Visible Communities Richard Bridge and Nadia Denton Visible Standards Team

1. Visible Communities Richard Bridge and Nadia Denton Visible Standards Team

2. Visible Communities TM • A set of quality systems and standards for the community sector. • A unique approach to promoting and developing quality and best practice in the community sector. • Based around a set of seven core principles that we believe underpin strong sustainable community organisations.

3. What is Visible? 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 locally identified need a BUILDER of partnerships with other local organisations and groups a strong LOCAL network of people and organisations a way to ENGAGE local people to become active in their communities

4. What is Visible? • A development tool for community based organisations which can either be used as a self-assessment model or for accreditation. • A quality framework developed by Community Matters in association with its members and other core stakeholders. • An accredited standard endorsed by the Charity Commission.

5. Who is Visible For? • For community groups of all shapes and sizes but particularly relevant to those groups often referred to as community anchors. • Organisations who want to improve and build upon their existing capacity. • Organisations that want to increase their chances of securing funding. • Local Authorities who may want to support groups that they are working with.

6. Why Chose the Visible Standard? • It is the only accredited standard designed by the voluntary and community sector. • Comes with many easily accessible forms of support to get you through the standard. • It is a standard specifically designed to allow you as many options as possible.

7. The Visible Process • Log on to www.visiblecommunities.org.uk for a free demo of the Visible online workbook. • Register and set up your account. • You are free to use the Visible tool for an indefinite period. • Select 28 out of 121 indicators, including those that are compulsory • Once ready for accreditation apply to the Visible Standards team.

8. The Visible Process • Organisations outside of London can apply for support for the costs of accreditation through the Lankelly Chase Bursary. • You will be sent a list of the required documents that need to be sent back to Community Matters. • The first stage of assessment is an initial desk based assessment of the documents, your evidence and the indicators.

9. The Visible Process • The assessment visit lasts for a day. It includes a tour of the facility and a series of short interviews. • The assessor produces a report recommending accreditation; conditional accreditation or failure. • If successful, you will receive a certificate confirming that you have attained the Visible standard. This is valid for 3 years. • Soon after, you will receive a call from the Visible Standards Development Officer, who will carry out a short evaluation.

10. What is Pre Visible? • An entry level review drawn from the indicators in the main VISIBLE Standard. • A reference tool that is packed with useful guidance and suggestions. • A test of the systems an organisation has in place via a series of online questions and requests to attach specific pieces of supporting evidence. • A report, if requested, that reviews your systems and policies, conducted by independent assessors. • A report that can be shown to potential funders to demonstrate that an organisation is legally compliant.

11. The Pre Visible Process • Log on to www.visiblecommunities.org.uk for a free access to the Pre Visible Development Tool. • Register and set up your account. • Complete the Pre Visible Review over time. It contains detailed guidance on the information and evidence required.

12. The Pre Visible Process • When ready submit the Pre Visible review. A desk assessment will be carried out by trained Community Matters Visible assessors. • A full report will be provided with recommendations for future development. This will be valid for 3 years. • Continue to use Pre Visible as a development tool and maintain it as your online quality file. • Progress on to full Visible Standard.

13. Who is Pre Visible For? • It applies to groups of any size, particularly those who may not be ready for the requirements of Visible. • It is appropriate for groups going for small pots of funding/grants. • Groups at the start of a major development, period of growth, or new project, who wish to review their current governance and practice before setting off.

14. Why Chose Pre Visible? • The Pre Visible review looks at whether an organisation is fit for purpose and legally functioning. • It is packed with advice and guidance, and is a positive development tool.

15. Top Ten Visible Communities Benefits • Achieves a recognised independent national standard. • Evidences the quality and breath of the organisation’s work. • Gives confidence to funders, members, users and other stakeholders. • Helps frame service level agreements. • Provides a framework for development.

16. Top Ten Visible Communities Benefits • Gives early warning of potential problems. • Helps organisations to stay legal. • Improves the management of community buildings. • Improves local relations and communication. • Puts the community anchor concept into practice.

17. The Costs Online Workbook £15 Pre Visible Review £450 + VAT Accreditation Standard £1650 + VAT Community Matters Members £1500 + VAT Local Licensed Agent £1400 +VAT

18. For More Information www.visiblecommunities.org.uk Community Matters 12 – 20 Baron Street, London N1 9LL 0207 837 7887 Richard Bridge, Regional and Quality Programmes Manager Richard.bridge@communitymatters.org.uk Nadia Denton, Visible Standards Development Officer Nadia.denton@communitymatters.org.uk