CAVOS

Supporting Voluntary and Community Action

About Us


CAVOS was established in 2000 as the Council For Voluntary Services for the Borough of Sedgefield. At this time the organisation was an unincorporated charity with a management committee of volunteer trustees. In 2003, the organisation became an incorporated Company Limited by Guarantee with charitable aims, the management committee then became a Board of Director Trustees.

The organisation started off based in Cornforth House in West Cornforth and in 2003 moved to an office unit on the Newton Aycliffe Industrial Park. The organisation again moved to shop front accessible premises on Festival Walk, Spennymoor in April 2005.

The move to Festival Walk allowed us to work in partnership with a wide range of organisations all of which complement the work of CAVOS. In addition to this the accessibility and shop front of the premises allows for a drop-in facility.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we were forced to move once again in October 2007 and in a rush to find premises within Spennymoor town area, we moved into 20 High Street across the road from Festival Walk.

This is a first and second floor property with no disabled access. However, we have made it our base and can offer all of our services outreach if necessary.

PLEASE NOTE: CAVOS will be changing shortly. Further details are included in our final newsletter available on the Online Resources page.

Our Mission


“To support, develop and be representative of the voluntary and community sector groups and organisations that engage with CAVOS”

Aim to achieve the mission:

The mission will be achieved by delivering the core functions of a CVS, to develop the capacity of the voluntary and community sector to engage in effective regeneration, partnership working, and sustainable development.

Our members

CAVOS provides help, support and advice to community and voluntary groups, agencies and organisations in Sedgefield Borough. Membership of CAVOS is free and open to all community and voluntary sector groups and agencies working in Sedgefield Borough.

What does CAVOS do?

CAVOS provides a range of services and support to community and voluntary organisations within the Borough to help them manage and develop their activities. The services and support provided by CAVOS are identified by community and voluntary organisations and will change to meet the needs identified at the time.

CAVOS Strategic Objectives


Strategic Objective 1

Develop CAVOS as a strategic infrastructure organisation with the capacity and sustainability to effectively deliver its services and respond to the needs of stakeholders.

Strategic Objective 2

To deliver support to the voluntary and community sector to build capacity and facilitate community engagement and development.

Strategic Objective 3

To develop sound relationships with a wide range of partners to improve and sustain ‘CAVOS’ service provision.

Strategic Objective 4

To promote and to develop the capacity of individuals, groups and organisations to participate effectively in voluntary action and active citizenship.