14th May 2010
VCS Assembly News Update (Issue 43)
In this issue:
1. News
2. Dates for Your Diary
3. Funding News
4. Consultations
5. Career Opportunities
6. Compact
7. Quick Question
8. Important Reminders
1. NEWS
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. The proposed network will build on the work undertaken after a series of Local
Commissioning - Stakeholder Consultation events held in 2009. The advent of the preferred provider contract means this is an opportune time for organisations that work or want to work in this field begin to create a structure that will facilitate longer term partnership working through the sharing of experiences and good practice, developing new relationships and strengthening existing networks, bringing together those organisations who are interested in becoming stakeholders. The
network would function as a single gateway for external agencies seeking partnership, joint bidding or sub-contracting arrangements and provide the sector with strategic representation in relation to delivery in the criminal justice field. If you are interested in providing services, or perhaps you have in the past but no longer do so, we would like to hear from you. Please would you mind taking 5 minutes to respond to the following questions and return to Mike Jones by 26th May.
Email: mikejones@furniturescheme.co.uk
- Are you currently working with the probation service or have you done so in the past?
- Would you be interested in being part of a voluntary sector network which would look to form partnerships to subcontract with the National Offender Management Service through their prime contractors?
- Would you like to be kept informed of further developments?
Volunteer Champions Wanted!
Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership and the Community Council of Shropshire are looking for local Volunteer Champions. The role of a Volunteer Champion is to act as an ambassador to promote volunteering to individuals living in the county of Shropshire. For more details about how to get involved, please take a look at the attached document.
Volunteer Champions (55.04KB)
Free Websites
Getting British Business Online is a joint funded project with Enterprise UK, BIS, Google and e-Skills UK. It offers free websites. The website address for more information is British Business
RAWM Resources and News
RAWM continues to provide regular updates with news items and resources that may be useful for Shropshire VCS Assembly members. The following items are included:
The following link leads to a report described as 'a practical guide to support PCTs in commissioning improved primary care services for socially excluded people'. Section 6 of the document covers working with and developing providers, including the Third Sector.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/@ps/documents/digitalasset/dh_114365.pdf
Closing the Gap is an annual award scheme dedicated to bridging the gap between best practice and routine delivery of care. It promotes more collaborative working practices. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 13 July. Unfortunately, the events are all in London and only last for one hour, so it is a long way to go. However there is also an online screening tool which must be completed before a substantive application can be made. Interviews take place in the week beginning 20 September. Follow this link to find out more: http://www.health.org.uk/current_work/open_for_applications/closing_the_gap_2010.html
Support to develop third sector consortia (Source: VolResource Newsletter No. 429)
Charity chief executives organisation ACEVO is supporting third sector consortium development, alongside Social Investment Business and Voluntary Action Sheffield, to enable consortia to bid for public service contracts. As well as training, there are packages of bespoke business development support available - see more details at: http://www.acevo.org.uk/Page.aspx?pid=1859.
NCVO and Barclays Leadership Programme 2010/11
Barclays is supporting NCVO in a programme to inspire leadership in voluntary and community sector organisations. To find out more follow this link: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/leadershipprogramme2010
Working for a Charity Online Learning Course
The NCVO Working For A Charity online course Effective Voluntary Sector Management ran for the first time during 2007. The next course commences in October 2010 and online enrolment is now open. The course is intended for people new to the voluntary and community sector who want to find out more about how the sector works, and for people considering a move into the sector
from other backgrounds. Fees are £695 for the online course and £945 for the combined online course and work-based project module (leading to the Certificate of Professional Practice). Some bursaries will be available to part fund the course for those in financial need. If you have any specific questions about the suitability of the course for your needs, please contact elaine.smethurst@ncvo-vol.org.uk.
For details visit: http://www.wfac.org.uk/training/online-learning-course.html
Report says focus on service provision is damaging independence
A report from the National Coalition for Independent Action based on interviews with voluntary agencies in West Sussex concludes that national and local government focus on the sector as providers of public services is damaging relationships and undermining independence. Follow this link to find out more:
http://voluntarynews.org.uk/news/story/commissioning-kills-goose-that-lays-golden-egg
NCB Training Materials Published
The link below provides a set of training materials produced by NCB on commissioning for health services. The training was aimed at organisations new to commissioning, but since 1/3 of funding bids failed last year (a decrease from 52% the previous year), even experienced organisations might benefit from a refresher! http://www.ncb.org.uk/vss/cyp_health/commissioning_-_latest.aspx
2. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Volunteering Team Events
The Volunteering Team will be arriving at a patch near you! They will be promoting volunteering, and giving support on running a community/voluntary group. The events will take place from 17 May. If you would like to find out more, promote your service or voluntary opportunities please contact Lisa Darkin. Telephone 01743 237 881 or email: Lisa.Darkin@shropshire-rcc.org.uk
Monday 17 May Pontsbury Green (9.30am - 12.00pm) & Westbury Village Hall (1.00pm-3.00pm). All invited to come along & network/share information/ get advice, will not be suitable for recruitment and displays.
Tuesday 18 May Shrewsbury Darwin Centre (9.00am - 3.00pm). All invited to come along & network/share information/ get advice, able to use displays and recruitment possible.
Wednesday 19 May Shrewsbury Roy Fletcher Centre (9.30am - 12.00pm). All invited to come along & network/share information/ get advice, able to use displays and recruitment possible.
and - Bayston Hill shopping area (1.30pm - 3.30pm). All invited to come along & network/share information/ get advice.
Knowledge & Nosh South: The team will also be holding these popular FREE briefing sessions in South Shropshire. Subjects include: ISA Vetting and Barring Scheme, Youth Volunteering and Monitoring & Evaluation. Venue and dates are yet to be confirmed. For further information please contact Lisa Darkin Telephone: 01743 237 881 or Email: Lisa.Darkin@shropshire-rcc.org.uk
May Training Programme: Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership
The Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership Training Programme for May is attached. The programme includes courses covering a range of issues including successfully recruiting and retaining volunteers and building a website in a day.
May training programme (57.41KB)
Silver Surfers Day - 21 May
Silver Surfers' Day is on the 21st May. It aims to help older people get online, and has a new website at http://www.silversurfersday.net.
Volunteers Week - 1 to 7 June 2010
The Volunteering Team, working with Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership and based at the Community Council of Shropshire, will be promoting/celebrating volunteering. All VCS groups and organisations are invited to join the team to promote the work you do and recruit volunteers. For a booking form and further information please contact Lisa Darkin. Telephone 01743 237 881
or email: Lisa.Darkin@shropshire-rcc.org.uk
Tuesday 1 June Ludlow Square, 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 2 June Cleobury Mortimer in the Market Hall, 9.30am - 12pm
Clee Hill in the Recreation Rooms, 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Thursday 3 June Shrewsbury Square, 8.30am - 3.30pm
World Elder Abuse Day - 15 June, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin
Shropshire Partners in Care (SPIC) is working to collate information about all events taking place in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15th June 2010. SPIC also plans to highlight and acknowledge the work taking place through a competition named - Most Innovative Event to Commemorate WEAAD. A panel of judges will highlight the most innovative events for visits before deciding on an overall winner. To find
out more please see the attached document.
Registration Form for WEAAD 2010 (686KB)
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! Please find attached the flyer and booking form for the social enterprise conference which 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.
Inspire Shropshire 2010 flyer (234.8KB) SE conference booking form (3) (84.51KB)
Communication Using Social Media - 15 July 2010, Birmingham
- Would you like new ways to communicate with groups and communities you support?
- Do you want to find and try out different ways to reach your volunteers?
- Have you heard of social media or read about Facebook and Twitter, but not known how to apply them in development of local organisations and volunteer groups?
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! There's a lot of talk about 'social media', some hype about how useful it is and a seemingly endless and growing list of social networking websites to try out. Good use of social media can offer ways to strengthen how development workers work with local groups, how organisations reach volunteers, or help communities campaign more effectively. Not considering use of this technology could mean organisations and volunteer centres miss out on its use to support development and help volunteer led projects & groups. The 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/
'Think Family' for young carers - Developing the Vision - 15 July, Manchester
Next Steps for Adult Services, Children's Services and their Partners
Parental mental health, parental substance misuse and dual diagnosis where children are in a caring role.The event support the aims of the Government's Carers Strategy- Carers at the heart of 21st Century Families and Communities as well as the ' Think Family' programme, the cross-government programme to encourage local systems and services to join up and respond to the needs of whole families. The day will consist of plenary sessions and workshops that
will include information regarding recent policy developments and guidance. A further event is planned in Birmingham on 17 September. To register your interest in attending the September conference email marie.smith@childrenssociety.org.uk. To book onto the Manchester event register at: www.childrenssociety.org.uk/thinkfamilyconference
THink Family Booking- 060410 (629.91KB)
Westminster Health Keynote Seminar - Tuesday 20 July, Central London
Early diagnosis and prevention: technology, social marketing and primary care
This seminar will look at what more can be done to improve the early diagnosis and prevention of illness - focusing on the role of new technology in diagnosis and monitoring, on what more can be done to encourage research and innovation in healthcare, and the challenges faced in technology adoption.
Westminster Health Keynote Seminar (36KB)
3. FUNDING NEWS
External Funding Update for May - Now Available
Please find attached May's external funding update. This issue has information on:
- Shropshire Recycling Network Grants (see below)
- Shropshire Council Arts Grants Scheme
- Improvements to the Reaching Communities Programme
- Weavers' Company Benevolent Fund
- Get Connected Investment Project
External Funding Update May 10 (64.96KB)
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 attached documents. Please discuss your idea with Rosemary Collie, SCRL Co-ordinator before you submit your application. Email: rosemary@furniturescheme.co.uk. Tel. 07792 687903.
Shropshire Recycling Network (350.15KB) Shropshire Recycling Network (74KB)
West Midlands for Community Spaces funding
The Community Spaces funding is part of a programme that aims to support community groups in England to improve public spaces in their neighbourhood. If anyone is interested in applying for a grant through this programme they can contact Fiona Fortune in the Council's external funding team. Email: fiona.fortune@shropshire.gov.uk.
Community Spaces Lottery Briefing note April 2010 (25.03KB)
With thanks to Gary Spence, External Funding Officer and Joe Bubb, Team Leader Funding & Programmes
4. CONSULTATIONS
Shrewsbury North West Relief Road Consultation - Closes 17 May
Shropshire Council is currently consulting on a business case proposal for the Shrewsbury North West Relief Road. The consultation has included a series of exhibitions and is now drawing to a close. If you have any comments or observations please see www.shropshire.gov.uk/hwmaint.nsf or email nwrr.consultation@shropshire.gov.uk
5. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Community Legal Advice Services Partnership - Project Coordinator
Citizens Advice Shropshire is working in partnership with 9 local voluntary sector advice and advocacy agencies to provide a single referral point to access legal advice and casework services. This project is funded until June 2012 by Big Lottery. A Project Coordinator is needed for 18½ hours per week at £23,708 pa (pro-rata). The co-ordinator will be employed by Citizens Advice Shropshire to provide the key links between the 10 participating
organisations and Big Lottery. S/he will need excellent administrative and IT skills, the ability to write reports, prepare publicity, give presentations and create good working relationships across the partnership. The closing date is 24th May 2010. Please see the attached adverts for details of how to apply.
Advert for Co-ordinator 040510 (30.16KB)
6. COMPACT
National Compact Advocacy Programme
The Compact Advocacy Programme is currently working on developing more advice for voluntary organisations about how to work better with local public body partners. For information from Daniel Fluskey who leads this work please visit: http://www.compactvoice.org.uk/category/news/make-it-easy-yourself-bidding-contracts
7. QUICK QUESTION
What is Co-production?
Co-production is a process that involves people in the design and, crucially, in the delivery of services. Co-production turns consumers into producers. It redefines the relationship between public service professionals and their clients: from dependency to mutuality and reciprocity. Professionals encourage service users to contribute their time, skills and ideas to design, deliver and improve services. Volunteers are valued and rewarded for their contributions,
sometimes through a community currency such as a time bank. Although Co-production is a term that seems to be used in the context of local authority services, the principle or model of user designed and led services fits with the work of the VCS alongside other issues on the health and social care agenda such as personal budgets and direct payments. A report has recently been issued by NESTA named 'Public Services Inside Out: Putting co-production into
practice'. For a copy see: http://www.nesta.org.uk/library/documents/public-services-inside-out.pdf
To learn more through reading about a case study of Co-production follow the link below. The website details the Community Dialogue Project - a year-long exploration of co-production with Leicester City and Derby City PCTs.http://www.coproduction.org.uk/
8. IMPORTANT REMINDERS
News Items
VCSA email news now fortnightly
Due to an increasing work load and feedback from some of you that you are facing information overload, this email news is now fortnightly.
Charity Commission publishes new resource
The Charity Commission has produced a new accruals accounts pack for small non company charities to help Treasurers and Trustees of smaller charities prepare their accounts. See: http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/Publications/cc17.aspx.
ACEVO launches online tool
Charity chief executives organisation ACEVO has launched a 'Capacity Manager' online tool. See: http://www.capacitymanager.org.uk.
National support for small VCS groups and organisations
Small organisations can access professional occupational health advice from NHS Plus on any individual employee occupational, physical or mental health issue at no charge. The Health for Work Advice line (for England) is on 0800 0 77 88 44, or see http://www.health4work.nhs.uk
Funding
The People's Millions TV Contest - DEADLINE 14 May
For an attachment with details visit Latest News 23 April on the VCS Assembly website: www.2shrop.net/shropvcsassembly
Equality and Diversity Awards - New round now open
Application forms, guidance and closing dates are available from: www.shropshirepartnership.org.uk
Philpotts Fund: Working with older people
A new funding opportunity is now available for groups working to improve the lives of older people (with particular emphasis on the Monkmoor area). Contact Age Concern Shropshire Telford & Wrekin on (01743) 233123 and ask for an application pack.
Enterprising Britain Competition 2010 - DEADLINE 31 May
For details visit: http://www.enterpriseuk.org/get_involved/enterprising_britain
Big Lottery Fund Announces £35 Million Forces in Mind Programme
For more information visit:http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/index
Joint Women's Diversionary Fund Launched
Visit: http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/newsrelease010210a.htm
SUBWAY® Healthy Heart Grants - DEADLINE 31 May
Applications for the grant will only be accepted between 1 April and 31 May 2010. http://www.heartresearch.org.uk/subwayHHG.htm
Health and Social Care Volunteering Fund - DEADLINE 28 June
http://www.volunteeringfund.com/
Cracking the Code Bursary Scheme - Round 5 Now Open - Deadline 30 June
Visit: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/crackingthecode
Events
Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership Training Programme
The Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership's training programme is now available and can be downloaded from the website: http://shropshirevcs.org.uk/site/our-services/training
Details for April and May are included below.
May
Creating Effective Powerpoint Presentations - Oswestry
Tuesday 18th May - 10.00am - 1.00pm
Creating Effective Powerpoint Presentations - Oswestry
Tuesday 18th May - 2pm - 5.00pm
Awareness Raising for Child Protection Level 1 Part 1 - Bridgnorth
Thursday 21st May 2010 - 6.00pm- 9.00pm
Successfully Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers - Church Stretton
Tuesday 25th May 2010 - 10.00am - 3.00pm
A Website in a day (using MSOffice Live) - Oswestry
Tuesday 25th May 2010 - 10.00am - 4.00pm
Introduction to Charity Trusteeship - Hodnet
Thursday 27th May 2010 - 10.00am - 1.00pm
Rural Project - Community Meetings and the Hard to Reach
If you can help obtain the views of the 'hard to reach' contact Richard Cobb for details. Telephone 0121 236 8879 or 0121 743 4957 or email: richard.cobb@planningaid.rtpi.org.uk Forthcoming events include:
- Condover (May 20)
- Lydbury North (May 27)
- Shawbury (June 3)
Consultations
PCT Single Equality Scheme - DEADLINE 11 June
For information visit the following web page:
http://www.shropshire.nhs.uk/Publications/Equality-Schemes-2/Single-Equalities-Scheme/
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!
News Update 14 May 2010 (79.8KB)
With best wishes
Sarah
Sarah Dodds, VCS Assembly Coordinator
sarah.dodds@shropshire.gov.uk Telephone 01743 252740