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Organisations that can offer specialist skills and technical support to voluntary and community groups.

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Bar Pro Bono Unit
www.barprobono.org.uk
The Unit was established by Lord Goldsmith QC, the Unit’s President, in May 1996 to provide pro bono – free – legal advice and representation in deserving cases where public funding (Legal Aid) is not available or where the applicant is unable to afford legal assistance.

Business in the Community
www.bitc.org.uk
A unique movement of over 700 of the UK’s top companies committed to improving their positive impact on society.

Cranfield Trust
www.cranfieldtrust.org
The Cranfield Trust is a nationally respected charity providing free management consultancy for charities and social enterprise groups. Highly skilled managers from the commercial sector act as Trust volunteers throughout the country. Volunteers donate their time and expertise to support the voluntary sector, providing advice and mentoring on a wide range of issues.

Digbeth Trust Professional & Technical Aid Service
www.digbethtrust.org.uk/ptas
PTAS is a service to voluntary and community organisations offering professional and technical support when it is needed. We put VCOs in touch with consultants from the Digbeth Trust list of consultants whose expertise, skills and experience match those required. We can also signpost to other types of support.

LawWorks
www.lawworks.org.uk
LawWorks is the operating name of the Solicitors Pro Bono Group (SPBG) – an independent charity with a mission to support, promote and encourage a commitment to pro bono across the solicitors’ profession.

Planning Aid
www.planningaid.rtpi.org.uk
Planning Aid provides free, independent and professional help, advice and support on planning issues to people and communities who cannot afford to hire a planning consultant. Planning Aid complements the work of local authorities but is wholly independent of them.

Professionals4free
www.professionals4free.org.uk
Professionals4free is a website which puts voluntary and community organisations in need of professional help in touch with providers of free or subsidised professional services.

Royal Chartered Surveyors Volunteer Scheme
www.rics.org
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – RICS – is one of the most respected and high profile global ‘standards and membership’ organisations for professionals involved in land, property, construction and environmental issues.

The Association of Midlands Mediators
www.ammediators.co.uk
The Association was formed in 2000 to foster the growth of civil and commercial Mediation in the Midlands Region and to maintain and monitor high standards of training and practice by its Members. All of its Mediators (both lawyer and non-lawyer) are accredited by Law Society approved training bodies and are required to undertake continuing professional development.