Community buildings are a vital part of rural and village life but can present many challenges.

As the Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) Village Hall Adviser for community buildings in rural North, South and West Yorkshire, we provide practical guidance and rural advocacy to trustees, employees and management committees of rural community buildings. You can access support on a range of areas including: good governance; safeguarding; finance and funding; policies and procedures and operational good practice. If you would like any of these, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to provide further details.

ACRE has developed an Information Sheet around Safeguarding in Village Halls, which includes practical guidance and a ready‑to‑use combined safeguarding policy. This resource is available exclusively to ACRE members. If you would like a copy, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to provide further details.

Our resources below will help you explore safeguarding, how to make your building greener and much more.

Have a question or can’t find what you are looking for? Contact us on info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk or call 01904 704177.

Safeguarding support for community buildings and village halls

We’ve put together a range of helpful resources to make safeguarding simple and effective in your hall.

Policy templates:
Use our separate templates for children and adults at risk if your hall runs activities specifically for these groups.

If not, a combined safeguarding policy will cover everything you need.

ACRE resources for members.

Community First Yorkshire members can access ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) resources for village halls and community buildings by contacting us on info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.

Not yet a Community First Yorkshire member? Sign up on our website.

If you have any questions, email info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.

Energy efficiency resources.

Want to make your hall more energy-efficient and greener? Find out more in our FAQ Green Energy Community Buildings factsheet about green technologies.

Listen to Community First Yorkshire’s podcasts about Green Communities.

We’re working with Utility Aid to help you manage and save on your community venue’s energy bills. Click here to find out more about this service.

Nicky Ruddick, our Development Officer at Community First Yorkshire shares her top tips on completing community surveys.