Your Questions Answered
Responses to some of our most commonly asked questions can be found below. Please also refer to the Directory of Support Services and our Useful Documents page. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for feel free to contact the OCVA Information Officer (01865 251946, info@ocva.org.uk).
Does OCVA have its own grant pot/do you distribute money?
We occasionally help to distibute grant pots - this will be announced on our Funding Advice and Development pages.
Can OCVA write funding applications on behalf of groups?
OCVA Development Officers can offer advice and guidance, contact a member of the team in the first instance by calling 01865 251946 or email funding@ocva.org.uk
Where can I get insurance for my group?
While OCVA cannot recommend particular insurers, the contact details for 3 specialist brokers for the voluntary sector are shown below:
CaSe Insurance (donates 10% of profit back to the sector via CAF)
NACVA also has a partnership deal with Zurich, where CVS's can earn commission on policies taken out by their members. Call Zurich on 0800 077 8552.
The Charity Commission is a good place to start, visit www.charitycommission.gov.uk or call 0845 3000218. The OCVA Development Team is also available to offer advice on the pros and cons of becoming a registered charity; whether you need to be and what type of registered charity is the best one for your organisation. Several books are available in our Resource Centre, including:
- Charity Commission booklets
- ‘Charitable Status, A Practical Handbook’ Andrew Philips, DSC
- ‘Voluntary but not Amateur’ Ruth Hayes and Jacki Reason
If you are unable to visit the Resource Centre, we can photocopy relevant information and post it to you. The above publications are also available at Information Points across the county.
How do we become a constituted group?
You will need your management committee to agree the group constitution. This meeting will need to be minuted and signed by the management committee. The OCVA Development Team or Information Officer can email model documents outlining the sections required in a constitution.
How do I get a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check?
Refer to the Directory of Support Services for the contact details of organisations that offer CRB checks.
My organisation needs some advice on HR and employment issues, who can I contact?
Click on the Useful Documents page where you will find information on employment and HR issues. An impartial, government funded website also provides up-to-date guidance on a wide range of topics including: written statements and contracts, holiday entitlement, redundancy, maternity and paternity leave, and working hours. There are lots of useful tools to save time and cut costs too, such as downloadable written statements of employment. Visit: www.businesslink.gov.uk/employingpeople
I have heard of a dial-a-ride service for people who have difficulty using public transport. Where can I get more details?
The Oxfordshire Rural Community Council has the contact details of over 60 community transport schemes serving rural communities in Oxfordshire. Visit their website or call 01865 883488. If you are looking for a service in Oxford call Octabus Dial-a-Ride on 01865 876176.
