30th July 2010
VCS Assembly News Update 30 July (Issue 48)In this issue:
1. News
2. Dates for Your Diary
3. Funding News
4. Consultations
5. Compact
6. Career Opportunities
7. Quick Question
8. Important Reminders
1. News
Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership Newsletter
The First newsletter of the Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership is now available and a copy is attached. If you have not already visited the website, try and take a few moments to have a look - there are lots of useful pages with local information about available support and events. Visit: http://www.shropshirevcs.org.uk/
SIP Newsletter (122.39KB)
Changing Places in Shropshire
The Disability Forum recently elected to champion the national campaign 'Changing Places' in Shropshire, we are in the process of establishing a steering group and would welcome any interested parties to join the campaign or the steering group. The changing places campaign is on behalf of those people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. This includes people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their carers, as well
as many other disabled people. Hundreds of people throughout Shropshire need 'Changing Places' toilets that would help them to enjoy the day to day activities many of us take for granted. Changing Places toilets are designed with enough space and the right equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist.
Without these facilities, families have to change the person they care for on a cramped and dirty toilet floors, or in the back of the car, which is very undignified and embarrassing for all concerned. The alternative is to limit outings to a few short hours - or to not go out at all. At present we have no public access to changing places facilities in Shropshire, our aim as a group will be to have at least one in each of the counties market towns.
We are hoping we can count on your support to back this campaign, if you require further information on changing places you can visit their website http://www.changing-places.org/
if you would like to know more about joining the Changing Places steering group contact Admin on 01952 245 015.
Social Enterprise Support Hub
If you are based in Herefordshire, Worcestershire or Shropshire and work with a social enterprise you may want to learn more about the hub. The hub will test out new ways of growing and developing the social sector. It's called inside enterprise because it's support for people inside enterprise delivered by people inside enterprise. It will involve meeting with five other peers over the course of six months, to learn, develop and support each other over
hurdles and dilemmas. Once you are matched with five other people, you will be allocated a facilitator who will be there to support your inside enterprise hub to find a good time to meet, help you to reflect on your challenges and aspirations and move you closer to your goals. Research shows that the leaders of third sector organisations, who regularly get together with peers to seek support, get advice and bounce ideas much more successfully grow their enterprises and move beyond
survival. If you would like to join an inside enterprise support hub then contact Amy at brap on 0121 456 7403 or email: amyw@brap.org.uk
Guides to help prepare for collaboration or merger
The Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) has produced a briefing which sets out critical factors for merging, based on lessons learned from four case studies.
http://www.ivar.org.uk/sites/default/files/images/TFN_March_2010_IVAR%20(1).pdf
A guide to help organisations get ready for working in collaboration has also been produced as part of the Collaboration Benefits Programme run by the community organisations body Bassac. 'Getting ready for collaboration: Learning from experience' aims to help with all forms of collaboration, from sharing information and developing a common policy response to mergers. See Bassac's list of collaboration resources at: http://www.bassac.org.uk/dms/list/36/all/all/collaboration
Big Society News (Updates from RAWM)
Each government department has issued a draft structural reform plan. The Cabinet Office issued their plan in June, which contains the timetable for creating the Big Society.
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/414879/srp-cabinet-office.pdf
More specific detail about localism and the Big Society are contained in the CLG plan.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/corporate/pdf/16359212.pdf
On the 19 July, the Prime Minister launched the Big Society Bank and four 'Vanguard' areas where Big Society is to be piloted.
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/newsroom/news_releases/2010/100719-bigsociety.aspx
A transcript of the PM's speech is available from:
http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/speeches-and-transcripts/2010/07/big-society-speech-53572
The Big Society Network was launched on 13 July 2010.
http://www.thebigsociety.co.uk/pdfs/100713_press_release.pdf
The Citizenship Survey 2009-March 2010 was released on 22 July. The percentage of people feeling able to influence local decision making and volunteering has dropped; other indicators have remained static or have not changed significantly.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/citizenshipsurveyq4200910
At the first Big Society Practitioners round table held by CLG, representatives from local community groups laid out the barriers stopping people realising their full potential.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/newsstories/communities/158770411
Eric Pickles has been appointed co-Chair of the Ministerial Big Society Group. The appointment was been made after localism was added to the group's remit. http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/DailyBulletin/1018073/Eric-Pickles-announced-joint-chair-ministerial-big-society group/D23095CA061355848190B654EC6FEC15/?DCMP=EMC-DailyBulletin
The New Economics Foundation has published 'Ten Big Questions about the Big Society. See:
http://neweconomics.org/sites/neweconomics.org/files/Ten_Big_Questions_about_the_Big_Society.pdf
NHS Whitepaper published (from VolResource)
Charity chief executives body ACEVO has a news item describing some of the measures in the government's NHS White Paper that would have the greatest impact on the third sector, http://www.acevo.org.uk/Page.aspx?pid=2021. As a White Paper is a set of proposals, details may change before it comes to implementation. Official government material at http://neweconomics.org/sites/neweconomics.org/files/Ten_Big_Questions_about_the_Big_Society.pdf
Commission for Rural Communities Due to End
The Commission for Rural Communities is to be axed as part of the public sector cutbacks. The statement announcing the cut can be found at:
http://ruralcommunities.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ministerialstatement.pdf
Funding Cuts Guidance Published
NAVCA has produced a short guide on procedures to follow if facing funding cuts. The guidance covers the Compact, legal responsibilities and where to access resources that may assist. To download a copy visit:
http://ruralcommunities.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ministerialstatement.pdf
NCVO wins award for research and horizon scanning
We're very pleased to announce that NCVO's research work has just won the Social Policy Association's (SPA) award for outstanding contribution of a non-academic to social policy. For more information from NCVO visit their website at:
www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/
2. Dates for Your Diary
Public Meeting - Court Consultations
County Courts in Shrewsbury, Oswestry and Ludlow, and Magistrates Courts in Oswestry, Market Drayton and Ludlow are under threat. A public meeting organised by Citizens Advice Shropshire will take place to discuss the future. Citizens Advice Shropshire will work to ensure local views about these proposals are fed into the Ministry of Justice consultation which closes on 15th September 2010.
Copies of the consultation documents can be found at:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-cp14-10.htm
The Meeting will be held at 5.00pm Wednesday 11th August at The Roy Fletcher Centre 12-17 Cross Hill Shrewsbury SY1 1HE.
Notice of Court Consultation meeting (63.31KB)
Equality Workshop - 28 September 2010
An Equalities workshop is being organised to facilitate the consultation element of Community Services Equality Impact Assessments. VCS Assembly members are invited.
If you have an interest in equality issues, represent a group working concerned with equalities and you are willing to provide feedback to questions, please try to attend. You do not need to have any knowledge or experience of Council policies, only an understanding of equality and diversity issues. Your travel expenses will be covered and lunch will be provided. The workshop will be held at 9.30am to 1pm Shrewsbury Town Football Club. Full details, directions, expense form, etc will be sent out once you have registered your interest. Please contact Gillian Herdman, Performance Unit, Shropshire Council Community Services Directorate by Thursday 12 August. Telephone 01743 255 831 or email gillian.herdman@shropshire.gov.uk
2010 MAT Development Days - Book now
Multi-Agency Team (MAT) Development Days are local events bringing together a wide variety of agencies and schools within a MAT area. Each MAT Development Day is different; they are developed locally to explore and provide information about local, county-wide and national topics.
The event includes presentations, interactive activities, updates on local and national developments and opportunities to network with local practitioners.
MAT Area: Shrewsbury
Thursday 30 September 2010, Guildhall, Shrewsbury
MAT Area: Market Drayton
Friday 8 October 2010, Bradbury Hall, Tilstock
MAT Area: Bridgnorth and Craven Arms
Wednesday 13 October 2010, Westgate, Bridgnorth
MAT Area: Oswestry
Monday 18 October 2010, West Felton Village Hall, Oswestry
To book a place call 01743 254419 or email mapadmin@shropshire.gov.uk
Shaping the Future of Services
Developing a Universal Strategy for prevention and early intervention services.
A series of interactive workshops and seminars to develop a universal strategy for prevention and early intervention services in Shropshire have been organised. If you are involved in any of these services either as a Provider, a Recipient, a professional who refers to these services, or you are interested and want to take part in developing the strategy, please come along to one of the following events:
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Shrewsbury Football Ground
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9.30 - 12 noon 2 August 2010 |
Physical Disability, Older People, Sensory Impairment, Mental Health
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Craven Arms Community Centre
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14.30 - 17.00 2 August 2010 |
Physical Disability, Older People, Sensory Impairment, Mental Health
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Shrewsbury Football Ground
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14.30 - 17.00 4 August 2010 |
Learning Disability only |
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Whitchurch Civic Centre |
14.30 - 17.00 5 August 2010 |
Physical Disability, Older People, Sensory Impairment, Mental Health |
These sessions are free to attend but registration is essential. Please contact Pat Emery, tel: 01743 254639 or e-mail patricia.emery@shropshire.gov.uk, to book your place by providing your name, your organisation, contact details and your chosen event.
The Third Sector In 2010: Current Challenges, Future Opportunities - London
The next few years are likely to bring an age of relative austerity for third sector funding, in contrast to the considerable Government support of the last ten years. Yet it is also expected that the coming parliament will see greater demand for third sector and community involvement both in delivering services, and in building a strong and cohesive society, or as the Prime Minister has put it, "The Big Society". But what will this mean in practical terms
for organisations across the sector? And how can charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises ensure they retain their unique and valuable characteristics of independence, campaigning, and strong community ties? The event details are:
Title: The Third Sector In 2010: Current Challenges, Future Opportunities
Date: Tuesday, 30th November 2010
Time: 10.00am-4.30pm (including networking lunch)
Venue: TBC, Westminster, London
Cost: £225-£395 for one place, dependent on sector (discounts for more than one place)
To find out more and book a place visit: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/
3. Funding News
Philpotts Fund: Working with older people
The Philpotts Fund is still available for groups working to improve the lives of older people (with particular emphasis on the Monkmoor area). Grants are available to groups who are reaching people aged 50+ and, based in, or primarily supporting older people from the Monkmoor area of Shrewsbury. Examples of activities you can apply for funding for are events, trips and outings, capital purchases, facilities etc. Groups can apply for up to £3000 in a calendar
year. A flyer and all documents including application forms are attached to this email. Alternatively, contact Age Concern Shropshire Telford & Wrekin on (01743) 233123 and ask for an application pack.
Poster Philpotts Fund 15.3.10 (40.98KB)Phillpots Fund application letter
(32.13KB)
Government Makes Decsision on Future of Funding Programmes
Communitybuilders has started giving out funds again. The £70m grant and loan fund was set up by the Communities and Local Government department to support organisations that provide community cohesion services, and is administered by the Social Investment Business. It has been open to applications but has not been making payments since the coalition government took power. The £100m Social Enterprise Investment Fund, also run by the SIB, is still not
paying out money, but is taking applications. The other major government fund operated by the SIB, Futurebuilders England, has been closed by the coalition government.
http://www.communitybuildersfund.org.uk/
http://www.socialinvestmentbusiness.org/our-funds/social-enterprise-investment-fund/
Youth Focus
Youth Focus is Big Lottery Fund's £30m targeted investment in England to support vulnerable young people lead active and fulfilling lives. Youth in Focus will seek to address the needs of three groups of young people to make positive transitions:
- Young carers
- Young people leaving care
- Young people leaving young offenders institutions
Attached is a booklet with further information and a booking form to attend one of our briefing events. Partnership applications led by the voluntary and community sector are encouraged. It is anticipated that around 30 large awards across England will be made. Application materials will be available in September together with briefing events across the country.
With thanks to Gary Spence, External Funding Officer and Joe Bubb, Team Leader Funding & Programmes
youth in focus booklet (279.43KB)YiF writeable booking form
(522.98KB)
4. Consultations
Homelessness Strategy Consultation
Please find attached the Homelessness Strategy consultation document, a summary document and a feedback form. This important document sits below the county's overarching Housing Strategy. The Homelessness Strategy Implementation Group has been responsible for developing the document and wishes to consult as widely as possible. Consultation will close at 5pm on Friday 15 October 2010.
Feedback Form Interim Homelessness Strategy Action Plan 2010-2011 (29KB)Consultation Document Interim (357.04KB)Summary Document Interim (94.38KB)
Skills Third Sector Consultation
Skills Third Sector has launched a consultation on developing a National Skills Strategy as a crucial tool for supporting a skilled workforce. Consultation events around England have already started but continue in September. There is also an online questionnaire, closing date 1st October. See:
http://www.skillsthirdsector.org.uk/research_policy/skills_strategy_consultation/.
Cultural Workforce Survey
A Cultural Workforce Survey has been launched by the National Campaign for the Arts to gather data from everyone who works in the cultural sector, including board members/trustees and volunteers. Expected to be repeated annually, they will build evidence about employment in the sector and to understand challenges and potential for change. Complete the survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PYXWVMS
Department of Health Consultation
This is the first of 5 consultation documents expected from the Department of Health. The closing date for is 11 October. Visit: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_117583
DWP launched consultation
DWP is seeking to capture comments to help them develop the new single Work Programme. There are two consultation topics
- Capital Raising and Payment Models - closes Friday 30 July
- Efficiencies. Customers and Implementation - open 2 - 13 August
http://interactive.dwp.gov.uk/the-work-programme-your-thoughts
5. Compact
Shropshire Compact Champions Event - NEW DATE
A Compact Champions session will be held on the afternoon of the 28 September. The event will take place in Shrewsbury and will allow Compact Champions to get the latest information, raise any issues they may have and discuss common issues and concerns. 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.
Compact Baseline Survey Results Published
The results of the Commission for the Compact's baseline survey are now available. This national survey was the first comprehensive assessment of the Compact at government and non-departmental public body level. The findings provide a snapshot of levels of awareness, knowledge and use of the Compact from September to December 2009 and set a series of baseline figures. For more information please visit:http://www.thecompact.org.uk/information/100016/141592/compactbaselinesurveyfindings/
Compact supported by Ministerial Group for the Big Society
The Ministerial Big Society Group has stated its commitment to the Compact and Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society has staed that the Government is "fully committed to the Compact". More information is available in a news bulletin (see below):
http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/DailyBulletin/1016399/Government-will-consider-Compact-when-making-cuts-Nick-Hurd-tells-Commons/8C1323D978B4D152CC6B303E21F2075B/?DCMP=EMC-DailyBulletin
Compact Awards - Reminder
The National Compact Awards 2010 are now open for nominations. The closing date is Wednesday 11 August. Categories are:
Local Compact of the Year Award
Compact Champion of the Year Award
Compact Award for Local Partnership Working
Compact Award for Regional Partnership Working
Compact Award for National Partnership Working
The Commissioner's Award
If you have some ideas for nominations let me know! Could you be Compact Champion of the Year? To find out more visit:
http://www.compactawards.rroom.net/home
Have you got a Compact story? Email sarah.dodds@shropshire.gov.uk and share it with others.
6. Career Opportunities
Volunteer Outreach Worker CLOSING DATE TUESDAY!
Part-time 15 hours per week, initially a 2 year post. Salary £19,427 pro rata
Oswestry Community Action Volunteer Centre is looking for an enthusiastic person with good organisational abilities and communication skills to help people into volunteering and provide advice and support to voluntary and community groups across North Shropshire. Preferably educated to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, the post holder will have experience of working or volunteering within the voluntary sector. Own car is essential.
This post is funded through the Northern Marches Leader Programme
For full details of post and an application form (CVs are not accepted) contact: Oswestry Community Action, Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry, SY11 1RB.
Tel: 01691 656882, email: info@qube-oca.org.uk
Closing Date: 2nd August 2010
Charity Number: 1063319. Inc Company. 3390138
7. Quick Question
What is vschools?
vschools is an exciting new programme delivered by v, The National Young Volunteers' Service, as part of The Youth Community Action Programme. v works to strengthen the role of young people in society by harnessing their ideas, time and talents. Since 2006, we have created over 900,000 volunteering opportunities for young people to volunteer and get involved in campaigns they feel strongly about. The documents attached provide a good overview of the programme and
contain contact details if you wish to find out more.
11846 vschools pack INSERTS FINAL (3688.4KB)vSchools A4 Flyer (79.38KB)
8. Important Reminders
News Items
VCS Assembly New Member Packs - Now Available!
Membership of the Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly is free of charge to all local voluntary and community groups. Do you know of other groups and organisations that would benefit from becoming a member? Information can be sent out by post or email. If you would like new member information to pass onto your contacts please contact the VCS Assembly Coordinator (either me, Sarah, or Elaine Griffiths) using the contact details at the bottom of the page.
Help is at hand to switch to digital TV
If you want more information for yourself or someone you know, please log onto www.helpscheme.co.uk.
Hive offers 'huddling' opportunity!
For further information about rent and hire facilities at the Hive please contact Alyson Lanning, director on 01743 234970 or email alyson@hiveonline.org.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
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
Please contact Rosemary Collie, SCRL Co-ordinator. Telephone. 07792 687903. Email: rosemary@furniturescheme.co.uk.
Events
Free Funding Workshops - BOOK NOW!
To assist the capacity of the third sector to take-up ESF funding opportunities, a series of free workshops will be held across the sub-region. Workshops will be held in Shropshire on, 23rd September and 5th October. Email: joe.bubb@shropshire.gov.uk.
My Life My Choice
My Life My Choice Team in Shropshire will be running free events at the following locations:
- Raven House, Market Drayton - Tuesday 7th September
- Craven Arms Community Centre - Monday 13th September
All sessions 9.30am to 12.30pm, refreshments from 9.15am. The seminars will aim to provide an:
- understanding of the need for change in service delivery
- the options for change in respect of service provision
- an overview of the challenges and opportunities for service provision
- where to go for further guidance in the county.
To book a place please see the attached document, telephone: 01743 254635 or email: mylifemychoice@shropshire.gov.uk.
Consultations
Spotlight on the Shropshire Economy
For details visit: http://www.consultshropshire.org/shropshire/kms/dmart.aspx
Options on simplifying the Gift Aid process (from VolResource)
Gift Aid Simplification Measures Questionnaire at:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9RTDPWM
Improving sector access to capital and investment (from VolResource)
Comments are invited, see: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/fundingcommission
Back issues of newsletters can be accessed from: www.2shrop.net/shropvcsassembly
Got a good news story, job advert or idea you want to share with others? Let me know!
With best wishes
Sarah Dodds, VCS Assembly Coordinator and Compact Officer
sarah.dodds@shropshire.gov.uk Telephone 01743 252740