Staffordshire Chambers is pleased to announce a new partnership with VAST, a charity dedicated to developing the voluntary sector in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, that will give VAST members access to the Chambers’ Quest support services.
The Quest business support services include a range of benefits designed to support organisations and their teams, including HR support, health & safety guidance as well as legal and tax advice.
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers, said: “The Chamber is renowned for its commitment to fostering business growth and prosperity in the region.
Through this partnership, we will extend their expertise and resources of Quest to VAST, ensuring that the vital work carried out by voluntary and community organisations is bolstered with essential tools and resources.”
VAST members who wish to take up the service will be invited to a free one-to-one meeting with one of Quest’s business support managers, who will guide charities through the intricacies of health and safety, legal and HR compliance. Organisations who utilise Quest will have round-the-clock access to advice and guidance on a range of business issues.
Lisa Healings, Chief Executive of VAST, said: “It’s really exciting to be able to work with the Chamber of Commerce to offer the Quest service to our members.
“Many of these voluntary sector organisations have only one or two staff members or are just embarking on employing staff for the first time, or they are completely volunteer run, but are operating community buildings.
“The biggest challenges they face are knowing where to get accurate and up to date legal advice and having the right policies and procedures in place to make sure they are legally compliant. Having this service available will mean they have a trusted source of information and can work with our project officers to get their governance in place for these areas.”
VAST members are encouraged to take advantage of these invaluable resources, which will help to contribute to the continued success of their organisations and the broader community they serve.
For more information about the partnership and the Chambers’ Quest benefits, please contact karena.pawlak@staffordshirechambers.co.uk or visit the VAST website, here.
