FbRN VISIBLE Quality Assurance programme for faith based organisations

Introducing VISIBLE: a new project for FbRN working in partnership with Community Matters, the Church Urban Fund and Faiths & Civil Society Unit, Goldsmiths, University of London.

Have you ever wished for a quality standards framework that recognises the particular nature of voluntary or community organisations?

Have you ever needed to convince your management group that they really do need a complete range of policies and procedures because being a faith group does not exclude you from good practices in equality, volunteering or employment?

Have you ever wanted to prove to potential funders and partners that associating with a ‘faith-based organisation’ is not something they have to fear?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions then VISIBLE might be just what you are looking for. VISIBLE is a quality assurance assessment tool designed by Community Matters and endorsed by the Charity Commission, the Local Government Association and the Office of the Third Sector.

It offers a recognised accreditation informing funders and partners that organisations carrying the kitemark have reached a certain high standard in management and organisational practice, deliver a quality service and have a positive influence within the local community.

It provides assurance to potential funders that the organisation has robust financial practices, and perhaps most importantly it enables the management group and users to feel proud and confident that their organisation not only provides a much valued community resource, but is also seen to do so to the highest standards.

FbRN is running an 18 month pilot project to assess the value of  VISIBLE to faith-based organisations. The project is investigating how the VISIBLE programme can assist faith groups to:

• be confident of their faith values and ethos when promoting their work to potential funders and partners
  

• promote the contribution they make to community development and cohesion in a way that is recognised by the wider voluntary and community sector, local government and other agencies
  

• engage as equals with other community service providers.
  

An organisation using the VISIBLE framework is assessed using the following criteria:
           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

Each section requires assessment of current practice and work to bring the organisation up to the required standard. Organisations are supported through the process with an independent advisor. The final assessment is conducted by a trained assessor appointed by Community Matters.

Organisations achieving VISIBLE are encouraged to continuously improve and can be re-assessed after three years, which is the life of the kitemark. The whole purpose of the standard is to increase in good practice, confidence and thereby raise the profile of the organisation positively in the local community.

Our pilot project focuses on seven faith based projects selected from across the country. Each project is supported by a faith based mentor with an understanding of the particular opportunities and needs faced by faith organisations serving the local community through social action and community engagement.

The pilot is assessing how VISIBLE can contribute to improving the reach of faith based organisations by raising their profile and credence within the voluntary community sector.

To find out more either contact the VISIBLE Programme Manager Jane Winter,  07734 962140 or look on the VISIBLE website.