Hyndburn and Ribble Valley CVS is an independent charity which supports the local voluntary, community and faith sector (VCFS) groups in both areas by providing information and advice services, in addition to practical support. We work to represent the voluntary sector at the strategic level; to enable the sector to network via forums, meetings and local conferences; to discuss issues of concern and to encourage other agencies to listen to, and work with, the local voluntary and community sectors.

We provide training for voluntary sector organisations, as well as providing support with recruiting, managing and training volunteers, through The Volunteer Hub. Our training includes innovative, basic and accredited courses to upskill individuals and groups.  We are members of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Lancashire Association of Councils for Voluntary Service (LACVS), and Volunteer England.

We are managed by an Executive Committee made up of elected representatives from member organisations.

Hyndburn and Ribble Valley is a membership organisation. The membership is the formal mechanism by which this voluntary body is accountable and the nature and scope of the membership defines what sort of organisation we are.

The Board of Directors which governs the organisation is made up of elected representatives of full member groups. The Board of Directors decides which groups can be full members of CVS but we also recognise the value and support that our affiliated members contribute to our role.

The membership of CVS should reflect the whole breadth of the voluntary, community and faith sector (VCFS). Full membership will be open to all VCFS organisations whose aims and objectives are consistent with CVS’ own aims.

Any group/organisation wishing to join should have:

• A defined charitable or social enterprise purpose
• Clearly defined aim(s), objectives or mission statement
• Structures in place for decision making and accountability (Committee, trustees, management group, advisory etc.)
• A set of rules or constitution
• Copies of clearly defined policies & procedures, including an appropriate Volunteering Policy.
• And supply details of appropriate insurance policies
• Financial record keeping system
• Annual turnover of less than £250,000

CVS can help any prospective member to develop any or all of the above items if not already in existence.

Affiliated membership is open to any organisation with an Annual Turnover of over £250,000 that supports the aims and objectives of Hyndburn and Ribble Valley CVS.

All Affiliated members of HRVCVS will:

• Agree with HRV CVS Codes of Practice
• Have and supply copies of clearly defined policies & procedures, including an appropriate volunteering policy
• Have and supply details of appropriate insurance policies
• Provide us with Company’s House details
• Agree to pay an annual membership fee

If a group wishes to join as an affiliated member the process is simple and acceptance can be made by HRV CVS management on receipt of membership fee.

If a group/organisation expresses a desire to join as full members then an application form will have to be completed and returned with the appropriate documentation and fee.

It is essential that the application for full membership form is duly signed. On receipt of the completed form and supporting material the Chief Officer will examine the application and make any further enquiries felt necessary.  The Board of Directors will then consider the application and the group informed about the final decision

Once accepted as a full member the group/organisation will;

• Be eligible to nominate a member of their group for election onto the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Trustee/board of directors.
• Be eligible to vote at the AGM
• Be expected to use the CVS logo on any publicity and advertising, websites etc.
• Be entitled to the benefits of full membership

• Party Political Organisations; a purely political organisation that is not charitable and the objectives of an organisation which is party political are not consistent with CVS’ charitable objectives.
• Religious Organisations; where the organisation is not involved in wider community activity or where the beliefs and activities are at odds with CVS’ Equal Opportunities Policy. (Most churches, mosques, temples and synagogues are involved in various community and voluntary activities and would therefore be eligible for membership.)
• Pressure Groups; where the objectives of the organisation are solely to change the law in some particular direction its objectives are not charitable and therefore not eligible. Where an organisation is set up with charitable purposes but which campaigns to improve the treatment of its client group it would be eligible.

If the application is turned down, the group has a right to appeal. This should be made in writing to the Chief Officer within 28 days. The Chief Officer will investigate the appeal and the Board will consider the application again. Any decision made by the Board of Directors at this time will be final.

Membership is FREE!