Consultancy packages

We receive a small amount of core funding which we use to deliver some basic training and network events, however there are times when our consultancy support is better placed to assist voluntary sector organisations over a longer period, or where a greater level of depth is required. Our consultancy support is a low cost service that is designed to make no profit but instead helps us to recoup some of our core costs which are expended when we appoint or use external industry specialists or subject matter experts.

Our consultancy support ranges from £40 to £325 per service, and with a range of topic areas we can ensure that your organisation is supported in the right way, enabling you to grow, develop and thrive. Prices are lower for organisations which operate within Northampton. For more details contact us.

Our services

Type of developmentDescription
One-to-one organisational advice One-to-one telephone, email or In-person support with an experienced advisor on: Good practice, Governance, Funding, Volunteer Management, Bank Accounts or Policy (Based upon 1 Hour)
Policy review and development Detailed review of organisational policies, including recommendations for existing policy amendments and development of new / additional policies as required (based upon 3 hours)
Model Policies / procedures pack (price per pack)Provision of key template policies including: Complaints, Equality & Diversity, Disciplinary & Grievance, health & Safety, Environmental, Safeguarding and other related Policies by enquiry
Trustee skills auditTo include support through self-assessment process based on the CGC 12th Edition, 1 meeting with Trustees plus a full and comprehensive written report (based upon 4 hours)
In-depth funding adviceTo include review of current funding situation, advice around sustainability and diversification of income, in addition to a guided funding search (based upon 1 hour)
Funding applications reviewReview of completed draft funding applications via Telephone, E Mail or In-person, with feedback and recommendations supplied within agreed timescale (based upon 2 hours)
Tender or grant/contract application submissionA complete end to end service which results in the completion of your dedicated organisational application form. This is an ideal service for organisations that lack a dedicated Fundraiser or need capacity to submit applications. Costs are based upon Grant or Contract value and is POA.
FundraisingEnsuring that organisations understand the various routes to fundraising beyond Grants and Contracts. Analysis of which Fundraising routes to Market are ideal for your organisation and what’s required to put them in place (based upon 3 hours)
Project managementA complete end to end service that can be developed to suit your needs from initial project concept to completion, Ideal for organisations that lack capacity or just want to focus on delivery with their beneficiaries. Costs are based on individual requirements or contract/ grant values.
Project evaluationIndependent evaluations help us to learn from our work, assess its effectiveness and plan for the future. An interim or full term evaluation would include a review of data(routine monitoring and outcomes) and engagement with stakeholder groups (telephone, E survey, 1:1 meetings or focus groups). A written report with recommendations to be supplied. Costs are to be based on depth of evaluation required.
Volunteer programme reviewA review of all aspects of involving volunteers, from reviewing and creating role descriptions, policies and procedures, to information for staff and trustees on good practice in volunteer management. A written report with recommendations, plus model documents can be supplied according to need. Prices will vary dependent on which aspects of the review process are needed.
GDPR / data protection review To include review of existing policies and procedures around all aspects of GDPR and data protection by an experienced advisor, covering data collection and retention, communication, website, and production of report with recommendations to ensure compliance (based upon 4 hours of support)
Financial supportBasic Accounts Training for Senior Staff or a Board of Trustees. Content will include: Understanding a set of accounts: Understanding income and expenditure: How to understand your key Income Sources and Changes in them and how to calculate your Reserves (based upon a 2 hour support course instruction)
LeadershipLeadership involves working to ascertain priorities for your organisation and writing and reviewing your Strategic Plan (or Business Plan). Content includes 2 facilitates sessions of your choice, helping with the identification of your organisational priorities and reviewing the written Business Plan (based upon 4 hours of support)
CEO Forum4 CEO Forums Per Year involving Networking, specific insights, bitesize training and development, often using industry standard consultants to develop your thinking and creativity.

Training and events

Scheduled training courses (per delegate for 3 hour course based upon our current core funding which may or may not exist in the future)Topics vary throughout the year but can include Volunteer Management, How to write Funding Applications, Being an Effective Trustee and Basic Impact Measurement amongst others. Currently core funding allows for 6 of these to be delivered per financial year.
Scheduled Network Sessions for VCSE Organisations. These include Peer to Peer Learning, Guest Speaker Slots and some Bitesize Training.Topics vary throughout the Year. Current Core Funding ensures that we deliver 4 per year (one per quarter).
Specialist Bespoke and Agreed training courses (per delegate for 3 hour course) above and beyond our core fundingA wider and agreed choice of course on subjects other than those provided above. These include Developing and building a vision: Risk Analysis: Risk Management: Fundraising amongst others.
Meeting / away day facilitationProvision of experienced facilitator to chair and / or facilitate trustee board / or staff meetings as required (based upon 2 hours)

Communications and engagement

Circulation of General Information Inclusion of information in e-brief and / or on our news section of website
Circulation of Targeted InformationTargeted electronic mailshots
Advertising including recruitment ads (price per ad)Inclusion of advert / vacancy on e-brief and website
Leaflet or Pamphlet Design for Information or Advertising (based upon 3 hours and using CANVA) A bespoke and Tailored service using CANVA and based upon 3 hours of support

Office and administration support

Hot Desk Facility Use of desk and associated facilities (Wi-Fi, photocopier, printer and Kitchen) based upon an hourly rate
Hire of Interview Room Sole use of designated interview room within VIN’s offices at 15 St Giles Street