Frequently Asked Questions

The Basics

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• What is a talking newspaper?

  It's a free service of local news recorded onto audio format such as cassette tapes, CDs or USB memory sticks.  The service is primarily aimed at blind and visually impaired listeners, but it is often extended to the physically handicapped and others who find reading a strain.

• How does it work?

  Recordings are sent to listeners in a special plastic wallet.  This is delivered by free post under an 'ARTICLES FOR THE BLIND' label.

• How much will it cost to set up a talking newspaper?

  Setting up costs will vary, but many TNs start in a modest way.

• How can we find out who wants our service?

  Your local Social Services Department will hold a Register for the Blind and Partially Sighted and, although the information is confidential, they may forward letters for you.  Your Local Society for the Blind often have support desks at eye clinics and will often be the first to speak to patients newly diagnosed with sight problems.  There are also many other ways of contacting potential listeners.

• Which area can we cover?

  This will usually coincide with the area of circulation of the local paper from which you take your news.

• Where can we make our recordings?

  It's certainly worthwhile to try to secure good accommodation from the start, but there's no need to spend precious funds if you don't need to - most TNs start in very humble surroundings.

Technical

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• Will we have to buy lots of equipment?

  Many TNs start in a small way.  You may even be able to borrow equipment from an established, nearby TN or perhaps from a school or college.  Once you start raising funds you will be able to consider which equipment you would like to buy.

• Where can we buy equipment?

  There are a number of suppliers who have worked closely with talking newspaper groups for a number of years.  You'll find their details here Where to find the equipment you need

Legal

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• Do we need rules and regulations?

  You can write a simple Constitution and the Charity Commission have models you can adapt.  You will need a Constitution before becoming a registered charity.  There is more information here about registering a small charity including links to the Charity Commission websites for England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland where you will find model constitutions.

• Should we register as a Charity?

  Some charities with income below £5,000 don't need to register (but all charities must abide by charity law).  Those whose income is above £5,000 must register.  It's easy.  Go to www.charitycommission.gov.uk for more information regarding charities in England and Wales, www.oscr.org.uk for information regarding charities in Scotland and www.charitycommissionni.org.uk if your charity will operate in Northern Ireland.

• What do we do about Insurance?

  An insurance scheme is provided for TNF members and is administered by an independent broker.  Cover is provided for equipment and public liability.  A separate policy covers professional liability that includes libel.  Cover for copyright infringement can also be provided.  More here ....Fact Sheet Insurance for Talking Newspapers

• Do we need to obtain CRB Checks?

  CRB checks for TN volunteers are not mandatory.  However, if your volunteers regularly visit listeners in their own homes it may be advisable to have these checks done to safeguard your volunteers and listeners.  www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk

• Can we use FREEPOST?

  It is a requirement of the law that Royal Mail treats articles for the blind as first class post delivered free of charge. There are, of course, rules to ensure that this is not abused. Basic information only can be found at www.RoyalMail.com  and searching for Articles for the Blind.

  The full rules can be found at http://www.royalmail.com/you-home/your-community/articles-blind/faqs

  TNF recommends that care be taken to ensure that address labels used in delivery pouches are clear and that post-codes are properly displayed. By doing this the likelihood of next day delivery will be greatly improved.

   

• Do I need permission to record the news stories from the local paper?

  Talk to the editor of your local newspapers and get permission to record material from the paper.  You never know – you may be able to get some free copies sent to you!  Fact Sheet Copyright Text

• Need we worry about the Data Protection Act?

  Yes.  You will be holding information about your listeners that must be treated in confidence and not be divulged to a third party. The Act protects the rights of individuals whose personal data is held.  www.ico.gov.uk

• Can we charge for making recordings for an outside organisation?

  Oh yes – and it’s a good way of fundraising.  You can charge for recording special newsletters, information leaflets, magazines or any information which needs to be put into audio format for blind and partially sighted people that might be requested by a third party.  This work falls under the heading of Primary Purpose Trading , but there are limits to how much you can earn.  For detailed information, go to
  http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/Publications/cc35.aspx for England and Wales, www.oscr.gov.uk for Scotland and www.charitycommissionni.org.uk for Northern Ireland.

• Is Health & Safety important?

  Yes it is.  You must make sure that you comply with current legislation.  You must apply the same health and safety standards to your volunteers as you would with employees.  For detailed information, go to http://www.hse.gov.uk/

  TNF has a Health & Safety Manual that local TNs can use.  Members can access it here:  TNF Health & Safety Manual

• How does Gift Aid help charities?

  Gift Aid is a way for charities to increase the value of monetary gifts from UK taxpayers by claiming back the tax.

  Your charity must be registered by HMRC as a charity for tax purposes.  This is quite separate from registering with the Charity Commission, but it's easy to do.

  The HMRC website gives clear instructions www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities/gift_aid/basics or you can call them on 0845 302 0203.

• What about the music copyright laws?

  Music copyright laws have changed.   If you want to use music in your recordings you should be aware that the rules prevent random use of music.  TNs must avoid breaching the laws of copyright.  You can read more information here: Music Copyright or even compose your own music Music submissions