TARA Quality Awards
The search is on for the Borough’s top-performing tenants and residents groups as the RotherFed Quality Awards are launched. Letters have gone out to all 32 TARAs affiliated to RotherFed inviting them to enter the coveted awards. Introduced three years ago, the annual Quality Awards recognise and reward the commitment and professionalism of TARAs in improving their local communities.
Following on from last year’s event, the awards presentation will take place after the AGM in March. The categories are the same as last year, but the criteria are much more focussed. Examples of the type of evidence required are given. There will only be gold standards, with a 1st & 2nd in each. In recognition of this, the rewards will be higher, £200.00 and £100.00 respectively. The onus is on each group to supply evidence as a pack, for the area(s) they are applying for, to RotherFed, and it will again be judged by external partners.
1. Managing Your TARA
To achieve this, all your officers should be aware that the constitution is the key governance document, have undertaken training, and be excelling in their roles. The success of the group should be reviewed each year.
· Evidence of review of Constitution in 2009
· AGM held in designated month
· Written officer reports presented at the 2009 AGM
· Certificates of training
2. Communications.
To achieve this, you should have produced and shared effective agendas and minutes with the wider community and partners, as well as quality production of newsletters, and use of local media.
· Copies of 2009/10 newsletters, at least 4 from groups who did training
· Evidence of local media use in 2009/10
· Attendance at meetings of wider partners in 2009/10
3. Financial Control.
You should demonstrate sound controls, as per your Constitution. This should show an examination in 2009 by VAR Community Accountant, with no areas for concern registered. It should also show long term plans for sustainable fundraising.
· Evidence of fundraising in 2009/10.
· Current 2009 written business plan.
· Successful external grant application in 2009.
4. Involving Your Community.
You should hold regular TARA meetings as per your constitution, open to all the members covered by it. Organise social events to which all are invited. Involve all community and external partners in events and meetings, consult with members not active in the TARA, and campaign and lobby on behalf of the group.
· Copies of all 2009 minutes including AGM.
· Posters/flyers advertising meetings in 2009
· Written evidence of invitations to external bodies.
5. Equalities.
This would need a current Equal Opportunities Policy developed by the group, relevant to their needs, and involve meaningful participation of volunteers from all walks of life.
· A copy of the current 2009 dated Equal Opportunities Policy as developed by the group.
· Any evidence of trying to engage volunteers for events or meetings.
· Attendance at safeguarding training, particularly for groups who work with young people.
TARAs are judged across five categories – Managing Your TARA, Communication, Financial Control, Involving Our Community and Equalities. This year a first and second place Gold Award will be presented in each category, along with cheques for £200 (first place) and £100 (second place). Judging will take place in February, with a special awards ceremony being held at RotherFed’s Springwell Gardens Community Centre base in Eastwood View, on Tuesday, March 23.
Alan Goy, Member Development Officer for RotherFed, said: “The awards are designed to improve quality standards and recognise the excellent work being carried out by Tenants and Residents Associations across Rotherham. In the past we have had both Gold and Silver awards but have moved the goal-posts this year and are concentrating on Gold Awards. We have done this due to our faith in the professionalism of our TARAs - we know they are up to the challenge and are striving for excellence in all aspects of their work. The awards recognise the unpaid and tireless work carried out by TARA members to improve their local communities. Each group has different aims - in some cases they are working to improve the health and well-being of residents, others are promoting community spirit and cohesion through social gatherings, while yet others are helping reduce anti-social behaviour and improve community safety.”
The awards will be judged by Claire Hawley, Federation Advisor for Barnsley Tenants Federation and Sneh Soni, Customer Services and Engagement Manager with 2010 Rotherham Ltd. Any Tenants and Residents Association wanting to find out more about the Quality Awards can speak to Alan, contact details are here.