19 October 2010
VCS Assembly News Update 19 October (Issue 53)In this issue:
1. News
2. Dates for Your Diary
3. Funding News
4. Consultations
5. Compact
6. Career Opportunities
7. Important Reminders
1. News
Building a Stronger Civil Society
On 16th October, at NCVO, the Government launched a new strategy for the voluntary and community sector. Six Government Ministers attended the event, as well as Lord Wei, government advisor on Big Society. The strategy pulls together a range of existing policies and some new initiatives for supporting the sector in the challenging times ahead. Rt Hon Francis Maude MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Nick Hurd MP, Minister for Civil Society spoke of the
need to 're-cast the relationship between the state and the sector' and outlined the role of the voluntary and community sector in empowering communities, opening up public services and promoting social action. As part of this new strategy, the Government has launched a consultation in which it is seeking your views on how it can improve the effectiveness of the advice and support that is available to frontline organisations. Please take this opportunity to
express your views.See:
http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/building-stronger-civil-society
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/426258/support-stronger-civil-society.pdf
Shropshire Community Transport Consortium - INVITATION
The Shropshire Community Transport Consortium would like to invite any group who provides transport as part of their operation to our next Forum of Interest Group. The next meeting is on the 2nd November at the Shrewsbury Dial a Ride office (SY1 4NS). The group meets to share experiences and knowledge and would be very happy to meet and share with any community based transport providers. If you would like to know more about the Consortium please contact
Linda Cox 01743 440744 or 07891094901.
Shropshire Arts Community Group Wins National Sustainability Award
The Project Group awarded bursary worth £10,000 at Future Friendly Awards
The Project Group from Oswestry, Shropshire has beaten off stiff competition from around the country to win the public vote in the prestigious 4th Future Friendly Awards, receiving the prize of a £10,000 bursary to help them develop their innovative 'recycled art' scheme. The award ceremony took place at Syon Park on Thursday, 14 October and the winner was announced by sustainability expert Joanna Yarrow. More details are included in the attached document.
Winner's Press Release FINAL (26.64KB)
Roy Fletcher Centre and Fletcher House
The Roy Fletcher Centre and Fletcher House provide low-cost offices, meeting rooms and other facilities for local voluntary caring agencies. A range of services are available and are now promoted through new marketing materials. To find out more about the facilities on offer including meeting rooms, free public internet kiosk, photocopying, processing of concessionary bus passes, and the coffee shop in the Roy Fletcher Centre, email info@royfletchercentre.co.uk, telephone 01743 341300.
Local Enterprise Partnerships - latest news
For the latest news on LEPs see:
http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/40171-five-west-midlands-leps-make-success-list
Census Update - Working with the Community
Are you working with people who may find the Census difficult to complete, or may be worried about the form or who may not realise how important the Census is in bringing funding and other benefits to local communities? If so, then Alistair is available to come and talk to you, or the people you work with about the Census and to make sure that everyone has the help and support that they need so that the highest return is achieved.
Can you help promote the Census by including a small item in your next newsletter or perhaps on your community website? Can you put a poster up about job opportunities or when more publicity material is available? If so, please contact Alistair as below.
The actual Census forms will be delivered by post in March and Census day is the 27th March 2011. Alistair is hoping to set up "drop-in" centres in local communities to help people complete their forms or provide information and support. If you feel that you can offer to assist at one of these events (or even organise one for your group) then please contact Alistair for more information.
Alistair can be contacted on 07801 331358 or by e-mail at f102@census.gov.uk. He is also based at Shire Hall for at least one day a week and can be contacted on 01743 252517, or alistair.bates@shropshire.gov.uk. Further Census information can be found on www.census.gov.uk
Transforming Community Services
PCTs step closer to deciding fate of provider arms
Primary care trusts are edging closer to determining the future of their provider arms. The details of plans by PCTs are attached. The option of developing social enterprises is not popular in the vast majority of areas. The plans show the future of provider arms will be spread almost equally between vertical integration with acute providers, mental health providers and new standalone community foundation trusts. The Department of Health's deadline for PCTs to
have a "firm plan" for externalising provider arms has now passed. However a number of plans have yet to reach their PCT's board for decision. In 21 out of 120 PCTs proposals have either been rejected or are uncertain. Of the 99 PCTs with firm plans, 29 expect their community services to be absorbed by an acute hospital provider. In 16 cases, the most likely acute provider is a not a foundation trust which means the final go-ahead on the plans will be dependent on the
approval of the foundation trust regulator Monitor. Thirty-one PCTs plan to turn their provider arms into community foundation trusts, in many cases through a merger with one or more other provider arms. The largest, if approved, would incorporate five former PCT provider arms in London. Twenty-eight out of the 120 PCTs plan to move their provider arm to a local mental health provider - in most cases a foundation trust. Provider arms must be separated from PCTs by the end of March
2011.
Transforming Community Services (29.07KB)
£70 million support to help people in their homes after illness or injury
Around 35,000 people will benefit from a £70 million cash boost that will enable the NHS to support people back into their homes after a spell in hospital, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced. "Re-ablement" packages give people who are leaving hospital after illness or injury help and support for six weeks. Through re-ablement, people are helped to settle back into their homes, perhaps by changing their home environment so they can get around
better or providing daily visits and support. It ensures that those in greatest need get help to keep them independent and well for as long as possible. Re-ablement can offer savings to the health and social care system by ensuring that people get access to care that will prevent them from getting into difficulties and having to go back to hospital. The Government wants the NHS, councils and local voluntary organisations to work together to ensure that local people get a seamless
service after discharge from hospital. The extra funding will be allocated to Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to be spent this financial year across the health and social care system. PCTs will work closely with hospitals and local authorities in delivering this. It will enable local areas to help thousands of people and ensure services are in place by the time the NHS picks up new responsibilities in April 2011 for patients' first 30 days at home after hospital discharge. The
Government will publish its vision for adult social care in November, including a renewed focus on joint working with the NHS and the voluntary and community sector.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/MediaCentre/Speeches/DH_116643
Summary Care Records
Review agrees value of a core Summary Care Record
Reviews commissioned by the Health Minister Simon Burns have concluded that a Summary Care Record containing core patient information will prove valuable for patients needing emergency care, the Department of Health announced
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/MediaCentre/Pressreleases/DH_120379
Shaping public spending priorities for adult social care
Ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review, JRF commissioned Ipsos MORI to look into the views and perceptions of local authorities and service user/carer organisations as they prepare for the challenges they now face. A copy of the report is available at:
http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/spending-priorities-adult-social-care?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Emailmarketingsoftware&utm_content=551330577&utm_campaign=NewJRFpublications18October2010&utm_term=Shapingpublicspendingprioritiesforadultsocialcare
Government announces International Citizen Service pilot scheme
The Prime Minister has announced the opportunity for young adults, who otherwise couldn't afford it, to volunteer for projects in some of the poorest countries in the world, as an extension of the government's new National Citizen Service programme. See BBC news at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11488609
or Third Sector at http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/news/1033508/.
World of Difference - two month paid charity placements
A new round of the Vodafone World of Difference programme is open for applications from people across the UK to work for a charity of their choice for two months and get paid for it. The Vodafone Foundation will give the chosen charity a total of £2,500 for the two months of pay, plus £250 towards expenses. There are 500 places available, entries close 23rd November, http://worldofdifference.vodafone.co.uk.
NCVO Publication
Addressing Needs - new web content "offers pointers on understanding, evidencing and responding to beneficiary needs", at http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/addressing-needs.
2. Dates for Your Diary
Citizen's Advice Shropshire Annual General Meeting 2nd November
Citizen's Advice Shropshire is holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 2nd November 2010 at 5.30pm. Guest speakers will include John Gladwin Chair - Citizens Advice (National Assoc.) and Kim Ryley, Chief Executive - Shropshire Council. The event is open to all VCS groups and organisations with a special invite to VCS Assembly Members. There will be an opportunity for people to sneak off after the speeches and before the AGM core business.
Citizen's Advice AGM Notice Nov 10 (51.29KB)
Sustainability West Midlands - Event 10 November
How best can the third sector contribute to low carbon and more socially just communities for the future?
Date: Wednesday 10 November
Time: 9am - 12.30pm
Location: The Balcony Rooms, Sustainability West Midlands' offices, Level 4 Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG
A flyer for the event with details of how to get involved is attached.
SWM invite and agenda (221.75KB)
Social Audit Network (SAN) Conference 2010
The conference 'Accounting for Change a new era in social accounting and audit' will be held on Friday 3 December at the Castlegate Centre, Melbourne Street, Newcastle upon Tyne. For details please visit:
http://www.socialauditnetwork.org.uk/images/PDF/conference09/sanconf10-flierdraft.pdf
3. Funding News
People's Postcode Trust Opens New Round of Funding & Extends Eligibility Criteria
The People's Postcode Trust has announced a new round of funding and, following a substantial change to its guidelines and criteria, has additionally extended its eligibility criteria. Allocating funding to applicants from Scotland and England, the Trust is continuing to provide support to these areas, but has also extended its reach to further support interested parties in Wales. Applications for projects under £2,000 can now be made at any time.
Applications for those over this amount should be received by 10 November 2010 (5pm). For details visit: http://www.postcodetrust.org.uk/
Reaching Out to Carers Fund
The Government wants carers to be able to maintain a life of their own alongside their caring responsibilities. It is keen to improve early identification of carers so that they can be supported in considering their various options and make informed choices about their lives. The Carers team in Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships Directorate are therefore targeting a specific scheme at voluntary sector organisations in England who (in addition to their
primary work with individuals with particular conditions, illnesses or with particular age groups) are also keen to support carers. On the DH website you will find a full information pack and an application form for the fund. Visit:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_120426
Social Enterprise Investment Fund - IMMINENT DEADLINE
Want to grow your social enterprise in health and/or social care service delivery?
Capital grants of £50,000 to £450,000 are now available from the Social Enterprise Investment Fund (SEIF) until 1 November 2010. If your organisation is a social enterprise delivering services in health or social care, you might be eligible for a capital grant. To be eligible, your organisation must be providing services to people and communities in England and be unable to secure investment from a commercial bank. Capital grants are for organisations that can provide clear evidence of how the purchase of tangible resources such as buildings, vehicles or equipment will help to grow and improve service delivery. To find out more, visit The Social Investment Business website or call 0191 269 2276 or visit: http://www.thesocialinvestmentbusiness.org/seif12/
The Social Investment Business, together with Local Partnerships, manages SEIF on behalf of the Department of Health.
With thanks to Gary Spence, External Funding Officer and Joe Bubb, Team Leader Funding & Programmes
4. Consultations
Shropshire Partnership External Funding Strategy Action Plan Consultation
The Shropshire Partnership External Funding Strategy will underpin delivery of the priorities and actions in the Community Strategy and Local Development Framework. The Strategy has been approved by the Shropshire Partnership's Leaders Board.
A draft Action Plan has been developed with partners and it is now out for consultation.
Main aims of the consultation: Shropshire Partnership's External Funding Strategy is about change and innovation. It provides a framework for partners to consider how they can collectively achieve existing and emerging services that meet Shropshire's priorities by bringing in additional external funding and adopting alternative models of delivery. The Action Plan includes a number of suggested actions to help deliver the strategy and feedback is being
requested. If you would like to respond to the Action Plan consultation please complete the feedback form and return it to the address shown.
All documents are available from: http://www.consultshropshire.org/shropshire/KMS/dmart.aspx
5. Compact
Don't forget National Compact Week - 1st week of November
Watch this space for local news.
Improving working between community groups and local public sector
The Commission for the Compact has published 'Working better together', an implementation guide on how community groups and local public bodies can improve the way they work together. It looks at five common situations such as 'having a say on an issue' or 'using and renting space'.
http://www.thecompact.org.uk/files/142259/FileName/communitygroupsimplementationguidance.pdf
Commission for the Compact in "Bonfire of Quangos"
The full list of the Government's reform of Quangos was published last week. This brought bad news for those of us working to support the Compact. The Commission for the Compact is to cease operations by the end of this financial year. Its functions (to champion and promote the Compact) will be carried out by Compact Voice and the Cabinet Office.
Commission response to the proposed revised Compact
The Commission for the Compact has published its response to the consultation on the draft revised Compact document, the agreement between government and the voluntary sector (in England). The response points out various issues with the revision, and they also review the monitoring of the commitments within the Compact. The consultation continues to 29th October, see http://www.compactvoice.org.uk/renewal.
National Compact Under Renewal REMINDER
A consultation has started on a new version of The National Compact, which seeks to govern relationships between the public and voluntary sectors. The draft has been produced by Compact Voice, which represents the voluntary sector on the Compact, to reflect the approach of the new coalition government and in advance of October's Comprehensive Spending Review. The new version has 37 key principles compared with 95 previously. Visit: http://www.compactvoice.org.uk/renewal Responses by 29th October.
A "half-time report" on the renewal process has been published by Compact Voice. See:
http://www.compactvoice.org.uk/category/news/update-renewal-process-halfway-through
If you would like to become a Compact Champion or book a place at the event 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. Career Opportunities
Census Update - Recruitment
from Alistair Bates, Census Area Manager for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin
The Office for National Statistics have begun recruiting for local people to work on the Census next year. There are a number of different jobs being advertised at the moment including Census Coordinators who will manage the Census process in specific areas (11 across Shropshire) and Special Enumerators (possibly about 8) who will obtain details from large establishments such as barracks or prisons. On 4th November, advertisements will be published for Census Collectors. There will be between 10 and 15 collectors in each coordinators area so around 160 posts across the county with a further 60 in Telford and Wrekin. The jobs last for different amounts of time but work is focused on late March to May. Full and part-time posts are available. For details and information on the recruitment process please look at http://www.censusjobs.co.uk/
More career opportunities are advertised on the Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership website. Visit: www.ShropshireVCS.org.uk
7. Important Reminders
News Items
Digital Switchover
In just six months time, analogue terrestrial TV services for households will start being switched off. (Most of Shropshire will be affected on the 6 April 2011). If you would like more information contact: Jennie Cook Telephone: 07960367464 or Email: jennie.cook@eaga.com
Do you have the greenest roof in the Marches?
What if you and your neighbours could own and earn money from a green power station in your community? To enter the competition and for guidance on identifying the right sort of the roof go to http://www.sharenergy.coop/solar-competition or call Etty Flanagan on 07817 242991. The deadline for entries is midnight on Tuesday 26th October.
TaxAid
But initially, if people come forward needing tax advice give them TaxAid's helpline number 0845 120 3779 (open week-day mornings 10am-12 mid-day): professional tax advisers then help them over the phone. Jane Shillaker is TaxAid's Outreach Manager, jane@taxaid.org.uk and Karen Clark is the Outreach Coordinator, karen@taxaid.org.uk. They would be
happy to answer any queries you may have.
Shropshire Council will try to help with translation
Shropshire Council has offered to work where it can, to provide translation support to local voluntary and community groups. You will need to contact Lorna Hullah, Senior Customer Service Coordinator at Shropshire Council. Tel: 01743 210401 or Email: lorna.hullah@shropshire.gov.uk. Although support can not be guaranteed in all cases, if you clearly explain the support you need and the work you are doing, Lorna will
consider your enquiry and do her best to help.
Do you work with Shropshire's most vulnerable communities? REMINDER
If you are working to support vulnerable communities in the following areas of Shropshire please let me know using the contact details at the end of this bulletin:
- Oswestry
- Market Drayton
- North East Shrewsbury
- Ludlow (East including Sandpitts)
Your group or organisation could benefit from being involved in a partnership project. It could raise your profile, open up potential commissioning opportunities and allow you to make new contacts. Don't miss out! Please contact me as soon as possible with details of where you are working and the type of service, project you are delivering.
Funding
New Capital Grant Funding Available From Social Enterprise Investment Fund
The Social Enterprise Investment Fund (SEIF) is for start up or existing social enterprises working in health and/or social care service delivery and is sponsored by the Department of Health and managed by The Social Investment Business. The deadline for applications to this funding strand is 1 November 2010. For more information visit: http://www.socialinvestmentbusiness.org/
Events
National Women's Enterprise Day - 17 November
The 7th annual conference for Enterprising Women will be held on National Women's Enterprise Day on Wednesday 17 November at Worcester Racecourse. To pre-register your interest before tickets go on general sale, email: jos@midwest-rural.org.uk or louiseg@midwest-rural.org.uk or telephone 08718 723763. Tickets are sold on a first come first served basis and places are strictly limited to 200, so email now to
register.
Rural Social Enterprise Conference - 25 November
Better Business: The Plunkett Foundation's 10th Annual Rural Social Enterprise Conference 2010 will take place on Thursday 25 November, 10am-4pm in Telford. Contact Harriet English on 01993 810730 to find out more. http://www.plunkett.co.uk/whatwedo/BetterBusinessConference.cfm
Social Audit Network Annual Event - 3 December
The SAN Conference 2010 will take place on Friday 3 December at the Castlegate Centre, Melbourne Street, Newcastle upon Tyne. Details of the event including key speakers, workshops and how to book are included in the attached document.
Shropshire Partnership Standing Conference - 13 December
Members of the VCS Assembly are invited to join the Shropshire Partnership Standing Conference on 13 December 2010. The event will be held from 6:30pm in the Council Chamber at Shirehall. If you would like to register your details to receive more information contact Ruth Turner (email Ruth.Turner@shropshire.gov.uk or telephone 01743 252269).
Free Training
....for VCS providers working with families and children under the age of 5
HENRY training and supplementary training, including a 2 day course on Solution Focused working, are now available. Please refer to the documents attached to the last newsletter (available on the VCS Assembly Website) or contact Kay Smallbone Health Development Manager, Children & Young People's Services Directorate. Phone 01743 254294 or email kay.smallbone@shropshire.gov.uk.
Consultations
Next steps for mental health care in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin REMINDER
Public consultation: 6 September - 6 December 2010
The consultation document and questionnaire for you to give your feedback are available at: http://www.shropshire.nhs.uk/consultations and the questionnaire can also be completed on-line. Alternatively, for more information or a copy of the document, please e-mail consultation@shropshirepct.nhs.uk or telephone on: 0800 032 1107 or 01952 580473. The materials are available in different languages and formats.
Back issues of newsletters can be accessed from: www.2shrop.net/shropvcsassembly
Please contact me if you have information you would like to share with Shropshire's voluntary and community groups and organisations.
With best wishes
Sarah Dodds
VCS Assembly Coordinator and Compact Officer
Telephone 01743 252740