Working Together Voluntary and Community Sector Capacity Building Project
£750 Bursary Fund Eligibility Criteria for Information, Advice and Guidance (Level 4) Qualification
As part of the Regional Voluntary Sector Capacity Building Project, funds are being made available to assist individuals working in the Voluntary and Community Sector providing advice and guidance to achieve the NVQ* Advice and Guidance L4 qualification.
It has been recognised that changes in the way in which IAG* is delivered, and the ways in which VCS organisations are expected to contract for the delivery of these services, mean that many small organisations may find that they have a shortfall in qualified IAG practitioners at the required level. In order to address this, the Learning and Skills Council Eastern Region, through the Working Together Capacity Building Project, is supporting access to this qualification for a limited period.
Up to18 bursaries of £750 are being made available across the Eastern Region to contribute towards the cost of the qualification. VCS IAG practitioners wishing to undertake the qualification, who meet the eligibility criteria (attached,) are requested to complete an application form and return it to COVER as soon as possible. Bursaries will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first come, first served basis.
Successful applicants to the bursary fund will be responsible for sourcing a provider and paying for the qualification at a local level. They will then need to submit evidence of payment e.g. receipt or invoice, and details of the provider, together with an invoice from their employing organisation for £750 (including VAT if applicable) to COVER who will then make payment of the bursary. Please note that no payments will be made direct to individuals.
It is a requirement of the funding that the course is started before December 2008 and completed within an 18 month period.
The L4 qualification is primarily aimed at experienced practitioners who work directly with clients, disseminating information, advice, guidance and formal advocacy. Candidates might also have some managerial or training responsibilities. They could also be creators of information, advice and guidance, either disseminating information themselves as practitioners or through their organisation in the form of publications. Candidates at this level are expected to have a more dynamic relationship with other organisations.
If you have any questions relating to this Bursary Fund please contact Nikki Bennett, VCS Skills Strategy Manager - Eastern Region, tel. 01799 532888 or 07796001361, email: nikki.bennett@cover-east.org
www.cover-east.org
Briefing document (500 words) issued 12 Aug 2008
