An attentive audience at SVP HQ on 8th June 2007 click to enlarge     First guest speaker was Mark McCarney from NICVA who took us through the intricacies of the new Charity Commission Legislation and how essential it would be for our shops to be fully compliant with all new laws and SVP policy. Areas covered included Financial Accountability, Equal Opportunities, Disability Discrimination and Health & Safety.     Raymonde McDaid from our Strabane shop then gave a very interesting talk on some of the innovative projects he has introduced to maximise his shop's potential click to enlarge One such project has been the idea of offering all surplus items to cross-border customers at €1 euro per item from a nearby warehouse. Other projects include a formal and fancy dress hire service and a service for catering for wakes and funeral parties. Morag Chambers (northern shops co-ordinator), then gave a demonstration of the new online 'Forum' as a tool to help managers and staff share ideas and best practices, and to simplify the work involved in complying with procedures. Through the Forum, documents relating to all the latest legislative requirements, recruitment procedures, health and safety directives and much more, can be accessed and downloaded. Staff can communicate with other shops 24/7 and have their own private email area too. Recent additions to the Forum include a "Swap-Shop" and "Antiques Corner" where shops are encouraged to showcase any unusual or surplus items. All shops have been issued with protected and secured confidential usernames and passwords and access is strictly administered by two moderators. The Forum can be accessed from any computer whether in a shop or via a home PC - 24/7... click here for more....

On Friday 8th June 2007 representatives from SVP shops across the northern region met for a day of information and ideas in Belfast.   The theme of the day was to look at ways of improving and moving forward with our chain of 30 'Vincent's' clothing boutiques to ensure we stay abreast of changes.....   Legislative Demands Quality Standards Increasing Public Awareness Ensuring Accountability Attracting Volunteers Online Forum Innovative Services   SVP Regional President Larry McArdle welcomed everyone to the seminar.       After lunch Dermot McGilloway, (director of retail services in our Dublin region), gave a fascinating talk on the development of the 26 Dublin shops over the last 5 years. click to enlarge He has introduced innovative changes including a common quality framework that has transformed the standard and appearance our shops.     Before and After     During the afternoon, those present were asked to to vote for their favourite entry from the eight northern shops that entered the National Easter Window Display Competition. Morag Chambers presents the prize of a triple chocolate cake to members of the winning Portadown shop. click to enlarge