The report examines case studies from Torbay Development Agency, Charities Information Bureau (Wiltshire) and its partners, Bristol, Somerset, and Gloucestershire.

Three of the case studies highlight good practice, and two consider new initiatives to plug gaps in support. Although funding advice in each area has been shaped differently in response to local history and culture, and the levels of the VCS vary, the learning across all five is remarkably consistent.

Funding advice and support are given to VCS groups in the South West free of charge by many Local Authorities and a range of voluntary agencies and funding bodies.

In 2004, Funding South West published research which mapped the provision of funding advice services in the South West. This found some significant gaps, and an undervaluing of funding advice services.

The purpose of this subsequent research was to identify: different models of delivering effective funding advice, and evidence such advice makes; parts of the region where there is not a fully effective funding advice infrastructure operating.

The five case study areas were identified following group discussions with funding advice workers, analysis of survey forms and telephone interviews with a range of key stakeholders.

The final choices agreed with an advisory group were chosen to achieve an indicative range of rural and urban locations. Working with the advisory group and key funding advice networks across the region, features of good practice and success in delivering funding advice were identified to develop interview guides.

The case studies and wider work undertaken for this research demonstrate the value to the VCS of good quality funding advice allied to community and organisational development work, if they can be provided 'seamlessly' and at appropriate levels.

Overall, funding appears to be in a fragile state with resources arriving and departing over short time scales. The research highlights the importance of regional leadership and local action to support the development of Funding Advice Networks and the provision of training for funding advice workers, to alleviate isolation and promote best practice.

Funding South West, part of creating:excellence, the South West centre for Sustainable Communities
John Skrine, tel. +44 01823 250805r

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//2006

The Evaluation Trust. Sarah del Tufo, Lesley Frazer and Jenni Wilson

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Financial inclusion