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

• Works with people, groups and communities in a flexible, open way that challenges inequality and enables representation.

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

• Organisations must be charitable with their purposes benefiting whole or sections of the community

• Organisations must have a management committee and a set of rules/governing document.  Membership organisations must keep financial records and have a bank account in the name of the group. 

• Have or be working or be working towards equality of opportunity

• Organisations must agree and be working towards values held by Dudley CVS (see affiliation process)

Benefits of Membership:

• Members receive regular information i.e. newsletter, ebulletin

• Have a voice through Dudley CVS to lobby and campaign

• Opportunity to network at events etc

• Obtain one to one support from Dudley CVS staff members

• Opportunity to become involved in various decision making bodies

• Right to stand and nominate members to DCVS board of directors

• Opportunity to become a member for DCVS website forum

• Receive support and training in a variey of areas

• Recieve information on funding and obtain relevant support

• Volunteer brokerage

• Access to Dudley CVS resource centre

• Access to reprographic services/IT Support/Payroll/Accountancy Services

• Any organisation applying for affiliation to DCVS membership must complete the following forms:  Appllication for Affiliation Dudley CVS Values and Criteria form

• In addition members must adhere to DCVS equality of opportunity policy

• Completed forms must be forwarded to Sue Aldridge PA to Chief Officer Dudley CVS.  For full process and information see Membership Process

• E-mail: pa@dudleycvs.org.uk or return by post to 7 Albion Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 3EE

• The application will be considered at the next Board Meeting (the Board usually meet quarterly) however contact will be made with you throughout

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