Recognising the invaluable role that voluntary and community organisations play in meeting the needs of local communities in new and innovative ways, we aim to support their activity by building networks, strengthening infrastructure and helping them to negotiate the obstacles they face.

Based within the Centre for the Aston Family, the Birmingham Settlement Development Agency operates mainly in north west Birmingham, particularly around Handsworth Wood, Ladywood, Lozells and east Handsworth, Perry Barr and Soho.

Organising management and capacity building

• training for staff, volunteers and management committee members
• support in achieving Quality Assurance systems such as Matrix and PQASSO – often a funding requirement
• support in setting up advice and support services in line with best practice guidelines

Fundraising and sustainability

• access to Funderfinder software
• support in funding applications
• training to build skills and confidence in funding applications
• informing groups about relevant funding opportunities

Information sharing

• helping to manage large volumes of information received by gathering and circulating it in bite size bulletins
• sharing information on relevant issues between networks

Communication networks

• developing networks including integration with other development agencies, service deliverers, local development workers and public sector agencies, both regionally and nationally