Leaflets, Forms and How-To Guides
Your one-stop shop for questions on setting up and running a voluntary organisation. Click on the links below to download pdf copies of CVS NL's leaflets, how-to guides and forms. These resources are intended to cover all of the basics, from taking OSCR's charity test to what do do in a funding crisis.
If you require more in-depth advice, just contact the CVS on 01236 748011.
CVS NL Guides
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is a formal meeting of all the members of an organisation and it is a requirement described in most organisations constitutions.
This guide outlines the importance of maintaining good financial records.
Business planning should be seen as an opportunity to formalise how the group sees itself going forward. This guide outlines the necessary steps to building an effective plan.
A guide to the role of the chairperson of a voluntary group.
There is no exemption for charities from Value Added Tax if the organisation's income from business activities exceeds the annual threshold set in the budget. This guide explains the availablity of exemptions and relief for groups.
Looking to join a committee? This simple guide explains the role and responsibilities of a committee member
This guide outlines why groups need a constitution and what should be contained within it.
A guide to drawing up an agenda for a meeting, including an example demonstrating how the document should be structured.
If you employ staff or are about to get funding to do so, you will want to ensure that you are acting as a good employer by complying with employment law and fair employment practices. This guide provides a good starting point.
Increasingly, funders are asking for hard evidence of what their money has been spent on, and how successfully it was used. This guide provides information on issues around evaluation and monitoring.
Most groups need to spend money at some point. Download this guide to find out the basics.
Did you know that charities in the UK are failing to claim £700 million on donations that could be gift aided, mostly because they think it is too costly or complicated to operate the scheme? Download this guide to find out more.
Paying Expenses to Committee Members
All voluntary groups need to ensure that proper systems and procedures are in place for repayment of expenses, and that these are followed at all times. This guide outlines best practice.
An explanation of the roles of secretary and treasurer within an organisation.
Standing orders are detailed rules by which a group operates. This guide outlines some of the most important rules, such as voting, terms of office and emergency procedures.
Essential basic information on setting up a voluntary group.
The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 introduced a two-part charity test which an organisation has to meet before being granted charitable status by OSCR. This guide outlines what you need to know.
What to do in a Funding Crisis
This guide outlines certain actions your group needs to take if it is suddenly faced with a financial crisis.
A brief guide to the general points of good minute keeping.
Sample Forms
Telephone Expenses Form [sample]
A handy template for claiming telephone expenses. The form is suitable for use by committee members, staff or volunteers, with your organisation's name at the top of the form. Please note that line rental cannot be reimbursed.
A handy template for claiming travel expenses. The form is suitable for use by committee members, staff or volunteers, with your organisation's name at the top of the form. Please note that the HM Revenue and Customs limit is 40p per mile. Rounded sums for petrol consumption should not be re-imbursed.
Other guides
OSCR Easy Read Charity Trustee Guidance
OSCR, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, has published an easy read version of their charity trustee guidance . The advice is for anyone who is a trustee of a charity in Scotland, and tells charity trustees in very plain language what the law says they must do or must not do.
An essential read for anyone involved with charities.
