This page is produced by
Empowering the Voluntary
Sector - a joint project between NAVCA, NCVO's Compact Advocacy
Project and the Public Law Project. It supports the
EVS training course but
will also be of more general use.
This list is for information only. The content of the sites and
services offered are not necessarily recommended by NAVCA or the
Public Law Project.
Dispute resolution
The Public Law
Project
The Public Law Project is a national legal charity which aims to
improve access to public law remedies for those whose access is
restricted by poverty or some other form of disadvantage.
NCVO Compact
Advocacy Programme
The Compact Advocacy Programme is a
practical scheme which campaigns and advocates for the voluntary
and community sector. The programme's role is to ensure that
government sticks to the Compact.
The
Compact
The
home site for Compact Voice, based at NCVO. This site provides
information on the Compact, as well as downloads, an online
register and copies of all local compacts.
Centre for Effective Dispute
Resolution
The organisation used by the Compact Advocacy Programme for
mediation. This site provides information on mediation and
effective dispute resolution. Please note there are other
organisations offering mediation services.
Local Government Ombudsman
Local Government Ombudsmen investigate complaints of injustice
arising from maladministration by local authorities and other
bodies.
The Parliamentary
Ombudsman
The Parliamentary Ombudsman carries out independent investigations
into complaints about UK government departments and their agencies,
and the NHS in England.
Contact details for public bodies
See also NAVCA's government links
A to Z of local councils
This site lists county councils, borough and district councils and
unitary authorities throughout England, Northern Ireland, Scotland
and Wales.
A-Z of central government
This site lists central government departments, executive agencies
and non-departmental public bodies.
NHS Trusts Listing for England
This is a page on the main NHS site; from here you can find a
listing of all NHS trusts, both acute and primary care.
The Audit
Commission
The Audit Commission is an independent public body responsible for
ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently and
effectively in the areas of local government, housing, health,
criminal justice and fire and rescue services.
Law and the voluntary sector
LawWorks
LawWorks for Community Groups provides free legal advice to small
charities, voluntary and community organisations and social
enterprises in England and Wales via a network of volunteer
lawyers. LawWorks does not provide advice itself, but you can apply
online for assistance.
Federation of Law
Centres
Law centres provide a free and independent professional legal
service to people who live or work in their catchment areas. This
site provides information on local contacts and services.
Rights and equalities
See also NAVCA's
Equalities links
Equality and Human
Rights Commission
Champions equality and human rights for
all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality,
protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that
everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.
The British Council of Disabled
People (BCODP)
The UK's national organisation of the worldwide Disabled People's
Movement. Set up in 1981 by disabled people to promote full
equality and participation in UK society, it now represents some 80
groups run by disabled people in the UK at national level.
Making the Duty
Work
A useful guide from the DRC (see above
link) to the Disability Equality Duty for both disabled persons and
organisations working with people with disability, the guide not
only provides information on the duties of public bodies but also
contains working examples of both good and bad
practice.
RADAR
RADAR is
a national network of disability organisations and disabled people.
It represents its members by fast-tracking opinions and concerns to
policy-makers and legislators in Westminster and Whitehall, and
launching campaigns to promote equality for all disabled
people.
BTEG (Black Enterprise & Training
Group)
BTEG is a high profile national organisation working to improve
opportunities in black communities. (Black includes people of
African, Caribbean, South Asian and South East Asian origin.)
BTEG links page
Useful links to BME networks around the country and many other
national and government bodies.
Links homepage
Empowering the
Voluntary Sector homepage