What is a CVS?

In every urban and rural area in England, CVS, also known as local infrastructure organisations (LIOs) work behind the scenes to ensure that local voluntary organisations and community groups get the support they need.

In Devon, the main LIO’s are the network of CVS which all operate independently but come together in partnership as DACVS. We provide our members with a range of services and development support, and are the voice of the local voluntary and community sector. CVS differ greatly in character and size, from small rural organisations with one or two paid staff, to larger operations. All the CVS in Devon incorporate a Volunteer Centre to provide a 'wrap-around' service for not only local organisations but for individuals and wider communities too.

The CVS in Devon are regularly in touch with nearly 3,000 local voluntary and community organisations.

CVS help the local voluntary and community sector in a variety of ways:

Identifying and filling the gaps

By monitoring the services provided by the voluntary and community sector in its local area, CVS are able to easily identify where the gaps are. We can then work with new groups to address unmet needs and ensure that existing groups are equipped to tailor their services to the changing needs of the community.

Raising standards

CVS are key to a fully-functioning, high quality local sector. By providing access to information on anything from funding and legal advice to training and quality assurance standards, we ensure that local groups and organisations have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to support the local community.

Enabling communication and collaboration

Encouraging local groups to share resources and to work collaboratively creates a more efficient way of working and helps to build a stronger local sector. CVS provide local groups and organisations with a forum for networking, enabling them to share good practice and expertise to form partnerships which can bid for public service contracts.

Providing a voice

CVS act as a conduit, representing the diverse views of local groups and organisations to agencies such as the local authority and other public bodies. We also promote two-way communication, so that the local sector is consulted on policy developments and can contribute to discussions and decision-making at a local level. DACVS members have been involved in developing a local Compact (the Compact for Devon) - an agreement between the sector, councils and other local public bodies.

Promoting strategic involvement

The local voluntary and community sector has a vital role to play in local policy-making and planning. Your local CVS makes sure that the sector is represented and involved in local strategic partnerships, local area agreements and other influential planning groups, and actively work with representatives to ensure they keep on top of key local issues; and come together as DACVS to enable your local issues to be raised to a county level.