28th May 2010

VCS Assembly News Update 28 May (Issue 44)

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

VCS Assembly  - Terms of Reference Review
Each year the VCS Assembly Board considered the Assembly's Terms of Reference and proposes updates and alterations for ratification at the Annual Assembly. This year the Annual Assembly takes place on the 30th June and you should all have received an invitation. The Invitation and Terms of Reference are attached. If you have any comments on the Terms of Reference or if you would like to book your place at the free event email me, Sarah Dodds (telephone 01743 252740) or email donna.ball@shropshire.gov.uk
Annual Assembly Invitation (118.82KB)   Terms of Reference changes in blue (77KB)

VCS Assembly Recession Survey
Please find attached a copy of a questionnaire from the Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly Board. The Assembly Board is aware that local VCS organisations are experiencing a wide range of different impacts caused by the economic downturn. We first conducted a recession survey in May 2009 and we are now repeating the survey in order to bring our understanding up to date and monitor change over time. 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. Copies of the questionnaire are also in hard copy. If you would like a paper version of the questionnaire with a free post envelope, please contact me using the contact details at the bottom of this news bulletin. Similarly please feel free to request copies of the survey for any local VCS organisations that are not currently members of the Assembly.
Recession VCS Questionnaire May 2010 (276.5KB)

Mental Health First Aid Training Now Available
South Shropshire Furniture Scheme is now offering Mental Health First Aid Training. The training is for anyone who works with other people in a paid or voluntary role and would like to be able to recognise signs and symptoms of mental health problems and be able to offer initial help and support. Those who are trained in Mental Health First Aid will be equipped to improve the outcomes for those affected by mental health problems and also their families, friends, colleagues and employers. A leaflet is attached. To find out more contact Gill Green, Training and Development Manager or Mike Jones, MHFA Instructor. Telephone 01584 877751 or email gill@furniturescheme.co.uk.
ssfs Mental Health First Aid leaflet (39.5KB)

Shropshire Disability Network launches its new website
Shropshire Disability Network has just launched its new website. The website is set to become the place for information on disability in Shropshire. Even if you do not have a particular interest in disability issues I encourage you to take a look as the website. It offers a great example of an easy to access and well designed website packed full of interesting news and links. Visit the website at: www.shropshire-disability.net

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. Nominations are sought from those who are engaged in the field and have an interest in the work of the Board but are not employed by public sector/statutory organisations.  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. To find out more about the Shropshire Safeguarding Children's Board (SSCB) please contact Adam Scott, Head of Safeguards on 01743 254243 or email: adam.scott@shropshire.gov.uk

New Charities Minister
Nick Hurd MP is the new Minister for Civil Society responsible for charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations in the Cabinet Office. For more information see the news item at:
http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/news/content/6612/nick_hurd_is_new_charities_minister

Personalisation Resource Published
The Institute for Public Policy Research has a new Personalisation work stream.  The web page below has information on relevant events and publications. Visit:
http://www.ippr.org.uk/research/teams/project.asp?id=3436&tID=3571&pID=3436

RADAR Information
Please find attached a leaflet from RADAR advertising their project aimed at developing leadership skills of young people with injury ill health or disability (IID) and encouraging them to participate in general mainstream bodies such as health boards, school boards etc. They are particularly keen to encourage young people (aged 18-25) and people from black and minority ethnic communities to participate. If you would like to discuss this or find out about applying, please contact either Stephen Springer, London Leadership Project Manager, stephen.springer@radar.org.uk or Carina Schmoldt, Empowerment Assistant, carina.schmoldt@radar.org.uk
RADAR cbt flyer (26.81KB)

Resources to help with trustee recruitment (from VolResource)
New resource pages covering 'Trustee Recruitment for Small Organisations' are available on NCVO's website, produced with the help of other support bodies. They are specifically designed for organisations with limited resources. See:
http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/trusteerecruitmentforsmallorganisations
There is also a Trustee Recruitment Join Us Campaign, which provides material to help sector support organisations run their own trustee recruitment campaigns. See:
http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/Trusteerecruitmentcampaignspack

Coalition government developments
The Queens Speech for the opening of the new parliament on Tuesday 25th May included the line "The role of social enterprises, charities and cooperatives in public services will be enhanced". While there was no legislation announced to go alongside that statement, the supplementary notes (see Number 10 web page) says that "Work on this will begin immediately, with early measures in place by the autumn." Third Sector news item at http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/news/1005679/

Full five year agreement for coalition government
With the full agreement between the Conservatives and Liberals Democrats being published only a few days before the Queens Speech, it can be easy to confuse what is in the relatively clear programme for the next 18 months and what the Coalition would like to do over the full 5 year parliamentary term. There is a dedicated website for 'The Coalition: our programme for government' at:
http://programmeforgovernment.hmg.gov.uk

NAVCA highlights some measures that may affect voluntary and community sector organisation at http://www.navca.org.uk/news/coalitionprogramme.htm

With thanks to Kate Gordon, Policy Coordinator, Regional Action West Midlands

2. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Volunteers Week Celebrations -Picnic in the park
3rd June - Wem Park
5th June - Oswestry Park
2 fun events to celebrate the great work of volunteers across North Shropshire are being held in Wem and Oswestry.  Organised by Oswestry Community Action and Homestart Oswestry & North Shropshire the events will be a big thank you to all the volunteers who make such a big difference to our communities. The fun starts at 2pm at both events and there will be lots of activities for all the family including walks organised and led by Walking for Health, Falconry, Music and lots of activities for the kids.  If you would like to join us or have a stall to promote your organisation at either location please contact Kim at mailto:k.thompson-lawrence@qube-oca.org.uk or call 01691 656882. We will also be providing certificates for volunteers to recognise the contribution they make. If you would like these for your volunteers please send Kim the details and we will do the rest.
Volunteers Week (30.6KB)

Contract training - expressions of interest needed
NAVCA has engaged Michelmores law firm to deliver contract training in the English regions.  RAWM has offered to host the training day for the West Midlands, but must undertake to provide 15 -20 delegates.  This training course aims to help participants understand their liabilities and rights in funding contracts and service level agreements, it is not designed to improve their ability to tender for commissions or write funding applications.   The Learning Objectives are
-  Have a basic awareness and understanding of the legal status of contracts
-  Understand common contract clauses and legal terms and the implications for voluntary organisations and community groups
-  Be aware of potential pitfalls and 'danger signs' in order to know when to seek clarification or further advice
-  Understand the contract conditions that may be negotiable or non-negotiable in tendering situations.
The course costs £50 for NAVCA Members; £60 for others. Please email Kate Gordon at katherineg@rawm.co.uk by Thursday 3rd June if you are interested in attending this training course. 

Men's Health Week 14 - 20 June
The Men's Health Forum has planned a programme of activities for Men's Health Week 14-20 June.  To find out more follow the link below:
http://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/mhw-2010/19590-mens-health-week-2010

3. FUNDING NEWS

External Funding Update - June edition now available
Please find attached June's issue of the External Funding Update. It includes information on the following:
- Shropshire and Telford Destination Management Partnership Network Fund (building the capacity of tourism associations and grass-root tourism groups).
- Getting British Businesses Online (free website hosting for small businesses).
- Advantage West Midlands.
- CHK Charities Limited.
- Live UNLTD (initiative to support young people in developing their own business, sports teams, recreational groups, etc).
- Low Carbon Buildings programme (early closure).
External Funding Update 61 June 10 (50.79KB)

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 about the scheme please see the attached document.
SMDP Small Grants Application 2010 (572.5KB)

Feed In tariffs and the Renewable Heat Incentive
There are new Government initiatives around renewable energy / carbon reduction, namely Feed In tariffs and the Renewable Heat Incentive. To find out more take a look at the attachment.
FIeed In Tariffs and Renewable Heat (107.48KB)

Closing the Gap Funding
The Health Foundation is currently looking for partnerships to be part of this year's Closing the Gap - the award scheme dedicated to bridging the gap between current practice and best practice in healthcare.  By tackling known gaps between the routine delivery of care and best practice, Closing the Gap aims to support demonstrable improvements, build the knowledge and skills of the workforce, and create approaches to transform the quality of healthcare in the UK. This year there will be eight awards of up to £400,000 each. Applicants must apply by 12 noon on Tuesday 13 July 2010. To find out more visit:
http://www.health.org.uk

With thanks to Gary Spence, External Funding Officer and Joe Bubb, Team Leader Funding & Programmes

4. CONSULTATIONS

Survey of charity banking use (from VolResource)
A Banking Survey on charity "banking habits and usage" has been set up by Charities Finance Directors' Group, Small Charities Coalition and CAF Bank. Results will be used by CFDG in its policy work on the target end date of cheques and to lobby for improved banking services for charities. Opened 25th May, no end date given.
http://www.snapsurveys.com/swh/surveylogin.asp?k=127367823268

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

5. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Marketing and Communications Officer
Full-time 37.5hrs per week, initially a 3 year post, Salary  £24,646
Qube is seeking a self motivated and enthusiastic person with excellent organisational abilities to develop the range of activities of Qube Arts according to the Marketing and Communications Strategy, to ensure the future sustainability of the service. Preferably educated to degree level the successful applicant will have extensive experience and a proven track record in marketing and communications in an arts environment.  An excellent communicator, the post holder will work closely with the Qube leadership at a strategic level to raise the public profile of Qube Arts, ensuring that a clear and consistent message is broadcast about Qube and its activities. Public relations experience is essential with excellent presentation, administrative and reporting skills. For full job details and application form contact: Laurel Roberts, Oswestry Community Action, Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry, SY11 1RB. Tel: 01691 656882 email:
info @qube-oca.org.uk
Closing Date: 11th June 2010  Interviews: 18th June 2010
Charity Number: 1063319.   Inc Company. 3390138

6. COMPACT

My Compact Story
It was my first day in a new job at North Salop Wheelers (the community transport scheme) and amongst other leaflets and information I was given the Shropshire Compact. I was asked to consider and offer my opinion as to how the Compact could benefit our voluntary organisation. After reading what the Compact was about it became clear that there would be some benefits to joining up and getting involved on issues such as consultation, equality, diversity and funding. One of the direct benefits North Salop Wheelers would gain from the Compact would be that under the terms of the Compact, Shropshire Council must allow a notice period of six months before they can make changes to funding for the project. This is vitally important for us as it allows us to plan for any budget changes or seek further funding sources during the six month courtesy period.  For a small voluntary organisation like North Salop Wheelers the Compact can be of particular value. It means that, although we live in the remote area of North Shropshire, we don't stand alone as a voluntary organisation in this large county and the work we do will get the respect it deserves. In these difficult times where large established commercial companies go to the wall, almost on a daily basis! That thought comes as a comfort. If all voluntary groups were to sign up to the Compact then perhaps new partnerships could be formed, enabling us to serve the people our organisations are set up to help more cohesively.

For more information on North Salop Wheelers the community transport scheme please visit our website: http://www.northsalopwheelers.co.uk
Have you got a Compact story? Email sarah.dodds@shropshire.gov.uk and share it with others.

Compact Toolkits - now available!
Want to ensure you implement the Compact but aren't sure how? A toolkit has been developed to help. Three separate documents are available, tailored to meet the needs of larger VCS organisations, small groups and organisations and Council Officers. The documents are attached to the Compact page of this website. If you have any questions or need further information contact me, Sarah Dodds in my other role as Compact Officer using the contact details at the bottom of this news bulletin.

Compact Case Studies Published
The Commission for the Compact has produced the first three case studies in an ongoing series showing the Compact in use within the public sector and illustrating good practice. The case studies are available to download from the Compact website. Alongside the case studies, there are practical documents such as project plans, templates and presentations used by the organisations during their work to implement the Compact.
- The Department for Children, Schools and Families (now the Department for Education)
- Rutland County Council
- Dacorum Borough Council
For further information about future case studies in the series, please email, Ruth Fennemore, Policy Adviser, Commission for the Compact.
ruth.fennemore@thecompact.org.uk. To read the case studies follow the link below:
http://www.thecompact.org.uk/information/100022/140798/casestudies/

7. QUICK QUESTION

What is Big Society?
A new era of people power at the centre of the new Government has been announced by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. A cross-government policy programme will create a climate that empowers local people and communities, building a Big Society that would roll back bureaucracy. The policies outlined include:
- giving communities a greater say over their local planning system and saving local services, such as post offices and pubs.
- creating a new generation of community organisers that will be trained to support the establishment of neighbourhood groups and introducing measures to encourage giving and philanthropy.
- encouraging volunteering and involvement in social action, including launching a national 'Big Society Day' and making regular community involvement a key element of key civil service staff appraisals.
- piloting a new National Citizen Service which aims to give 16 year olds the chance to develop the skills needed to be active and responsible citizens, mix with people from different backgrounds, and start getting involved in their communities.
- supporting mutuals, co-operatives, charities and social enterprises and giving them greater involvement in the running of public services. Funds from dormant bank accounts will be used to establish a Big Society Bank, which will provide new finance for neighbourhood groups, charities, social enterprises and other non-governmental bodies.
- increasing access to government-held data through a 'new right to data' for citizens to ensure Government data is published. The Police will be obliged to publish monthly crime statistics.
- extending powers for local government by giving a general power of competence to local councils and conducting a comprehensive review of local government finance in order to help remove restrictions that limit the work of local councils.
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/newsroom/news_releases/2010/100518-news-big-society-launch.aspx

8. IMPORTANT REMINDERS

News Items
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. 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 contact Steve on 01743 237877 or email steve.jones@shropshire-rcc.org.uk

Funding
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. 
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) 2331223 and ask for an application pack.
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
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

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

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 on the VCS Assembly Website under Latest News 14 May.

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
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!

With best wishes
Sarah

Sarah Dodds
VCS Assembly Coordinator and Compact Officer
mailto:sarah.dodds@shropshire.gov.uk
Telephone 01743 252740