A prime core function of Ryedale Voluntary Action is to provide support for the voluntary and community sector in the Ryedale. This support can be anything that an organisation requires to assist it in providing its services to its clients.

Support can be practical, such as photocopying, faxing, binding reports, preparing and distributing the Members Directory, providing examples of specific Policies and Procedures, etc, or it can be advisory, such as how to run an AGM, issues surrounding an organisations Constitution, how to undertake a recruitment process, advising on identifying funding sources and applications, etc.

The important thing to remember is that Ryedale Voluntary Action is there to help its members in whatever way they wish. We have a wide variety of information and experience, which is freely available to members, and we will spend time with any member organisation to help and assist them with whatever issue they have.

If we are unable to help, for example, with a complex personnel issue where there are on-going implications, then we can signpost to someone who can provide the necessary professional advice. We also know of local organisations who may have faced similar problems and who can therefore provide information based on experience.

We are the first point of call for any issue members have.

In undertaking this activity, we can act as a focal point and centre of expertise for the sector locally. This also helps us in our advocacy role.