We are:

• One of over 280 Councils for Voluntary Service (CVS) operating throughout England

• A local development agency promoting effective voluntary action

• A registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee, non-profit-making and independent from government

• A membership organisation of local and independent voluntary and community groups promoting any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley

• Provide a range of support services such as training, information and advice

• Identify new needs and develop initiatives to meet those needs

• Promote partnership between statutory and voluntary sectors in the delivery of welfare and other services

• Support innovation, accountability and good practice in local services

• Encourage local groups and organisations to put forward their views on local and national policies and decisions that affect them

• Create and promote forums to consult the community

• Provide this support in a special way with particular values, working with people, groups and communities in a flexible, open way that challenges inequality and enables representation

• Include voluntary or community organisations working, wholly or mainly, in the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley

• Receive a regular newsletter and information on a variety of subjects including training resources, seminars, government legislation etc.

• Any voluntary or community organisations working, wholly or mainly, in the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley is entitled to apply for affiliation to Dudley CVS and therefore vote and stand for office

• Once your application form has been received, an acknowledgement letter will be sent to you

• The application will be considered at the next Board Meeting (the Board usually meet quarterly)

• A confirmation letter will be sent after the Board meeting with details of your affiliation