The ACRE Hallmark resource

The ACRE Hallmark is a wonderful resource to help Village Halls and community spaces to ensure that they are managing well. It covers all aspects of keeping a community space running, from first aid kits to AGMs.

Included here you will find ACRE information sheets, links to key websites, leaflets, templates and videos explaining the different topics. They are organised in the different sections from the Hallmark checklists and there is a note at the beginning of each section saying what is covered.

All of these resources, worth more than £500, are completely free for organisations holding DCA's community space membership. They will remain free until March 2026. The cost of the assessments is free until March 2025 and will be discounted after this (see below).

If you would like further information of would like to ask any questions, please contact Caro Hart at [email protected]

Included in this resource

You will need to sign up using the blue button above to access these resources

    1. Hallmark 1 checklist

    2. Hallmark 2 Checklist

    3. Introduction to Hallmark

    1. NOTES: Committee

    2. ACRE model CIO constitution (2021)

    3. Applying to become a CIO

    4. The basics of meetings

    5. Charity Commission guidance: Why some individuals can't act as charity trustees

    6. Charity eligability declaration

    1. The essential trustee

    2. The Essential Trustee - CC3

    3. ACRE information sheet: Trustee roles and responsibilities

    4. Conversation with...roles and responsibilities of trustees

    5. Managing organisational risk

    6. Risk assessment template - with common risks

    1. NOTES: Annual general meeting

    2. AGMs and when to have them

    3. Writing your annual report

    4. Charity Commission guidance: Prepare a trustees' annual report

    1. NOTES: Accounts

    2. Choosing an auditor

    3. Ensuring your financial systems are effective

    4. ACRE information sheet: Accounting and Village Halls

    5. Financial reporting to trustee boards

    1. NOTES: Hiring

    2. ACRE model hire agreement

    3. ACRE information sheet: Service in Village Halls

About this course

  • Free
  • 70 lessons
  • 4 hours of video content

Hallmark assessments

Hallmark assessments will be FREE until 31st March 2025 assessment (visits in or around week commencing 17th March 2025). After that date, as part of your membership the assessments will be charged at 50% of the total cost:

  • Hallmark 1, support, visit, assessment & action plan £100 + VAT

  • Hallmark 2, support, visit assessment & action plan, including critiquing policies £125 + VAT

  • Hallmark 1 & 2 together, support, visit, assessments & action plans, including critiquing policies £200 + VAT

  • Hallmark 3, support, visit assessment & action plan, including critiquing policies and operational plans £100 + VAT

  • Hallmarks 1 & 2 followed by Hallmark 3, support, two visits, assessments & etc £275 + VAT

Other resources

Charging policy

DCA is committed to producing as much affordable training as we can.  While some of the courses are charged-for, we offer subscription options to ensure that they are affordable (as above).  Our courses still remain some of the best value in the industry.

We will offer money-off  vouchers and special offers every month, so do look out for Academy news and promotions in our e-newsletters and at networking events.  Sponsored courses will be free of charge. 

You will receive a receipt upon purchasing this course, so don't forget to claim the course fee back from your organisation if you are able to do so. 

We are a registered charity and our number is 1060910. You can donate towards our work here. Your support is appreciated.