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Capacity Building

SUSAN MANSON 2

Susan Manson

Capacity Building Officer/Independent Examiner

Capacity Building for Community Organisations

Helping local charities and community groups grow stronger!  Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take the next step, we can help you set up your constitution, register as a charity and put good governance and policies in place so your organisation can thrive.

barbara conner

Barbara Conner

Lead Capacity Building Officer

About the Capacity Building Team

We’re here to help local charities, community groups, and social enterprises get the support they need to grow and succeed. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen your organisation, our team can guide you through things like setting up a constitution, registering as a charity, and developing good governance and policies.

We also run friendly training sessions and forums where you can learn new skills, share ideas, and connect with others doing great work in the community. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident, capable, and supported every step of the way.

Bottom Line?
We’re here to help North Ayrshire’s third sector thrive — with support, training, connection, and just the right amount of attention.

Our Support

What Do We Actually Do?
Glad you asked! We’re like the behind-the-scenes cheer squad for local heroes (that’s you!). Depending on what the community needs, we offer support with:

Social enterprise – turning great ideas into earnings that provide impact
Charity support – from “how do I even start a charity?” to “help! funding!!”

Keeping You in the Loop – Whether it’s legal changes, policy updates, or national consultations, we keep you clued-in and give you a voice in the big conversations.

Join our Facebook Group
We have a closed Facebook page, named TACT – 3rd Sector Information. This is open to North Ayrshire community groups and voluntary organisations and contains lots of relevant information which includes things such as training, support and funding opportunities. You can sign up by clicking on this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1197653131334136

Forums

Third Sector Forums = Not Your Average Meeting


Four times a year, we gather the good folks of the sector for some serious idea-sharing (and probably biscuits). Each forum has a theme along the lines of:
• Tackling poverty
• Funding
• Meet the decision makers
• Support for your organisation

In-person or online — we like to mix it up.  We also bring in fantastic guest speakers to keep you inspired and informed.

North Ayrshire Chief Officer Group
This Group is the united voice of North Ayrshire’s Third Sector – connecting organisations, amplifying their impact, and shaping the future together. The group itself doesn’t deliver services; we empower those who do by creating the right environment for collaboration, influence, and growth. Through active engagement with public sector partners, we make sure the Third Sector is in the room — shaping agendas, not just responding to them.

Our mission:
strengthen communication, boost influence in public policy and planning, and showcase the powerful social and economic impact of North Ayrshire’s Third Sector. The group meets four times a year, usually face to face to help build and maintain relationships. If your organisation would be interested in finding out more or joining the group, please get in touch with Kaileigh Brown on 01294 443044 or via kaileigh@tact.scot

FAQ

1. Where can we get information on funding?

You can get funding information from a number of places, SCVO have their funding finder which you can get by clicking on this link https://scvo.scot/funding

There is also the North Ayrshire Council Virtual Funding Centre on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/NorthAyrshireCommunityFunding/

Our bulletin has information on the funding surgeries and funding training that we organise, you can sign up to receive our bulletin by clicking on this link https://www.tact.scot/newsletter

We have a closed Facebook page that is open to North Ayrshire community groups and voluntary organisations that contains lots of relevant information which includes funding opportunities, you can sign up by clicking on this link https://www.facebook.com/groups/1197653131334136

2. Do you have policies that we can use?

We have a number of policy templates that are available to download on our resources section, if what you’re looking for isn’t there please get in touch with us on 01294 443044 or at barbara@tact.scot or susan@tact.scot

3. Do I need to get my accounts checked?

This will depend on your legal structure and what your constitution states, it is good practice to get your accounts checked or examined but for more information please contact the team on 01294 443044.

Independent Examinations

Last year, our resident Independent Examiner brought together a small team of five trainee Examiners from local groups and organisations. The idea was to build local expertise and create a shared network of people who understand the needs of community organisations from the inside out.

Since then, the trainees have been gaining hands-on experience by carrying out independent examinations for local charities, while receiving mentoring and guidance to build their skills and confidence. Once fully trained, they’ll be able to offer much-needed support across North Ayrshire and beyond — helping groups stay compliant, build good financial practices, and focus more of their energy on making a difference in their communities.

If you would like to talk to us about your account needs please contact Susan at susan@tact.scot

Learn, Grow and Thrive with TACT Training

Want to boost your community group, charity, or organisation?  The Ayrshire Community Trust (TACT) offers free, friendly training to help you find funding, get organised, and make real impact.

From writing great funding applications and crafting your charity constitution, to mastering business planning, bookkeeping and committee skills – we’ve got you covered.

Got volunteer committee members?  We’ll help you develop, support and encourage them with a practical training session that makes your volunteering committee shine.

Whether you’re just starting out or levelling up, TACT’s sessions are packed with great advice, confidence-boosting tips, and plenty of community spirit.

Learn new skills, connect with others and make things happen!

To find out more check out our Training Brochure or our Annual Training Programme both of which can be found in our resource library.

RESOURCE DOCUMENTS

Useful reference files. Simply click to download or view. Files are in various formats: powerpoint, excel, pdf, word doc, and png)

Constitutions

Tendering

Community Interest Companies (CIC’s)

Organisation Support

Policy Templates

Training

The resources listed below have been provided by guest speakers at our forums.

Cost of Living Crisis

Funding

Support to the Sector