For its members, Community Matters offers:
- 63 years of experience as the National Federation promoting and
supporting community associations. - Free legal advice clinic provided by Law Works.
- Clear information and legal advice in simple language produced
specifically for busy volunteers. A national network linking community associations and similar organisations across England, Wales and Scotland. - Up-to-date information on government policies and new and existing
legislation and regulations affecting community organisations and community
buildings. - A channel through which to lobby Government and represent the interests
of community organisations in current policy debates.
Community Matters supports its members and other community organisations directly through:
- Information sheets and a bi-monthly magazine, COMMUNITY both of which are available free to members.
- Community Matters publications and also a wider publications list available on mail order, soon also available to order and pay on line, which are free or discounted cost to members.
- An advice service, including a daily telephone advice line.
- A consultancy service, offering consultancy visits at different levels from trained practitioners of which the initial first consultancy is free to members.
- Specialist development work to promote good practice and encourage new initiatives.
- An annual national conference for members and others concerned with community involvement, at which members receive a discounted rate.
- An annual London conference for members and others concerned with community involvement, at which members receive a discounted rate.
- Regional events.
- A training programme for community organisations covering all aspects of their work of which members will receive a 10% discount.
- A Phonographic Performance Ltd licensing scheme for the use of recorded music of which members receive a discounted licence rate.
- A customised insurance service of which members receive a special discounted rate.
- Bar separation and incorporations service of which members receive a 10% discount.
- Providing regular briefings on policy, legal issues and other technical subjects.
- More focused development projects in London and Wales.
Community Matters advocates for its members, and the wider community sector, by:
- Undertaking research.
- Examining new legislation and regulation, and monitoring the impact of what already exists.
- Contributing to social policy debate.
- Promoting public awareness.
- Acting in a consultative capacity to Local and Central Government.
In all its activities, Community Matters gives priority to the needs and interests of voluntary management committees.
