In general sub groups do the research and background work necessary before bringing recommendations to the collective to be discussed, amended and agreed.
All the sub groups are be attended by at least one member of staff.
The Policies and Procedures sub group is working to put into writing what we want our good practice to look like. A significant part of the last year (1999) was spent in writing a Complaints Procedure and then beginning work on a Women's Centre Code of Conduct. It was this group which was asked to consider the whole matter of volunteer's expenses and report back to the Collective. A decision was made to meet expenses of those attending planning group and sub groups to the value of £2.50.
During the coming year, Policies and Procedures will need to consider the research outcomes and review the management structure of the Women's Centre which will in turn lead to a review of the constitution. Issues which will need to be considered include the size of the planning group and how far we want to keep the Centre a women only space.
The Finance sub-group oversees the financial side of the day to day running of the Centre by the staff. We want them to act as an 'honest pair of eyes' and to ask questions. They are also involved as the financial procedures are developed to keep pace with the Centre's growth.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
The ICT sub group is involved in the development of the ICT provision at the Centre, investigating how to maximise the opportunities for women to improve their skills in this area. It began with a vision of what the group wanted to be able to provide; now that vision is becoming a reality, the group will be taking stock and planning the way forward. The ICT sub group will be looking at ways of offering free Internet sessions to local women and training in Internet technologies.
The Courses sub group meets to discuss which courses we should timetable for the coming terms. This group is also responsible for reporting back to the Collective about the financial side of course provision e.g. bursaries.
The Crèche sub group meets to research and report back on the proposed policies and procedures for our creche facility. They will also be involved in discussing any future development of the service and possible training opportunities for the staff. Sub group members may be involved in the recruitment and selection of creche staff.
The Creche sub group meets termly, or as and when necessary.
The Personnel sub group is a new sub group formed to consider issues of the employment of Women's Centre staff.
The Counselling Team Meeting is slightly different from the sub groups. It is in effect a staff meeting for all those involved in running the Counselling Service, both staff and volunteers. It requires 2/3 representatives from the planning group to act as a link with the Collective - and for ethical reasons they must not be receiving counselling at the Women's Centre.
The Team Meeting discusses the development of the Counselling Service, training opportunities for counsellors and irons out any problems that have arisen. These meetings are intended to promote communication and team building. The Counselling Team Meeting is once every6-8 weeks on a Tuesday evening, 7:30 to 9:30 pm.