COMMITTEE members from Kendal’s Beck Community Centre were presented with their Hallmark One Quality Standard certificate at a village hall event run by ACTion with Communities in Cumbria (ACT).

The national Hallmark Quality Standards Scheme recognises good management and practice by village and community hall management committees, and can be used to demonstrate halls are run efficiently and are a real asset to their communities.

Helen Whittaker and Carole Arrowsmith received the award on behalf of Beck Community Centre, which was presented by ACT Development Officer, Fran Richardson, in front of an audience of village hall representatives from across the county.

On receiving the quality award Beck Community Centre chair Helen Whittaker said “We’re really pleased to have achieved Hallmark One. We were nervous before the assessment, but there was no need to be as the Hallmark visitors are also volunteers on village hall committees and were really helpful.

“The award reassures us that we’re doing things right and have good procedures in place for running the community centre. Now we’ve achieved Hallmark One for charity administration and management, we’re already considering going for Hallmark Two, which looks at health, safety, security and licences”

In Cumbria, the administration of Hallmark is overseen by the county’s community development organisation ACTion with Communities in Cumbria (ACT), and is supported by volunteer peer assessors.

ACT’s Fran Richardson said “I would like to congratulate the committee of Beck Community Centre on successfully achieving Hallmark One, for Charity Administration and Management. This recognises the effective processes and procedures that the committee have in place, and can give confidence to those using the facility that it is in good hands. I’m pleased this can be recognised by the Hallmark Quality Standards Scheme.

“Village and community halls with Hallmark can benefit from discounts offered by some insurance providers, with increased discounts for each level quality standard achieved. It can also be used to support funding applications for projects as evidence of the high standards of the committee members and the merit of the hall.”

Lorrainne Smyth, ACT Chief Executive said “Village and community halls are at the heart of community life and ACT is proud to support them here in Cumbria. We provide a wide range of specialist resources and training, including information on governance, working with people and volunteers, project planning and fundraising.

“ACT organises three free training events for village and community hall volunteers each year across Cumbria. These popular events offer an important opportunity for sharing knowledge, and discussing real concerns and practical solutions, in a supportive and friendly setting. The next event will be held in the north of the county in October.”