Many local infrastructure organisations are referred to or
describe themselves as a 'CVS' (Council for Voluntary Service) even
if they use a different name, such as Voluntary Action or Voluntary
Sector Resource Centre. Most CVS carry out what have become known
as the five core functions, as set out below.
NAVCA's Performance Standards and
Quality Award are based on these, but NAVCA recognises that in
some areas the provision of infrastructure services is more
complex, with these functions being delivered by two or more
organisations.
The 'traditional' five core functions of a CVS are:
Services and
support
CVS promote the effectiveness of local
voluntary and community groups by providing them with a range of
services. These may include access to basic facilities, such as
meeting rooms, photocopiers and ICT equipment or more involved
services such as community accountancy and employment advice. CVS
also support local groups through regular newsletters, training,
funding advice and specialist services.
Liaison
As a focal point for the local voluntary and community sector, CVS
encourage networking between individuals and groups within the
sector, and between local groups and the statutory and private
sectors. This allows local groups to learn from one another,
establish contacts and work more effectively. CVS also help
different communities to organise their own networking
activity.
Representation
With government encouraging involvement of voluntary and community
groups in shaping and delivering services, CVS enable the views of
local groups to be represented. For example, many CVS run voluntary
and community sector forums which provide an opportunity for local
groups to put forward their views on national and local
policies.
Development work
Over the years, the local voluntary and community sector has
pioneered some of the essential public services that we now take
for granted. Child protection and care for the elderly, for
example, had their origins in, and were developed by, the voluntary
sector. This tradition has continued into the 21st century, and
today CVS take the lead in identifying gaps in service provision
and work with groups to develop new and innovative services to meet
these needs.
Strategic partnerships
CVS work in partnership with local government and other statutory
agencies to shape the delivery of services. CVS play a key role in
empowering local groups to take part in partnerships and are
directly involved in a wide range of regeneration, neighbourhood
renewal, health and social care, learning and other government
initiatives. Strategic partnerships may be sub-regional, district
wide or neighbourhood. They may cover several issues or have a
particular focus.