VASWS exists to help build the capacity of our local Guildford and Waverley voluntary organisations and community groups by providing advice, information, links to training and opportunities to network, as well as providing a volunteer recruitment service. We specifically offer: 

Funding Advice

• Funding searches to help identify relevant funding sources for your service/project
• Advice on how to make a good funding application and how to  increase your chances of success
• Reviewing funding applications: before you submit a funding application it is always a good idea to get someone independent of your organisation to read your application

Governance and organisational structure

• Advice on constitutions: is yours right for your organisation
• Trustee/committee members roles and responsibilities
• Organisational structures: when should you register as a charity, a CIO, a social enterprise, incorporate, stay as you are?  The pros and cons of different structures available for voluntary organisations.
• Trustee Board development 

Policies, Procedures and developing your organisation

• Advice on appropriate policies and procedures
• Best practice advice and model policies
• Organisational health checks: do you have the right policies and procedures in place and are they working for you.  Help in developing and implementing an action plan
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Advice on DBS checks: who needs them and who doesn’t 

Volunteer Recruitment

• Advertise your volunteer roles through our website and via our Volunteer Centres
• Information on Volunteering and the law
• Best practice in recruiting and working with volunteers 

Training, networking, information

• Sign up to our mailing list to receive information on relevant training, networking events, newsletter and news alerts