As stated in the LRU3A Constitution, one of our core objectives is to support and help u3as to be more effective and efficient. Our intention is to build up a collection of material highlighting good practice on particular subjects relevant to all our London Region u3as - shared learning. This webpage particularly hosts this collection of information.
Peer Groups: these exist for mutual support and sharing of good practice amongst members holding similar committee or other responsibilities. Such networks currently exist for Communicators, Groups Coordinators, IT/Webmasters, and Treasurers. For further information click here: PEER SUPPORT
Apart from these Peer Groups forming networks across the London Region there are national networks. You can find out more on this webpage: NETWORKS & OTHER GROUPINGS OF u3as
Shared Practice Guides (SPGs): These SPGs have been developed jointly by London u3as via discussions at Delegate Meetings, Peer Groups and other LRU3A activities. These will be in addition to, rather than replacing, any u3a national advice provided through the national website.
The SPGs created to date are as listed below. We hope you will use them, share them, and contribute to building on the subject and with any updates required.
- SPG001-Cloud Storage revised & updated
- SPG002-Volunteering see also material from recent workshop: Recruiting and Valuing Volunteers
- SPG003-Website Software Programs
- SPG004-Communications
- SPG005-Beacon Tutorial for Coordinators
- SPG006-Induction of New Members
- SPG007-Induction of Trustees
- SPG008-Online Meetings Software
- SPG009-Zoom Guide for Hosts
- SPG010-Zoom Guide for Participants
- SPG011-Copyright Matters
- SPG012-Forming a Peer Group and now the national links: Peer Support Guidance
- SPG013-Hybrid Meetings
- SPG014-GDPR Audit
- SPG015-Converting PowerPoint to Video
- SPG016-Using Mailchimp
- SPG017-Online Forms
- SPG018-Bank Card Readers
- SPG019-Use of Alias email Addresses
- SPG020-Recruiting Committee Members
- SPG021-Managing Full Groups
- SPG022-Corporation Tax Exemption
While not SPGs, the following documents might be of interest also:
Risk Management is a requirement for all charities. u3as should be conducting 'Risk Assessments' (RA) for many of their activities. There are sample risk assessment templates on the national website under the Suport & Advice section: Risk Assessment.
For Support guidance on another topic: 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' can be found on th national websire here: EDI
For your accounts, while we recommend of the Finance module in Beacon, if you just want to use Excel then we have developed a standard workbook template. You can adapt this to your specific needs: Accounts Template. Also there is a national Guide on Banking issues, for info: Banking Guide
Publicity: for tips for your volunters at open days or stalls, have a look at this. Have you got an equivalent for your u3a? Publicity Promotion. There are many documents on the national website for Recruitment and Retention of members but to help you grow your u3a's membership have a look at this simple guide: Recruitment.
Travel and Outings: general guidance notes to be considered if your u3a is orgsanising travel events or outings: Outings Guidance
SiteWorks: now that the migration from Sitebuilder to SiteWorks is complete the purpose of this section is just to provide a link to SiteWorks own website where you can find the Guides and also the help ticket system: SW Development Website
For Committees: to review overal status of their u3a: Health Check WORD or Health Check EXCEL.
If you are considering ways to grow (or sustain) your membership level then this document on Growth might provide some ideas: Growth Matters
For Treasurers: Finance Presentation and the Trust's Sample Finance Policy template can be downloaded from Advice for u3as (then select Finance from the listing on the right handside).
For a summary of u3a Trustee responsibilities please look here: Trustee Jigsaw
For information on how to use the brand see: Brand Guidelines
For a good summary and guide on GDPR see the Trust's YouTube Know about GDPR. See also the SPG developed above.
Have you got Role Descriptions in place for all your main positions, Committee roles and others? If not the following listing might give you some 'go-bys' to set up your own: Role Description Register
Have you ever wondered how effective your webiste is? Does your u3a use social media and is this working for you? This guide might help you answer these questions: Measuring.
LRU3A has a Zoom Pro account with the add-on for Large Participants meetings. This is available for London Region u3as. If your u3a wants to book a slot please email our Communications Coordinator (details on our CONTACTS page).
If you need further help, please contact your IT/Webmaster.
For information about various computer 'stuff' a good site created by Bishop Auckland u3a can be seen here: Computer Guides or Exmouth have loads of advice aswell: Exmouth u3a IT Help
The national u3a website also has other useful templates and guidance. These can be viewed under the Support for u3as tab.
Apart from commenting on any the above documents, if there are any other particular subjects you would like to suggest for creation of a SPG, please drop the Webeditor an email, via our CONTACT web page. Thanks.