ARCC is providing additional Capacity Building support to the Asian voluntary sector due to a partnership project between ARCC, BME Forum and CVA (Croydon Voluntary Action).  The project started in 2010 and is supporting groups in the areas of Good Governance, Policy Development, Business Planning, Fundraising and Community Development.

We anticipate a number of organisations as a result of this initiative will progress towards a quality mark.  The overall objective of this project is to promote and sustain high quality service delivery to the wide range of Asian Community in Croydon.

For further details on the project please contact Nicky Torode (pictured right) on 020 8684 3784 or email her at nicky.torode@arccltd.com 

Update: December 2011

The Asian Resource Centre Croydon has been working in partnership with Croydon Voluntary Action and BME Forum in a capacity building initiative since early 2010. The aim of this Lottery funded project is to support community groups to develop their organisational capacity to ensure they have a structure and systems in place which enable them to deliver efficient services which ultimately make the most impact on the communities they work with.

The Capacity Building Officer, Nicky Torode, has worked with a cross section of Asian community groups since the start of the project. Those who have sought support range from newly constituted groups to long time established organisations. We are also supporting individuals who may be looking to set up a group for the first time. Over the last eighteen months we have supported a group working with the Asian elderly women on physical fitness, health and reduction in social isolation.  We have also worked with an arts organisation providing Asian dance classes to the general Croydonian population. Currently we are supporting a Day Centre which provides recreational and educational activities to adults with Learning Disabilities. Another group is supporting their community with lunch clubs, yoga classes and general advice.  Individuals have registered an interest in setting up a social enterprise for supporting young people through sport and extracurricular recreational activities.

The premise of any capacity building is not for us as the supporting agency to do the work on behalf of the group but to enable them to do it for themselves. We can give advice, support and give examples to guide the organisation in its work.  We can take on groups at any time of the year and request that an individual from the committee (or staff if appropriate) work closely with the Capacity Building Officer for up to twelve months on a regular basis at the convenience of the organisation. At an initial meeting the Capacity Building Officer and the group jointly identify and prioritise the work which the organisation sees as urgent for the coming year. An action plan is drawn up so as to ensure tasks get assigned and deadlines set.  Common areas requiring support usually fall into the following categories:

1.      Governance

This can be from individuals wanting greater clarification on the roles and responsibilities of trustees to the committee needing to draft or amend their constitution, to organisations wishing to register as a company or charity.

2.      Fundraising and finances

Groups frequently request support on identifying sources of funding and for assistance in drafting fundraising applications. ARCC does not write the fundraising application for you but can comment and guide on drafts that you have written. Also organisations often need some support on setting up financial systems and record-keeping

3.      Monitoring and Evaluating

Groups may not typically request this support but as capacity builders we can support your organisation to ensure that whatever projects or services the group is delivering that they routinely carry out an evaluation or feedback of some kind. This is important not only for the group to know that what they are doing is worthwhile but also to help with the fundraising process. Positive feedback from service users strengthens any fundraising application and demonstrates ‘evidence’ that your community group is making a difference.

4.      Business Planning

We can assist with drafting your business plan by providing a template for a typical business plan. Not only is it a helpful visionary guide for the organisation but potential funders may require sight of your business plan.

5.      Partnership working and networking

Organisations may look to work with other organisations and need support in developing their contacts and guidance on how to select a suitable partner and manage that working relationship. We can signpost organisations to other similar local organisations and relevant networks and forums to attend.

These above examples serve as typical requests for support we may get.  However capacity building is a very varied job and it all depends on the needs of the organisation requesting support.

This project will continue throughout 2012.

Please feel free to get in touch with Nicky Torode who can set up an initial meeting with you