New Groups: Your Website Page
Every interest group has its own dedicated website page which gives details of where and when it meets, with a description of the group's activities and how to contact the group convenor.
Once your group is up and running please contact our Webmaster providing as much detail as possible including when the group meets, your aims and activities and the contact information for the group convenor.
To find out more information on how to request an update to your group website page visit: Group Website Pages
Please then send this information to the Webmaster. The Webmaster will then update the information on your group website page.
Keeping your group website page up to date
We’d love to help you keep your group’s website page fresh and inviting. If you have any meeting dates, event news, or photographs to share, just get in touch with our Webmaster who will be pleased to make the necessary changes to your group's website page.
For more information on how to request a group website page update, visit: Group Website Pages
Become a Website Group Author
Applying to become an Author
If you would like to be able to edit or add information on your group's website page yourself or a designated group member, contact the Webmaster who will be happy to set up appropriate access and offer any training you need. You can then make changes by adding details of your group's meetings, activities, events and photographs.
If you need help before making any decisions, just contact the Webmaster.
Data Protection and Privacy Policies
We provide you with guidance on complying with our policies and government regulations, Click the link which takes you to our documents page where you can view our Data Protection and Privacy Policies.
Copyright and Media Licences
Awareness of copyright laws is essential, so it is important to check and ensure copyright compliance. Click the link which takes you to our documents page where you can view our CLA copyright licence certificate.
Copying and re-using digital and printed material
A Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) licence allows the copying and re-use of extracts from digital and print books, magazines, journals and websites for educational and teaching purposes. There are however strict controls on what you are allowed to copy and use. The best option is to use original material such as photographs for your website pages that group members have taken themselves.
Here is a link to the national u3a website page where you can download their document on copyright and licences. It outlines how to legally use materials, unfortunately it is a somewhat complex subject.
Some basic guidance on publishing documents, images and photographs or other media on a group website page can be found on the Group Website Pages, click on the link to find more information:
Accessibility for Disabled Members
Convenors should aim to take reasonable steps to provide members with disabilities, access to group meetings. All members of your group, including those with a disability, should be able to participate and enjoy group activities.
Access to venues varies and we generally have no control over a venue’s physical building, and it may not be possible to fulfil all requirements at each venue. Considerations include; adequate car parking, easy building access in particular for those with wheelchairs or mobility scooters and accessible toilets.
It is acknowledged that group meetings held in venues such as public buildings and members’ homes may not always be fully accessible for someone with a disability, although Convenors need to consider how they may help to enable those with a disability to participate in group activities.
Support for Convenors
As a Convenor should you need some help or advice on any aspect of running your group your direct support is provided by the Interest Groups Coordinator who is always available to give assistance when needed and is also a link to providing useful feedback to the Executive Committee.
If you need any help or advice, contact the Interest Groups Co-ordinator
Beacon Administration System
Beacon is the u3a Membership Management System where members records are securely stored and is also used to communicate with our membership. The system also provides an optional facility to manage our u3a Finances.
As a group convenor you have the option of using Beacon by which you can send out group mailings securely, monitor and update your group members information.
If you are interested in knowing more about using Beacon, then contact our Beacon Administrator who can provide you with access that is specific to your group and any training you may need.