BVSNW Membership Policy

To enhance the profile of the Black Voluntary Sector and Communities by providing an infrastructure through a needs driven service, underpinned by equality and justice, to promote and support our common aspirations.

Members will be consulted on a range of issues and their views will be conveyed to decision makers. Ensuring the views of BVSNW members and the wider BME sector are fully represented at all levels is a vital role for the Network. BVSNW facilitates ethnic minority voluntary groups' involvement in the National Assembly Partnership Council and promotes effective relationships with public bodies.

Criteria

For the purposes of membership, the Management Committee has adopted a working definition of a voluntary organisation as an organisation that is self-governing, independent of government and not profit distributing.

Organisations

Any Black and Ethnic Minority led Voluntary or Community sector organisation, which supports the objects of BVSNW shall be eligible for affiliation to the organisation, and shall on being accepted be termed a 'member organisation'. Only 1 representative from a member organisation will be eligible to vote. The following categories of organisation that have adopted a governing instrument are therefore considered eligible for BVSNW membership.

  • Community business (under community economic and social development);
  • Housing associations;
  • Local enterprise agencies and trusts
  • Non-membership charitable trusts;
  • Self-help/mutual aid;
  • Community and local organisations including community associations, village halls, etc;
  • Intermediary organisations such as REC’s, and CVS’s;
  • Co-operatives with charitable aims;
  • Religious organisations with a defined social action dimension.

Subscription rates 2007/2008

Organisations with annual income less than £10,000 pa
Free
Organisations with annual income between £10,000 - £25,000 pa
£10
Organisations with annual income between £25,000 - £50,000 pa
£15
Organisations with annual income between £50,000 - £75,000 pa
£20
Organisations with annual income between £75,000 - £100,000 pa
£25

Associate

Associate Membership of BVSNW shall be open to individuals, statutory, independent and private sector bodies/organisations, which are interested in furthering BVSNW’s work and are not eligible to be full members. Associate members shall not be entitled to vote. Agencies and organisations that can become Associates include:

  • National organisations
  • Those not wanting / needing to use our member services
  • Businesses
  • Schools, colleges, etc.
  • Statutory sector bodies
  • Non-governmental bodies
  • Training providers
  • The Media

Individuals can also become Associates and will receive the following services:

  • An entry in our Database or   Members Directory (clearly stating that they are an Associate)
  • A link on our website (possibly reciprocal)
  • Preferential rates for training and events organised by BVSNW

Associates would not be entitled to access the practical services offered to full members. Associates would not be entitled to vote at meetings.

Any agency, organisation or individual that wishes to become an Associate will need to complete a simple application form giving contact details, etc. The application would then be passed to the BVSNW Management Committee for consideration and approval.

Once an organisation, has been approved as an Associate, they will remain as such until they decide otherwise. They will not be required to renew their status annually. However, BVSNW will seek to ensure that contact details, are kept up to date. There is no fee for becoming an Associate.

Individual

Full membership of the Black Voluntary Sector Network Wales is open to individuals from the Black and Ethnic Minority communities living or working in Wales, over the age of 18, who are interested in furthering the work of the organisation.

Subscription Rates 2007/2008

Unemployed individuals
Free
Employed Individuals
£5

Please click here to download the application form and return completed to Floribeth Soto at BVSNW, 113-116 Bute street, Butetown, Cardiff CF10 5EQ or email to info@bvsnw.org.uk