This page is about helping local orchard organisations do what they do, but better, and more.
This is known as ‘capacity building‘. There is some original content but much is signposted to other providers websites.
See also the neighbouring pages on budgets & funding, and project ideas.
Disclaimer: Orchard Research & Enterprise CIC and its partner organisations cannot accept liability for any consequences of any action you may take, or fail to take, as a result of reading or using this web page. Orchard Research & Enterprise CIC is not responsible for the content of external websites.
Advice from a real-live human being – Rural Direct
Face-to-face advice for rural organisations. Free!! scvo.org.uk/ruraldirect
This is a great resource, but before you contact them, prepare yourselves with the following resources:
Resources
Developing your organisation http://www.scvo.org.uk/rural-direct-training-prospectus/
Risk Assessment http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg163.pdf
Health & Safety policy – this and other templates at http://www.vai.org.uk/services/model-policies-and-toolkits/
Insurance http://www.scvo.org.uk/running-your-organisation/finance-business-management/insurance/
Insurance companies that specialise in the 3rd sector include:
http://www.keegan-pennykid.com/
http://www.tcv.org.uk/community/join-community-network/community-group-insurance
Insuring volunteer activity;
UK Government advice at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-and-insurance-cc49/charities-and-insurance states:
“2.4 What is the insurance position for volunteers?
The short answer
For insurance purposes, charities are advised to treat volunteers in the same way as they do their employees and to ensure that they are covered by the usual types of insurance a charity might buy, such as employers’ liability or public liability cover.”
Contract for Services (& other employment templates). Contract for Services could be a more cost effective alternative than directly employing a member of staff, especially if it is for a short term project. Zero hours contracts can be useful for both parties if the organisation’s income is unpredictable, and rate of work undertaken can be tailored to income.
http://www.human-resource-solutions.co.uk/HR-Policy-Pages/Employment-Contract/Employment-Contract.htm
Equal Opportunities Policy. Some funders will ask for this. A simple model document is available at:
http://www.vai.org.uk/services/model-policies-and-toolkits/
Business planning. Drafting up a business plan really help focus your ideas for what the organisation is about.
Try: https://www.gov.uk/write-business-plan and a good start for social enterprises at
http://www.forthsectordevelopment.org.uk/documents/New_BusPlanGuide.pdf