CVS is a local development agency which exists to develop, deliver, support and promote voluntary action and charitable activity. we provide a range of support services to groups such as training, information, advice, payroll and office functions including access to sources of funding and constitutional advice; • we, through contact with individuals and groups, identify gaps in the provision of services and develop initiatives to meet those needs; • we bring together voluntary, community and faith organisations to discuss issues of common concern. This helps to avoid duplication of effort and helps to ensure that groups work together; • we help to disseminate information about statutory service provision and development; • we represent the views of the voluntary sector on many statutory led committees; • we are engaged in strategic partnership activity.