COVID-19 Key Links and Resources for Community Groups

The links and documents on this page support the information on our Advice And Guidance For Community Groups During COVID page.

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Building / Organisation Risk Assessments 

Before reopening it is important to balance the risk, and to ask whether the risk of not opening outweighs the risk of opening. 

It is essential that you carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment before reopening your premises – a risk assessment should be carried out in line with HSE guidance.  

Please watch our latest session on why, how and when to undertake a risk assessment.

You will find some useful templates and examples below: 

The resources marked * were created by 4CT and MACC for North Manchester Together and are shared with their kind permission 

 

Involving Staff and Volunteers Safely 

The government have produced guidance on Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19). This guidance aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic. 

This guidance complements other GOV.UK guidance on volunteering and helping others safely during the pandemic, which are aimed at potential and existing volunteers. 

Salford CVS has created a Risk Assessment Toolkit which we have shared with their kind permission. 

 

Test and Trace 

Test and Trace is a key part of the response to COVID-19. Below are links to local council information on how to access a free test.

Do not attend a testing centre if you are showing symptoms. If you have symptoms, please book a PCR test at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119

Test and Trace Information for VCFSE Organisations

Test and trace means testing people for coronavirus and then tracing the people an infected person has come into contact with. The key role for organisations is to ensure that they follow government guidance including ensuring conducting risk assessments and acting on them to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Below is the Government Guidance about maintaining records to support with this, and resources to enable you to create a QR Code Poster: 

 

Governance and Decision Making 

Coronavirus has impacted every organisation in different ways. It is crucial to ensure that any decisions that are taken by your Board are made in line with the procedures laid out in your governing document. 

Business Continuity Planning 

  • You should think about business continuity planning (planning to keep your group and your key activities going). NVCO have produced a document on Organisational Resilience which can help you think this through. Download NCVO's Organisational Resilience checklist 

Some continuity issues to think about may include: 

  • The emergency contact details for your team and members 
  • Having processes in place to allow home working should the need arise. If your building is closed or your team have to isolate themselves how will you continue to operate? 
  • How you support members / beneficiaries by phone rather than face to face  
  • What difficulties and issues will arise if your team are off sick, and how will you manage them? 
  • How you will manage expectations of members, beneficiaries, and stakeholders including commissioners? 

 

Support for community businesses and jobs 

 

Other Useful Resources 

Supporting materials (including posters)