Four Functions of Infrastructure: A Guide for NAVCA members

The work of local infrastructure organisations can be described as having four functions: leadership and advocacy; partnerships and collaboration; capacity building; and volunteering. This concept was co-produced by NAVCA and members to provide a clear definition of what is at the core of effective high quality local VCSE infrastructure.

strategy

Connecting Locally - What is Local Infrastructure?

A shorter document that can be used to explain the work of local infrastructure organisations, through the four functions of infrastructure, using findings from the Connecting Locally research project.

Strategy, research, four functions of infrastructure

VCQA Frequently Asked Questions

A list of questions about the Local Infrastructure Quality Accreditation Programme for those considering the process.

Quality, LIQA, impact, volunteering

Leadership and Advocacy Guide

This document is the first of a four-part series on the Four Functions of Infrastructure, a concept co-produced by NAVCA and our members to help communicate and develop what local infrastructure organisations do. This guide focuses on Leadership and Advocacy.

four functions of infrastructure, volunteering, strategy, policy, membership

LIQA Frequently Asked Questions

A list of questions about the Local Infrastructure Quality Accreditation Programme for those considering the process

Quality, LIQA, impact, four functions, FAQs, FAQ

NAVCA Webinar: Learnings from the Local Infrastructure Quality Award (LIQA)

On 27th November LIQA holders Community Action Redbridge and Up for Yorkshire shared their experience, what they've learned in their LIQA journey and what value the accreditation holds for them. Here are brief notes from the webinar.

LIQA; quality; accreditation; learnings

Volunteering Guide

This document is the fourth in a series of guides explaining more about the Four Functions of Infrastructure. This guide focuses on volunteering. It uses examples from Connecting Locally (research on local infrastructure by Sheffield Hallam University), and real life member case studies. It is designed to help you develop your work.

Capacity Building Guide

This is the third part of a series on the Four Functions of Infrastructure. This document delves into 'capacity building', using real-life member examples and research to highlight effective capacity building.

community development

Partnerships and Collaboration Guide

This document is part of our Four Functions of Infrastructure series, exploring Partnerships and Collaboration further. This short guide uses research from Connecting Locally and NAVCA member case studies to highlight key activities and outcomes around effective partnership working.

four functions of infrastructure, partnerships, collaboration, collaborative

Full Criteria for the VCQA (Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation)

Interested in pursuing accreditation for your volunteer services? The full criteria provided here is intended to give as much information as possible to inform your decision - the nature and level of evidence required, and a feel for how you might demonstrate what you do. This is not the full application guidance. We include the headline outcomes for each Function and an extract of the guidance around types of activities and evidence that might be relevant. Contact us at quality@navca.org.uk for a chat about the VCQA.

VCQA, quality, accreditation, quality accreditation, volunteer centre, volunteer services