised
https://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cover-2.jpg600900Karen Cannhttps://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/support-cambs.svgKaren Cann2024-09-18 16:25:182024-09-18 16:27:40Introduction to Engaging with Businesses: Five Things I Wish I Knew
VSL Learning is an online eLearning training provider that specifically supports charities and other not-for-profits. For the last year, they have been partnered with Support Cambridgeshire, providing voluntary and community groups across Cambridgeshire with our GDPR, Cyber Security, and Safeguarding training at a 25% discount, already saving Cambridgeshire not-for-profits thousands of pounds.
To celebrate the partnership’s first anniversary, VSL Learning is extending this training offer to provide all training free of charge to any Support Cambridgeshire organisations with a turnover of £100K or less. They will continue to provide the 25% discount to all other Cambridgeshire organisations.
· GDPR Awareness – ensures everyone in your organisation understands their legal responsibilities under the UK & EU General Data Protection Regulations. Aligned with the training requirements of the ICO’s Accountability Framework.
· Information and Cyber Security Awareness – allows everyone in your organisation to understand how to identify potential threats and take practical steps to keep your organisation safe from cyber-attacks. Aligned with the National Cyber Security Centre’s best practices.
· Safeguarding Children (Level 2) – Ensure all your staff and volunteers can identify the signs of child abuse and neglect and know how to respond. Take everyone from a total beginner to Level 2 competency. Suitable for everyone that works with children.
· Safeguarding Adults (Level 2) – Ensure all your staff and volunteers can identify the signs of abuse and neglect and know how to respond to adults at risk. Take everyone from a total beginner to Level 2 competency. Suitable for everyone that works with adults at risk.
Why choose VSL Learning?
· All thier courses are CPD certified, online self-paced eLearning.
· Designed specifically for charities and other not-for-profits.
· Delivered through thier safe and simple online training system.
· Super easy enrolment. All they need are names and email addresses.
· Each course comes with a user guide for those not familiar with eLearning.
· Instantly downloadable completion certificates.
· Regular completion status report to allow you to track training completion within your organisation.
Contact VSL Learning for more information or for a demo of the courses: contact@vslcompliance.com. They would love to support you with your training!
https://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/SC-standard-image-1.png684845Kathryn Shepherdsonhttps://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/support-cambs.svgKathryn Shepherdson2024-08-20 10:23:082024-08-20 12:07:36Free safeguarding, cyber security and GDPR training for groups
Thanks to some funding Support Cambridgeshire received from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, the partnership recently set up three exciting new training opportunities. These are open to all organisations across the county, whether you are a member of one of the CVS’s or not.
The program kicks off in August with ‘Writing funding applications—a practical workshop’ delivered by Hunts Forums’ Senior Development Officer Kathy Shaw. This in-person training will give those new to the funding application process the hints and tips they need to write a winning application.
This will then be followed by training on ‘How to effectively run your social media’, where Costanza Drago, our social media expert, will be looking at the things you need to know about when working in the world of social media.
Finally, we have a Strategy-Making workshop that Ali Lyons will deliver. This training was well-attended in the past, and we are excited to open it up to all Cambridgeshire organisations.
The training is given in person at Hunts Forum’s main building, The Maple Centre. There is free parking and easy access from the A14/A1. You can receive directions HERE.
Details and how to book can be found below.
Writing funding applications – a practical workshop
https://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Local-VCS-news.jpg684845Kathryn Shepherdsonhttps://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/support-cambs.svgKathryn Shepherdson2024-07-11 12:50:132024-07-11 12:50:13From funding to social media via strategy – training available to all groups.
Welcome to this introduction to roles and responsibilities within committees, for small charities and voluntary groups by Support Cambridgeshire, a partnership between CCVS and Hunts Forum.
This short online module will give you an understanding of what a committee is, the roles and responsibilities within a committee, as well as some tips for success.
It is supported by a transcript and guidance links, that will take you to additional resources and information.
Slide 2
What is a Committee?
Every community group or organisation (most are Associations) and registered charity has a governing body, a group of people that manages its affairs or leads it into the future.
Slide 3
Most community associations and all charities have a constitution (or set of rules). A section of this defines the committee, including its size and how often it should meet.
Slide 4
The committee tends to be drawn from members of the association and is elected by them, usually at an annual general meeting (AGM). A very small group may meet informally and have no elected committee.
In this instance the entire association is the management committee and so are responsible for managing its affairs. Many associations with modest aims and activities run very successfully like this.
Slide 5
There are often different roles within a committee, and I will talk through these during this module.
Although responsibilities may vary within a committee, all members have the same legal and financial responsibilities.
Slide 6
Roles within a committee
The Chair
The chair is a trustee with a specific role on the board, they are elected or appointed, the main responsibilities of the chair are to
lead meetings of the committee, acting as the chair, moving the meeting forward.
Ensure clear policies and priorities, keeping you on track.
Act as the main spokesperson, for example, representing you group at functions, meetings or in the press.
takes urgent action (but not decision-making unless authorised) between meetings when it isn’t possible or practical to hold a meeting.
Then also, depending on the size of your group, supporting, and supervising the staff or chief executive and acting as a channel of communication between the board and staff team.
The responsibilities listed aren’t exclusively roles for the chair, but this gives you an understanding of what the role can include.
Slide 7
In addition to chair, some boards have the specific role of vice-chair.
The vice-chair’s role varies from charity to charity. In some charities the vice-chair acts as a deputy for the chair, taking on the chair’s role when the chair is absent. In others, the vice-chair is the ‘chair in waiting’ or ‘chair designate’ and will take over the chair’s role in the future.
Slide 8
There is also the Treasurer.
Generally, the treasurer helps committees carry out their financial responsibilities.
They might do this by:
presenting financial reports to the board in a format that helps the board understand the charity’s financial position.
advising the board on how to carry out its financial responsibilities.
working with professional advisors
overseeing the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts
In small charities they take on some or all day-to-day financial duties, such as book-keeping, budgeting, and preparation of reports.
The work of the treasurer can vary significantly, depending on the size of your group or charities.
Slide 9
Then there is also the secretary.
Not all groups will have a secretary role, but it can help ensure that someone is taking lead on the admin and organisation of committee meetings.
They would generally be responsible for
Recording the decisions of the Committee
Ensuring minutes and papers are sent out in advance of meetings and that rooms are booked, or online meeting requests sent.
Dealing with any correspondence on behalf of the group.
You might also have sub-committees, depending on the size of your association or charity, to help you tackle particular tasks or topics.
More detail on these roles can be found on this web page, including links to template role descriptions.
Slide 10
What are the shared responsibilities of a committee?
Members of a committee are essentially a team that have joint responsibility for keeping a community group or charity on track.
For example, it is important to review your activities to ensure you continue to deliver what you were set-up for. The way you are involved will depend on the size of your group or charity.
Examples include:
Following your rules
Whilst some committee members might lead on elements, all should be familiar with your constitution. The constitution will set out things such as how often meetings should take place or who is entitled to attend.
Planning events & activities
If you are a small charity or association, members of the committee will likely play keys roles in the day to day running of your group’s activities, as well as making decisions about your future and finance’s.
Finance & Fundraising
Every committee member is responsible for making sure that the association accounts for its money properly. Fundraising is also an important task. This can include working out a basic budget and how your groups will raise funds.
Policies and procedures
Depending on what your group do, you will need policies and procedures to ensure you are doing it safely. Common policies needed by groups include health & safety, data protection and safeguarding. More information about policies is included within this module’s transcript.
Equal opportunities
Equal opportunities is something that should underpin everything that your group does, from running it’s activities to running its committee. The committee should ensure that is welcoming and considerate to all members and that all voices are heard and respected.
Insurance and liability
You will need to make sure you that have the right insurance in place, depending on what your group does. You can watch ‘introduction to insurance’ 0n-demand module for more information on this.
Get help if needed
Remember that you are not alone, and you’re not expected to know everything. Get expert advice if you need it and talk to your local CVS for support.
You can watch our ‘what trustees do’ on-demand module for more information on the responsibilities of trustees.
Slide 11
In summary, here are some tips for running successful committees.
Stay open and welcoming, this can help you develop the skills on the committee and bring in new viewpoints and ideas.
Think about how you can develop your committees’ skills or whether there are skills gaps you would like to recruit for
Can you offer flexibility, for example, can you arrange meetings at time that will suit people that are working or have caring responsibilities
Make sure meetings are constructive & to the point, that different opinions are valued, and everyone is treated with respect
Try to ensure the committee stay in the loop & get involved, this will help you move ideas forward and make the most of the team
Know, remember, prioritise the group’s purpose, this should be what you always go back to
And act as ambassadors, the committees can help raise awareness of your group, so be proud and champion what you do.
Slide 12
We hope that you have found this module helpful. Please do contact us on info@supportcambridgeshire.org.uk if you would like further support. Thank you.
Getting on Board provide guidance on role descriptions along with free guidance on trustee recruitment.
The Charity Commission provide guidance on what’s involved being a trustee. This is created for registered charities however some of the guidance can also be helpful for unregistered charities.
Reach Volunteering have their Trustee Recruitment Cycle, depending on the size of your group these resources can help with committee recruitment.
https://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cover-2.jpg600900Sally Pagehttps://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/support-cambs.svgSally Page2023-12-21 15:01:052023-12-21 15:43:01What is a Committee? Roles and Responsibilities
https://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/On-Demand-Training-image.jpg684845Kathryn Shepherdsonhttps://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/support-cambs.svgKathryn Shepherdson2023-12-21 11:44:342024-01-16 10:03:51NEW! On-Demand video – Attracting Volunteers & What is a committee?
This session is an introduction to the duties of charity trustees and it is one of a number of recordings we have produced around setting up and running a small charity or association.
https://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/SC-standard-image-1.png684845Kathryn Shepherdsonhttps://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/support-cambs.svgKathryn Shepherdson2022-12-13 13:55:432022-12-13 13:59:59Free training for those supporting those struggling with the cost of living crisis
Many don’t know about the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Safeguarding Partnership Board and the fantastic information, resources and training they offer organisations and groups working across the two counties. Thier website is a fantastic resource, and we encourage all organisations to look through it for advice, guidance or general knowledge because safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Below is a list of up-and-coming training and a link below with a link on how to book. You might also be interested in their SWAY training and resources.
Date
Course
Time
November
22nd November 2022
Self-Neglect and Safeguarding Adults
10:30 – 12:30
22nd November 2022
Update from the Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board
https://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/SC-standard-image-1.png684845Kathryn Shepherdsonhttps://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/new/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/support-cambs.svgKathryn Shepherdson2022-11-07 12:17:332022-11-07 12:32:06Free safeguard training for all
