Background
The CCDP are an independent body that run the community hub in Craigshill. CCDP was established in 1969, secured charitable status in 1992 and took full control of the Craigsfarm building in 2016. The project secured 1.5 million, to demolish the old building to build a new purpose-built community hub. Since the re-opening of the facility the CCDP board have run and managed the asset, which employs 7 part-time staff and has tenants delivering services from the facility. The facility is wholly owned and operated by CCDP.
Services at the facilities and community programmes include a comprehensive health and well-being programme, a community café, dedicated counselling space, meeting and event space for community groups and partners, a volunteer programme and community projects. There is also a nursery which operates from an area of the facility on a full-time basis. All activity aims to utilise indoor and outdoor space and provide opportunities for people to try something new, learn a new skill, meet new people and also volunteer their time. The hub generates significant trading income from tenants, bookings and lets as well as from the café.
Current Issues
During a recent financial review, it has come to light that CCDP have been operating at a loss in recent years.
The current board have been working with West Lothian Council Officers, Community Enterprise Ltd, the National Lottery Community Fund, the Voluntary Sector Gateway and Third Sector partners in an effort to develop a recovery plan for the facility.
Recently the Lottery have agreed to provide some additional time limited funding to Craigsfarm to support the development and implementation of the recovery plan over the coming months.
New Trustees Required
The current board members recognise the need to strengthen the governance of the charity. Notes of interest are now being invited from any individual that may be interested in joining the board of trustees to replace the existing board, and to help to implement the delivery of the recovery plan for the hub. There is also the option for individuals to offer to join the board on an interim basis (9-18 months) to allow time for a longer-term board to be established.
Individuals interested in potentially joining the existing board must have the following skills and experience:
- Have previous experience of working with projects engaging with the Craigshill community or a community with similar characteristics
- Ideally have experience of previously being on a board of trustees
- Must be able to demonstrate that they have skills and experience in areas such as charity governance and regulation, financial management, community engagement, marketing and promotion, digital skills, IT, sustainability.
- Ideally have experience of undertaking community development activity with the community/communities of interest.
Notes of Interest
Further details available on request. Any individual interested in having more advanced discussions around their potential involvement in the future governance and operation of the hub should contact:
Martin Thomson
Business Growth Adviser
Economic Development – West Lothian Council
Mobile: 07923839343
Email: martin.thomson@westlothian.gov.uk
