SLCVO Blog 06 March

In this week’s blog, we take a look at a week full of learning, collaboration and useful tools to support community groups across Skye and Lochalsh. We share updates on our committee governance training, highlights from Michelle’s funding workshop and review our online Cybercrime and Online Fraud Awareness resource hub. There is an update on the new Highland CPP report on health inequalities, insights on volunteer minibus use, and a quick guide to using PowerPoint Live in Teams.

Team Update

This week has been a real week of learning at SLCVO. We ran a series of Back to Basics sessions designed to help community groups kickstart spring with fresh skills, and we also spent time learning from local groups—especially around community transport, where we were able to dispel a few myths we’d held about rules and regulations.

Michelle delivered in‑person training sessions in Broadford and Dunvegan, supporting groups to build stronger funding applications and communicate their case for support more effectively, while Jo‑Anne facilitated sessions in Staffin and online, helping committees strengthen their governance and improve how they work. Both formats—online and face‑to‑face—brought valuable interaction, with the team making excellent use of PowerPoint Live in Teams (more on that in a later article!) to keep the digital sessions just as engaging as those held in person.

We’re planning another week of training for later in the year, if you have ideas about topics you’d like us to cover, please share them at info@slcvo.org.uk.

The week also brought learning opportunities for Matt and Jo‑Anne, who visited Dunvegan on Tuesday. Our first stop was Dunvegan Community Hall, where we were assessing how best to set up the upcoming community outreach hub, launching at the end of April. The hall is a fantastic, well‑used space right on Dunvegan’s main street and plays a central role in village life. It hosts a lively mix of activities each month, bringing together people of all ages—including drumming sessions, senior exercise classes, badminton, Yoga and the Duirinish Media & Culture Club We’re excited about the potential for the outreach hub and will share more  updates in the coming weeks.

While in Dunvegan, we also met with Dunvegan Community Trust at their Gaeltec building. It was great to catch up with Mali, the Trust’s development officer, and see the incredible space that is quickly becoming a sustainable hub for community activity. With support from the Scottish Land Fund and the local architects Rural Design, the building is being refurbished with plans for:

• a gym

• childcare facilities

• offices

• shared workspace

• meeting and video‑calling rooms

• a tool library

• and a commercial unit

The views even give our office in Portree a run for its money

We also discussed how the Trust can support transport for community outreach hubs—and discovered that some of our assumptions about minibus use and volunteer driving on a car licence were off the mark (look out for more detail in a later article). And finally, it was great to get a look at the trusts printed Community Action Plan, which is featured in this week’s West Highland Free Press.

Find out more about the Dunvegan Community Trust and hall on the trusts website https://dunvegantrust.co.uk/ 

Understanding Health Inequalities in Highland: A Helpful Resource for Community Groups

On Monday, Jo‑Anne attended the Highland Partnership Coordination Group, where partners from across the public and third sector came together to review current work and progress within the Highland Community Planning Partnership (CPP). One of the most valuable parts of the meeting was a detailed presentation from Cathy Steer Head of Health Im​provement for NHS Highland, who introduced the newly published Highland CPP Indicator Report on Health Inequalities — a comprehensive evidence resource prepared by NHS Highland’s Public Health Intelligence Team.

This document provides a clear and accessible overview of what drives health inequalities in Highland, and how issues such as income, housing, education, access to services and early‑years experiences shape people’s health outcomes across the region. It highlights that health inequalities are systematic, unjust and preventable, rooted in unequal access to the building blocks of health, including quality education, safe housing, fair income and equitable access to services.

Using the eight Marmot Principles, the report brings together a wide set of indicators — from child development, fuel poverty and employment, to access to green space, crime rates and air quality. These indicators help identify where disadvantage is most concentrated and where targeted action can make the biggest difference. For example, the report shows:

• a strong link between deprivation and life expectancy, with significant gaps between areas

• higher fuel poverty in Highland compared to the national average,

• lower access to services in remote areas such as Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross,

• and persistent inequalities in early‑years outcomes, attainment and income.

For community groups, this report is especially valuable. It provides robust local evidence that can be used to:

• strengthen funding applications by demonstrating local need,

• support the development of community‑led projects,

• guide conversations with decision‑makers,

• and ensure your activities align with CPP priorities and wider Marmot‑aligned national frameworks.

Understanding where inequalities exist — and why they persist — helps groups design interventions that are better targeted, more inclusive and more impactful. Whether your focus is transport, community food, youth work, mental health, housing, or social connection, the evidence in this document can directly support your planning.

If your group would like help using this report, interpreting the data, or weaving this evidence into funding bids or project planning, SLCVO is here to support you. Get in touch any time at info@slcvo.org.uk.

You can download the report from SLCVO website https://www.slcvo.org.uk/_files/ugd/0be1a8_9efa4f023b384e32921ac1f6527b9b49.pdf

Or from the Highland CPP website which also includes information about the short-life working group for this piece of work https://highlandcpp.org.uk/about-hcpp/short-life-working-groups/?et_fb=1&PageSpeed=off

Getting Governance Right: Key Learning from Our Committee Essentials Training

This week, SLCVO delivered our Effective Committees: Governance Essentials training—designed to help community groups feel more confident, better informed, and more in control of how their organisations run. Led by Jo‑Anne Ford, the session brought together committee members, trustees, volunteers and new board members for a practical, jargon‑free look at what good governance really means in everyday community settings.

At the heart of the session was a simple principle: governance is about how your organisation is run and how it stays accountable. Using real examples, Jo‑Anne explained what a governing document is, why it matters, and how it shapes everything from decision‑making to membership rules and financial responsibilities. Participants were reminded that governing documents are legally binding—meaning committees must follow the processes they set out—and that they should be reviewed regularly to stay up to date with changing legislation or funder expectations.

Another major focus was committee roles and responsibilities. The training clarified that regardless of job titles such as Chair, Treasurer or Secretary, all trustees share the same legal duties. Good practice means having clear role descriptions, knowing which responsibilities have been delegated, and ensuring everyone understands the part they play in keeping the organisation compliant and effective.

The session also explored what makes meetings work well, covering the differences between Board Meetings, AGMs and EGMs, and the rules governing notice periods, quorums, voting and minute‑taking. Good meetings depend on clear agendas, proper recording of decisions and actions, and strong chairing—ensuring discussions stay on track, all voices are heard and decisions are made confidently and transparently.

Finally, Jo‑Anne guided groups through the relationship between legislation, policy and procedure. Legislation tells you what the law requires; policies explain how your group meets those requirements; and procedures outline the practical steps taken day to day. Examples ranged from GDPR and safeguarding to fair work, health and safety and fundraising rules—reminding trustees that understanding the law is essential for reducing risk and maintaining community trust.

These sessions gave groups a clearer understanding of what good governance looks like, what documents they should have in place, and how to make their committees more effective and confident.

If your group needs help reviewing your governing document, improving your policies, or strengthening your committee, SLCVO is here to support you. Get in touch via info@slcvo.org.uk  

Or visit https://www.slcvo.org.uk/third-sector-support and take a look at our Third Sector Support Section where you will find downloadable guides, upcoming training, resources and one‑to‑one support.

Making a Strong Funding Application: Key Takeaways for Community Groups

This week’s Making a Strong Funding Application workshop, led by Michelle, gave community groups across Skye and Lochalsh a practical and confidence‑boosting guide to what funders really look for — and how to increase the chances of a successful bid. The session focused on the essentials of preparation, planning, gathering evidence, costing projects and writing strong, strategic applications.

A key message was that funders don’t just fund projects — they fund organisations. That means having your “house in order” is essential: a strong and skilled committee, good governance, up‑to‑date policies, transparent finances, and a track record that shows funders they can trust you. Before applying for a grant, groups should take time to review their governing document, check legal compliance, and make sure their website, public information and community engagement all reflect the quality of their work.

The workshop also emphasised the importance of building a strong case for support. This starts with being clear about what you do, why it matters, and — crucially — what impact it has. Funders consistently say that many applications fail because they lack evidence of need, specific outcomes, or clear information about who will benefit. Groups were encouraged to use local research, community engagement, testimonials and local plans (including Local Place Plans and the Skye & Raasay Future Plan) to back up their proposals.

Another focus was costing your project properly. That means being accurate, transparent and detailed in your budget. Funders expect to know exactly what each cost relates to, whether match funding is involved, and how you’ve arrived at your figures. Under‑ or over‑estimating costs, including vague “miscellaneous” items, or failing to include hidden costs can all weaken an application.

Once planning, evidence and budgeting are in place, groups can begin shaping their written application. Michelle highlighted that funders want to read clear, concise and tailored answers — not generic content or copy‑and‑paste text used across multiple bids. Applications should tell a story rooted in real need and real people, backed by measurable outcomes and strong alignment to the funder’s priorities.

The session also touched on the increasing use of AI tools, with a reminder to use them cautiously: AI can help with drafting and rephrasing, but it cannot replace the human insight and authenticity funders expect. Groups must always check for inaccuracies, avoid sharing confidential data, and make sure their final application sounds like them, not a chatbot.

Overall, the workshop offered reassurance that strong applications come from preparation, clarity and confidence — not perfection. And no group needs to do it alone.

If your group would like 1:1 support with any aspect of funding applications, email info@slcvo.org.uk and we can arrange a tailored session to help you move forward.

Or download the Making strong Funding Application training slides here  https://www.slcvo.org.uk/_files/ugd/0be1a8_3f40865f65794047b9d5ae325c84617f.pdf

Cybercrime and Online Fraud Awareness – What This Resource Covers

SLCVO’s Cybercrime and Online Fraud Awareness page developed by Michelle brings together a wide range of trustworthy tools, guides and training materials designed to help community groups protect themselves against online threats. It includes links to national organisations such as SCVO, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and Police Scotland, along with easy‑to‑use checklists, training modules, and security tools that groups can start using right away.

The resource hub covers essential areas like recognising phishing attempts, creating strong passwords, securing devices, setting up two‑step verification, safeguarding organisational data, and improving overall cyber resilience. It also signposts free training for staff and volunteers, including short bite‑sized modules from Lead Scotland, and government‑approved tools that help assess the safety of your email domain and digital systems.

Key Points Community Groups Should Be Aware Of

• Cybercrime is increasing, and even small community groups are targets — especially those handling personal data, donations, or running online services.

• Simple actions make a big difference, such as using strong passwords, enabling two‑step verification, and knowing how to spot a phishing email.

• NCSC’s Cyber Action Plan can be completed in minutes and creates a personalised safety checklist for your group.

• SCVO provides an incident response checklist, helping groups know what to do immediately if something goes wrong.

• Email security matters — criminals often spoof charity email addresses to target supporters. The free NCSC Email Security Check can help you spot weaknesses.

• Training is accessible, with free short videos and online learning for volunteers, committee members, or staff with little technical confidence.

• Being proactive reduces risk. Regular reviews of digital practices can prevent fraud and protect your organisation’s reputation and members.

You can explore the full set of tools and guidance here: https://www.slcvo.org.uk/help-with-online-fraud-awareness

Understanding Minibus Use for Volunteers By Matt Davis

This week after talking to Mali from the Dunvegan Community Trust about transport for the Community Outreach Hubs I took some time to look into a question that comes up often for community groups: can volunteers drive a minibus on a standard car licence? After digging through the official guidance, I discovered that the answer is yes—in many cases, it’s absolutely possible, and much more flexible than I’d previously realised.

According to the guidance on Gov.uk, organisations that provide transport solely for non‑commercial purposes, or whose main role isn’t transport operation, can apply for Section 19 or Section 22 permits. These permits allow groups to run transport services without needing a full PSV operator’s licence, as long as the service isn’t run for profit and is operated responsibly, with properly maintained vehicles and appropriately qualified drivers.

Even more interesting is that, in some cases, you don’t need a permit at all. If the minibus isn’t being used for hire or reward—meaning there’s no payment from passengers or on their behalf—then volunteers can drive a minibus of up to 16 passenger seats using their normal car licence. To do this, several conditions must be met: the driver must be 21 or over, have held their licence for at least two years, meet Group 2 medical standards if over 70, be driving voluntarily for a non‑commercial body, not tow a trailer, and make sure the minibus doesn’t exceed the maximum authorised mass (3,500kg, or up to 4,250kg for electric or hydrogen vehicles). If the vehicle has additional accessibility equipment, an extra 750kg allowance is permitted.

When organisations do need to cover running costs by charging passengers, they can apply for a Minibus Permit, provided the vehicle carries 9–16 passengers, the driver is operating for a voluntary organisation that benefits the community, and the service is only offered to members rather than the general public. This “membership” point may need further clarity, but in many community settings, joining the organisation is simple or free, meaning it remains accessible.

The takeaway is encouraging: volunteer‑led minibus use is more achievable than many groups realise, and the rules are not as restrictive as they may appear at first glance. This could make a real difference for local initiatives looking to improve access, inclusion, and mobility within their communities. I’m glad to have clarified this, and I suspect many groups across the area may not yet be aware of these options.

To Find out more visit Section 19 and 22 permits and obligations: not for profit passenger transport - GOV.UK

How to Use PowerPoint Live in a Teams Meeting

Microsoft Teams includes a feature called PowerPoint Live, which allows you to present slides richly and interactively—without sharing your whole screen. It’s smoother, uses less bandwidth, and gives both you and attendees helpful viewing tools.

PowerPoint Live in Teams makes presenting much easier by giving you a special presenter view where you can see your current slide, the next slide, your notes, and the meeting chat all at once, while your audience sees only the slides. Participants can click through the slides at their own pace, send emoji reactions and  switch to high‑contrast mode. As the presenter, you also get handy tools like a laser pointer, pen, and highlighter, plus the option to see participants, it is a game changer for online sessions.

How to Present with PowerPoint Live (Step by Step)

1. Join your Teams meeting.

2. Click “Share”. This button is in the meeting toolbar (either at the top or bottom of your screen).

3. Find the PowerPoint Live section. At the bottom of the Share panel, look for the header “PowerPoint Live.” Under this, you will see:

   • Your recent files (including PowerPoint and Excel)

   • Options to Browse OneDrive or Browse My Computer

4. Select the file you want to present. It will open directly inside the meeting using PowerPoint Live.

5. Switch to Presenter View (if needed).

   At the bottom-left corner of your screen, you’ll see three icons:

   • Slide navigation (page numbers to move between slides)

   • Grid view (to show all slides)

   • Change View (looks like audio bars)

6. Click the “Change View” icon. Choose “Show Presenter View” so you can see your notes, tools like the highlighter, and other presenter features.

You can find out more about this at Microsoft Support https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/present-from-powerpoint-live-in-microsoft-teams-28b20e74-7165-499c-9bd4-0ad975d448ad