Services Index

The service providers detailed in the following linked pages specialise in working with the sector. This may not be an exclusive commitment, but it will be a significant activity for them.

• Accountancy/audit including payroll and bookkeeping.
• Banking and investment.
• Pension facilities.
• Insurance.
• Legal including community services, as well as commercial firms.
• Regulatory Offices Utilities, Government, Media, Not-for-profit including Charity regulators. (Data Protection is under Information Management.)

• Consultants, Management, General, Fundraising; Business Links.
• Training. Short course providers. Also Online Courses.
• Professional Development. NVQs and sources of further education courses.
• Professional Qualifications. Certificates, degrees etc from universities/HE.

• Specialist Software Section introduction on membership, accountancy and other software of particualr relevance to the sector.
• Computer/IT Includes training, IT for Fundraising.
• Fundraising on the Net - information, consultancy, online fundraising services.
• Online donation and payment facilities.
• Charity Tax Reclaim services.
• See also Tax Reclaim issues/software.

• Internet and Web. Hosting, internet services, design, technical development.
• Design and Print, publishing (editorial) and translation services.
• Media Video, film, broadcast, photography; audio/visual equipment; media support, PR agencies; theatre.
• Events & Conference organisers, Venues.
• Membership admin, Mailing Lists, Response handling For mailing shots, campaigns as well as day to day.

• Suppliers - office, equipment, materials, general suppliers. Includes 'standard software', computer hardware.

General pointers

There are any number of special deals around for voluntary organisations - for registered charities and favoured local groups in particular. Some of these are excellent, but remember that 'nothing comes for free'.

The service provider could be

• just wanting some kudos that they can use to enhance their image.
• gaining experience at your expense (or could be upfront about learning while applying other skills/experience).
• hiding the true costs, and getting you to pay later.
• hoping to get repeat business or a commission on future services.
• genuinely interested and involved in the sector/your particular concern.

It is helpful to get a feel for where they are coming from, to avoid misunderstandings or unpleasantness later. And appreciate the fact that free advice based on inadequate knowledge or research could turn out very expensive!

Misc Services

Building Works

CRASH can help if you are running a project involving single homeless people and require help with building work or professional expertise. They can provide, amongst other things, surveys, project management advice, architects, building materials and equipment. 10 Barley Mow Passage, London W4 4PH, phone 020 8742 0717, email: crash@crash.org.uk

Travel

Key Travel focuses on providing travel services for organisations working on poverty, disadvantage and environmental issues. Offices in Manchester and London: 3rd Floor Royal Buildings, 2 Mosley St, Manchester, M2 3AN; St Richards House, 92-96 Eversholt St, London, NW1 1BP. Phone 0990 134326.

Charity Line is a service from Virgin Trains. If you book via them, charity staff can use Saver tickets during peak periods on Virgin services. Also provide info and bookings for other train services. Phone 0845 30 50 350. (Not on Virgin website when we looked.)

Shared services, administration outsourcing

Charity Business was set up to provide 'cost efficient and effective administration services' and 'management solutions for day to day high volume low value transactions'. They started with Payroll and Bookkeeping/Accountancy services, but also now cover human resources, grant administration, purchasing management and more. Phone 01793 554200, email: info@charitybusiness.com

Crucial provides "effective administration solutions to ethical organisations". Based in Ireland but many admin services can be done remotely. Two broad areas of service: streamlining systems and project managing one-off projects, coordinating all logistical and administrative aspects.

Lewis Clare Partnership provides outsourcing of grants administration, leaving grant-makers free to focus on their organisation's core activities.

Consortium purchasing - see Suppliers page.

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Other Section Index pages

• News and Events.
• Information Sources Support bodies, magazines, local and regional.
• Management, Admin and Finance including Tax, Legal, Governance, Registration.
• People Matter Employment, payroll, training, volunteer and people management.
• Software and Technology Membership, finance and other specialist software; ICT; web.
• Taking Action Lobbying, media, research, for the organisation and personally.
• Areas of Concern Organisations active on various issues.
• Resource round-ups for particular job functions.
• Reviews of books and other publications.
• Sample documents and checklists.
• WorkScene: case studies.
• Work Opportunities: paid and volunteer vacancies, specialist agencies, web sites.