Glossary of Community Development & Engagement Terms


Understanding the acronyms and terms used in community development and engagement is crucial for effective work with our communities.

Below are some key examples and explanations.


Table of Contents





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Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (VANL)

VANL: Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire, a group that supports voluntary organisations and volunteering to improve life in the area.
Third Sector Support: VANL’s help for voluntary groups with training, advice, and resources to grow stronger.
VolunteerNL: VANL’s programme to find, train, and place volunteers in roles that help North Lanarkshire communities.
Community Voice: How VANL makes sure local people and groups have a say in big plans like the LOIPs.
VANL Mission: VANL’s goal to boost wellbeing, equality, and sustainability through community action.
VANL Vision: VANL’s vision is for a thriving and effective community and voluntary sector in North Lanarkshire which supports local people's quality of life, wellbeing, equality and human rights through effective action on social, economic and environmental issues.
VANL Role: VANL’s role in North Lanarkshire is to support organisations by providing guidance, volunteering support, building capacity, and providing support of key topics and also facilitating collaboration and partnership working between residents, the CVS, and public sector organisations.
VANL Supports: VANL offers funding and income generation, evaluation, volunteering, organisational development and governance, community climate action, digital acountancy, HR and communications support, employability and community wealth building, various networks.
VANL Partnership Work: VANL’s work involves connecting voluntary groups to public services and networks involving NLC, NHS and other stakeholders. This involves CVS and public sector participation in community planning, through North Lanarkshire Partnership, including nine local Community Boards, and through representing the sector at various strategic meetings. Also hosting Community Solutions programme, managing and distributing funding for sector, and reporting reach and impact by funded projects.
VANL Networks: VANL Networks are Children, Young People and Families, Staff Wellbeing and Peer Support, Social Prescribing, Home Visiting and Befriending, Employability, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Income Generation and Community Climate Action.
CVS Locality Network Events: An event organised by VANL for all CVS organisations that takes place twice a year in different localities across NL.
Local Impact: VANL’s focus on practical help for “at-risk” groups, like the elderly or unemployed, in North Lanarkshire.


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VANL Networks

VANL Networks: Groups run by Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire to connect people on specific topics like jobs or health.
Children, Young People and Families Network: A VANL group helping voluntary organisations, who are dealling with Children, Young People and Families with training, support, and funding.
Staff Wellbeing and Peer Support Network: A VANL group helping voluntary organisations with Staff Wellbeing and Peer Support.
Social Prescribing (Network): A VANL group helping voluntary organisations with Social Prescribing.
Home Visiting and Befriending Network: A VANL group helping voluntary organisations, who are involved in Home Visiting and Befriending.
Employability Network: A VANL group helping voluntary organisations support people into work or training.
Mental Health Network: A VANL group connecting organisations to support mental wellbeing efforts.
Income Generation Network: VANL’s team working on Income Generation with voluntary groups.
Community Climate Action: VANL’s team working on nature and climate projects with voluntary groups.


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VANL Partnerships

VANL Partnerships: Teams where Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire works with groups like NHS or police for community good.
Health and Social Care Partnership: VANL’s work with Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire to support wellbeing projects.
Children’s Services Partnership: VANL’s teamwork with groups to help kids and families in North Lanarkshire.
ACT Now NL: VANL’s lead role in NLP’s climate action plan, working with residents and partners.
Third Sector Interface (TSI): VANL’s official job linking voluntary groups to council and other big organisations.
Community Solutions Partnership: VANL’s collaboration with health and voluntary groups to solve local problems.
CVS Representation: How VANL stands up for voluntary groups in partnerships like NLP.


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CommUnity Agreement

CommUnity Agreement: A North Lanarkshire agreement setting shared values and principles to boost teamwork among residents, the CVS, public sector, and businesses.
Shared Values: Core beliefs guiding collaboration, like wellbeing, fairness, and trust, to strengthen North Lanarkshire communities.
Wellbeing, Fairness, and Sustainability (CommUnity Agreement Shared Value): Efforts to enhance health, equality, human rights, and eco-friendly solutions across the region.
Appreciation, Trust, and Accountability (CommUnity Agreement Shared Value): Promises of honesty, open planning with locals, and regular progress checks for better results.
Aspirational, Creative, and Collaborative (CommUnity Agreement Shared Value): A drive for top outcomes through fresh ideas, co-design, and shared resources.
Respect, Care, and Inclusion (CommUnity Agreement Shared Value): Creating a friendly space with clear communication, valuing all views, and inviting feedback.
Guiding Principles: Rules to shape how partners work together, focusing on engagement, behaviour, and openness.
Effective Public Communications and Engagement (CommUnity Agreement Guiding Principle): Using talks, groups, and online tools to hear public needs and guide joint efforts.
Appropriate Attitudes, Behaviours, and Working Relationships (CommUnity Agreement Guiding Principle): Building a positive vibe, training staff, and empowering locals in teamwork.
Partnership Arrangement (CommUnity Agreement Guiding Principle)s: Structures to support shared goals, break down barriers, and unite visions across sectors.
Accountability and Openness (CommUnity Agreement Guiding Principle): Welcoming critique, being honest about hurdles, and sharing progress publicly.


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Appreciative Inquiry (AI)

Appreciative Inquiry (AI): A positive, strengths-based method for growing organisations by focusing on what works best.
Appreciation (Appreciative Inquiry Core Concept): Valuing the good in people and the group to boost morale.
Inquiry (Appreciative Inquiry Core Concept): Asking questions to uncover strengths and possibilities.
Positive Core (Appreciative Inquiry Core Concept): The best parts of an organisation—like its successes and strengths.
Strength-Based Approach (Appreciative Inquiry Core Concept): Building on what’s strong, not fixing what’s wrong.
Define (Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle Phase 1): Setting the focus for the inquiry process.
Discover (Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle Phase 2): Finding what shines through positive stories.
Dream (Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle Phase 3): Picturing a bright future with bold ideas.
Design (Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle Phase 4): Crafting plans together to make the dream real.
Destiny/Delivery (Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle Phase 5): Putting changes into action and keeping them going.
Constructionist (Appreciative Inquiry Principle): The idea that talk and stories shape our reality.
Simultaneity (Appreciative Inquiry Principle): Asking questions starts change right away.
Poetic (Appreciative Inquiry Principle): Seeing organisations as stories we can rewrite for the better.
Anticipatory (Appreciative Inquiry Principle): Positive visions drive positive steps forward.
Positive (Appreciative Inquiry Principle): Good questions spark good changes.
Affirmative Topic: The upbeat focus chosen for the inquiry.
Generative Questions: Open questions that spark new ideas and talk.
Collective Visioning: Everyone dreaming up the future together.
Storytelling: Sharing happy tales to spot what’s strong.
Stakeholder Engagement: Getting everyone involved in the process.


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Volunteering

Volunteering: Services provided voluntarily for community benefit.
Microvolunteering: Small, quick tasks that volunteers can complete remotely.
Skill-Based Volunteering: Using professional skills (e.g., IT, marketing) to help community organisations.
Community Service: Voluntary work aimed at improving local areas.
Civic Engagement: Taking an active role in public life, such as voting and activism.
Advocacy: Speaking up or campaigning for a cause to influence change.
Mutual Aid: A grassroots model where communities support each other directly through voluntary exchange of skills, goods, and services.
Volunteer Development: The process of recruiting, training, supporting, and retaining volunteers to ensure long-term engagement and impact.
Timebanking: A volunteering system where people exchange skills and time instead of money, helping build community networks.


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Volunteer Quality Standards

Volunteer Charter: A set of ten principles by Volunteer Scotland outlining good practices for creating a positive volunteering environment.
Volunteer Friendly Award: A quality standard for small to medium volunteer programs, recognising groups that excel in involving and supporting volunteers.
Investing in Volunteers (IiV): The UK-wide quality standard for medium to large volunteer programs, assessing and improving volunteer management practices.
Volunteering Quality Pipeline: A Volunteer Scotland framework encouraging organisations to progress from basic volunteering commitments to advanced quality standards.
Volunteer Support: The provision of training, resources, and recognition to ensure volunteers thrive, a key focus of Scotland’s quality standards.
Best Practice Guidance: Advice from Volunteer Scotland on managing volunteers effectively, underpinning formal standards like IiV and Volunteer Friendly.
Volunteer Impact Assessment: A process encouraged by quality standards to evaluate how volunteering benefits both volunteers and the community.


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Disclosure Scotland and PVG Scheme

Disclosure Scotland: The Scottish Government agency that provides criminal record checks.
PVG Scheme (Protecting Vulnerable Groups): A membership scheme for people who work with vulnerable groups in Scotland.
PVG Scheme Membership: Enrolment in the PVG Scheme, indicating an individual has been vetted for working with vulnerable groups.
PVG Scheme Record: The information held by Disclosure Scotland about a PVG Scheme member, including criminal history.
Disclosure Check: A process of obtaining information about an individual's criminal record.
Basic Disclosure: A check that shows an individual's current unspent convictions.
Standard Disclosure: A check that shows both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands.
Enhanced Disclosure: A check that shows the same information as a Standard Disclosure, plus any relevant information held by police.
Enhanced Disclosure with PVG Scheme Membership: An Enhanced Disclosure check combined with PVG Scheme membership, required for certain roles working with vulnerable groups.
Regulated Work: Roles that require PVG Scheme membership because they involve working with vulnerable groups.
Vulnerable Groups: Children and protected adults who may be at risk of harm.
Protected Adults: Individuals aged 16 or over who are vulnerable due to age, illness, disability, or other factors.
Countersignatory: An authorised person who verifies the identity of an applicant for a disclosure check.
Scheme Record Update: The process of updating a PVG Scheme record with new information.
Barred List: A list of individuals who are barred from working with vulnerable groups.
Referral: The process of providing information to Disclosure Scotland about an individual who may pose a risk to vulnerable groups.
Code of Practice: Guidelines that organisations must follow when using disclosure information.
Spent Convictions: Convictions that are no longer required to be disclosed after a certain period of time (depending on the sentence).
Unspent Convictions: Convictions that must be disclosed as they are still considered active.


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Third Sector Governance

Third Sector Governance: The rules and systems voluntary groups use to manage themselves and stay accountable.
Board of Trustees: A group of volunteers who lead a charity, making big decisions and ensuring it follows its goals.
Constitution: A document that sets out a voluntary group’s purpose, rules, and how it’s run.
Charity Registration: Signing up with OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator) to officially become a charity in Scotland.
OSCR: The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, which checks that charities in Scotland follow the law.
Trustee Duties: The legal responsibilities of board members, like acting honestly and keeping the charity’s money safe.
Annual General Meeting (AGM): A yearly meeting where a voluntary group updates its members and makes key decisions.
Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM): An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) is a special meeting of an organisation’s shareholders, members, or board, called outside the regular schedule of Annual General Meetings (AGMs). EGMs are typically convened to discuss urgent or significant matters that require immediate attention, such as changes to company policies, structure, or governance, financial crises or emergency funding decisions, removal or appointment of key executives or major legal issues or disputes.
Governance Code: A set of best practices from OSCR to help voluntary groups run well and stay trustworthy.
Financial Oversight: Checking a group’s money—budgets, spending, and accounts—to make sure it’s used properly.
Conflict of Interest: When a trustee’s personal interests might affect their decisions, which they must report and avoid acting on.
Charity Accounts: Yearly financial reports a charity must send to OSCR to show how it spends its money.
Volunteer Policy: Rules a group sets for how it works with volunteers, like training and safety.
Risk Register: A list of possible problems (like losing funding) and plans to handle them, kept by the board.
Transparency: Being open about how a group, or organisations makes decisions and uses its resources.
Succession Planning: Preparing for new trustees or leaders to take over when current ones leave.
Quorum: The minimum number of members who must be at a meeting (like an AGM) for decisions to count.


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Charities, CICs, and Social Enterprises

Charity: Organisation established for public benefit with charitable purposes and registered with OSCR for charitable status.
Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO): A legal form specifically for Scottish charities, offering limited liability and registration with OSCR.
Company Limited by Guarantee (Charity): A company structure with members' guarantees, offering limited liability and registered with OSCR for charitable status.
Unincorporated Association (Charity): A simple structure for smaller groups, with no separate legal personality and potential OSCR registration if charitable.
Trust (Charity): A legal arrangement with trustees holding assets for charitable purposes, governed by a trust deed and potentially OSCR registered.
Company Limited by Guarantee (CIC): A company structure with a community interest statement and asset lock, regulated by the CIC Regulator and Companies House.
Company Limited by Shares (CIC): A company structure with CIC-specific features, allowing dividends with restrictions, regulated by the CIC Regulator and Companies House.
Co-operative (Social Enterprise): A business owned and run by its members, operating on democratic principles and registered with the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority).
Community Benefit Society (Social Enterprise): An organisation conducting business for community benefit, registered with the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority).
Sole Trader/Partnership (Social Enterprise): Options for smaller social enterprises, without limited liability.
OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator): The regulatory body for charities in Scotland.
CIC Regulator: The regulatory body for Community Interest Companies in the UK.
Companies House: The UK's registrar of companies.
FCA (Financial Conduct Authority): The regulatory body for co-operatives and community benefit societies.
Limited Liability: A legal status where an individual's personal assets are protected from business debts.
Asset Lock: A legal commitment ensuring assets are used for community benefit in a CIC.
Community Interest Statement: A statement outlining how a CIC will benefit the community.
Trust Deed: A legal document outlining the terms of a trust.
Members' Guarantee: A promise by company members to pay a nominal amount if the company is wound up.
Social Enterprise: A business with primarily social objectives, reinvesting surpluses for social impact.


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Community Solutions Programme

Community Solutions Programme: An exciting partnership initiative which aims to improve NL residents health, wellbeing and equality by strategic investment in CVS organisations, capacity building support for CVS organisations and volunteering development and support.
Locality Host: An organisation responsible for co-ordinating and managing Community Solutions activities within a specific local area.
LAF Funding (Locality Activity Fund): Funding allocated to support community-based activities that improve wellbeing and social inclusion in North Lanarkshire.
Pragmatic Approach: A practical method used in decision-making, such as reviewing organisational structures only every two years to reduce administrative burden.
Community Solutions Payment Schedule: The structured process for grant payments, with one payment issued at the start of the month and another near the end.
Sign-Off Sheets: Documents confirming that activities or services funded by Community Solutions grants have been completed as agreed.
Award Letter: An official document confirming that an organisation has been granted funding, outlining the terms and conditions.
Invoice Template: A standardised document used by funded organisations to request payments from Community Solutions.
Funding Decision: The outcome of a funding application, determined by an assessment panel based on eligibility and impact.
Feedback on Funding Application: Constructive comments provided to applicants to help improve future funding requests.
Application Criteria: The specific requirements that funding applicants must meet to be eligible for Community Solutions funding.
Application Checklist: A list of key elements that applicants must include when submitting a funding application.
Financial Guidelines: Rules and best practices for managing and reporting funds awarded through Community Solutions.
Sustainability: Ensuring that funded projects continue to provide long-term benefits beyond the initial grant period.
Impact: The measurable positive effects that a funded project has on individuals and communities.
Bias: Any unfair influence or prejudice that could affect decision-making, particularly in funding assessments.
Consortium: A group of organisations working together to apply for and deliver a funded project.
Consortium Meeting: Regular gatherings where consortium members discuss project progress, challenges, and future planning.
Applicant: An individual or organisation submitting a funding application to Community Solutions.
Conflict of Interest: A situation where personal or organisational relationships could unfairly influence funding decisions.
Partnership Working: Collaboration between organisations to enhance resources, efficiency, and overall impact.
Stakeholder Engagement: Actively involving key community members, organisations, and decision-makers in the development and delivery of funded projects.
Capacity Building: Strengthening organisations by providing skills, knowledge, and resources to improve their effectiveness.
Social Value: The broader benefits a project provides, such as community cohesion, improved mental health, and local economic growth.
Evaluation and Monitoring: The process of tracking a project’s progress, outcomes, and financial management to ensure accountability.
Reporting Requirements: The necessary documentation that organisations must submit to demonstrate proper use of funding.
Volunteer Support: Resources and training provided to community volunteers to ensure they can effectively contribute to funded projects.


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Funding & Resources

Matched Funding: A requirement where grant applicants must contribute funding from another source to receive full support.
Social Return on Investment (SROI): A framework used to measure the social impact of funding, ensuring accountability and effectiveness.
Outcomes-Based Funding: A model where funding is tied to the achievement of specific community impact goals rather than just activities.
In-Kind Support: Non-monetary contributions such as donated goods, volunteer time, or free use of facilities instead of cash funding.
Capital Funding: Financial support for physical assets such as land, buildings, and infrastructure rather than day-to-day operational costs.
Community Investment Fund: A pool of funding aimed at supporting social enterprises, charities, and local projects, often sourced from lottery funds or public sector grants.
Social Impact Bonds (SIBs): A funding mechanism where investors provide upfront capital for social projects, with repayment linked to achieving outcomes.


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Funding Applications

Funding Bid: A written request you send to get money for a project, like fixing a community hall.
Grant Application: A form or letter asking for free money from a group like the council or a charity fund.
Project Proposal: A plan in your application that explains what you’ll do with the funding and why it matters.
Eligibility Criteria: The rules you must meet to apply for funding, like being a local group or having a bank account.
Funding Deadline: The last day you can send in your application to be considered for the money.
Budget Breakdown: A list in your application showing how you’ll spend the money, like on staff or equipment.
Supporting Documents: Extra papers you send with your application, like accounts or a letter of support.
Application Form: The official paper or online page you fill out to ask for funding.
Funder: The group giving the money, like a council, lottery, or private trust.
Project Outcomes: The results you promise to achieve with the funding, like helping 50 people learn a skill.
Evidence of Need: Proof in your application that your project is needed, like survey results or local stats.
Funding Panel: The people who read your application and decide if you get the money.
Letter of Intent: A short note sometimes sent before a full application to show you’re interested in the funding.


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Funding Applications Buzz Words

Funding Application Buzz Words are key terms and phrases that funders look for in grant applications. They help demonstrate impact, sustainability, and alignment with funding priorities.
Sustainability: Demonstrating how a project will continue to deliver benefits beyond the initial funding period.
Project Impact: The measurable difference a project will make in the community or for beneficiaries.
Capacity Building: Strengthening skills, knowledge, and resources to improve an organisation’s effectiveness.
Stakeholder Engagement: Involving key individuals or groups to ensure support and collaboration for a project.
Outcomes-Focused: Clearly stating the intended results and long-term benefits of a project.
Innovation: Using new approaches or creative solutions to address community challenges.
Match Funding: Securing additional financial or in-kind contributions to supplement grant funding.
Evidence-Based: Using research, data, or past success to support the need and potential effectiveness of a project.
Partnership Working: Collaborating with other organisations to maximise resources and impact.
Social Value: The wider community benefits a project will bring, such as economic growth or improved wellbeing.


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Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)

OSCR: The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, the group that makes sure Scottish charities follow the law.
Charity Number: A unique code OSCR gives to every registered charity, like a badge to show it’s official.
OSCR Register: An online list of all Scottish charities, where you can check if a group is legit.
Charity Test: Rules OSCR uses to decide if a group can be a charity, like showing it helps the public.
Annual Return: A form charities send to OSCR each year with updates on money and activities.
OSCR Inquiry: When OSCR checks a charity to make sure it’s doing things right, like using money properly.
Charity Status: OSCR’s decision to let a group stay a charity or take it off the list if it breaks rules.


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Community Development & Empowerment

Capacity Building: Strengthening the skills, knowledge, and resources of individuals and organisations to create sustainable change.
Empowerment: Giving individuals and groups the confidence, skills, and power to make decisions and take action.
Social Capital: The networks, relationships, and trust within a community that enable collective action.
Active Participation: Intentional and engaged involvement of individuals in activities, discussions, or decision-making processes. It goes beyond passive observation and requires members of the public to contribute their thoughts, efforts, and skills to a shared goal.
Grassroots Initiatives: Community-driven projects that start from the local level to address issues.
Co-Production: A partnership, or approach where community members and organisations collaborate equally, or work together as equal partners to design, deliver, and evaluate services, projects, or outcomes that benefit the community.
Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD): A strengths-focussed approach that builds on the existing talents and assets within a community rather than focussing on deficits.
Social Inclusion: Ensuring all individuals can participate fully in society regardless of background.
Intersectionality: Recognising that individuals experience multiple, overlapping layers of identity (race, gender, ability, class) that shape their experiences and opportunities.
Community Resilience: A community’s ability to adapt and recover from challenges, supported by strong social networks and resources.


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Community Development Models

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD): ABCD model focuses on identifying and leveraging the existing strengths, resources, and capacities within a community - such as skills, local associations, institutions, and physical assets rather than emphasising deficits or external aid. Key Principles are Asset Mapping, Community-Led, Relationships and Strengths-Based approach.
Appreciative Inquiry (AI): AI is a strengths-based model like ABCD, known as a participative learning process that identifies and shares the best practices. The process involves asking questions that strengthen a process, or system capacity. It focuses on positive visioning.
Needs-Based Approach: Focuses on identifying and addressing community deficits (e.g., poverty, lack of services). Popular historically but criticised for fostering dependency.
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA): Common in developing countries, it involves community members in planning via tools like mapping and discussions. Popular in international development (e.g., World Bank projects).
Community Organising: Emphasises grassroots power-building to address systemic issues. Popular in urban activism, but criticised for being more confrontational than ABCD’s collaborative model.
Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA): SLA focuses on enhancing community livelihoods through access to resources (human, social, natural, physical, financial capitals).
Social Capital Model: This model emphasises building trust, networks, and relationships within and between communities to drive development.
Collective Impact: This model brings together multiple stakeholders (nonprofits, government, businesses) to solve complex social problems through a structured collaboration.
Human Ecology Model: Based on ecological systems theory, this model views community development as an interplay between individuals, their environments, and broader systems.
The Bridge Model: Designed to support and advance community development in North Lanarkshire. The Bridge Model supports both in-person and digital participation, guiding CVS in its pursuit of information, engagement while offering tailored solutions. The "Bridge" model supports Community and Voluntary Sector Development and Empowerment through active participation, co-production, collaboration and appreciative inquiry principles. The “Bridge” model also encompasses the North Lanarkshire CommUnity Agreement, which sets out shared core values and guiding principles to strengthen collaboration among NL residents, the Community and Voluntary Sector (CVS), the public sector, and the business sector for a better North Lanarkshire. The “Bridge” model is unique as it supports both in-person and digital participation, guiding the CVS in its pursuit of information and engagement while offering tailored solutions and tools. By streamlining processes, it enhances alignment with VANL and external partners’ goals to develop and co-ordinate CVS activity effectively. The Bridge model has four layers and six community development paths.


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Local Activism

Local Activism: Organised efforts by community members to bring about social, political, or environmental change within their local area.
Local Activist: An individual, often a volunteer actively involved in organised efforts to bring about social, political, or environmental positive change within their local area.
Community Organising: The process of building power and collective action within a local community to address shared concerns.
Grassroots Movement: A movement driven by the community members themselves, rather than top-down leadership.
Direct Action: Using tactics like protests, demonstrations, or boycotts to bring about change.
Advocacy Campaign: A planned series of actions designed to influence policy or public opinion on a local issue.
Petitions: Formal written requests signed by community members to support a specific cause.
Public Meetings: Gatherings of community members to discuss local issues and plan actions.
Town Hall Meetings: Meetings with local councillors or officials to voice concerns and seek solutions.
Community Forums: Open discussions where residents can share their views and ideas.
Lobbying (Local): Attempting to influence decisions made by local councillors or officials.
Civil Disobedience (Local): Nonviolent resistance to local laws or policies considered unjust.
Blockading: Physically obstructing an area to protest a development or activity.
Sit-ins: Occupying a space as a form of nonviolent protest.
Marches / Walks / Demonstrations: Organised public walks or gatherings to express a collective viewpoint.
Social Media Campaign: Using online platforms to raise awareness and mobilise support.
Leafleting: Distributing leaflets or pamphlets to inform the community about an issue.
Community Resilience: The ability of a local community to withstand and recover from challenges.
Mutual Aid: Voluntary reciprocal exchange of resources and services among community members.
Local Democracy: The participation of citizens in decisions that affect their local community.


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North Lanarkshire Council (NLC)

North Lanarkshire Council (NLC): The local authority running services like schools, bins, and roads for North Lanarkshire’s towns and villages.
Council Budget: The yearly plan NLC makes to decide how it spends money on services and projects.
Procurement (NLC): The process by which a council purchases goods, services, and works from external suppliers. It ensures that public funds are spent efficiently, transparently, and in line with regulations, while securing the best value for the community.
Chief Executive: The top staff member who manages NLC’s workers and puts Councillors’ decisions into action.
Civic Centre: NLC’s main office in Motherwell where council staff work and some meetings happen.
Council Services: Things NLC does for residents, like collecting bins, fixing roads, and running libraries.
Local Authority: NLC’s official role as the group in charge of public services in North Lanarkshire.
NLC Vision: The council’s big goal to make North Lanarkshire a better place to live, work, and visit.
Community Matters: North Lanarkshire Council’s approach to fostering collaboration between residents, the Community and Voluntary Sector (CVS), public sector agencies, and businesses to improve local outcomes. It operates through Locality Partnerships, which are meetings held four times a year in various areas of North Lanarkshire (e.g., Motherwell, Wishaw). These partnerships bring together senior officers from NLC, NHS Lanarkshire, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland, local councillors, community forums, residents, and third-sector representatives. The initiative encourages community members to participate in discussions, influence local decision-making, and address key issues like poverty, homelessness, and resilient communities, aligning with the broader Plan for North Lanarkshire and nine Local Outcome Improvement Plans.


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North Lanarkshire Council (NLC) Councillors

Councillor: An elected person who represents a ward in North Lanarkshire and helps make council decisions.
Ward: A local area in North Lanarkshire that elects 3 or 4 Councillors to speak for its residents.
Leader of the Council: The Councillor who heads North Lanarkshire Council and leads its main decisions.
Provost: The Councillor who acts as the civic leader, hosting events and representing the council publicly.
Depute Provost: The Councillor who assists the Provost and steps in when needed.
Committee Convener: A Councillor who chairs a council committee, like education or housing, guiding its work.
Councillor Surgery: A meeting where residents can talk to their Councillor about local issues.
Register of Interests: A list Councillors must keep, showing their jobs, property, or other roles that might affect decisions.
Council Meeting: A gathering where all Councillors vote on big issues like budgets or policies.
Single Transferable Vote (STV): The voting system used to elect Councillors, where you rank candidates by number.


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Community Councils

Community Council: A local volunteer group in Scotland that represents residents and works with the council on issues like parks or roads.
CC Meeting: A public gathering where community council members discuss local concerns and plan actions.
Minute Secretary: A community council member who writes down what happens at meetings for records.
Local Voice: The role of community councils in speaking for residents to North Lanarkshire Council or other authorities.
Election to CC: A process every few years where residents vote or volunteer to join their community council.
Small Grants: Money community councils can give to local projects, often from council funding.
Planning Objection: When a community council formally disagrees with a proposed building or land use change.


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Asset Management & Ownership

Community Asset Transfer (CAT): A process where public sector assets (e.g., land, buildings) are transferred to community organisations, often at a reduced cost or for free, to promote local development.
Land Reform & Community Ownership: Scotland’s progressive policy enabling communities to buy and manage land for sustainable, locally led development.
Community Land Trust (CLT): A model where land is owned by a community trust and leased for housing, enterprise, or public use to ensure long-term affordability and sustainability.
Right to Buy (Community): A legal right under Scottish Land Reform that allows communities to purchase land and buildings, sometimes through pre-emptive rights.
Feasibility Study: An assessment required before asset transfers or funding applications to determine the viability and sustainability of a project.


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Community Assets and Resources

Community Asset: Any resource that strengthens a community, including physical spaces, skills, knowledge, social networks, and organisations.
Community Asset Transfer (CAT): The transfer of ownership or management of a public asset (e.g., building, land) from a public body to a community organisation.
Community Ownership: Ownership or control of assets by a community organisation, giving them a greater say in how those assets are used.
Social Enterprise: A business with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are principally reinvested for that purpose in the business or in the community.
Community Hub: A central location that provides a range of services and activities for the local community.
Local Resources: Assets and services available within a specific geographic area that benefit the community.
Asset Mapping: A process of identifying and documenting the assets and resources available within a community.
Community Wealth Building: An approach that aims to maximise the economic, social, and environmental benefits that flow from existing public sector spend.
Community Land Trust (CLT): A non-profit organisation that holds land in trust for the benefit of a local community.
Community Buildings: Spaces owned or managed by community organisations, used for a variety of activities and services.
Community Facilities: Public or community-owned spaces and resources that provide services to the local population.
Social Infrastructure: The networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively.
Community Resilience: The ability of a community to withstand and recover from adverse situations.
Community Engagement: The process of working collaboratively with community members to achieve shared goals.
Community Empowerment: The process of enabling communities to take control of their own development and address their own needs.
Shared Spaces: Places that are accessible and used by a variety of community groups and individuals.
Community Garden: A shared space where community members grow food or plants.
Community Consultation: The process of seeking feedback from community members on proposed projects or initiatives.
Community Development Trust: A community-based organisation that works to improve the social, economic, and environmental well-being of its local area.


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Community Planning & Governance

Public Consultation: Gathering input from community members for decision-making.
Stakeholder Engagement: Involving different groups in discussions about community initiatives.
Participatory Budgeting: A process where community members decide how public funds are allocated.
Deliberative Democracy: Engaging citizens in structured discussions and decision-making processes, such as Citizens' Assemblies, to ensure inclusive policymaking.
Community-Led Planning: A process where residents shape development strategies, ensuring planning decisions align with local needs.
Local Place Plans: A new planning mechanism in Scotland allowing communities to prepare their own development plans for submission to local authorities.
Place-Based Approaches: Community development strategies tailored to local needs and strengths, emphasising local decision-making and partnerships.


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Urban Planning

Local Development Plan (LDP): NLC's primary planning document, setting out the Council's vision and strategy for land use and development across North Lanarkshire. It sets out the policies and proposals for land use and development in North Lanarkshire. It also sets out the future for development, for example, it says where new housing, shops, business and industry premises, leisure facilities and roads can be built and, importantly, where they can’t. It also protects NL greenspaces.
Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG): Documents that provide detailed guidance on specific planning policies within the NLC LDP, such as design standards or renewable energy.
Ravenscraig: A major regeneration site in North Lanarkshire, subject to specific planning policies and development frameworks outlined in the LDP.
Town Centre Regeneration: NLC's focus on revitalising town centres across the region, with specific projects and strategies detailed in the LDP.
Housing Land Audit: An assessment of available land for housing development within North Lanarkshire, informing the LDP and housing strategies.
Green Network: NLC's approach to connecting green spaces and promoting biodiversity across the region, often referenced in planning applications and policies.
Sustainable Development: NLC's commitment to ensuring development meets present needs without compromising future generations, a key principle of the LDP.
Placemaking: NLC's emphasis on creating attractive and functional public spaces, influencing development proposals and design standards.
Planning Application: A formal request for permission to carry out development, assessed by NLC against the LDP and other relevant policies.
Planning Permission in Principle (PPP): Initial approval for a development, subject to further detailed applications (Matters Specified in Conditions).
Matters Specified in Conditions (MSC): Detailed applications following PPP, addressing specific aspects of the development.
Section 75 Agreement: A legal agreement between NLC and a developer to secure planning obligations, such as financial contributions or affordable housing provision.
Consultation Area: The geographical area surrounding a proposed development, where NLC notifies residents and stakeholders of planning applications.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL): A potential charge on new development to fund infrastructure improvements in North Lanarkshire (if implemented).
Conservation Area: Designated areas of historical or architectural significance in North Lanarkshire, subject to specific planning controls.
Listed Building: Buildings of special architectural or historic interest, requiring special consent for alterations or demolition.
Open Space Strategy: NLC's plan for the management and provision of parks and green spaces across North Lanarkshire.
Renewable Energy: NLC's policies and guidance on the development of renewable energy projects, as detailed in the LDP and SPG.
Regeneration Outcome Agreement (ROA): Agreements used to help regenerate areas, and deliver agreed outputs.


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Sustainability & Community Wealth

Sustainability: Ensuring community projects and initiatives can continue long-term without external support.
Community Wealth Building: A Scottish Government strategy focussed on retaining wealth locally through fair procurement, living wages, and investment in community enterprises.
Just Transition: Ensuring Scotland’s move to a low-carbon economy is fair, particularly for workers, rural communities, and vulnerable groups.
Circular Economy: A model focussed on reducing waste and reusing materials to create a sustainable economy.
Social Enterprise: Businesses that prioritise community benefit over private profit, commonly used in Scotland’s third sector.
Wellbeing Economy: A policy shift from economic growth to prioritising community wellbeing, social resilience, and environmental sustainability.
Carbon Neutrality: Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by reducing and offsetting environmental impacts.


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North Lanarkshire Community Boards

Community Board: A group in North Lanarkshire that brings together residents, council staff, and partners to improve local areas.
Board Meeting: A regular gathering where community board members discuss local needs and decide on actions.
Locality Priority: A key goal set by a community board to tackle specific issues in its area, like safety or green spaces.
Community Action Plan: A document created by a community board outlining steps to meet local priorities.
Board Funding: Money available through community boards (e.g., via Participatory Budgeting) to support local projects.
Resident Input: Feedback from people living in the area, used by community boards to shape decisions.
Community Boards Partnership Working: How community boards team up with groups like VANL or Police Scotland to get things done.


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Local Outcome Improvement Plans (LOIPs)

Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP): A plan for each of North Lanarkshire’s nine areas, setting out goals to improve life based on local needs.
Locality Goal: A specific aim in an LOIP, like reducing poverty or improving health in a town.
Community Engagement: The process of asking residents what they want in their LOIP to make sure it fits their area.
Outcome Measure: A way to check if an LOIP is working, like counting new jobs or cleaner streets.
LOIP Review: A regular check by North Lanarkshire Council to update the plan and see what’s been achieved.
LOIP Area Partnership: The team of council, voluntary, and community members who help write and carry out an LOIP.
Priority Action: A key task in an LOIP that needs quick attention, like fixing potholes or supporting families.
M&M (Management and Monitoring) Framework: A management and monitoring framework for LOIP subgroups that uses RAG colour coding and comments to provide a narrative on task updates, offering insight into work progress and reflections on ongoing activities.


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Public Consultations

Public Consultation: A process in which the public is invited to express their opinions on a proposed policy, law, or project.
Stakeholder Consultation: Engaging with key individuals or groups who are directly affected by or have an interest in a decision or project.
Expert Consultation: Seeking advice or input from specialists or professionals with in-depth knowledge in a specific field.
Community Consultation: A process of gathering feedback from members of a community to understand their needs, concerns, and suggestions.
Consultation Feedback: The input or responses provided by participants in a consultation process, often used to inform decision-making.
Focus Groups: A small group of people selected to discuss and provide insights on a particular topic, used for gathering qualitative data.
Surveys and Polls: Tools used in consultations to gather quantitative data from a large group of people to assess opinions, preferences, or needs.
Open Consultation: A consultation that is open to the general public or a broad range of participants, often conducted online or in public meetings.
Consultation Process: A series of steps through which organisations or governments engage with stakeholders to gather opinions and feedback.
Deliberative Consultation: A method of consultation where participants discuss and debate issues in-depth before providing feedback or making decisions.
Consultation Report: A document that summarises the findings, feedback, and outcomes of a consultation process, typically used to guide decisions.
Policy Consultation: A specific type of consultation focussed on discussing and shaping public policies, typically involving government bodies, experts, and the public.


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North Lanarkshire Partnership (NLP)

North Lanarkshire Partnership (NLP): A group of organisations (council, NHS, police, etc.) working together to make North Lanarkshire better.
Strategic Leadership Board (SLB): The NLP’s top team that decides big plans, like the Plan for North Lanarkshire.
Plan for North Lanarkshire: A long-term vision by NLP for growth, jobs, and better lives across the area.
CommUnity Agreement: A promise by NLP partners to work fairly with communities, launched in 2024.
Cross-Sector Action: When NLP partners from different groups (e.g., health, voluntary) join forces on issues like climate change.
Local Partnership Team: A smaller NLP group in each of the nine areas, linking big plans to local needs.
NLP Strategy: A specific focus plan by NLP, like tackling poverty or boosting the economy.


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Community and Voluntary Sector Partnership Group (CVSPG)

Community and Voluntary Sector Partnership Group (CVSPG): A VANL-led partnership helping voluntary groups team up with others to improve North Lanarkshire.
CVS Collaboration: How CVSPG connects voluntary groups with partners like the council or NHS for bigger impact.
Sector Voice: CVSPG’s role in speaking for voluntary groups to big partners like NLP or the council.
Partnership Event: Meetings or workshops run by CVSPG to bring voluntary groups and partners together.
Support Funding: Money CVSPG helps voluntary groups find through partnerships for community projects.
Volunteer Link: CVSPG’s work linking volunteers to opportunities through partner organisations.
CVS Action Plan: A strategy by CVSPG to guide how voluntary groups support North Lanarkshire’s goals.


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Social Enterprises

Social Enterprise: A business that uses its profits to improve the community, like a café funding youth programmes.
Trading Income: Money a social enterprise earns by selling goods or services, reinvested into its goals.
Community Interest Company (CIC): A type of social enterprise with legal rules to ensure it benefits the public, not private owners.
Social Mission: The main community goal (e.g., reducing poverty) that drives a social enterprise’s work.
Impact Report: A document showing how a social enterprise has helped the community, often needed for funding.
Ethical Business: A social enterprise’s focus on fair practices, like paying good wages or using eco-friendly materials.
Reinvestment: Putting profits back into the social enterprise to grow its community work, not into private pockets.


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Health and Social Care (HSC, also H&SC): Health and Social Care in Lanarkshire is delivered through a partnership between NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council, and South Lanarkshire Council. The integration of health and social care aims to provide seamless support for individuals by combining medical, community, and social services.

Health and Social Care

Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP, also H&SCP): A collaborative body formed by NHS Lanarkshire and North Lanarkshire Council to integrate the planning and delivery of community health and social care services in the area.
Integration Joint Board (IJB): The governing body responsible for overseeing the strategic planning and commissioning of health and social care services within the HSCP. It ensures that services are delivered effectively and efficiently to meet the needs of the local population.
Strategic Commissioning Plan: A document outlining the priorities and actions for health and social care services over a specified period. It aims to improve the quality and sustainability of services, focussing on outcomes that matter to individuals and communities.
Locality Plans: Detailed plans developed for specific geographic areas within North Lanarkshire. These plans address the unique health and social care needs of local communities, ensuring that services are tailored to their requirements.
Health and Social Care Strategic Plan: A comprehensive document that sets out the vision, values, and strategic direction for health and social care services in North Lanarkshire. It guides the integration process and aims to achieve better health and wellbeing outcomes for residents.
Community Health Partnership (CHP): Former subdivisions of Health Boards in Scotland, responsible for delivering primary care services, working with social services to provide social care, promoting health improvement, and influencing strategic planning. In North Lanarkshire, the CHP model has been integrated into the HSCP framework.
Carer Support Payment: A financial benefit introduced to support unpaid carers in Scotland. It provides regular payments to individuals who provide substantial care to a family member, friend, or neighbour. The payment aims to recognise and support the vital role of carers in the community.
Carer: A carer is a person who provides unpaid support and assistance to a friend, family member, or someone in their community who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, or is elderly and needs help with daily activities.
Adult Carer Support Plan (ACSP): It is a formal assessment process designed to identify and address the needs, wishes, and circumstances of adult carers (individuals aged 18 or over who provide unpaid care to a friend, family member, or neighbour with a disability, illness, or frailty). This process can be initiated through the social care department of your local council or a carer centre, which will create an Adult Carer Support Plan (for adults) or a Young Carer Statement (for younger carers, see Young Carer Statement). The assessment is conducted by a staff member who develops a personalised plan or statement. This may involve a visit to better understand the carer’s circumstances.
Young Carer Statement: A Young Carer Statement (YCS) is a formal assessment and support plan specifically designed for young carers—individuals under 18 who provide unpaid care to a family member, friend, or neighbor with a disability, illness, long-term condition, or frailty. The assessment is conducted by a staff member who develops a personalised plan or statement. This may involve a visit to better understand the carer’s circumstances. Introduced under the Children and Families Act 2014 in England and with similar provisions in Scotland under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016, the YCS aims to identify the young person’s caring role, assess its impact on their wellbeing, education, and development, and provide tailored support to help them balance caring responsibilities with a normal childhood.
Carers Centre: A carers centre is a community-based organisation or hub that provides support, advice, and resources to unpaid carers—individuals who look after a family member, friend, or neighbour with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or frailty. These centres are typically run by local charities or voluntary organisations, often in partnership with local councils, the NHS, or national carer organisations such as Carers UK or Carers Trust. They serve as a vital lifeline for both adult carers (aged 18 and over) and young carers (under 18), helping them navigate their caring responsibilities while maintaining their own wellbeing.
Housebound: A person who is unable to leave their home regularly or at all due to physical health conditions, disabilities, mental health issues, or other circumstances that limit their mobility or independence. Being housebound means an individual relies on others (e.g., carers, family, or support services) for essential needs such as shopping, medical appointments, or social interaction, as they cannot easily or safely go outside.
Palliative Care: Palliative care refers to specialised medical and support care provided to individuals with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on improving their quality of life rather than curing the underlying condition. It is designed for people whose disease is at an advanced stage and where a cure is no longer possible, such as with terminal cancer, advanced dementia, motor neurone disease, or heart failure.
Community Triage Service (CTS): A collaborative initiative between the police and NHS in Lanarkshire, designed to provide optimal care for individuals experiencing mental health crises. The service has significantly reduced police wait times in emergency departments and improved the overall response to mental health emergencies.
Holistic Approach (Health and Social Care): A Holistic Approach considers the whole person—physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being—rather than just the medical condition.
Cornerstone: A Scottish charity and social enterprise that provides care and support for people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex care needs, operating in various locations across Scotland, including North Lanarkshire.
Social Prescribing (H&SC): Social Prescribing is a healthcare approach that connects individuals with non-medical services to improve their well-being. It is often used to support people with mental health issues, loneliness, or chronic conditions by referring them to community-based activities such as arts and creative groups, exercise classes or walking groups, volunteering opportunities, debt advice and financial support, peer support groups, social prescribing is typically facilitated by link workers or community connectors, who help individuals find suitable activities based on their needs and interests. It aims to reduce pressure on healthcare services by addressing social and emotional determinants of health.
Nature Prescribing: Nature Prescribing (or green prescribing) is a type of social prescribing where healthcare professionals encourage people to engage with nature to improve their physical and mental health. This could involve spending time in parks, forests, or nature reserves, participating in outdoor activities such as gardening, hiking, or conservation work, animal-assisted therapy, such as equine therapy or dog walking. Nature prescribing is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or conditions such as high blood pressure. Research suggests that exposure to green spaces enhances mental well-being, reduces stress levels, and promotes physical activity.


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Mental Wellbeing & Resilience

Mental Wellbeing: A state of emotional and psychological health where individuals can cope with life’s challenges, work productively, and contribute to their community.
Social Prescribing (Mental Health): Connecting people to community activities (e.g., volunteering, arts) to improve mental health and reduce isolation.
Mindfulness: Practices that promote mental clarity and emotional balance, often used to reduce stress within community programmes.
Emotional Resilience: The ability to adapt to stress, adversity, or trauma, supported by community networks and resources.
Peer Support: Mutual help provided by individuals with shared experiences to improve mental wellbeing and build community ties.
Trauma-Informed Approach: Recognising and responding to the effects of trauma in community initiatives to support mental health.
Self-Care: Actions individuals take to maintain their own mental and physical health, encouraged within community frameworks.
Community Wellbeing: The collective mental, social, and physical health of a community, enhanced by inclusive and supportive environments.


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NHS

GP (General Practitioner): A local doctor who provides general health care and referrals to specialists.
NHS 24: A 24/7 phone service (111) in Scotland for health advice when your GP is closed.
Prescription: A written order from a doctor for medicine, available free in Scotland through the NHS.
Health Board: An organisation (e.g., NHS Lanarkshire) that manages hospitals, clinics, and health services in your area.
Primary Care: Basic health services like GP visits, pharmacies, and dentists, often your first stop for care.
Community Pharmacy: Local chemists who dispense prescriptions and offer minor health advice.
Patient Transport: An NHS service helping people get to medical appointments if they can’t travel easily.


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Police Scotland

Police Scotland: The national police force responsible for keeping communities safe and investigating crime.
Community Policing: Officers working locally to prevent crime and build trust with residents.
101: The non-emergency phone number to report issues or get police advice in Scotland.
Crime Prevention: Actions by police and communities to stop crimes before they happen, like home security tips.
Beat Officer: A police officer assigned to patrol and support a specific local area.
Witness Statement: Information you give to police about something you saw, to help solve a crime.
Neighbourhood Watch: A community group working with police to keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
Community Policing: A strategy where police officers work closely with local communities to identify and address community concerns.
Crime Prevention: Measures taken to reduce the risk of crimes occurring within communities through education, awareness, and intervention.
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB): Actions that cause harm, distress, or annoyance to communities, such as vandalism or excessive noise.
Partnership Working: Collaborative efforts between the police, local authorities, and community organisations to improve safety and wellbeing.
Hate Crime: Criminal acts motivated by prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity.
Crime Reporting: The process of notifying the police or relevant authorities about criminal activities.
Public Protection: Services aimed at safeguarding vulnerable individuals from harm, including domestic abuse, child protection, and human trafficking.
Youth Diversion: Initiatives designed to steer young people away from criminal behaviour by offering positive alternatives.
Victim Support: Assistance and resources provided to individuals affected by crime, helping them cope and recover.
Community Safety Partnership: Local partnerships between police, councils, and other agencies to tackle crime, disorder, and anti-social behaviour.


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Fire and Rescue

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS): The national service that puts out fires and helps in emergencies like floods or car accidents.
Home Fire Safety Visit: A free check by SFRS to spot fire risks and install smoke alarms.
Smoke Alarm: A device that beeps loudly to warn you of smoke or fire, provided free by SFRS.
Fire Station: A local base where firefighters work and keep their equipment.
Emergency Plan: A simple guide SFRS recommends for what to do if a fire or disaster happens at home.
Fire Risk Assessment: A check to find and fix fire hazards, often for community buildings or businesses.
Rescue Operation: When firefighters save people or animals from dangerous situations, like floods or crashes.
Fire Safety Education: Programs delivered by the fire service to teach communities about preventing fires and staying safe, such as home safety visits.
Emergency Response: Rapid deployment of firefighters to incidents like fires, floods, or road accidents to protect lives and property.
Fire Risk Assessment: An evaluation of buildings or areas to identify fire hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Community Fire Safety: Initiatives aimed at reducing fire incidents through collaboration with local groups, like installing smoke alarms in vulnerable homes.
Rescue Operations: Specialised efforts to save people from dangerous situations, such as extricating individuals from crashed vehicles.
Prevention Campaigns: Public awareness drives (e.g., 'Stay Fire Safe') to reduce fire risks through education on cooking safety or smoke detector use.
Home Fire Safety Visit (HFSV): A free service where firefighters assess homes, offer advice, and fit smoke alarms to enhance safety.
Incident Command: The structured system used by the fire service to manage operations at emergency scenes effectively.
Flood Response: Actions taken by the fire service to assist during flooding, including pumping water or evacuating residents.
Partnership Collaboration: Working with police, councils, and CVS to improve resilience and safety, such as joint emergency planning.


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Leadership

Leadership: The ability to inspire, guide, and influence a group of people towards achieving common goals. In the UK context, effective leadership often focusses on collaboration, adaptability, and empowering others.
Top-Down Leadership: A leadership style where decisions are made by senior leaders and passed down to subordinates. This approach can be more hierarchical and directive, often seen in more traditional industries.
Bottom-Up Leadership: A leadership style that encourages input and feedback from lower levels of an organisation. It fosters collaboration and allows employees at all levels to contribute to decision-making processes.
Transformational Leadership: A leadership style where leaders work to inspire and motivate employees, focussing on creating change through vision and leading by example. It’s a style that emphasises personal development and innovation.
Servant Leadership: A leadership approach where the leader focusses on supporting the needs of the team and helping others grow and develop. It’s commonly associated with a people-first approach, ensuring team welfare and development.
Transactional Leadership: A leadership style based on reward and punishment, with clear structures and expectations. It’s often used in more structured environments where meeting specific targets or KPIs is crucial.
Charismatic Leadership: A leadership style that relies on the personal charm and appeal of the leader. Charismatic leaders often inspire and motivate followers by creating a sense of excitement and enthusiasm about the mission.
Motivating: The process of inspiring others to take action towards achieving set goals. Motivating leadership in the UK often involves creating a supportive environment, recognising individual contributions, and encouraging employees to reach their potential.
Coaching: A leadership style that focusses on providing ongoing feedback, guidance, and support to help individuals develop their skills and improve their performance. Coaching is often used to unlock the potential of employees and build a more engaged workforce.
Mentoring: A more experienced individual provides guidance and advice to a less experienced individual, helping them navigate their career and develop new skills. In the UK, mentoring can often be seen in public sector organisations and industries focussed on long-term career development.
Empowering Leadership: A leadership style where leaders give employees the autonomy to make decisions, encouraging them to take initiative and be responsible for their actions. This leadership style is often linked to higher employee morale and innovation.
Collaborative Leadership: A leadership approach that focusses on working together with others. It values the collective knowledge of a team and encourages open communication, joint problem-solving, and consensus-building.
Inclusive Leadership: A leadership style that prioritises diversity and inclusion in the workplace, ensuring that all team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their ideas and perspectives.
Situational Leadership: A leadership approach where the leader adjusts their style depending on the situation, the team, and the task. It involves being flexible and responsive to the needs of the team, especially in dynamic or high-pressure environments.
Lead by Example: A leadership principle where the leader demonstrates the behaviours, attitudes, and values they expect from others. This approach is central to building trust and credibility with a team.
Visionary Leadership: A leadership style where leaders set a clear, inspiring direction for the team or organisation, guiding them towards a future goal. Visionary leaders in the UK often focus on long-term success, change management, and societal impact.
Resilient Leadership: The ability to lead effectively during times of adversity, bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining focus on the long-term goals. This type of leadership is crucial in the UK market, especially in industries affected by uncertainty or economic challenges.
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: The ability of a leader to understand and manage their emotions, as well as empathise with others, fostering a positive and supportive working environment. Emotional intelligence is considered a key trait of effective leadership in the UK.
Delegation: The process of assigning responsibility to others for the completion of specific tasks or decisions. Effective delegation is a core leadership skill in the UK, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and that team members feel trusted and valued.
Feedback Culture: A workplace environment where leaders actively provide regular and constructive feedback to employees. This fosters improvement, growth, and accountability. In the UK, this is often linked to performance management and development plans.
Team Leadership: The ability to manage and guide a group towards achieving collective goals. Strong team leadership in the UK often involves creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive team dynamic where members feel empowered and valued.
Autocratic Leadership: A leadership style where the leader makes decisions unilaterally, with little or no input from others. While less common in modern UK businesses, it may still be used in highly structured or crisis situations.


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Project Management

Project: A temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.
Project Planning: The process of defining the project's objectives, scope, and resources, and creating a detailed plan for execution.
Risk Assessment: The process of identifying potential risks to a project and evaluating their likelihood and impact.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): The systematic collection and analysis of data to track project progress and assess its effectiveness.
Outcomes: The intended or actual consequences of a project's activities.
Outputs: The tangible products or services delivered by a project.
Milestones: Significant points or events in a project's timeline.
Stakeholder Management: The process of identifying and engaging with individuals or groups who have an interest in or are affected by a project.
Budget: A financial plan that outlines the project's expected income and expenses.
Reporting: The process of providing regular updates on project progress to stakeholders.
Scope: The defined boundaries of a project, including its objectives, deliverables, and tasks.
Timeline: A schedule that outlines the project's tasks and deadlines.
Deliverables: The tangible or intangible products or services that a project is expected to produce.
Project Manager: The individual responsible for planning, executing, and closing a project.
Project Team: The group of individuals who work together to complete a project.
Contingency Plan: A plan that outlines alternative actions to be taken if unexpected events occur.
Project Closure: The process of formally completing a project and documenting its results.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): A hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to be carried out by the project team to accomplish the project objectives and create the required deliverables.
Critical Path: The sequence of project network activities which add up to the longest overall duration, regardless if that longest duration has float or not. It determines the shortest time possible to complete the project.


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Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Monitoring: The ongoing and systematic collection of data to track the progress of a project or program.
Evaluation: The systematic assessment of the design, implementation, and outcomes of a project or program.
Indicators: Measurable variables that provide evidence of progress towards a project's or program's objectives.
Baseline Data: Data collected before a project or programme begins, used as a point of comparison.
Outcomes: The intended or actual changes that result from a project or program.
Outputs: The direct products or services delivered by a project or program.
Impact: The long-term and broader effects of a project or program.
Data Collection: The process of gathering information relevant to a project or program.
Qualitative Data: Non-numerical data, such as interviews, focus groups, and case studies.
Quantitative Data: Numerical data, such as surveys, statistics, and metrics.
Logic Model: A visual representation of the relationships between a project's or program's inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact.
Evaluation Framework: A structured approach to conducting an evaluation, including the evaluation questions, methods, and criteria.
Performance Measurement: The ongoing process of collecting and reporting data on the performance of a project or program.
Formative Evaluation: Evaluation conducted during the implementation of a project or programme to provide feedback for improvement.
Summative Evaluation: Evaluation conducted at the end of a project or programme to assess its overall effectiveness.
Impact Evaluation: Evaluation that focuses on assessing the causal relationship between a project or programme and its outcomes.
Process Evaluation: Evaluation that focuses on how a project or programme is implemented.
Outcome Harvesting: An evaluation approach that focuses on identifying and documenting outcomes that have already occurred.
Theory of Change: A description of how and why a project or programme is expected to lead to specific outcomes.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound metrics used to evaluate performance.


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Employability

Employability Skills: A set of skills and attributes that make an individual suitable for employment, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Soft Skills: Interpersonal skills, like communication, adaptability, and teamwork, that are essential for professional success.
Hard Skills: Technical skills or specific knowledge required for a particular job, such as programming, graphic design, or accounting.
CV/Resume: A written document that summarises an individual's qualifications, work experience, skills, and education, typically used in job applications.
Cover Letter: A letter submitted with a CV or resume that introduces the candidate, explains their interest in the position, and highlights relevant qualifications.
Job Interview: A formal meeting between a job applicant and an employer to assess the candidate's suitability for a job position.
Networking: The process of building relationships with professionals in the industry to exchange information, advice, and potential job leads.
Professional Development: Ongoing learning and training to enhance one's skills, knowledge, and abilities in their chosen career field.
Job Market: The supply and demand for workers, where job opportunities, hiring trends, and skills in demand are constantly evolving.
Work Experience: Any previous professional experience that demonstrates a person’s skills, work ethic, and capability to perform in a specific role.
Internship: A temporary position that offers practical work experience in a particular field, often used by students or recent graduates to build employability.
References: Individuals who can provide a recommendation or endorsement of a candidate's skills, character, and work ethic, typically former employers or colleagues.
Job Search: The process of seeking employment opportunities, including researching positions, applying for jobs, and attending interviews.
Workplace Culture: The shared values, beliefs, and practices within a company or organisation, influencing how employees interact and collaborate.
Transferable Skills: Skills acquired in one job or situation that can be applied to other positions or industries, such as communication or leadership.
Self-Motivation: The ability to stay driven and focussed on achieving goals without the need for external encouragement or supervision.
Job Readiness: The level of preparedness a candidate has for entering the workforce, including necessary skills, knowledge, and attitude.
Online Presence: A professional image and reputation that is maintained on social media platforms, personal websites, or networking sites like LinkedIn.
Job Fit: The alignment between an individual's skills, interests, and values with the requirements and culture of a particular job or employer.
Continuous Learning: The ongoing process of acquiring new knowledge or skills to keep up with changing job demands and improve employability.
Skills Gap: The difference between the skills an individual possesses and the skills required by employers or the job market. Addressing a skills gap often involves upskilling or reskilling.


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Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Continuing Professional Development (CPD): A lifelong process of learning and development aimed at improving knowledge, skills, and competencies in one's profession. CPD is essential for career growth and maintaining professional standards.
Learning Objectives: Specific goals or outcomes that a professional aims to achieve through CPD activities. Learning objectives help guide and focus development efforts to ensure they align with career or organisational needs.
Formal CPD: Structured learning activities that are usually accredited or recognised by professional bodies. These include workshops, seminars, courses, and certifications.
Informal CPD: Self-directed learning activities that are not formally accredited, such as reading articles, watching webinars, attending conferences, or participating in discussions with peers. While informal, these activities are still valuable for professional growth.
CPD Portfolio: A collection of evidence that demonstrates an individual's CPD activities and learning achievements. This may include certificates, reports, reflections, and examples of how CPD has been applied in practice.
Reflection: The process of reviewing and evaluating learning experiences to gain insights into strengths, areas for improvement, and future learning needs. Reflection is a key part of CPD and helps professionals connect theory to practice.
CPD Log: A detailed record of the CPD activities undertaken by an individual, often maintained in a digital or physical format. The log includes information such as the activity type, date, duration, and learning outcomes.
Competency Framework: A structured outline of the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required for a particular profession or role. CPD activities often align with competency frameworks to ensure that individuals are meeting the required standards in their field.
Self-Assessment: The process of evaluating one’s own skills, knowledge, and professional development needs. Self-assessment helps professionals identify areas for improvement and create a targeted CPD plan.
CPD Plan: A personalised development plan that outlines the learning goals, activities, and resources needed to achieve those goals. The plan is used to track progress and ensure that CPD efforts are aligned with career aspirations and organisational needs.
Accredited CPD: CPD activities that are officially recognised and accredited by a professional body, educational institution, or industry authority. These activities often carry official recognition or certification upon completion.
Peer Learning: A collaborative learning process where professionals learn from each other by sharing knowledge, experiences, and expertise. Peer learning is often informal but can be an effective way of developing new skills and understanding different perspectives.
Mentoring: A professional development activity where an experienced individual (mentor) provides guidance, support, and advice to a less experienced colleague (mentee). Mentoring helps with career development and personal growth.
Coaching: A structured approach to professional development where a coach helps an individual set goals, develop skills, and overcome obstacles. Coaching is often tailored to specific needs and challenges.
Continuous Learning: The commitment to constantly updating skills and knowledge throughout one’s career. This is a core principle of CPD, ensuring professionals remain adaptable and current in their field.
Professional Development Goals: Specific, measurable objectives set by professionals to guide their learning and development. These goals help prioritise CPD activities and provide direction for growth.
Certification: A formal recognition that an individual has achieved a certain level of expertise or competence in a specific area of their profession. Certification often requires completing accredited CPD activities or passing exams.
CPD Provider: An organisation, institution, or individual offering learning and development opportunities that contribute to CPD. CPD providers may offer courses, workshops, webinars, or other educational resources.
CPD Cycle: The process of planning, engaging in, and reflecting on CPD activities. A CPD cycle typically includes identifying learning needs, setting goals, participating in activities, and reviewing progress.
Networking: Building relationships with other professionals in your field to share knowledge, collaborate, and enhance career opportunities. Networking is often an informal part of CPD, as it can lead to new learning experiences and insights.
CPD Credit: A system of measurement used by some professional bodies to quantify the time and effort spent on CPD activities. Each activity may earn a specific number of credits, contributing to professional requirements for maintaining certification.
Knowledge Transfer: The process of sharing and applying knowledge gained through CPD activities to the workplace. Knowledge transfer ensures that learning has practical and lasting impacts on professional practice and organisational success.


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Building Relationships

Networking: The process of building connections with individuals and organisations for mutual benefit.
Stakeholder Engagement: The process of involving individuals or groups who have an interest in or are affected by a project or organisation.
Relationship Through Partnership: A collaborative relationship between two or more people in different organisations to achieve a common organisational goal.
Collaboration: Working together with others to achieve a shared objective.
Community Outreach: Activities aimed at connecting with and engaging members of a community.
Relationship Building: The process of developing and maintaining positive connections with others.
Trust: The foundation of strong relationships, built on reliability, honesty, and integrity.
Communication: The exchange of information, ideas, and feelings between individuals or groups.
Active Listening: Paying close attention to and understanding what others are saying.
Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Rapport: A harmonious and understanding relationship between individuals or groups.
Community Mapping: A process of visually representing the assets, resources, and relationships within a community.
Social Capital: The networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively.
Facilitation: Guiding a group process to ensure effective communication and participation.
Conflict Resolution: Addressing and resolving disagreements or disputes in a constructive manner.
Consensus Building: A process of finding common ground and agreement among a group of people.
Cultural Competence: The ability to understand, appreciate, and interact effectively with people from diverse cultures.
Building Bridges: Creating connections and understanding between different groups or communities.
Social Inclusion: The process of improving the terms on which individuals or groups take part in society—improving ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged on the basis of their identity.


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Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

Equality: Ensuring everyone has equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources.
Diversity: Recognising and valuing the differences between people, including age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, and sexual orientation.
Inclusion: Creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued, and can fully participate.
Equity: Recognising that different people have different needs and providing tailored support to ensure fairness.
Protected Characteristics: Specific attributes defined by the Equality Act 2010, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Accessibility: Designing environments, products, and services that can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Equality of Opportunity: Ensuring everyone has a fair chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Discrimination: Treating someone unfairly or differently because of their protected characteristics.
Direct Discrimination: Treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
Indirect Discrimination: Applying a provision, criterion, or practice that puts people with a protected characteristic at a particular disadvantage.
Harassment: Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates someone's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.
Victimisation: Treating someone unfairly because they have made or supported a complaint of discrimination.
Unconscious Bias: Implicit attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner.
Intersectionality: The interconnected nature of social categorisations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.
Reasonable Adjustments: Changes made to a workplace or service to remove barriers for disabled people.
Inclusive Language: Using language that avoids excluding or marginalising people based on their identity or background.
Positive Action: Measures taken to address disadvantage experienced by people with protected characteristics.
Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness and respect for the cultural differences of others.
EDI Policy: A document outlining an organisation's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.


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Personal Development

Personal Growth: The ongoing process of understanding and developing oneself in order to achieve one's fullest potential. It involves self-awareness, goal setting, and learning new skills.
Self-Reflection: The process of introspecting and evaluating one's thoughts, behaviours, and experiences. It helps individuals understand their actions and areas for improvement.
Goal Setting: The process of identifying specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives that an individual aims to accomplish. It is essential for personal development and achievement.
Time Management: The practice of organising and planning how to allocate time between different tasks. Effective time management helps individuals accomplish more in less time, reducing stress and improving productivity.
Resilience: The ability to recover from setbacks, adapt well to change, and keep going in the face of adversity. It is a key component of personal development and emotional wellbeing.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The ability to recognise, understand, manage, and influence one's own emotions and the emotions of others. It plays a critical role in relationships and effective leadership.
Mindfulness: The practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, while acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Mindfulness enhances self-awareness and reduces stress.
Self-Discipline: The ability to control one's emotions, behaviours, and actions in the face of temptation or distraction. It helps individuals achieve long-term goals and maintain focus.
Positive Thinking: The practice of focussing on the positive aspects of situations and maintaining an optimistic outlook. It contributes to mental wellbeing, motivation, and goal achievement.
Confidence: A belief in one's abilities and judgments. It is developed through accomplishments, positive self-talk, and overcoming challenges. Confidence is crucial for personal and professional success.
Coaching: A partnership that helps individuals achieve their personal or professional goals. Coaches provide guidance, encouragement, and feedback to help clients develop skills and achieve success.
Mentorship: A relationship where a more experienced individual (mentor) provides advice, guidance, and support to a less experienced person (mentee) to help with personal or professional development.
Self-Confidence: A belief in one's ability to succeed. Self-confidence is built through experience, positive reinforcement, and achieving personal milestones.
Continuous Learning: The commitment to always improving one's knowledge, skills, and abilities throughout life. This can be achieved through formal education, self-study, or experiential learning.
Communication Skills: The ability to effectively convey information, thoughts, and ideas to others. Strong communication is essential for building relationships and succeeding in personal and professional contexts.
Assertiveness: The ability to express one's thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in an open, honest, and respectful manner. Assertiveness enhances self-confidence and helps individuals set boundaries.
Networking: Building and nurturing relationships with others for mutual benefit. Networking can support career advancement, personal growth, and access to new opportunities.
Work-Life Balance: The equilibrium between the demands of work and personal life. Striving for a healthy work-life balance is key to reducing stress, improving health, and maintaining happiness.
Self-Awareness: The ability to understand and recognise one’s own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. Self-awareness is a foundation for personal growth and effective decision-making.


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Mediation

Mediation: A voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third party helps people resolve disputes.
Mediator: The neutral third party who facilitates communication and helps parties reach a mutually agreeable solution.
Parties: The individuals or groups involved in the dispute who are participating in mediation.
Agreement: The mutually agreed-upon resolution reached by the parties during mediation.
Confidentiality: The principle that all discussions and information shared during mediation will remain private.
Voluntary: The principle that parties choose to participate in mediation and can withdraw at any time.
Neutrality: The mediator's commitment to remaining impartial and unbiased throughout the process.
Impartiality: The mediator's commitment to treating all parties equally and without favoritism.
Facilitation: The mediator's role in guiding the discussion and helping parties explore options for resolution.
Joint Session: A meeting where all parties and the mediator are present to discuss the dispute.
Private Session: A confidential meeting between the mediator and one party to explore their concerns or options.
Ground Rules: Agreed-upon guidelines for how the mediation process will proceed, including communication and behaviour.
Active Listening: The mediator's and parties' practice of paying close attention to and understanding each other's perspectives.
Reframing: The mediator's technique of restating a party's statement in a more neutral or positive way to facilitate understanding.
Options: Potential solutions or agreements that parties explore during mediation.
BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement): The course of action a party will take if mediation does not result in an agreement.
WATNA (Worst Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement): The worst course of action a party will take if mediation does not result in an agreement.
Closure: The process of finalising and documenting the agreement reached during mediation.
Impasse: A situation where parties are unable to reach an agreement despite mediation efforts.


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Advocacy

Advocacy: Active support for a cause or proposal, especially pleading or arguing on behalf of someone else.
Lobbying: Attempting to influence decisions made by officials in the government.
Policy Advocacy: Efforts to influence public policy decisions.
Grassroots Advocacy: Advocacy efforts originating from community members or local organisations.
Coalition: A group of individuals or organisations working together toward a common goal.
Campaign: An organised course of action to achieve a specific goal.
Public Awareness: Efforts to inform the public about an issue.
Stakeholder Analysis: Identifying and analysing individuals or groups who have an interest in or are affected by an issue.
Messaging: Crafting and delivering clear and consistent messages to target audiences.
Media Outreach: Engaging with journalists and media outlets to raise awareness about an issue.
Testimony: Providing evidence or statements to support a cause.
Legislative Advocacy: Efforts to influence legislation and lawmakers.
Constituent: A person who authorises another to act in his or her behalf, as a voter in a district represented by an elected official.
Petition: A formal written request, typically signed by many people, appealing to authority with respect to a particular cause.
Public Hearing: A meeting open to the public to discuss or gather input on a specific issue.
Direct Action: The use of strikes, demonstrations, or other public forms of protest rather than negotiation to achieve one's demands.
Civil Disobedience: The refusal to comply with certain laws or to pay taxes and fines, as a peaceful form of political protest.
Empowerment: The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights.
Social Justice: Justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society.


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Community Development and Engagement Jargon

Empowerment: Giving individuals or communities the tools, confidence, and authority to take control of their own lives and make decisions that affect their future.
Collaboration: Working together with different individuals, groups, or organisations to achieve a common goal or purpose. Collaboration fosters unity and collective problem-solving.
Inclusivity: Creating environments where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels welcomed, valued, and able to participate fully in the community.
Support: Offering assistance, guidance, and resources to help individuals or groups overcome challenges, ensuring they feel cared for and equipped to succeed.
Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from setbacks and remain strong in the face of adversity. Promoting resilience in the community helps individuals bounce back and thrive despite challenges.
Compassion: Showing genuine care and concern for the wellbeing of others. Compassionate community work fosters a culture of empathy and understanding.
Solidarity: Standing together as a united community, especially in times of difficulty, to support one another and promote shared values.
Engagement: Actively involving individuals or groups in discussions, decisions, and actions that affect them, creating a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Community-building: The process of creating strong, connected communities where people support and care for one another, share resources, and work together to improve the quality of life for all.
Innovation: Introducing new ideas, methods, or approaches to solve problems or improve services, encouraging progress and positive change in the community.
Respect: Acknowledging the value of all individuals, treating them with dignity, and creating a space where diverse perspectives are honoured and appreciated.
Accountability: Taking responsibility for one’s actions, decisions, and commitments. Promoting accountability in community work ensures that everyone contributes to the overall success and goals.
Hope: Instilling optimism and belief in positive change, even when faced with difficulties. Hope motivates individuals and groups to continue working toward a better future.
Growth: Encouraging the personal and collective development of individuals, skills, and resources in the community to create lasting positive change.
Trust: Building mutual respect and confidence between individuals, organisations, and the wider community to foster co-operation and successful outcomes.
Opportunity: Providing individuals with the chance to succeed, grow, and thrive through access to education, resources, and support, empowering people to reach their full potential.
Kindness: Demonstrating acts of care and generosity toward others, building a sense of belonging and making the community feel welcoming and supportive.
Connection: Establishing meaningful relationships and networks that promote communication, support, and co-operation among community members.
Vision: The ability to see the bigger picture and long-term goals of community work, inspiring action toward shared objectives and creating a sense of purpose.
Partnership: A collaborative relationship between two or more organisations, individuals, groups, or networks that work together to combine resources and expertise. This co-operation aims to achieve the objectives of a community project and advance common goals more effectively.
Equality: Ensuring that all individuals have the same opportunities, resources, and support, regardless of background, and promoting fairness in all aspects of community work.
Justice: Working to ensure that all members of the community are treated fairly and have access to opportunities, resources, and support to live fulfilling lives.
Gratitude: Expressing appreciation for the contributions and efforts of others in the community, reinforcing a positive environment of co-operation and mutual support.
Transformation: Enabling significant positive changes in individuals, communities, or systems through collective effort and innovative solutions.
Impact: The measurable effect or result of community efforts. Positive impact demonstrates how actions, policies, or initiatives have benefited individuals and communities.
Celebration: Acknowledging and appreciating achievements, milestones, and contributions in the community, promoting a positive and encouraging atmosphere.


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Community Projects Jargon

Community Engagement: Actively involving local residents in the planning, design, and decision-making processes of community projects to ensure their voices are heard and needs are addressed.
Volunteering: The act of contributing time and effort to a community project without financial compensation, often playing a key role in the success of community initiatives.
Grassroots Movement: A community-driven effort that originates from the local level, where individuals or small groups work together to address issues that directly affect their community.
Impact Assessment: The process of evaluating the effectiveness and outcomes of a community project, helping to measure its success and identify areas for improvement.
Resource Mobilisation: The process of gathering and organising resources (funding, volunteers, materials) to support a community project, ensuring its sustainability and success.
Community Empowerment: A process that helps individuals and groups gain control over decisions and resources that affect their lives, fostering a sense of ownership and agency in community projects.
Collaboration: The act of working together with various stakeholders—local government, organisations, and community members—to achieve shared goals in a community project.
Inclusion: Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or ability, have equal access to opportunities and benefits in community projects.
Social Cohesion: Building strong relationships and a sense of belonging within a community, promoting unity, trust, and co-operation through collective action and community projects.
Sustainability: Ensuring that a community project has long-term benefits and can continue to deliver impact over time, even after initial resources or funding have been used.
Community Outreach: The process of reaching out to and connecting with local residents or underserved groups to involve them in community projects and ensure that their needs are met.
Capacity Building: Strengthening the skills, resources, and capabilities of individuals or organisations in the community to enhance their ability to contribute to and sustain future projects.
Asset-Based Approach: A strategy that focusses on identifying and leveraging the existing strengths, skills, and resources within a community to address challenges and promote growth.
Community Development: The process of improving the social, economic, and environmental conditions within a community, often through collaborative and inclusive projects aimed at creating lasting change.
Participatory Planning: Involving community members in the planning process of a project, ensuring that their input, experiences, and knowledge shape the outcomes of the initiative.
Advocacy: Actively supporting or promoting a cause or issue within the community, often through education, public awareness campaigns, or policy influence as part of a community project.
Community Resilience: The ability of a community to withstand and recover from challenges, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or health crises, often supported by community-driven projects and initiatives.
Neighbourhood Revitalisation: Projects aimed at improving the physical, economic, and social conditions of a particular neighbourhood, including efforts to improve infrastructure, increase safety, and promote local business growth.
Public Health Initiatives: Community-driven projects focussed on improving the overall health and wellbeing of the community through education, prevention programmes, and accessible healthcare services.
Civic Engagement: Encouraging individuals to participate in the political and social life of their community, such as through voting, volunteering, or involvement in community decision-making processes.
Impactful Leadership: Leading a community project with vision, integrity, and inspiration, motivating others to join and contribute to positive change in the community.
Social Innovation: Developing new solutions to social challenges that meet the needs of the community, often through creative or non-traditional approaches to problem-solving in community projects.
Collective Action: A collaborative effort by a group of people working together to address common goals or issues in a community, ensuring that the project’s impact is more significant and far-reaching.
Shared Vision: A unified understanding and agreement among community members and stakeholders on the objectives and goals of a project, fostering collective effort and commitment to success.


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Third Sector Jargon

Third Sector: Refers to the part of the economy made up of non-profit organisations, voluntary groups, and charities. These organisations exist to benefit society rather than to generate profit.
Voluntary Sector: A sector composed of organisations and individuals who provide services or engage in activities on a voluntary basis, usually to support charitable or community causes.
Charity: An organisation set up to provide help and raise money for those in need. Charities often focus on social welfare, healthcare, education, and other community-focused issues.
Non-Profit Organisation (NPO): An organisation that operates for purposes other than making a profit, typically focusing on social, environmental, or cultural missions. Any surplus revenue is reinvested into the organisation’s activities.
Social Enterprise: A business with a social or environmental mission. It operates like a regular business but reinvests profits to support its charitable objectives or to benefit the community.
Community Interest Company (CIC): A type of social enterprise in the UK that aims to benefit the community, rather than private shareholders. CICs have a legal structure to ensure profits are used for social purposes.
Trust: A legal arrangement in which assets are held and managed by trustees for a specific charitable purpose or for the benefit of a particular group of people.
Fundraising: The act of gathering money, resources, or other forms of support to fund a cause or charity. This can include events, donations, grants, and sponsorships.
Grant: A sum of money given by an organisation or government to fund specific projects or services. Grants are usually awarded to support non-profit activities or initiatives that align with the funder’s objectives.
Sponsorship: Financial support provided by an organisation, usually in exchange for publicity or brand exposure. Sponsorships are often used in fundraising events or charity campaigns.
Volunteer: An individual who offers their time and services without monetary compensation, typically to help with the operations of a non-profit or community organisation.
Volunteer Management: The processes and systems in place to recruit, train, engage, and retain volunteers. Effective volunteer management ensures volunteers have a positive experience and are used to their full potential.
In-Kind Donation: A contribution of goods, services, or resources rather than money. In-kind donations can include office space, equipment, or professional services such as legal advice or marketing.
Donor: An individual or organisation that gives money or resources to a charity or non-profit organisation. Donors may provide one-time or recurring donations, and they are crucial to sustaining many non-profit initiatives.
Philanthropy: The act of donating time, money, or resources to promote the welfare of others, typically in the form of charitable donations or other support for social causes.
Advocacy: The active support or promotion of a cause, policy, or group. Non-profits often engage in advocacy to influence public opinion, policy, or legislative decisions in favor of their mission.
Community Engagement: The process of involving individuals and communities in decision-making, planning, and activities that affect them. It is crucial for non-profits to engage with the community to ensure their efforts are relevant and impactful.
Impact Measurement: The process of assessing the outcomes and effectiveness of a charity or social enterprise’s work. Impact measurement helps organisations demonstrate their success and improve future activities.
Social Impact: The effect or change that an organisation's actions or services have on the community, environment, or society as a whole. Social impact is central to many third sector organisations’ missions.
Capacity Building: Activities aimed at developing the skills, abilities, and resources of individuals, groups, or organisations to improve their effectiveness and sustainability. Capacity building is a key element in the growth of non-profit organisations.
Stakeholders: Individuals, groups, or organisations that have an interest in or are affected by the activities of a non-profit or social enterprise. Stakeholders can include staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, donors, and community members.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A business model in which companies integrate social, environmental, and ethical considerations into their operations. Many third sector organisations collaborate with businesses through CSR programs to support social causes.
Due Diligence: The process of conducting a thorough investigation or audit of an organisation, project, or proposal before entering into an agreement or partnership. Due diligence ensures that resources are being used responsibly and effectively.
Beneficiary: An individual or group who receives benefits from a charitable or non-profit organisation’s services, programs, or initiatives. Beneficiaries are often the focus of a charity’s mission.
Public Benefit: The positive effect that a charity or non-profit organisation has on society. In the UK, charities must demonstrate that their work provides a public benefit in order to maintain their status as charitable organisations.
Registered Charity: A charity that has been officially registered with the Charity Commission in the UK. Registered charities must adhere to specific legal requirements and demonstrate that they operate for the public benefit.


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Community Meeting Jargon with Examples

Agenda: A list of topics or items to be discussed at a meeting. The agenda is usually circulated in advance to ensure participants are prepared. - Example: "The agenda for the Motherwell Locality Partnership meeting was emailed last week, listing community safety updates and funding proposals."
Apologies: A section at the start of the agenda where absences are noted, and apologies from attendees unable to participate are recorded. - Example: "Apologies were noted from Councillor Smith and the NHS Lanarkshire representative due to prior commitments."
Minutes: A written record of what was discussed and decided during a meeting. Minutes include key points, decisions, and any follow-up actions required. - Example: "The minutes recorded that the Wishaw group agreed to allocate £2,000 for a youth project."
Minutes of the Previous Meeting: A review and approval of the record from the last meeting to confirm accuracy and address any outstanding actions. - Example: "The minutes of the previous meeting were approved, with a note to follow up on the pothole repairs."
Matters Arising: A section to discuss updates or unresolved issues from the previous meeting’s minutes, distinct from new business. - Example: "Under Matters Arising, the Police Scotland update confirmed patrols increased as requested last month."
Standing Items: Recurring agenda topics, like regular updates or reviews, included each time. - Example: "Standing Items included the quarterly budget review and CVS collaboration progress."
Local Partner Updates: A section for reports or progress updates from local groups, organisations, or stakeholders collaborating with the group. - Example: "During Local Partner Updates, Scottish Fire and Rescue reported on recent fire safety workshops in Coatbridge."
Tabling: Introducing an item for discussion, or sometimes postponing it (UK usage: introducing). - Example: "Councillor Brown tabled a motion to fund a new community garden at the next meeting."
In Camera: Private session for sensitive discussions, excluding non-members. - Example: "The partnership moved in camera to discuss confidential staff funding allocations."
Motion: A formal proposal presented for discussion and a vote. - Example: "A motion was passed to request a council report on local flooding impacts."
Motion (NLC): In the context of a North Lanarkshire Council meeting, a formal proposal by a member for discussion, debate, and decision, driving action or policy. - Example: "Councillor Jones moved a Motion (NLC) to allocate £10,000 for a Wishaw youth initiative, seconded and approved."
Chairperson (Chair): The individual responsible for leading and facilitating the meeting, ensuring it stays on track and objectives are met. - Example: "The Chairperson called for order when the funding debate grew heated."
Date of Next Meeting: Confirmation of the next meeting’s time and place for planning purposes. - Example: "The Date of Next Meeting was set for June 15th at 6 PM in Bellshill Community Centre."
Any Other Competent Business (AOCB): A section for raising additional relevant topics not listed elsewhere on the agenda. - Example: "Under AOCB, a resident raised concerns about litter near the park."
Secretary: Manages correspondence, keeps records, prepares agendas and minutes, and ensures effective communication. - Example: "The Secretary circulated the draft minutes within a week of the meeting."
Treasurer: Oversees finances, manages budgets, tracks income and expenses, and provides financial reports. - Example: "The Treasurer reported a £3,000 surplus for the community fund."
Minute Taker: Records meeting discussions, decisions, and actions accurately for reference and follow-up. - Example: "The Minute Taker noted the vote outcome on the playground funding."
Facilitator: Guides discussion and activities, encouraging participation and managing conflict. - Example: "The Facilitator ensured all voices were heard during the housing discussion."
Quorum: The minimum number of people required for decisions to be valid. - Example: "With only four members present, the Quorum wasn’t met, so voting was postponed."
Action Items: Specific tasks assigned post-meeting for completion. - Example: "Action Items included Councillor Green contacting the roads team."
Stakeholder: Individuals or groups affected by or interested in meeting decisions (e.g., residents, CVS). - Example: "Stakeholders from the local CVS praised the new volunteer program."
Follow-Up: Checking progress on previous action items or decisions. - Example: "The Follow-Up confirmed the graffiti cleanup was completed."
Consensus: Agreement reached through collaborative discussion. - Example: "The group reached Consensus to support the health initiative."
Discussion Point: A specific topic listed for debate or address. - Example: "A Discussion Point was affordable housing options in Airdrie."
Proposal: A suggestion or plan for consideration or debate. - Example: "The Proposal to extend library hours was well-received."
Vote: Formal decision-making via show of hands or ballot. - Example: "A Vote passed the motion to fund a new bus shelter."
Action Plan: Detailed steps to achieve meeting objectives, with timelines and responsibilities. - Example: "The Action Plan outlined park upgrades by September."
Action Points: Specific tasks assigned during the meeting for follow-up. - Example: "Action Points included drafting a litter campaign by next month."
Report Back: Updates on assigned action items from previous meetings. - Example: "The Report Back confirmed the safety audit was underway."
Open Forum: Section for anyone to raise topics or questions. - Example: "In the Open Forum, residents asked about traffic calming measures."
Breakout Session: Smaller group discussions focusing on specific topics. - Example: "A Breakout Session tackled youth engagement strategies."
Moderator: Manages conversation flow, ensuring respect and focus. - Example: "The Moderator paused the debate to clarify funding rules."
Community Consultation: Gathering feedback from residents on proposals or issues. - Example: "Community Consultation shaped the new park design."
Feedback: Suggestions or opinions from participants to refine initiatives. - Example: "Feedback highlighted the need for more evening events."
Resolution: A formal decision or outcome recorded in the minutes. - Example: "The Resolution approved a £1,500 grant for a food bank."
Terms of Reference: Document outlining the scope and purpose of a meeting or committee. - Example: "The Terms of Reference defined the partnership’s role in funding decisions."
Community Engagement: Involving residents in discussions and decisions. - Example: "Community Engagement improved turnout at the Cumbernauld meeting."
Public Participation: Residents contributing directly to decision-making. - Example: "Public Participation led to a vote on library funding."
Networking: Building connections among attendees for collaboration. - Example: "Networking after the meeting linked CVS groups with council officers."
Venue: The location where the meeting is held, chosen for accessibility. - Example: "The Venue was changed to Coatbridge Hall for better access."
Action-Oriented Meeting: A meeting focused on concrete outcomes and decisions. - Example: "The Action-Oriented Meeting finalised the community clean-up schedule."


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Legal Language

Statutory Duty: A legal obligation imposed on an organisation or individual by law. For example, local authorities have a statutory duty to provide certain services, like social care or public health services.
Legislation: Laws or legal rules enacted by a governing body such as the Scottish Parliament or UK Parliament. Examples include the Equality Act 2010 or the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
Compliance: Adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and standards. Organisations like the NHS and Police Scotland must ensure compliance with laws governing data protection, health standards, or public safety.
Accountability: The requirement for an organisation or individual to answer for their actions or decisions, particularly when providing public services or handling public funds.
Due Diligence: The process of conducting a thorough investigation or audit of an organisation or individual before entering into an agreement. This ensures that decisions are made with full knowledge of the risks and legal implications.
Indemnity: A legal arrangement where an organisation or individual agrees to compensate or protect another party from financial loss or legal liability. This may apply to contracts within public services.
Duty of Care: The legal obligation to act in a way that does not cause harm to others. NHS staff, for example, have a duty of care to their patients to provide safe and appropriate medical treatment.
Liability: The legal responsibility for one's actions or omissions, especially if they cause harm or loss. In cases of negligence, an individual or organisation may be held liable for damages or compensation.
Fraud: Risk of financial deception or theft in the charity.
Confidentiality: The legal requirement to keep certain information private and secure, particularly personal or sensitive data. Organisations like NHS or Police Scotland have strict rules on confidentiality under data protection laws.
Safeguarding: The practice of protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children and adults at risk, from harm or abuse. This term is commonly used in relation to child protection and vulnerable adult services by the NLC and NHS.
Informed Consent: A legal principle requiring that individuals are fully informed about the implications and risks of a decision before they agree to it. This is essential in medical settings, particularly in NHS services.
Public Interest: A legal concept that considers the welfare or benefit of the public as a whole, often used when justifying actions taken by public services like the police, fire, and rescue, or local authorities.
Devolution: The process of delegating power from a central government to a local or regional government, such as the powers devolved to the Scottish Government under the Scotland Act 1998.
Judicial Review: A legal process in which a court reviews the legality of a decision or action taken by a public body, such as NLC or NHS. This ensures that decisions are lawful and fair.
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): A legally binding contract where one party agrees not to disclose certain information. This is commonly used by organisations like Police Scotland or NHS when handling confidential data or sensitive cases.
Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED): A requirement under the Equality Act 2010 for public bodies to actively promote equality and eliminate discrimination. This applies to organisations such as NLC, Police Scotland, and NHS.
Risk Assessment: The process of identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks that could potentially cause harm. Fire and Rescue services, as well as NHS and NLC, use risk assessments to protect public safety and wellbeing.
Equality Impact Assessment (EIA): A process used by public bodies to assess how their policies or practices may impact different groups, particularly regarding equality issues like race, gender, disability, and age.
Constitutional Framework: The system of laws and principles that governs the structure and operation of public organisations, including NLC, Police Scotland, NHS, and other public services. This framework ensures fairness and accountability in decision-making.
Appeals Process: The legal process by which a decision made by a public authority or organisation can be challenged and reviewed. This process is often available in cases involving public services such as social care decisions made by NLC or medical treatment by NHS.
Criminal Justice System: The network of institutions, including Police Scotland, courts, and the prison system, which work together to enforce the law and administer justice in criminal cases.
Licensing: A process where an individual or organisation obtains official permission to carry out certain activities. For example, the fire and rescue services are involved in the licensing of fire safety equipment and procedures within buildings.
Data Protection: The legal regulation of how personal and sensitive information is collected, stored, and used. Police Scotland, NHS, and other public bodies are governed by data protection laws such as the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
Community Policing: A strategy used by Police Scotland to build positive relationships between the police and the community they serve. The aim is to prevent crime through collaboration and understanding.
Statutory Consultation: A legal process where organisations, such as NLC or NHS, are required to seek public or stakeholder input on specific proposals, policies, or decisions before implementation.
Transparency: The legal and ethical obligation for public organisations to be open and clear about their actions, decisions, and the information they hold. This is essential for accountability in bodies like Police Scotland and NHS.
Health and Safety Compliance: The legal requirement for public services, such as Fire and Rescue and NHS, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of employees, service users, and the public through risk management and adherence to health and safety laws.


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Data Protection and GDPR

Data Protection: The legal framework that governs the collection, use, and storage of personal data.
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): A regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). Although the UK has left the EU, it has incorporated a UK version of the GDPR into UK law.
UK GDPR: The UK's version of the General Data Protection Regulation, which governs data protection in the United Kingdom.
Data Subject: An individual whose personal data is being processed.
Personal Data: Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person.
Data Controller: An organisation that determines the purposes and means of processing personal data.
Data Processor: An organisation that processes personal data on behalf of a data controller.
Data Breach: A security incident that leads to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data.
Consent: Freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous indication of the data subject's wishes by which they agree to processing of personal data.
Subject Access Request (SAR): A request from a data subject to access their personal data held by a data controller.
Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA): A process to help identify and minimise the data protection risks of a project.
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO): The UK's independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest.
Lawful Basis: The legal grounds for processing personal data, such as consent, contract, legal obligation, vital interests, public task, or legitimate interests.
Data Minimisation: The principle that personal data should be adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which they are processed.
Storage Limitation: The principle that personal data should be kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the personal data are processed.
Data Security: Measures taken to protect personal data from unauthorised access, use, or disclosure.
Right to Erasure (Right to be Forgotten): The right of a data subject to have their personal data erased.
Data Retention Policy: A document that outlines how long an organisation will keep personal data and when it will be deleted.
Data Processing: Any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means.


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Funding and Finance

Grant Funding: Financial assistance provided by a funder (e.g., government, trust, foundation) that does not need to be repaid.
Funding Application: A formal request for financial support from a funder, outlining the project and its budget.
Procurement: The process of acquiring goods or services, often through competitive bidding.
Commissioning: The process of planning, agreeing, and monitoring services that are delivered by another organisation.
Social Investment: Investments made into organisations with the intention of generating both a social and a financial return.
Financial Sustainability: The ability of an organisation to maintain its financial health and continue operating in the long term.
Audit: An independent examination of an organisation's financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Reserves: Funds set aside by an organisation to cover unexpected expenses, future needs, or emergencies.
Fundraising: Activities undertaken to raise money for an organisation or cause.
Income Generation: Activities that generate revenue for an organisation, such as selling goods or services.
Budget: A financial plan that outlines an organisation's expected income and expenses.
Business Continuity: A financial plan to maintain operations during disruptions.
Cash Flow: The movement of money into and out of an organisation.
Financial Reporting: The process of providing information about an organisation's financial performance.
Due Diligence: The process of investigating an organisation or project before making a financial commitment.
Match Funding: Funding that requires an organisation to raise a certain amount of money from other sources.
Restricted Funds: Funds that can only be used for a specific purpose.
Unrestricted Funds: Funds that can be used for any purpose by an organisation.
Capital Funding: Funding for major purchases, such as buildings or equipment.
Revenue Funding: Funding for day-to-day operating expenses.


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Internet

Browser: A programme (like Edge, Chrome or Firefox) used to visit websites on the internet.
URL: The address of a website (e.g., https://www.voluntaryactionnorthlanarkshire.org), typed into a browser to find it.
Search Engine: A tool (like Google) that helps you find information online by typing in words or questions.
Link: Clickable text or images that take you to another webpage or resource.
Email: A way to send and receive messages online using an address (e.g., name@example.com).
Download: Saving a file (like a PDF or photo) from the internet to your device.
Wi-Fi: A wireless connection that lets your device access the internet without cables.
Password: A secret word or phrase used to log into websites or accounts securely.
Online Safety: Protecting yourself on the internet by avoiding scams, using strong passwords, and not sharing personal details.


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Online Work

Topic: A discussion thread on Discourse where people post about a specific subject.
Post: A single message or reply within a topic on the Discourse forum.
Category: A section on Discourse that groups related topics (e.g., "Volunteering" or "Funding").
Subcategory: A smaller section within a category for more specific discussions.
Profile: Your personal page on Discourse showing your username, posts, and activity.
Like: A button to show appreciation for a post, helping highlight useful content.
Notification: An alert telling you about new replies, mentions, or updates on Discourse.
Tag: A keyword added to a topic to make it easier to find (e.g., #community).
Moderator: A user with extra permissions to manage posts, topics, and users on Discourse.


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E-Learning

E-Learning: Learning through online courses or resources, like those on LearnNL, instead of in a classroom.
Course: A set of lessons or modules on a topic, often with videos, quizzes, or readings.
Module: A single section of an e-learning course focusing on one idea or skill.
Login: Entering your username and password to access an e-learning platform.
Progress: A tracker showing how much of an e-learning course you’ve completed.
Quiz: A short test in an e-learning course to check your understanding.
Certificate: A digital or paper award given after finishing an e-learning course.
Webinar: A live online session where you can learn and ask questions in real-time.
Digital Badge: A visual reward earned for completing e-learning tasks, shareable online.


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Cyber Resilience

Cyber Resilience: The ability to protect yourself online and recover from digital threats like hacks or scams.
Phishing: A trick where someone pretends to be trustworthy (e.g., via email) to steal your personal information.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra step (like a code sent to your phone) to log in, making accounts safer.
Malware: Harmful software (like viruses) that can damage your device or steal data if downloaded.
Firewall: A security tool that blocks unwanted access to your device from the internet.
Data Breach: When someone steals or exposes private information, like passwords or addresses, from a website or system.
Encryption: Scrambling data so only authorised people can read it, keeping it safe online.
Spam: Unwanted emails or messages, often used to spread scams or malware.
Backup: Saving copies of your files (e.g., photos, documents) so you don’t lose them if something goes wrong.
Cyber Security: Protecting your devices, accounts, and information from online attacks or theft.