ProHelp
ProHelp, is a professional Firms Group which is managed
by Business In the Community in Partnership with High Peak
and Derbyshire Dales CVS. This is a free professional service
which enables community and voluntary organisations, with
limited resources, to undertake a range of activities.
The firms undertake one-off projects which can include
feasibility studies, structural surveys, marketing and business
plans, legal and accountancy advice and property valuations.
In some cases firms also offer strategic, long-term support
to community groups such as joining an organisation's managing
body.
ProHelp members approach this kind of work in the same
way and with the same level of professionalism as they would
their fee-paying clients. The only difference is that the
community group is not charged for the work undertaken. |
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How it works for Business
Many professional firms with different areas of expertise contribute
to ProHelp. These include solicitors, accountants, architects,
surveyors, marketing and computer specialists. Only professionals
who work within established businesses are currently eligible
but ProHelp continually strives to increase the range and number
of its members.
Firms can choose to undertake a single one-off project, or take
on a more strategic supportive role. The ProHelp members meet
every 2 or 3 months to discuss the progress of projects and assess
requirements.
Before you decide to join ProHelp you should ask yourself and
the firm you represent the following questions:
• Do you want to use your professional expertise and skills
to benefit the voluntary and community sectors?
• Do you want to become part of a professional network of
local firms who are committed to corporate social responsibility?
• Are you willing to give your time (on behalf of your firm)
free of charge to the local community?
• Would your staff benefit from extending their skills in
a different environment?
• Would joining ProHelp complement your existing community
programme or give you the opportunity to develop one?
• Would you like to raise the profile of your firm as a
community spirited operation?
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Once you have decided you want to help please
contact Mrs. C. Mellor, ProHelp
Co-ordinator, High Peak CVS,1a Bingswood Trading
Estate, Whaley Bridge, High Peak SK23 7LY. or Email: chris@highpeakcvs.org.uk.
The ProHelp Project Co-ordinator will send you details
of ProHelp and what it involves to be a member. Although
ProHelp is a local initiative, it is part of a national
network of over 1000 professional firms, in 42 groups, providing
over £6million worth of free professional advice every
year to community projects.
Look at prohelp.org.uk
for information about the national ProHelp. |
How it works for Community &
Voluntary Groups
If you are a not-for-profit voluntary or community organisation
with limited resources and cannot afford to pay for professional
advice, then you may be eligible for free support through the
ProHelp service.
Ask yourself the following questions and see if you want to
apply:
• Do you need to carry out a piece of work but cannot afford
the fees of a professional consultant?
• Do you need a surveyor or an architect to help you draw
up some building designs?
• Would you benefit from support with writing a business
plan and implementing a fundraising strategy?
• Are you in need of a solicitor who specialises in charitable
law?
• Do you need help with developing a PR or marketing strategy?
ProHelp, the Professional Firms Group, can offer you all of
these services, at no cost. If you think you would benefit from
the services ProHelp firms have to offer download the contact
form.
These are the stages involved in applying for ProHelp:
1. Once you have made contact the ProHelp Co-ordinator will send
you an application form and eligibility questionnaire.
2. You will be offered support and guidance on how best to complete
the application. The application form plus any supporting documentation
i.e constitution, financial reports should be returned to Mrs
C. Mellor ProHelp Co-ordinator, High Peak CVS, 1a Bingswood Trading
Estate, Whaley Bridge, High Peak SK23 7LY or Email chris@highpeakcvs.org.uk.
3. Once you have submitted your application, the Co-ordinator
will make contact to confirm the details and prepare a summary
report of your requirements.
4. Your application will then be discussed at the subsequent
ProHelp quarterly meeting.
5. You will then be notified if your application has been successful
(or reasons given if unsuccessful).
6.The Co-ordinator will match your application with a participating
professional member and you will be notified of their details
as soon as possible.
7. Meetings between the two parties can then take place.
7. After the project is completed you will be asked to complete
an evaluation form and provide feedback to the Co-ordinator. This
will enable us to monitor the impact of the service and ensure
that a process of continual improvement is maintained.
8. If you have any queries please contact the ProHelp Project
Co-ordinator.
Benefits to Business
Being a part of ProHelp will directly benefit your business. It
is a great opportunity for you to network with other professionals,
and to extend your contacts in the voluntary and business sectors.
It is also an excellent chance to encourage employee loyalty and
to extend the skills of less experienced staff.
Another important business benefit is that being a part of ProHelp
reflects your commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and
in doing so helps to contribute to the social and economic regeneration
of the High peak and Derbyshire Dales area.
Benefits to Community &
Voluntary Groups
Free advice from a dedicated and highly skilled professional could
be all that a voluntary or a community group needs to help them
complete a demanding project. It is also a great opportunity to
form a lasting partnership with a community spirited and caring
local business. There have even been cases where ProHelp representatives
have joined management committees and become a permanent fixture.
The benefits are far reaching.
Don't miss this FREE opportunity to achieve your organisational
aims and objectives. Make contact now!
History
ProHelp is a national network of professional firms who volunteer
to give their time and expertise to voluntary and community groups.
Established in 1989 by Business in the Community, ProHelp has
grown to over 1000 firms in 42 locations and is committed to providing
well over £6 million worth of professional advice every
year.
FAQs - Business
Q. Who can contribute to ProHelp?
A. If you are a professional working in an established firm then
you would be eligible to join as a representative of your business.
Examples include, surveyors, solicitors, accountants, architects,
management and information technology consultants, Public Relations
and marketing specialists.
Q. Who does ProHelp help?
A. Non-profit making community and voluntary sector groups who
operate in High peak and Derbyshire Dales. They must not have
any funding available for the specific project and no paid advisors
retained to do the work.
Q. Is there anyone ProHelp doesn't support?
A. ProHelp doesn't take on audit work and does not support litigation,
animal welfare or religious groups.
Q. How is ProHelp managed?
A. ProHelp is managed and administered by Business in the Community.
Q. Why should my company get involved?
A. Being part of ProHelp gives your firm the opportunity to prioritise
which voluntary and community groups need support and target those
with the greatest need, and to network with other professional
firms who are committed to social responsibility. It also offers
less experienced staff the chance to extend their skills, offers
the opportunity to build business contacts in the voluntary and
business sectors, and gives your firm a caring profile.
Q. How can I join ProHelp?
A. Register your interest on the contact form or email chris@highpeakcvs.org.uk.
FAQs - Community & Voluntary
Groups
Q. Can I apply for ProHelp?
A. Any community group, which is not-for-profit and cannot afford
to pay for professional services can apply. Help is not normally
given to organisations whose focus is animal welfare or overseas
aid, or to those who apply for assistance with litigation.
Q. What sort of help does ProHelp provide?
A. A great deal of professional support is available through ProHelp.
Help with drawing up surveys, preparing business and fundraising
plans, and devising PR and marketing strategies for example. Solicitors
and accountants are also in demand.
Q. What kind of project will ProHelp professionals work on?
A. Firms usually offer one-off support to undertake a particular
project.
Q. What do I need to do to apply for ProHelp?
A. You will be asked to have a particular project in mind, and
to submit an application form. Just make contact with the ProHelp
Co-ordinator (chris@highpeakcvs.org.uk).
Examples of ProHelp projects:
Solicitor Revision of constitution and assist
with the setting up of a company limited by guarantee.
Provide legal advice on memorandum and articles.
Assist with attaining charitable status.
Arrange the transfer of assets from the old unincorporated
association to the new company.
Review draft employment contracts.
Advise and help negotiate a lease.
Advise on company law.
Accountant Advise and develop a business
plan that can accompany a funding bid.
Advise and train as necessary, on accounting programmes such
as SAGE.
Complete a 'one-off' accounts verification exercise.
Advise on tax / VAT issues.
Assist with VAT registration.
Architect & Quantity Surveyors
Complete feasibility study and advise on extension/refurbishment
proposals.
Survey and provide plans / costings that can be submitted with
funding applications.
Advise on repair and maintenance issues.
Property Consultant
Complete an independent valuation of premises intended for purchase.
Provide a valuation for insurance purposes.
Advise and liaise with solicitor over Heads of Terms agreement.
Marketing Consultant
Advise with the development of a marketing strategy.
Advise and assist with the redesign of a logo.
Assist with the development and production of promotional literature.
IT Consultant
Assess and advise on the upgrading of computer network/infrastructure.
Assist with web site development.
| Awards Event Sep 05 | Case Studies Dec 2005 | Jul
2005 | Mar 2005 |
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