Annual Report

2011/12

Helping Communities to Help Themselves

Awarded

Committed to Excellence

Directors

Chairperson Harry Whiteside

Director Maureen Cameron

Director John Rosie

Director Donald Young (Appointed Oct 11)

Director Terry Lee (Appointed Sep11)

Director Gerald McIntyre (Appointed Feb12)

Advisor Emma Taylor

Core Staff

Chief Development Manager Sarah Ward (left Sep 11)

Janis MacDonald (start Oct 11)

Core Services Manager Flora McKee

Company Accountant David Govan

Finance Officer Deirdre Coull

Social Enterprise Outreach Worker Marion Smith

Volunteer Development Officer Rachel Tonks

Administrator Sean Fraser (left Aug12)

Information & Communications Officer James Young (start Aug 12)

Receptionist/Administrator Wendy Newton

Trainee Administrator Michelle MacGilllivray (left July 12)

Trainee Administrator Claire Harper (start April 12)

Trainee Administrator Ceri Tracey (start Sep 12)

Centre Operative Frances Logan

Lifestyles Project

LifeStyles Project Manager Bryan Powell

LifeStyles Support Worker Caroline MacPherson

LifeStyles Support Worker Duncan MacLeod (left Oct 11)

LifeStyles Support Worker Christine Clephan

LifeStyles Support Worker Laiza Lorimer

LifeStyles ROB Project Worker Steve Pimborough

Leading the way

Chairs Report

Dear Members

Welcome to our 2011/2012 Annual Report, and a warm welcome to our new Board members Donald Young, Terry Lee and Gerald McIntyre.

Back in September 2011 VAL achieved the EFQM “Committed to Excellence” award. This was seen as a major achievement for us as we have since learned that only 70% of organisations applying for the award successfully achieve this recognition status. As Chair, I have been working closely with the management team and fellow Board members, to further strengthen the VAL Board and continue to improve our operations using the EFQM Quality Framework.

The development of the Community Anchor Project, which saw the recruitment of a Chief Development Manager and Social Enterprise Outreach Worker through part-funding from LEADER and The Highland Council, has provided a degree of stability and a springboard for sustainability. We have worked towards segmenting our services and developing plans for future development and are now putting those plans into operation. We hope the attention to planning risk assessment and performance management will contribute significantly to future stability and growth.

All our services remain very much in demand despite the prolonged negative impact the economic climate has had on the Third Sector. I am pleased to report that we have continued to retain high occupancy levels at An Drochaid. We have fortunately managed to steer our way through a harsh funding climate without cuts in our frontline services, although we still remain concerned for the future. The EFQM process has enabled us to identify areas for streamlining to make our social business more effective and efficient.

We have continued to raise the profile of Voluntary Action Lochaber at regional level by actively participating in the newly formed Highland Third Sector Partnership (The Interface for Highland).

On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Sarah, our previous Chief Development Manager, our new CDM Janis and all our staff for their hard work and commitment to Voluntary Action Lochaber over the last year.

The Board would also like to thank Dot Ferguson and Emma Tayler for their continued support as our advisors. To my fellow Directors I thank you for your support, hard work and dedication over the past year.

Harry Whiteside Chairperson

Volunteer Development

“I like being a volunteer because I like helping people and it's rewarding.

Pop into the VAL office and see what opportunities there are - go on, get

involved”!

Grace Watson

Volunteer

Volunteer Development

Over the last year VAL took on a new area of development offering

Volunteer Support and Development for groups and individuals

throughout Lochaber. We were fortunate to be able to offer a seamless

transition and continuity of services with the recruitment of the Lochaber

Volunteer Development Officer formally employed by Volunteering

Highland.

During the period the Volunteer Centre in Lochaber saw 79 new

volunteers:

43 were female

36 were male

3 people indicated they had a disability

28 volunteers were 16-25 years old and working towards MV

6 achieved MV Awards

Those on Job Seekers allowance constituted the main category of

volunteer uptake at 23 people, followed by school pupils at 18 people

and thirdly those in further education/training being 8.

The top age band who came forward to volunteer was 0-18 followed by

19-25 year olds

12 new opportunities arose from 2 new organisations

Events & Promotions

“Get Involved ” Volunteer Recruitment Event

Volunteer Awards Ceremony

Promotion of Volunteer and Saltire Awards

Supporting & Developing a Strong Third Sector

“We are truly grateful and privileged to have experienced a sample of the

dedication and professionalism offered to local charitable businesses by

the team at Voluntary Action Lochaber”.

Geoff Heathcote

Lochaber Deaf Care

Support Services

VAL continues to deliver a wide range of support services to voluntary

and community groups within Lochaber. Our work includes assisting

groups with constitutions, policies, OSCR, funding searches and

applications:

184 registered members

614 enquiries for information or guidance

26 groups were signposted to other services

In addition to our core support service we delivered the following:

3 groups received health checks

3 groups received crisis support

5 groups trained on Implementing PQASSO Quality Standard

training

5 groups received mentoring support for PQASSO Quality Standard

2 groups received Board development support & training

3 groups received bespoke Governance training

4 groups supported with secretariat services.

Communicating with our members

VAL strives to keep our membership and wider third sector informed

of up-coming events, sector specific news and funding opportunities:

2 newsletters

20 e-updates.

Over the next year VAL is looking to develop and improve our website

and social media tools.

Social Enterprise Development

“VAL has been a constant support to Lochaber Hope and previous projects

I have been involved with over the last 12 years. To have such support

services available locally is invaluable for social enterprises in Lochaber.

Thank you VAL”.

Alyson Smith

Lochaber Hope

Social Enterprise Development

A relatively new area of activity for VAL enhanced by financial

support through the Highland LEADER Programme. This support

has enabled us to have a dedicated staff member to support new,

existing and emerging social enterprises within Lochaber.

During the last year:

56 organisations have benefited from support

17 of the organisations were new to VAL accessing start up

support

19 funding searches were completed

14 constitutions were prepared

5 organisations were assisted in changing their legal status.

Outreach Surgeries

A total of 4 outreach surgeries were held in:

Mallaig

Arisaig

Acharacle

Kinlochleven

As a result of the work in this area over the past year, more

organisations understand and identify with the terms social economy/

social enterprise. Organisations are utilising this thinking in their

management and governance approaches. Work has been identified

to manage risk and develop quality standards and progress is being

made to develop a social economy/enterprise strategy for this area.

A Connected Voluntary Sector

“Voluntary Action Lochaber continues to maintain an important and critical

role as a key community planning partner in Lochaber. The input from VAL

has been invaluable and welcome over the past year, not only helping the

area strategically establish its priorities but also contributing to the

achievement of area goals through the direct delivery of the quality services it

provides”.

Emma Tayler Assistant Ward Manager

Building the Third Sector Relationship with Community Planning

Community Planning works to deliver the five national outcomes

which are: a Smarter; Wealthier & Fairer; Healthier; Greener; Safer

& Stronger - Scotland.

VAL continues to represent the voice of the Third Sector in Lochaber

and participates in a number of local, Highland-wide and national

partnerships striving to ensure that its members also gain a place at

the table, where possible, putting communities first.

Local Partnerships include:

Lochaber Partnership Group

Lochaber Drug & Alcohol Forum

Lochaber Volunteer Managers Forum

Lochaber Outdoor Learning Partnership

Lochaber Migrant Workers Forum

Community Safety Action Team

Fort William Chamber of Commerce

Lochaber Transport Forum

Lochaber Business Women’s Network

Employability Forum

Lochaber District Partnership

Highland-wide Partnerships - Influencing Regional Policy

Highland Third Sector Partnership

HTSP Volunteering Sub Group

Highland Public Services Partnership

Economic Development Forum

National Partnerships - Influencing National Policy

Voluntary Action Scotland

Community Planning Reference Group

Through influencing change we can work together to help empower

communities and support community led regeneration leading to

success with the national outcomes.

VAL Services

This year has seen considerable growth and development for VAL

with the appointment of Janis McDonald in October 2011. This has

given us the platform needed for a move to a new way of working

allowing us to rise to the challenges ahead to ensure the future

sustainability of the organisation.

One of the biggest highlights of the year was being awarded the

EFQM Quality Framework Standard “Committed to Excellence”.

Building on this, two members of staff trained as licenced PQASSO

Mentors. Five local organisations received training and support to

implement the PQASSO Quality Standard. This is a project close to

our hearts at VAL and we look forward to delivering more training and

mentoring in this area in the year ahead.

VAL is in the process of developing two new projects. Firstly, the VAL

Community Accountancy Service. This project builds on the existing

robust accountancy and financial administration service, already

valued by many of our member groups, and is seen as having further

development potential in the future.

During consultation with third sector organisations throughout

Lochaber the need for sector specific training to be accessed locally

was identified. We are currently in the process of applying to become

an Accredited Learning Centre. Watch out for our training programme

coming soon!

The Community Anchor Team supported by the Admin Team has

continued to deliver on the four functions as directed by the Scottish

Government. These are: Supporting and Developing Third Sector

Organisations, Volunteer Development, Social Enterprise Support

and Building the Third Sector Relationship with Community Planning.

On behalf of the VAL Management Team I would like to thank our

Board of Directors for their on-going support and to all our staff for

their hard work and commitment over the last year.

Flora McKee - Core Services Manager

Lifestyles

Through the process of continual improvement LifeStyles strives to

deliver support services of a very high standard. The last inspection by

the Care Inspectorate awarded the following grades:

Quality of Care and Support - Excellent

Quality of Staffing - Very Good

Quality of Leadership and Management - Very Good

The attainment of these grades has only been possible through the

hard work and professionalism of the team, to whom I am grateful.

The support we provide is person centred, delivered to meet individual

need. Utilising an approach of doing with and not for, our support

workers enable clients to address housing related issues, build upon

and learn new skills, grow in confidence and maintain independent

living. We work with a diverse range of client groups including young

people, people with substance and alcohol addictions, people

experiencing mental health illness and individuals and families

experiencing poverty. Maintaining a secure place to live ensures a

stable base for our clients to work through the underlying causes of

becoming homeless and build upon a positive future to achieve their

aspirations and goals.

Investment in support services provides benefits to the wider society

and not just to the clients we see. The work we do reduces poverty

and tackles debt, prevents homelessness, reduces anti social and

offending behaviour, reduces alcohol and substance misuse,

promotes healthy living, helps access employment and training and

keeps children safe. By contributing to a healthier, wealthier, safer and

smarter community LifeStyles is improving the quality of life for all of

us who live in Lochaber.

The next year ahead is going to be challenging and the economic

climate will mean the vulnerable will be at greater risk of poverty, debt

and homelessness. LifeStyles as part of VAL, intend to meet these

challenges and deliver services to those most in need.

Bryan Powell - LifeStyles Manager

Opening Doors

“I don’t think you can improve the service, everything is fantastic”.

Service User Quote

LifeStyles Housing Support Service

LifeStyles provides a housing support service to people who are

homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The support is tailored to

the individual and may include developing an understanding of the

rights and responsibilities of a tenant, claiming benefits, budgeting,

managing housing related debt, developing gate-keeping skills and

practical life skills. In addition to this, support is provided to explore the

productive use of leisure time and to consider options for training,

education and employment.

People accommodated in temporary homeless accommodation are

assisted to maintain this and then move onto a suitable alternative.

Existing tenants who are at risk of losing their tenancy can access a

service to address the issues they have with the aim of keeping their

home.

In the course of the financial year 2011-2012 LifeStyles, supported a

total of 73 people:

61% of clients were male

39% were female

51% of the people who received a service were aged 16 to 25 years

old, the priority client group of the service

82% of the referrals to the project came from the Highland Council

Housing and Property Services

45 clients stopped receiving a service in the period

46% of those completed a planned programme of support.

Making Choices

“The service has been more than helpful”.

Service User Quote

CJS Reduction In Offending Behaviour Project

The project offers support and guidance to offenders and those who

are at a low risk of re-offending. The service also provides a Diversion

from Prosecution program if this is deemed suitable. The individual

works through a structured program combined with personal support

and encouragement to find ways to reduce their offending behaviour

and to make a positive link to the community.

Clients

In the period the service has worked with 11 clients:

11 Clients were male

27% of the clients identified their use of alcohol as being a contributing

factor to their offending behaviour

11 Clients have ceased with the service.

The following outcomes were achieved:

3 Clients worked on the “Dealing with Conflict” module

4 Clients worked on anger management

3 Clients worked on addressing their use of alcohol

2 Clients worked on problem solving

2 Clients worked on improving relationships

1 Client worked on addressing a gambling addiction

3 Clients worked on assertiveness

3 Clients received a housing support service.

Housing the Sector

“Having previously rented office space in An Drochaid with an earlier project,

it was the natural thing to do to approach VAL when I needed an office for my new project. The amenities are excellent and great value for money and nothing is too much trouble for efficient friendly staff. A great place to work in”.

Eleanor Brown LEAD Scotland

An Drochaid

An Drochaid, now in its 12th year of operation, continues to be a

popular meeting venue for both public and private sector

organisations. We thank all our customers for their continued support

of An Drochaid.

Following a successful funding application to Awards for All, new

electric front doors and the power assisted modifications of the inner

doors took place. This has further improved the access to and from

the building.

Office Rental

During the period April 2011 to March 2012 An Drochaid operated at

90% rental capacity.

Tenants

Action for Children

Lochaber Environmental Group

VAL LifeStyles Project

Lochaber Credit Union

Care Lochaber

Talk Lochaber

SENSE Scotland

Bord na Gaidhlig

LEAD Scotland

Pure Massage

Room Hire

242 Conference Room

217 Meeting Room

95 Recreational Room

Childs Play

“What a great service! I can’t believe I didn’t know about it before now”.

Individual member quote

Lochaber Toy Library

Voluntary Action Lochaber continues to administer the Lochaber Toy

Library. This is a resource that is envied by many other areas

throughout the country. We stock a wide range of toys including

sensory equipment which has proven to be popular over the year.

Accessibility

The Toy Library is open Monday - Friday 10 - 4 pm, 50 weeks of the

year.

Membership

The Library boasts a membership of 309 made up of the following:

235 Individual Members

35 Pre-school Groups

8 Out of School Groups

6 Youth Groups

25 Other

Membership of the Library has continued to grow year on year, and is

open to groups, individuals and families living within Lochaber. VAL

actively promotes the service through promotional and fundraising

events, e-updates and newsletters.

Finance

Surplus: £42,677

You will note from the above charts that VAL ’ s income has increased

substantially in the past year. This is due to VAL acting as banker on behalf of

the Highland Third Sector Partnership, therefore, £622,447 was not ours to

spend in Lochaber!

12%

66%

15%

7% 0%

Income £1,020,904

Generated Funds

Restricted Grants

Contracts

UnrestrictedGrants

Bank DepositInterest

7%

87%

6% 0%

Expenditure £978,227

SupportCosts

Runningcosts

Otherexpenditure

Governance

On reflection

Chief Development Manager’s Report

Dear Members

This is my opportunity to reflect on almost exactly a year since I took up

post as Chief Development Manager within VAL. It has been a busy

time: meeting lots of people from the 300 or so organisations working

in Lochaber; working with an excellent staff team to improve services

provided and change some of the ways we work; recruiting new Board

members and reviewing governance as part of our improvement cycle

and working with our regional partners to create an “interface” for Third

Sector in Highland.

It has been a real pleasure working in such a scenic environment,

particularly as my health was not at its best, and gaining understanding

and insight into rural Scotland. There is a fantastic rich tapestry of Third

Sector activity adding to life in the Lochaber area. It will be challenged

by economic threats which might help us find better ways of working

together. The political environment supports community led decision

making and a re-balancing of civic and civil society and as we move

from grant dependence into more flexible funding arrangements there

will be opportunities for those organisations that take quality standards

and management practices seriously.

Keep an eye to good governance, manage your money closely and

work with VAL towards a solid, positive future.

Janis McDonald

Chief Development Manager

Registered Office:

An Drochaid

Claggan Road

Fort William

Inverness-shire

PH33 6PH

Tel: 01397 706044

Email: admin@valochaber.org

Website: www.valochaber.org

Voluntary Action Lochaber is a Charitable Company Ltd by Guarantee

Registered in Scotland.

Company Number: 179048

Charity Number: SC020740

Printed & produced by Voluntary Action Lochaber