A close up of VISIBLEThe Quality and Governance project supports Voluntary and Community Organisations (VCOs) to implement Quality Assurance Systems (QAS). A QAS refers to a formal management system which can be used to strengthen an organisation. It is intended to raise standards of work and make sure everything is done consistently. To view more images click here.

A quality assurance system sets out expectations that a quality organisation should meet

In partnership with our Funding Advice Group Support Colleagues we held a themed Managers Meeting Point on the VISIBLE quality system on 26^th March 2009 at Cheylesmore Community Centre.

The VISIBLE Communities^TM produced by Community Matters in 2005 is primarily intended for organisations running community centres but it is also relevant to a range of different community organisations.

The VISIBLE framework is: -

a  Voice to represent issues of local concern

an Independent and Politically neutral organisation

a  Service provider for local people

an Initiator of projects to meet local need

a  Builder of partnerships with local groups

a  Local

an Engager of local people to become active in their communities

The event was attended by around 20 representatives from various community centres and community associations in Coventry. Liz Cleverly Performance Improvement & Information Manager at Community Matters provided an overview of the framework standards and outlined the benefits to organisations that use this quality system.

Comments from the delegates were, "The discussion exercise was great, it's really made me realise how important the standard is to a centre".

"This is a really useful tool and good to achieve a quality standard".

"This is more advantageous when applying for funding".

If you would like more information on VISIBLE or are interested in implementing this system, please contact Kate Harris, Quality and Governance Project Coordinator, on k.harris@vacoventry.org.uk.

VAC has very recently become a licensed agent for the VISIBLE Communities programme^TM is offering FREE* VISIBLE workbooks and some support for those groups interested in progressing with this standard.

*Limited number available: 'first come first served'.