The Guernsey Community Foundation is preparing to launch the island’s first Centre to help local charities.

The centre is to be located at the Foundation’s offices and run by professionals from a variety of fields, the Centre will offer practical advice and support to local charities and voluntary organisations.

 During the initial pilot phase, the services offered will relate to finance, insurance and payroll.  In time, the Centre will help charities with areas such as IT, pensions, governance, fundraising HR and marketing.

 Foundation Director Alastair Bisson is managing development of the new service along with a team of industry professionals and third sector specialists. Mr Bisson said: “There are over 400 charities on the island.  While they differ in size and offer a diverse range of services, they share certain common needs, especially around corporate infrastructure and governance. It’s not feasible for newer or small charities to recruit dedicated staff, or to rely on the generosity of volunteers – and that’s where the Foundation’s new support service comes in.”

 It is envisaged that, in time, the Centre will employ a full team of trained staff who will give charities practical advice on everything from HR to IT to marketing.

“By providing these services the Community Foundation is staying true to one of its founding principles: to support, develop and strengthen the voluntary sector,” said Mr Bisson.

As a first step towards launching the service later this spring, the Foundation is looking to recruit an accountant to manage and develop the Centre, and to offer free accounting and payroll support to charities those charities involved in the pilot phase.  Full details of what the role entails can be found on www.foundation.gg.

 Prospective candidates are invited to contact Jim Roberts, Chief Executive of the Guernsey Community Foundation, to find out more. Jim can be reached by email jim@foundation.gg.