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If you are reading this guide, the chances are your group is already in touch with BTCV. To get the most out of BTCV, you need to know a bit about how the organisation works, and what we offer to groups in our membership scheme.

BTCV is a democratic organisation, run by an elected board of trustees (volunteers), with both a staff and volunteer structure. BTCV exists to support people like you who give their time and commitment to protecting and improving the environment through practical action.

Staff structure

BTCV has a network of offices throughout the UK, which are run by county staff, and provide support to local groups. BTCV has paid staff in some areas whose role it is to help your group become established and support you in your community work. Job titles vary from region to region but may include project officer or community project officer. Unpaid 'Volunteer Officers' also play a vital role in supporting the activities of groups at a local level, and in supporting staff.

BTCV's office in Doncaster provides central support for our county staff. The Community Unit, which provides the service to Associated groups in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, is based in Doncaster. Community 'CLAN' groups in Scotland, are supported by the Stirling office.

Group membership

BTCV provides a comprehensive package for community and conservation groups.

Many types of groups join our Association scheme, for example - Millennium Greens, In Bloom groups, Tenants and Residents Groups, Footpath maintenance, Rivercare and Coastcare, Friends of the Parks/Cemetery and School or Youth Groups. An outline of the sorts of services we offer is given below.

Centrally provided services include:

• This guide
• Practical Conservation  - How & Why, containing leaflets about the safe use of tools, basic safety, and a range of 'how to' and 'why' leaflets about conservation projects.
• The Conserver - BTCV's magazine for all volunteers, staff and supporters
• BTCV Training - BTCV's national training course list. Group members receive a discount on course fees. They can also request tailor made courses from local offices.
• Grants and awards factsheet - giving information on grants which may be suitable for groups, including information on how to apply.
• Use of the BTCV logo - this may be useful for publicity or fundraising.
• Information on BTCV Conservation holidays, both national and international.
• BTCV Enterprises' goods - Associated Groups are entitled to a discount of 7% on orders over £100.
• Access to insurance - Public Liability & Personal Accident, Employers Liability and Tools storage insurance.
• Your groups' details can be put on the BTCV website, under the find a group facility; this will enable interested parties to contact you.

Locally provided services might typically include the following, but vary from place to place as different offices work under different funding regimes, and the staff in those offices have different skills:

• Information on projects, events, activities and suppliers in your area - often in the form of a newsletter
• Opportunities for getting involved locally in national campaigns
• Advice on conservation-related matters and issues
• The loan of tools and equipment
• Running specific training courses to suit your needs
• Giving talks to your group, advising on issues such as constitution, publicity and recruiting volunteers, fundraising.. Health and safety.
• Leadership or support on projects.

Some of these services will be covered by the standard membership fee, and there will be an additional charge for others. Local funding means some may not be available in your area, and in other places we may be able to do more. Most of the staff are pretty friendly so just ask; often if we can't help we may know someone else in your local area who can. For more detailed information please contact the Community Unit or your local office. Details of your local office can be found in your welcome pack or through the BTCV website www.btcv.org, or by calling BTCV Customer Services on 01302 572244.

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