‘How To’ Series
Our ‘How To’ series (previously called Fact Sheets) will help community groups and others with many of the common tasks and issues involved in community development work.
Have a look at the topics available below. Many of our training courses also discuss these topics in greater detail.
How to Hold an Annual General Meeting
Why does a group have an AGM? What is the significance of such a meeting?
The AGM is the key to a community association's year. It is an opportunity to inform the community about the work a group has been involved in, encourage more support, and attract new committee members with fresh ideas. This ‘how to’ page will take you through the steps to properly prepare a group for an AGM, highlighting the importance of the constitution and providing a typical agenda for the meeting.
How to Set Up a Community Group
There are many reasons a community group may be formed. These might include a lack of youth services in the area, a need for a play park, or issues with housing, roads, and green spaces. People concerned about such local issues may come together to try to bring about change in their community.
Anyone wanting to set up a group should work with a support organisation such as Supporting Communities.
How to Run Effective Committee Meetings
Community groups should hold regular committee meetings in accordance with their constitution. This information sheet will cover the day-to-day running of your community group. Plan ahead and know your committee roles.
How to Write a Code of Conduct for Committee Meetings
To help ensure your meetings run smoothly, it is helpful to establish a code of conduct for committee members. It will set out guidelines for meetings and help you stay on track.
How to Conduct a Community Survey
It is important to recognise that residents are the real experts about where they live and know best what is required. Seek out their views to help plan your actions.
Conducting a survey may seem like a major task, but it will give your group a clearer picture of the problems in the area and plenty of information when approaching statutory bodies and other outside agencies for help.
This ‘How-To’ page provides your group with a step-by-step guide to make conducting surveys easier.
How to Apply for Funding
This ‘How to’ gives you useful pointers for completing a funding application, as well as guidance on how to approach various funders, including local Councils, statutory sources, and grant-making trusts.
How to Produce a Community News Sheet
As a group representing the people in your area, it is vital that the wider community is informed about what you are doing.
A news sheet is a tried-and-tested means of communication and a good way to encourage participation. Here, you will find useful guidelines on how to produce an interesting community-oriented news sheet, ideas on who could contribute information, the type of material required, and so on.
How to Produce a Strategic Plan
Find out why strategic and development planning is important to any organisation, not just as a means of guiding its activities but also as a means of targeting resources and measuring the effectiveness and impact of its work. Learn what a Strategic or Development Plan is and get guidelines for developing one for your group, including the key elements it should include.
We also offer a suggested structure and format for a community group development plan, along with key tips to guide you through the process.
How to Make a Succession Plan
A member suddenly leaving or retiring can have significant effects on a group or organisation if there is no one to fill the gap.
Encouraging new members to be involved, especially younger people, is critical to the sustainability of the organisation. Have a plan in place to make this process easier for your group.
How to Report on Your Charity Finances
Your group must ensure both regular and annual reporting of your charity's finances. This is necessary to manage finances effectively, ensure transparency, and support governance. Although the Treasurer’s role is to maintain and report on your group’s finances, the committee as a whole is responsible for the financial management of the group.
How to Set Up and Manage a Bank Account
When a new community group is being set up, one of the key decisions is whether to apply for funding and/or accept donations. If this is the case, the group must open and maintain a bank account to manage its finances. The group should also take steps to constitute and follow the Charity Commission NI’s guidance regarding charity registration.
How to Run Your Day-to-Day Financial Management
How your group manages its finances day-to-day depends on a range of factors – the size of your group, the funding you bring in, how you make payments, etc. Although the Treasurer’s role is to maintain and report on your group’s finances, the committee is responsible, and every member has a part to play.
How to Secure Support from Local Businesses
Have you considered the funding opportunities right on your doorstep? Local businesses could provide that valuable piece of equipment, raffle prizes, free advice, sponsorship, and a host of other things—often without a lengthy form-filling exercise! Businesses that operate locally support groups by providing in-kind gifts, small cash donations, and a range of services, either free or at reduced rates. Learn about the various ways the business community can help.
How to Get Started on Social Media
Social media changes so fast that it can be hard to keep up with—or know where to start! Small charities and voluntary groups can still make very effective use of social media channels to help further their goals. The trick is not to get overwhelmed or try to do too much too fast.
This guide will help you consider the steps needed to develop a basic social media strategy that will work for your group.
How to Understand Your Constitution
When a group of people or a community decides to form a community or residents' association, a constitution incorporating the association's aims, objectives, and normal rules is agreed upon/adopted. The adoption of a constitution confers legal status on the association and identifies the beneficiaries of its activities and the persons to whom it is responsible and accountable. It is worth noting that a constitution is an essential prerequisite for applying for funding.
