2 November 2010

VCS Assembly News Update 2 November (Issue 54)

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

Shropshire - Rainbow Film Festival November/December 2010
The Rainbow Film Festival arranges an annual week of films of particular interest to LGBT people, their friends and families. This is the fifth year of the festival which takes place at the Old Market Hall in Shrewsbury, this year from 26 November to 2 December. The Rainbow Film Festival is run by volunteers and they would be very pleased to hear from anyone who would like to share their ideas for future festivals. Further details can be found at: http://www.rainbowfilmfestival.org.uk/ or http://www.oldmarkethall.co.uk/

Shadow minister for civil society appointed
The new shadow minister for civil society is Roberta Blackman-Woods, Labour MP for the City of Durham.

VolResource - Short briefing on the CSR
VolResource is a great newsletter and provides short summaries of all the latest news for the VCS. Their update on the Comprehensive Spending Review is attached - it offers a quick, easy to read summary.VolResource and the CSR (15.16KB)

NCVO Responds to the CSR
NCVO has responded to the announcements around the Comprehensive Spending review and pulled together information from other national Voluntary Sector Organisations. Details of the key points raised by NCVO with links to other sources of information can be found at: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/news/politics/spending-review-our-response

New Philanthropy Capital reacts to the CSR
As a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review New Philanthropy Capital has issued a report named Preparing for cuts. The paper offers advice to funders on how to help charities adapt and survive the coming cuts, as well as suggesting ways in which charities can put themselves in a stronger position to cope.
Suggestions for how charities can manage the impact of the cuts include:
- adapting their strategies. This could include deciding to shrink public service provision, or changing policy tactics to focus on local policy-makers instead of Whitehall; and
- partnering with other charities or private sector providers to offer more attractive services to commissioners.
Suggestions for funders include:
- speeding up response times and reducing the costs of reporting, to save both time and money; and
- keeping in close contact with charities and being willing to step outside their comfort zone. For instance, charities may need interim funding to smooth the transition to new funding arrangements, or may need support restructuring and finding funds for redundancies.
For a copy visit:
http://www.philanthropycapital.org/publications/improving_the_sector/grantmaking/preparing_for_cuts.aspx?dm_i=59B,A0FQ,1OKP4E,R2S6,1

For more information contact: info@philanthropycapital.org

Cheque abolition focus on charities (from VolResource)
The Payments Council, the body which aims to "ensure that UK payment systems and services meet the needs of users, payment service providers and the wider economy", has issued its first newsletter following the proposal to abolish cheques. The 'focus' article is on "Charities, clubs and societies" and worth a read by anyone concerned about this issue. Download via http://www.paymentscouncil.org.uk/resources/-/page/publications/.

Reducing the time for office risk assessments
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has produced an online risk assessment tool. See: http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/office.htm.

New Charity Commission boss airs his views (from VolResource)
The new chief executive of the Charity Commission, Sam Younger, used his first speech to a charity audience to urge charities to focus on the opportunities ahead for the sector. He said "Your charity, whether it's large or small, must focus on what it can do. Whether or not you are facing financial difficulties, you must use the opportunity presented by the current climate to establish what you can do better." Also that "The sector must move from a grants mentality - the expectation that they will be supported because their heart is in the right place - to a contract mentality." See Civil Society Media:
http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/finance/news/content/7552/.

Central online repository for material about the sector
The Third Sector Research Centre is getting £200,000 from Big Lottery Fund to collaborate with the British Library in establishing a "Knowledge Portal", an online catalogue and library of published material on and for the UK voluntary sector, which will become a permanent part of the British Library's Social Sciences collection. It should be operational in spring 2011.

2. Dates for Your Diary

Invitation to A4U's AGM - Reminder
A4U's Annual General Meeting is being held on Thursday 4^th November at 2:30pm at Louise House, Roman Road, Shrewsbury. For more information contact Janet. Email: janet.phillips@a4u.org.uk

Women's Enterprise Event 2010 - 17 November
The annual conference is being held at Worcester Racecourse and will cater for 200 women involved in Enterprise or looking to unleash their talents and make their ideas happen. Enterprising Women's Day is all about being inspired and making new business contacts. This year's event is not to be missed - there will be inspirational speakers, lively workshops and business advice. There will also be the opportunity to do some shopping and experience relaxation and pamper therapies. Great food and refreshments will also be provided during the day - all great value for money at £30 per head if you book before the day (£40 if tickets purchased on the day). You can find out more by going to http://www.midwest-rural.org.uk and click on the Women's Enterprise link located at the bottom of the home page, you can view the workshops available (booking form attached), purchase your ticket and pay online via PayPal, or call 0871 8723763 or email jos@midwest-rural.org.uk
doc Workshop Details (41.5KB) doc Workshop Booking Form 2010 (56.5KB) doc Programme - Enterprising Women 2010 (33KB)

Social Enterprise Day - 18 November
A Drop in Roadshow is being held for Social Enterprise Day from 10am in Darwin Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury. Details of the event and how to book are included on the attached flyer.
pdf Social Enterprise Final Version 1 (416.64KB)

Funding Your Future - 19^th November - BOOK NOW!
Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership has organised a useful and timely event: 'Funding your Future'. The event will be held on Friday 19th November 9:30am - 2:00pm at Shrewsbury Town Football Club, Greenhous Meadow. A flyer is attached with details. Alternatively you can also visit www.shropshirevcs.org.uk/FYF and book on line.
pdf Funding_Your_Future (430.63KB)

IMPACT Alcohol and Addictions Services - 10 Years Old!
VCS Assembly Members are invited to help IMPACT Alcohol and Addictions Services celebrate their 10^th Birthday. The celebration will take place on Friday 10^th December between 11am and 3pm. An invitation is attached. Don't forget to let IMPACT know you wish to attend - phone Irene on 01743 245552.
pdf IMPACT AAS Celebrations (169.59KB)

Capita's National Big Society Conference
Localism and the Future of Public Services
Wednesday 26th January 2011 - Central London. For a brochure and booking form visit the web site: http://www.capitaconferences.co.uk/public-sector-conferences/local-government-communities/full-conference/article/big-society.html

or emailchris.mcneill@capita.co.uk.

The Third Sector In 2010: The Challenges & Opportunities of the Big Society
Title: The Third Sector In 2010: The Challenges & Opportunities of the Big Society
Date: Tuesday, 30th November 2010
Time: 10.00am-4.30pm (including networking lunch)
Venue: The Commonwealth Club, Westminster, London
Cost: £225-£395 for one place, dependent on sector (discounts for more than one place)
For details visit: http://www.westminster-briefing.com/?p=13783

3. Funding News

November's Funding Briefing - Now available!
Find attached November's Funding update from Gary Spence. The update includes information on the following:
- Community Wildlife (BIG LOTTERY) - details of a Shropshire project and the programme's final deadline
- External Funding Strategy - comments now invited for the draft action plan
- Community Buildings (BIG LOTTERY) - advance warning of a new community buildings programme
- Hilden Charitable Fund - supporting charity work around homelessness, penal affairs, asylum seekers and initiatives for the 16-25s
pdf EFU66 Nov 10 (50.99KB)

People's Postcode Trust Opens New Round of Funding and Extends Eligibility Criteria - REMINDER IMMINENT DEADLINE
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. The Trust aims to make Great Britain a better place for both people and nature and by supporting projects which operate within the following six fields of operation:
Poverty Prevention - to prevent poverty, sickness and distress for the benefit of the general public.
Advancement of Health - to promote, maintain, improve and advance health.
Community Development - to advance citizenship or community development.
Public Sports - to advance public participation in sport.
Human Rights - to promote, improve and advance human rights, conflict resolution or reconciliation.
Environmental Protection - to promote and advance environmental protection or improvement.
Grants of between £500 and £10,000 (£500 and £5,000 if in Wales) are, therefore, available to small organisations, community groups and charities. The following apply:
- Applicants that are not formally registered as a charity with OSCR / Charity Commission can apply for up to £2,000 in funding.
- Applicants that are registered with OSCR / Charity Commission and can provide a valid charity number can apply for up to £10,000 in funding (£5,000 if in Wales).

All projects must help in one or more of the above six fields of operation but could include, for example, the purchase of sports kit or uniform, new equipment or the creation of community gardens. The project has to have a clear charitable purpose, must take place between January and June 2011 and must last for no longer than three months. Applications are welcomed from those based in Scotland, England and Wales; however, the Trust will only fund applications in England from the following regions:

Yorkshire and the Humber.
North East England.
Liverpool and Merseyside.
The Midlands.

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 see http://www.postcodetrust.org.uk/

Capital funding for community buildings
A £75 million funding stream from the BIG Lottery Fund aims to transform existing buildings to community use, offering a wide range of activities benefitting a broad group of citizens, with capital funding of between £100,000 to £500,000 available from early December. This is a strand of the Reaching Communities programme (in England). http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_reaching_communities

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

4. Consultations

Consultation on reviewing the Charity Commission's priorities
The Charity Commission (for England and Wales) has launched a public consultation on its future role and focus, to take into account the impact of its reduced funding announced last week. This is the first stage of a review of its priorities for the next five years, and asks for comments on the key risks the Commission should seek to address and the different expectations stakeholders have of the charity regulator. The news release at http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/RSS/News/pr_strategic_review.aspx links to an online survey and blog, where you can add comments, or send an email. The Guardian's interview with the new chief executive also gives some more background, at http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/oct/27/interview-sam-younger-charity-commission.

5. Compact

It is National Compact Week!
It is a quiet Compact Week this year as we all wait for news relating to the outcome of the recent consultation on the new National Compact. The consultation on the national document finished last week. Those responsible for local Compacts are all aware that changes at the national level may lead to a need to review local documents. The new national document sets out 5 key outcomes which will need to be considered locally:
7         Civil Society Organisations' independence is recognised and valued.
7         Effective and innovative policies, programmes and services, incorporating social value.
7         Well managed programmes and services.
7         Minimised impact of ending funding.
7         An equal and fair Society.
The Office for Civil Society has promised to announce new proposals to strengthen the Compact and these are due immently. Watch this space for further updates!

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: http://www.shropshirevcs.org.uk/

7. Important Reminders

News Items

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? Alistair Bates, census Manager 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 http://www.census.gov.uk/

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 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

Please see the VCS Assembly Website for details of previous newsletters.

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 10^th 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.

Social Audit Network (SAN) Conference 2010- 3 December
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

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 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.

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. All documents are available from: http://www.consultshropshire.org/shropshire/KMS/dmart.aspx

Building a Stronger Civil Society
On 16^th October, at NCVO, the Government launched a new strategy for the voluntary and community sector. 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.
http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/building-stronger-civil-society
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/426258/support-stronger-civil-society.pdf

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
sarah.dodds@shropshire.gov.uk Telephone 01743 252740