PSG, originally founded in 1996, is a managed corporate social responsibility model that matches the donated time of professional firms across the Tees Valley free of charge to the needs of local charities, in a simple yet effective way, ensuring the support touches those organisations where it is needed most. It also links a network of like-minded firms though events, local press and regular newsletters.
Each year, throughout the U.K., over £4 million worth of free professional time is set aside by firms to advise local community organisations in addition to the general business guidance given in a voluntary capacity at senior and board levels. Hundreds of voluntary groups have already received support and advice on their accounting and management systems, the structural condition of their properties, how to obtain charitable status and the design or alteration of their buildings. Hundreds more benefit from the support offered by individuals from professional firms who volunteer their own time and offer general business guidance and support.
Due to the changing climate and the reduction in grants available to the voluntary sector, the demand for expert advice as well as broad business skills is growing all the time and, in response, PSG offer access to a wide range of professional expertise from over 136 local professional businesses within the Tees Valley. With the support of PSG, local community organisations are making an even greater impact on the lives of local communities than ever before.
Who else is involved?
PSG has over 136 local professional firms as members, offering services across a wide variety of disciplines including: Accountancy & Financial Services, Advertising & Marketing, Architecture, Banking, Building Surveying, Business Management, Commercial Photography, Commercial Property Consultancy, Construction, Engineering, Enterprise Development, Event Management, General Legal Services, Human Resrouce Management, Health & Safety, Information Technology, Insurance, Interior Design, Investment Management, Marketing, PR & Media Relations, Quantity Surveying, Residential Property Consultancy, Solicitors, Training & Development and Website Design.
How does it work?
PSG operates across the five local authority areas within the Tees Valley including Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton on Tees. PSG employs a project co-ordinator and a project manager who identifies community projects that are of real benefit to community organisations who cannot afford professional fees. Every project is researched, assessed and a full application form completed by the community organisation requesting support. A brief assessment is prepared, endorsed by the PSG steering group, and if successful it is then matched with a PSG member.
PSG members provide their organisation’s time for free, however PSG request that projects should be treated no differently than that of a paying client. PSG project staff evaluates and provide feedback on every completed project and where appropriate a case study is produced and provided to local press, the PSG member and the community organisation.
What sort of projects are supported?
Individual One-off Projects: A percentage of PSG support are individual one-off projects such as a structural survey, a business plan, a marketing strategy or simply a new leaflet or some advice on a lease or property valuation.
Repeat Projects: Many community groups apply for PSG support more than once, members are sometimes asked to support the same group again at a later date to ensure continuity of support is provided.
Joint Projects: Sometimes projects need support from a number of professional disciplines and provide an opportunity for PSG members to work collaboratively with other members.
Workshops & Group Advice: PSG also offer a workshops in certain disciplines please contact PSG co-ordinator for an up to date timetable of workshops available.
Providing Support Projects: PSG do not apply any pressure to members take up any project and the PSG staff will work with applicants and members to identify the right match for a project before it begins.
Quality of Service: The guiding principle of PSG is that members approach projects in the same way as they would an instruction from a fee-paying client – the only difference is that the community client is not charged.
PSG is committed to community development ensuring the appropriate support is given at the appropriate time.
If you would like to get involved with PSG - perhaps by donating some time, or to make an applicaiton, or even to talk about new ideas or new projects please do get in touch with us, we would love to hear from you........
