Voluntary and Community Sector Support

Voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations are a vital part of our local neighbourhoods providing support, advice, social contact and a range of activities to enhance the well-being of residents. Our Community Development Team provides support to the local voluntary and community sector to help organisations to:

• Be more efficient and effective
• Be more sustainable
• Meet their legal obligations
• Have greater funding security
• Set up a new group/activity that meets a local need

Whether yours is a large organisation or small group, established or new, we can help you to strengthen and develop what you do.  

What we offer

Health Checks

Our voluntary sector officer can support you through a ‘Health Check’ for your organisation to make sure that you have good governance arrangements in place. For example, help to develop appropriate policies such as safeguarding, equality and diversity, and volunteering procedures. 

Events, Workshops and Training

We run regular FREE events, workshops and training on a variety of topics that matter to our VCS organisations, groups and clubs in the district. For example, recent events have included:

• Insurance and managing risks - you can watch this session using the link at the bottom of the page
• Writing successful funding applications 

They'll also be information sessions about our Community Grants Scheme and Love Blaby Lottery 

VCS newsletter

We send a bi-monthly e-newsletter packed full of useful information tailored to support our voluntary sector. This includes details of any events, workshops or training we are running, features on local VCS organisations, funding opportunities and much more. The e-newsletter goes out to all VCS organisations on our database and mailing list. To join our mailing list, use the contact form at the bottom of the page.

Community Directory

We are also setting up a public directory of VCS organisations including charities, community groups and sports clubs, that are within the district or that offer services to our residents.  Being part of the directory will shine a light on your organisation and may help to widen your current membership.  In addition, your organisation will be listed on the Blaby District Council website in the public domain, which will make it easier for volunteers and service users to find you. To include your organisation’s details in the community directory, please complete our sign-up form.