11th June 2010
VCS Assembly News Update (Issue 45)In this issue:
1. News
2. Dates for Your Diary
3. Funding News
4. Consultations
5. Compact
6. Tender Opportunity
7. Important Reminders
1. NEWS
VCS Assembly Coordinator
Elaine Griffiths has very recently taken on the role of part time VCS Assembly Co-ordinator. Elaine and I will work together to support all VCS Assembly members as best we can. Many of you will know Elaine already due to the number of roles she currently holds in Shropshire including working with the Children's Summit and Homestart, North Shropshire. On behalf of everyone can I wish Elaine the very warmest of welcomes to her new role!
VCS Annual Assembly - Don't forget to book your place!
The Annual Assembly will take place on the 30th June. An invitation and copy of the draft Terms of Reference are attached. Speakers will include Kim Ryley, Chief Executive of Shropshire Council and Ben Kernighan, Deputy Chief Executive, National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). To book your place telephone or email Donna Ball on 01743 252767 and donna.ball@shropshire.gov.uk.
VCS Annual Assembly Invite 2010 (118.82KB)
VCSA Terms of Reference June 2009 (110.44KB)
Vote for a local project!
Day care and respite breaks are offered at Hampton Hayes Farm in Worthen. The project aims to improve lives through companionship and outdoor activities, whilst offering support for carers. The project is entered into the Barclay's 'Take One More Step' initiative. Projects request votes and the most votes could win £50,000. To support Hampton Hayes visit the link below or text DRAGON to 87222.
https://www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk/Entry/View/1910
Charity Commission Updates Guidance (from VolResource)
Four sets of financial guidance for charities in England and Wales, and their advisers, have been updated by the Charity Commission. The guides are:
- Charities and Risk Management (CC26), updated to include current thinking in models for assessing risk.
- Financial Difficulties and Insolvency (CC12), updated but no new policy.
- Charities and reserves (CC19), new format with additional guidance for trustees.
- Internal Financial Controls (CC8), complete revision including new developments such as electronic banking arrangements.
Copies of the guidance as pdfs can be found online via the news item at: http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/RSS/News/pr_financial_guidance.aspx
Tackling barriers to volunteering
The Commission for the Compact has published 'The Costs, Barriers and Benefits of Involving Volunteers from Under-Represented Groups', which says that cost is not the principal barrier for organisations wishing to engage such volunteers. The groups covered in the research include disabled people, refugees and asylum seekers, and single parents, with barriers such as the availability of CRB checks, language or access. Twelve case studies give examples of good
practice of how to involve volunteers from these groups. Commission news item, or download the report direct (pdf, 853KB).
http://www.thecompact.org.uk/files/141211/FileName/CompactVURGReport2010Final.pdf
Promoting and helping volunteer management
Volunteering England has a new "signposting tool for people managing volunteers", helping them to find a range of resources, the Volunteer Management Portal at: http://www.volunteering.org.uk/vmportal
Volunteering England has also launched a 'Value Volunteer Management' campaign to increase awareness of the value and importance of investing in volunteer management, http://www.volunteering.org.uk/valuevolunteermanagement
Award Schemes Promoted by VolResource
A new award aims to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals or groups who work with children and families. The Marsh Award for Outstanding Achievement in Work with Children and Families is from children's charity Barnardo's and the Marsh Christian Trust, and nominations close 31st July.
http://www.barnardos.org.uk/news_and_events/marsh_trust_award.htm
The new Epic awards run by Voluntary Arts England are for voluntary and amateur art and craft groups (in England), who can nominate themselves under four categories: engagement, partnerships, innovation and creativity. The award provides a package of benefits including training, equipment and publicity. Entries by 10th September: http://www.epicawards.co.uk
This year's Guardian Charity Awards are now open, to showcase excellence and achievement among small and medium-sized social welfare charities. Nominations required by 16th July, http://www.guardian.co.uk/charity-awards
Getting serious about demonstrating their impact
Authors from New Philanthropy Capital argue that charities and social enterprises have an important role to play in building a Big Society, although two things stand in the way: an inability to provide evidence of their impact and the challenge of identifying proven, cost-effective approaches and organisations that can be scaled up to meet the challenge. 'Scaling up for the Big Society' suggests ways to address this. See Society
Guardian article or get the report (pdf, 374KB - registration required).
http://www.philanthropycapital.org/publications/improving_the_sector/improving_charities/Scaling_up.aspx
New Tool for People Management
The Workforce Wheel from NCVO is an outcomes tool designed to support and measure change in people management. It is recommended that use of the Workforce Wheel is part of a process involving managers, staff, trustees and volunteers, with an internal or external facilitator, to help identify areas of weakness and how to address them. Download the Workforce Wheel from: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/workforce-wheel
Guide to Diversity Resources Published
A new guide designed to help VCS organisations find the diversity information they need has been published by the Workforce Development team at NCVO. The document is called 'Diversity resources for voluntary and community organisations' and is available as a pdf:
http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/sites/default/files/files/diversity-resource-march-2010.pdf
With thanks to Kate Gordon, Policy Coordinator, Regional Action West Midlands
2. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Asperger's Syndrome Training - 28 June, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Shrewsbury
This training course aims to explore some of the main conditions of Asperger's syndrome (and high functioning autism) and their effects. It will give an insight into life with Asperger's syndrome or high functioning autism and offer simple, practical strategies to use when communicating or working with people with these conditions. The first training day will take place on Monday 28 June followed by a later session on Thursday 7 October 2010 (also at
Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Shrewsbury). All sessions take place from 9.30 to 4.00pm. The costs for voluntary sector organisations is £35 and there is no charge for unpaid volunteers, service users and carers. To find out more see the attachment or telephone Sue Iley, Joint Training Team, Shropshire Council on 01743 254731.
Aspergers-syndrometraining (20.27KB)
Social Media Surgery - 12 July, Shrewsbury
The first Shropshire Social Media Surgery will be held in Shrewsbury on the 12 July between 17:30 and 20:00 in the Old Market Hall Cafi/Bar in Shrewsbury. This will be a relaxed informal opportunity for voluntary and community groups to find out more about social media and other free online tools. Please register to attend the event (refer to the attached document for contact details).
An Introduction to Social Impact Measurement - 16 July (am), Birmingham
A half-day seminar is being held for voluntary and community groups and social enterprises. The seminar costs only £35 and will cover:
- What we mean by social impact measurement
- The different forms of social impact measurement including
- PQASSO, Social Return on Investment & Social Accounting & Audit
- How to measure social impact
- What are the benefits (and snags) of measuring
The seminar will take place at the Birmingham and Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham B3 3BS. A booking form is attached and more information about the seminar is available from Iftikar Karim or Mike Swain 01902 556679.
Social Impact Measurement course (41.2KB)
Shropshire County PCT - Prioritisation Process - 2 July, Shrewsbury IMPORTANT
Shropshire PCT is keen to involve VCSA Assembly Members in a prioritisation meeting. The focus will be on service change in line with current financial pressures. An invitation letter is attached. I have more detailed information available so if you are able to attend please contact me, Sarah Dodds, and I will send on the supporting documents. sarah.dodds@shrosphire.gov.uk
PCT Prioritisation Invitation (43.55KB)
Get involved in the new Advisory Board for Children's Centres!
Five new advisory boards are being established in Shropshire for Children's Centre's. The Boards will link to more local steering groups that cover both Children's Centres and Extended Schools. Shropshire Council has recognised the importance of VCS representation and involvement via the new Boards and is seeking representatives via the VCS Assembly. If you are interested in getting involved please contact Elaine Griffiths by email: elaine.griffiths@shropshire.gov.uk or by phone on 01743 252275 (please leave a message with Donna Ball on 01743 252767 if Elaine is out of the office).
3. FUNDING NEWS
Lottery offers green grants to West Midlands
Communities across the West Midlands are being encouraged to discover wildlife on their doorstep as the Big Lottery Fund prepares to plough £2 million of good cause cash into improving the environment through protecting and creating wildlife habitats for everyone to enjoy. Launching on BBC's Springwatch show BIG's Community Wildlife funding programme will offer grants of between £300 and £10,000 to projects that bring communities
together to improve or protect the natural environment by raising awareness of threatened wildlife or places. For more information please open the press release attached.
Lottery WM Green Grants June 2010 (50.37KB)
With thanks to Gary Spence, External Funding Officer and Joe Bubb, Team Leader Funding & Programmes
4. CONSULTATIONS
Ideas sought on making government data more useful
The Stationery Office, has created the OpenUp challenge, looking for ideas of how to make government data more accessible, from school league tables to crime statistics or public transport availability. The best idea will get a £50,000 development fund. Ideas by 29th October. See: http://www.tso.co.uk/openup
Charity risk management survey 2010
Charity Finance Directors' Group and PKF Accountants have launched their ninth annual charity risk survey. This year 'Managing Risk: moving towards the vision' aims to explore the impact of charity managers' approaches to planning, the assumptions made and recent lessons learned. Start at http://www.pkf.co.uk/riskssurvey
5. COMPACT
Shropshire Compact Champions Events
Two training events are being organised for Shropshire's Compact Champions. The half day sessions will take place on the afternoon of the 9th and 20th July. If you would like to become a Compact Champion or book a place at one of the events please email me, Sarah Dodds, sarah.dodds@shropshire.gov.uk or telephone 01743 252740.
Have you got a Compact story? Email sarah.dodds@shropshire.gov.uk and share it with others.
6. TENDER OPPORTUNITY
Birmingham Tender Opportunity
The Adults and Communities Directorate invites organisations to apply to deliver services detailed in the attached document. The deadline for receipt of the application is noon, Friday 25 June 2010. Details for postal applications are included in the attached document. All envelopes must be marked Adults and Communities Commissioning Application - Confidential: Please note that applications by electronic mail will be accepted if received by the deadline. All relevant
information must be included as e-mail attachments with the application form, otherwise it will not be considered. Applications should be emailed to sueb.jabbar@birmingham.gov.uk please insert footers and headers with the name of your organisation. A signed paper copy of the application form must also be received no later than five working days after the deadline. It is recommended that this is sent by special delivery.
Advocacy Service Spec (1218.02KB)
7. IMPORTANT REMINDERS
News Items
VCS Assembly Recession Survey
Please find attached a copy of a questionnaire from the Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly Board. The results of the survey should provide information that will help the Board identify any common issues that may need to be addressed and communicated at both the local and regional levels. Please return completed questionnaires to me using the contact details below.
Impact of the Recession (276.5KB)
Mental Health First Aid Training Now Available
South Shropshire Furniture Scheme is now offering Mental Health First Aid Training. Telephone 01584 877751 or email gill@furniturescheme.co.uk.
Criminal Justice Network Opportunity
South Shropshire Furniture Scheme has been invited by West Mercia Probation Trust to investigate developing a network of voluntary sector organisations across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin that provide, or are interested in providing, services in the criminal justice field and in offender management. Email: mikejones@furniturescheme.co.uk
Lay members needed for the Shropshire Safeguarding Children Board
Shropshire Safeguarding Children's Board (SSCB) is seeking two lay members from local voluntary and community groups. If you are interested in taking on the role on behalf of the VCS Assembly and wider sector please register your interest with Elaine Griffiths, email elaine.griffiths@shropshire.gov.uk.
Volunteer Champions Wanted!
Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership and the Community Council of Shropshire are looking for local Volunteer Champions. Please contact Steve on 01743 237877 or email steve.jones@shropshire-rcc.org.uk
Funding
Shropshire Museums Development Project, Small Grants Scheme
The Shropshire Museum Development Project's Small Grant scheme is designed to help museums and heritage groups in Shropshire (excluding Telford and Wrekin). Grants are available to both accredited and non-accredited museums (but not hub museums). To find out more email the Museums Development Officer at Shropshire Council. Email:judith.karena@shropshire.gov.uk
Grants available through Shropshire Community Recycling Network 2010-2011
The purpose of the grant is to minimise waste and to maximise the use of resources. It will support activities which will reduce the volume and weight of materials in the waste stream and/or increase the reuse of items and materials across Shropshire. For details please see the documents attached to the VCS Assembly Website under Latest News 14 May. Please discuss your idea with Rosemary Collie, SCRL Co-ordinator before you submit your application.
Email: rosemary@furniturescheme.co.uk. Tel. 07792 687903.
Events
Inspire Shropshire (Social Enterprise) - 18 June, Shropshire
Don't miss Shropshire's first Social Enterprise Conference and Fair - a full day programme of workshops, advice surgeries, exhibitors, resources and fascinating speakers! The event is due to take place in Craven Arms on 18th June. This will be a highly practical and inspirational event that should not be missed if you are already, or intend to, be generating income and developing a more financially sustainable future for your
organisation. To find out more please see the attached document on the VCS Assembly Website under Latest News 14 May.
Communication Using Social Media - 15 July 2010, Birmingham
If you're a development worker in a local support and development organisation helping small groups, or you provide support and advice in a volunteer centre then this workshop is for you! Workshops are being delivered by the NAVCA ICT Champions and Red Foundation as part of the Capacitybuilders' Modernising Volunteering & Regional ICT Champions work. Cost is £35 per person, including VAT. Visit the Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership website for
details about how to book:
http://shropshirevcs.org.uk/site/blog/news/communication-using-social-mediaworkshop/
Consultations
Changes in allocation of national lottery funds (from VolResource)
The new government proposes to change to the share of money allocated from the National Lottery. Each of the arts, heritage and sport good causes would increase to 20 per cent, with the Big Lottery Fund receiving the remaining 40 per cent and focusing its support exclusively on the voluntary and community sectors. Deadline for comments 21st August. News item at:
http://www.culture.gov.uk/news/media_releases/7064.aspx
or go direct to http://www.culture.gov.uk/consultations/7070.aspx.
Adult Social Care and Law Reform - DEADLINE 1 July
A review of the law around adult social care is being undertaken by the Law Commission. See: http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/adult_social_care_consultation.htm
Got a good news story, job advert or idea you want to share with others? Let me know!
With best wishes
Sarah
Sarah Dodds
VCS Assembly Coordinator and Compact Officer
Telephone 01743 252740