Who Is BridgeCVS?

BRIDGE is the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) in North Aberdeenshire. BRIDGE is an independent organisation focusing on the voluntary sector and is managed by a Volunteer Committee with a committed interest in voluntary efforts. The Committee is elected annually from the membership.

Aims:

To provide support, information, advice and training to voluntary groups, both established and new.

Services/Activities

Understanding the voluntary sector

The CVS holds up to date information on the profile of the voluntary sector in their area, is familiar with the sector's main concerns and needs, understands the policy context in relation to the sector and identifies the economic value of the voluntary sector locally.

Communicating with the voluntary sector

The CVS provides relevant and up-to-date information to the voluntary sector locally, facilitates networking between organisations and promotes opportunities for them to respond to emerging issues and consultations.

Representing the interests of the voluntary sector locally

The CVS works to ensure its representation at the strategic level of its local Community Planning Partnership and facilitates voluntary sector participation in thematic Community Planning forums, as well as providing or facilitating voluntary sector representation on Rural Partnerships and Social Economy Partnerships as appropriate.  The CVS works with other intermediary organisations and the public and private sectors to ensure the views and interests of the voluntary sector locally are represented.

Providing support services

The CVS provides support services to the voluntary sector locally on business planning, legal frameworks, management and monitoring and evaluation and supports the generation of additional income for the sector.

Promoting Good Practice

The CVS develops the skills and knowledge of those operating at all levels of the voluntary sector locally, seeking to improve standards in management, policy implementation and service delivery through training events for staff and volunteers and a range of resource materials to promote good practice.

Growing the sector

The CVS supports the emergence of new groups in response to local issues and needs and strengthens the capacity of existing organisations through training and support.