Groups Liaison Service
GLS (Groups Liaison Service) support and promote established activity groups and assist members to start new groups. We are always pleased to hear from members or group leaders who have questions, comments or suggestions about groups. We are Hilary and Josie and can be contacted via email on the Contacts page or by leaving a voicemail on 01582 803923
If you want to know more about groups and would like to see a list of our current activity groups use the button below.
Important Information for Group Leaders
We suggest that Group Leaders and anyone involved in running a group visit this page regularly as GLS will use it to keep you updated about important information for your group. To begin you may wish to read the summary of essential information in this document link: ESSENTIAL INFORMATION for group leaders larger print
You will also find lots of useful information on the Policy Documents page including a full copy of the current Group Leaders Handbook. If you cannot find an answer to your questions or you need more help or advice then please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are here to help.
RISK ASSESSMENTS: The Third Age Trust Insurance Company make it a legal requirement that all Group Leaders carry out regular risk assessments for their groups and refer to them on a regular basis to ensure they are up-to-date. These risk assessments must be kept safely by Group Leaders for a minimum of 3 years in case of a claim. Should leadership of your group change, then you must transfer assessments to the new leader. GLS has devised 5 different risk assessment checklists ( depending on the nature of your group) and you can access them from the Policy Documents page. We thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you require any assistance in completing the assessments GLS will be happy to advise you.
Members are responsible for ensuring they do not participate in activities which would be detrimental to their health or well being but Leaders should carry out a risk assessment and must inform all members of the group of any hazards from the activity. All accidents, however minor and irrespective of whether specialist assistance was required, should be reported within 3 days. using this Accident Report Form Two copies of the accident form should be completed: one for the u3a Luton secretary, who keeps an accident report book, and one for the Group's own records.
How can GLS help to promote your group?
Information Boards: If you wish to advertise your group vacancies on the monthly meeting notice boards, please email your details to gls@u3a-luton.org.uk (or use the Contact Us button above). Alternatively, see us at the GLS table on a monthly meeting day. We can also mention your group in the notices given at the end of the meeting.
Tell us more about your group We would like to include short articles in future 'In Touch' newsletters to give a bigger picture of what goes on in our interest groups. You are invited to submit articles of no more than 250 words on your group to the Editor Chris at: intouch@u3a-luton.org.uk or using the Contact Us button below.
A table at the monthly meetings If you would like to promote your group at the monthly meetings we can provide you with a table to set up your information. Please let GLS know if you would like to do this.
Volunteers -STARs If you feel you would like to get more involved in your U3A Luton, there are tasks you can volunteer to help with. Please do come forward. It doesn't matter how much time you have, a small or large amount of time is very welcomed and rewarding. If you are interested contact GLS. We have created a group called STARs. (Small Tasks as Required.) and would be happy to add you to the list.
Illness and Bereavement Cards Did you know that we have a volunteer who will send out cards to any member of U3A Luton who is ill or bereaved? If you know of any member who is in this position, please email; cards@u3a-luton.org.uk
Groups Treasurer Coordinator
Margaret P is Groups Treasurer Coordinator. Group Leaders /Treasurers can send their quarterly returns using the groups treasurer email groupstreasurer@u3a-luton.org.uk or send it in the post to Margaret. You will need to contact GLS for her address if you wish to send via royal mail. Please remember you need to submit a NIL return each quarter if your group does not hold or generate any funds. It would also be useful for Margaret if you would confirm who in your group is responsible for looking after the finances if it is not the published Group Leader or Contact. Thank you.
Those leaders /treasurers who have had Beacon training can also use the 'Ledger' facility to record the group finances and send Margaret a 'screen shot' each quarter. Group leaders have a standard expenses form in their Group Leaders Handbook. If you have any problems please contact Groups Liaison Service on the contact button above.