SCVO - Information - Latest Updates

The links below take you to the sections within the information channel which have recently been changed or updated in some way or any new pages which have been added.

The Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 - 18 Aug 08 Updated!
A link to guidance on the key provisions of 'POCSA' which introduced a number of changes to the child protection framework in Scotland.

Fire safety legislation - 06 Aug 08 Updated!
New fire safety legislation came into effect on 1st October 2006 affecting the majority of non-domestic premises in Scotland. The new fire safety regime is based on the principles of risk assessment and places responsibility for assessing risk from fire and providing appropriate fire safety measures, with those with control to any extent of premises (duty holders).

Constitutions - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
This page explains what a constitution is, what should be in one (including purposes, objects, powers, membership, commitee structure) and the different types depending on the type of organisation.

Vision and Purpose - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
This page identifies key considerations for developing statements of purpose, mission and vision against which the validity of an organisations activities can be assessed.

Financial Risk and Voluntary Management - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
An introduction to the main areas of financial risk for voluntary management committees and actions for minimising these.

Annual General Meetings and Elections - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
This page sets out the importance of AGMs and elections including the opportunity for assessing the position of the organisation, the performance of the committee and general scrutiny by members.

Accountability - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
An overview of who voluntary organisations are accountable to, including funders, members, beneficiaries and sets out what information the organisation is obliged by law to provide to the public on request.

Voluntary Management Committee Relationship with Staff - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
This page introduces the concept of a clear split between the responsibilities of committee members and those of staff and why such a split is important to the good governance and effective operation of an organisation.

Training for Voluntary Management Committees - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
This page covers: judging the capacity of the organisation and the need for training, the importance of training and types of training available.

Legal Bars to Voluntary Management - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
A summary of what type of person is disqualfied from 'management or control' of a charity, spent convictions, the concept of a waiver and where to apply to get a waiver.

The Role of the Treasurer - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
The specific role of the treasurer including the degree of responsibility for funds, oversight and control of finances, record keeping, advice to committee and reporting.

The Role of the Secretary - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
The specific role of the secretary including arranging committee meetings, correspondence, preparing agendas, taking minutes and providing papers. Includes the status of the 'company secretary' in relation to that organisation's board.

The Role of Chair/Convener - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
Information about the specific role of the chair/convenor.

The Role of Voluntary Management Committee Officers - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
An introduction to role of office bearers of a managment committee: the chair (or convenor), vice chair, secretary and treasurer.

Effective Meetings - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
This page covers the need to make decisions, agenda setting and items, the progression of a meeting, 'matters arising', timing, clarity and the need for readable succinct minutes.

Payment of Voluntary Management Committee Members - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
This page outlines the principle of non-payment of committee members, accepted exceptions, possible consequences of payment, and what is permissible as opposed to what is best practice.

Make Up of Voluntary Management Committees - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
This page highlights the skills and arrangements needed to help make a committee effective including optimum numbers, quora, voting and representativeness.

Roles and Responsibilities of Voluntary Management Committees - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
A general overview of the main roles and responsibilities of committee members including the need for leadership and effective legally compliant operation, the importance of 'trust' and where to get help.

Information and Induction for Voluntary Management Committees - 29 Jul 08 Updated!
An overview of what a management committee needs to know about its own organisation, where to get help, how to support changes in committee membership and assist new committee members and suggested content of an induction programme.