Write up from the table discussions and questions from the 2018 CCVS conference and AGM

1. CCVS Conference Findings
Introduction
We have looked at the feedback
from the conference table
discussions and some of the
questions and themes from the
presentations. This has highlighted
five interlinked areas where the
sector, CCVS and others could do
things differently.
We will look at working with the
sector, with funders and with other
partners to find ways of making
improvements and developing new
projects and products.
Thank you to those that attended
and contributed, and if you have any
further thoughts please do let us
have them.
Communication
Funding
NeedsTechnology
Collaboration
www.cambridgecvs.org.uk @CambridgeCVS @CambsCVS

2. CCVS Conference Findings
Communication
Arguably this should be
communication and marketing. There
was a consensus that the sector
needs to get better at promoting
itself, especially small local
organisations. By doing this there
were benefits to be gained in both
attracting more funds and more
volunteers.
It was recognised that
communications channels had
changed and groups needed to
recognise and adapt to this. It was
also recognised that there was a
collaborative role in how this should
happen with maybe a collective
campaign being a way forward.
Communication
Funding
NeedsTechnology
Collaboration
www.cambridgecvs.org.uk @CambridgeCVS @CambsCVS

3. CCVS Conference Findings
Funding
Always an issue for small groups,
there were some particular points
raised.
• Advancing technology is changing
how fundraising is undertaken and
small groups need to have the
resources and expertise to take
advantage of this, and understand
how to reach different audiences.
• There is a need to find out how
local groups can better work with
business tapping into expertise as
well as funding.
The dialogue between funders and
groups needs to improve, this will
help to raise issues and highlight
priorities.
Communication
Funding
NeedsTechnology
Collaboration
www.cambridgecvs.org.uk @CambridgeCVS @CambsCVS

4. CCVS Conference Findings
Needs
Identifying and understanding needs
are critical to the success of groups
and make an important contribution
to their access to funding.
Groups wanted needs evidence in an
easily digestible format, this would
make it easier for them to
demonstrate their impact when
making funding applications or
developing projects. At the same
time groups often have detailed
information on need that could, if
shared, enable other groups to
improve their evidence of need and
case for funding.
It is also essential that the public and
others understand the local sector,
the difference it makes and how
their support contributes to the
impact it makes.
Communication
Funding
NeedsTechnology
Collaboration
www.cambridgecvs.org.uk @CambridgeCVS @CambsCVS

5. CCVS Conference Findings
Technology
Technology, digital tools and social
media are changing at a rapid pace.
Often small organisations do not
have the time and expertise to make
the most of these new ways of
working that can make things easier
or increase their impact.
CCVS and its partners need to
develop resources that enable
groups to be better informed about
and skilled in the use of these tools.
Most importantly the benefits of
adopting new technologies need to
be demonstrated so that they are
embraced rather than feared .
Communication
Funding
NeedsTechnology
Collaboration
www.cambridgecvs.org.uk @CambridgeCVS @CambsCVS

6. CCVS Conference Findings
Collaboration
A key theme was about how the
sector could collaborate better with
other local organisations including
the universities, business and local
government.
It is important that groups which are
engaged in similar issues collaborate
to provide complementary services,
gain funding, and ensure they are
providing the highest quality and
value.
There are significant benefits to be
gained by helping organisations to
collaborate on communications,
advertising and referrals.
Communication
Funding
NeedsTechnology
Collaboration
www.cambridgecvs.org.uk @CambridgeCVS @CambsCVS

7. CCVS Conference Findings
Conclusions
As CCVS develops our new strategy
we will look at how we can build on
some of these ideas.
Already we have plans that we hope
will start to address some of these
comments. We will continue to
collaborate and innovate in order to
ensure that the local sector has the
knowledge, confidence and support
it needs to be the best it can.
If you have any thoughts, comments,
ideas, criticisms then let us know.
Keep an eye out for news of what we
are up to and sign up to our
newsletter. More info at
www.cambridgecvs.org.uk
Communication
Funding
NeedsTechnology
Collaboration
www.cambridgecvs.org.uk @CambridgeCVS @CambsCVS