9th July 2010

VCS Assembly News Update (Issue 47)

In this issue:

1. News
2. Dates for Your Diary
3. Funding News
4. Consultations
5. Career Opportunities
6. Compact
7. Important Reminders

Easy Read/Print Version Attached

VCS Assembly News Update 9 July (106.07KB)

1. News

VCS Annual Assembly helps set future direction
More than 100 of Shropshire's voluntary and community groups and organisations came together on the 30th June for the third Voluntary and Community Sector Annual Assembly. The event was timely. The Government has recently highlighted the importance of the voluntary sector in helping to achieve its vision of a 'Big Society', where people come together to take responsibility to solve problems and improve life for themselves and for their communities (the news updates will include regular updates). Kim Ryley, Chief Executive of Shropshire Council, addressed the delegates and called for the Voluntary and Community Sector to "talk with one voice" and to work with Shropshire Council to "get the delivery of public services right for the people of Shropshire". This message was reinforced by the Deputy Chief Executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) who spoke about the importance of partnership, and working to support those who are most vulnerable to protect them from the impact of the funding cuts now being made by the new Government.

Councillor Martin Bennett, Shropshire's Champion for the Third Sector delivered some important messages regarding the strengths of the Voluntary and Community Sector, such as being able to adapt to change and think creatively. Although many of the groups and organisations that form the sector are small he said "if people think that you are too small to be effective, they have never been in bed with a mosquito." Elaine Griffiths commented: "Feedback from attendees at this year's Assembly has been really positive. The day has reinforced the opportunities for partnership working that exist within the county, and highlighted the big issues that will need attention over the coming months."

A short report has been produced by David Bell from Shropshire Council to highlight the key messages and content. A copy is attached. Many thanks to David for his support and assistance!

Report VCS Annual Assembly 2010 (60.27KB)

VCS Assembly Annual Report
The VCS Assembly Board has produced an Annual Report highlighting the work that has taken place to respond to the issues VCS Assembly Members raised at the Annual Assembly 2009. A copy is attached for your information. Paper copies are also available (please use the contact details below to request a copy by post).

VCS Assembly Annual Report 2009-10 (416.21KB)

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 (Sarah or Elaine Griffiths) using the contact details at the bottom of the page.

VCS Assembly Board June Newsletter
The latest quarterly newsletter is now available from the VCS Assembly Board and a copy is attached for your information.

Newsletter June 2010 (181.93KB)

Help is at hand to switch to digital TV
In 2011 the traditional TV signal will be switched off in the Central region and replaced with a digital TV signal. This is not a concern for most people but some may find it harder to make the switch than others. The Switchover Help Scheme has been set up by the Government and is run by the BBC. Its purpose is to make digital TV easy for older and disabled people by converting one of their televisions to digital in the run-up to digital TV switchover in their region. People who live in Shropshire served by the Ridge Hill and the Wrekin transmitters will begin to switch in 2011. The Switchover Help Scheme aims to reach out to all eligible people, and ensure that those who need our help get it, so that no-one eligible need be left behind without access to television after switchover. People are eligible for help if they are:

* aged 75 or over,
* have lived in a care home for six months or more,
* get or could get, disability living allowance,
* attendance or constant attendance allowance, or mobility supplement,
* Or if they are registered blind or partially sighted.

In the run-up to switchover, every eligible person receives a Switchover Help Scheme information pack explaining the options for switching to digital. Most people will be asked to contribute £40 towards the help. The service is free for people who are eligible and also get pension credit, income support, income-based jobseekers allowance or employment and support allowance. In the meantime, if you want more information for yourself or someone you know, please log onto www.helpscheme.co.uk.

RAWM Health and Social Care Update
The National Audit Office has published a report on health and health inequalities. "Life Expectancy gap is widening" see: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/10475835.stm The report is available from: http://www.nao.org.uk/publications/1011/health_inequalities.aspx

The Guardian has reported on GP Commissioning. See:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/jun/25/nhs-review-treasury-stonewalls?&

On 29 June, DH issued a press release announcing the commencement of Direct Payments in healthcare. See: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/MediaCentre/Pressreleases/DH_117040

The Guardian's Public Services Editor recently wrote an article about the Ascot measure for adult social care. See: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/joepublic/2010/jun/09/ascot-measure-adult-social-care/print. ASCOT is an acronym standing for Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit; here's a link to the website: http://www.pssru.ac.uk/ascot/

Economic Impact of Rural Community Buildings
ACRE has released the first in a series of reports analysing data from their survey of rural community buildings. 'The Economic Impact of Community Buildings in Rural Communities'. A copy of the report can e downloaded from: http://www.acre.org.uk/DOCUMENTS/community assets/NVHS_economic_impact.pdf

Support needed to measure third sector social value (from VolResource)
The think tank Demos has produced a report which argues that third sector organisations must be able to demonstrate their social value in the face of pending cuts, but they have some way to go and need support to implement a standardised method. 'Measuring social value: the gap between policy and practice' looked at the preparedness of a sample of charities and social enterprises ability to adopt Social Return on Investment. Third Sector news item at http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/news/1013995/, or download the report in pdf, 868KB, at http://www.demos.co.uk/files/Measuring_social_value_-_web.pdf

A tool for taking shared community decisions (from VolResource)
New Economics Foundation's latest community participation tool is 'Crowd Wise: turning differences into effective decisions', a way for communities and local authorities to reach shared decisions quickly and without the need to resort to majority voting. Download or order from http://neweconomics.org/publications/crowd-wise.

Improving support for sector income generation (from VolResource)
Research into support needs for frontline organisations in diversifying their income and increasing income generation has been published by ACEVO, funded by Capacitybuilders' National Support Service programme. News item on Improving Support website gives some key findings, or download 'Mapping the Gaps: Research into third sector income generation support', from http://www.acevo.org.uk/Document.Doc?id=802

Participatory Mapping Report Published
Pathways through Participation has published 'Using participatory mapping to explore participation in three communities', which demonstrates the versatility of this research tool and its potential in a variety of scenarios. http://pathwaysthroughparticipation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Using-participatory-mapping-to-explore-participation-in-three-communities_June-2010.pdf

New Guidance on Legal Forms
An on-line tool to help new organisations decide which legal model to adopt has been created by NCVO with support from law firm Bates, Wells and Braithwaite. Covering charities, social enterprises and co-operatives, 'Get Legal' aims to give clear information and guidance on the most appropriate legal form and governance structure for delivering the organisation's goals. The Legal Journey section does explain (briefly) unincorporated bodies as well as seeming to cover all possible forms of incorporation (limited liability). To use the Decision Tool (but not the rest of the site) you need to register, and there are case studies and links to the relevant documents. Visit: http://www.getlegal.org.uk

Updated fund-raising guidance from Charity Commission
The Charity Commission has updated guidance to help charities carry out fund-raising activities that comply with legal requirements and best practice. The updates include more detail on risk management and advice for trustees on what to consider when choosing fund-raising methods and common fund-raising issues they might face. The news item can be accessed via: http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/RSS/News/pr_cc20.aspx You can also go direct to 'Charities and Fundraising' (CC20) at: http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/publications/cc20.aspx:

2. Dates for Your Diary

Shropshire Social Marketing Project - Physical Activity of Older People
'Sharing the Learning' Session - Thursday 22nd July, Shrewsbury

Thursday 22nd July 2010, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
The Gateway Education & Arts Centre, Chester Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1NB

Shropshire Council, Shropshire County Primary Care Trust and Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin County Sports Partnership have been working together on a pilot social marketing project aimed at increasing the amount of physical activity that older people in Shropshire do. This project involves gaining insight into the physical activity levels of this target audience and establishing new ways of reaching them and influencing a behaviour change that will benefit their health. The project organisers are keen to share with you the lessons that have been learnt, the outcomes so far and plans for the next steps. The session will cover:

* Introduction to social marketing - the principles and process
* Shropshire Social Marketing Project background
* What are we planning and what have we learnt - presentation by the Social Marketing Project Officer
* Working in partnership

To register your attendance, please e-mail Marta Gajewska, Social Marketing Project Officer, marta.gajewska@shropshire.gov.uk by Thursday 15th July 2010 with your contact details. A detailed agenda of the session will be sent to delegates with a confirmation of registration.

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:

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.

Shaping Future Services flyer (21.08KB)

My Life My Choice
My Life My Choice Team in Shropshire will be running free events at the following locations:

* Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Shrewsbury - Wednesday 28th July
* 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.

My Life My Choice events (33.15KB)

Free - Web design and blog training
Support is available to help you advertise your services. Free web design and blog training will be provided at Mayfair Community Centre, Church Stretton. Learn to create a website using WordPress. It is free, simple to use and you can create a site in minutes. A poster is attached. Please telephone Jackie Mantle on 01694 722077 to book a session or for further information.

Free web design (41.43KB)

Skills Third Sector - Events - July to September 2010
Please find attached details for the National Skills Strategy Consultation Events which are taking place around the country throughout July and September. The Birmingham consultation is taking place on 13 July but the Manchester event is later and may be a better option to give you more notice to attend. If anyone has any questions please email natasha@redpencilprojects.co.uk. Natasha is the communications consultant working with Skills - Third Sector on the national skills strategy. To book a place, please email clare.spicer@skills-thirdsector.org.uk as per the details in the attached flyer.

Skills Third Sector Roundtable flyer (99.56KB)

Making savings from back office services.
As part of the collaborative approach of the G:XL project, contract holder Midlands Youth is setting up learning clusters which will provide an interactive forum for sharing learning and ideas, with representation from right across the sector. Are you interested in cost-effective savings? Are you the person that deals with these areas in your organisation? If so then these events may appeal to you.

15 July, 11am-12.30pm
Nigel Crockford from TSG computing services will be looking at ICT shared services (cloud computing) and savings that can be made on hardware and software purchases.

4 August, 11am-12.30pm
Paula Wilson of the Community Accountancy Service will help explore the savings that can be made by outsourcing Payroll, book keeping, accountancy services and independent examination.

Both meetings will be held at: WAYC, Jubilee House, Westlea Road, Leamington Spa CV31 3JE Travel expenses will be paid for those attending (up to a maximum of £40 per person). Contact Jan Goddard to confirm your attendance, tel: 01926 450156, email: Janet.goddard@wayc.org.uk

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Event - 27 July, Birmingham
You are invited to attend a regional roundtable event taking place on 27 July 2010 between 2-5pm at the Birmingham Disability Resource Centre, Bierton Road Yardley Birmingham B25 8PQ. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is conducting a Formal Inquiry into disability-related harassment and the steps taken by public authorities to prevent and eliminate it. As part of the work in gathering evidence for this Inquiry, the Commission has organised a roundtable event for:

* organisations of and for disabled people,
* disabled people themselves,
* voluntary and community sector organisations with experience in supporting people who have experienced harassment,
* public authorities and public transport operators who may be involved in preventing or responding to harassment.

To confirm your attendance at the roundtable event, please complete the attached booking form and return by email to WMDisabilityHarassmentInquiry@equalityhumanrights.com or call Angela Powell 0121 234 7344, Mobile: 07814672523. Alternatively you can post the form to: Angela Powell, EHRC, 67 Newhall Street, 3rd Floor Lancaster House, Birmingham B3 1NA. Please indicate any specific requirements (e.g. dietary, prayer room, Palantypist, BSL interpreter) and/or any reasonable adjustments you require on the booking form. Places at this event are limited.

Eq and Human Rights Booking Form (61KB)

3. Funding News

External Funding Update - July
The latest External Funding Update is attached and includes details on:

* Mere and Moses - details of a successful Shropshire bid to HLF.
* Be the Boss - a new initiative that provides ex-service men or women with grants or loans for starting or growing their own businesses. 
* The Church and Community Fund - a programme for 'community' projects led by C of E bodies, including parish churches.
* The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust - a fund that supports projects run by charities - this year it focuses on young people, the elderly and projects dealing with an aging population. 
* Comic Relief's Older Peoples Programme - supporting projects by groups and organisations that work with the 65's and over. 
* Community Wildlife Fund - a NEW lottery fund that seeks to support local wildlife / nature projects, with grants available from #300 to #10,000. 
* Cracking the Code Bursary Scheme - #500 bursaries on offer to small voluntary groups for training board members.

EFU62 Jul 10 (59.53KB)

Awards News from VolResource
This year's GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT Awards are open, as usual, for entries from "charities that are doing excellent work to improve people's health" - note that this doesn't have to be new projects. Award winners receive training and cash from three to thirty five thousand pounds. Closing date 24th September.http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/gskimpactawards.

The Social Change Awards from Directory of Social Change "celebrate the passionate individuals and effective organisations committed to making a positive impact on society". Categories include Everyday Impact Award and Influencer Award. Deadline either 3rd or 10th September. http://www.socialchangeawards.org.uk.

The new British Grassroots Action Awards from the London Centre for Social Impact aim to "recognise and awards grassroots services and community organisations which through community based services and social innovation have made everlasting difference in their communities". There are various categories, but no information on the website about the judging process and little on what the awards consist of. Nominations close 13th August, http://grassroots-actions-awards.org.

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

 

4. Consultations

Spotlight on the Shropshire Economy
The consultation aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the county's economy in order to inform future economic development and ensure that future investments made by the Council and its partners are targeted in areas that will bring most benefit to Shropshire businesses and residents. You can make your views on the consultation document known either by emailing businessvision@shropshire.gov.uk or by writing to the Economic Development Team, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ND. To obtain a copy of the document and additional details visit: http://www.consultshropshire.org/shropshire/kms/dmart.aspx

Options on simplifying the Gift Aid process (from VolResource)
A number of voluntary sector bodies such as CFDG and the Small Charities Coalition and have come together to produce options for the simplification of the Gift Aid system. Responses to their survey will inform their discussions with the government on improving the system. As they are due to report back mid-July they presumably want quick responses - Gift Aid Simplification Measures Questionnaire at:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9RTDPWM

 

5. Career Opportunities

Deputy Chief Executive at Age Concern Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin
Salary £28,636 to £30,851 - 37 hours per week

You must have considerable experience in managing services, excellent communication skills, the ability to work as part of a team and the leadership skills to drive forward the development of services for older people. Details of how to apply are attached. Please note the closing date is Monday 19 July 2010.

Age Concern job advert Dep Chief Exec (59.82KB)

Eye Clinic Liaison Officer - Shrewsbury and Telford - Fixed Term
£22,722 pa (12-month fixed-term contract) based in Shrewsbury and Telford

You should have experience working in social or health care with the ability to communicate effectively with service users. The post is advertised on the Action for Blind People website: http://www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/eye-clinic-liaison-officer-shrewsbury-and-telford-fixed-term-closing-date-12th-july-2010,991,SA.html

Please note the closing date is 16 July 2010.

 

6. Compact

Shropshire Compact Champions Events - CANCELLED
The two training events organised for Shropshire's Compact Champions on the 9th and 20th July have been cancelled. Only a very small number of people booked a place so work will now take place to try and rearrange and If you would like to become a Compact Champion or book a place at one of the events please email me, Sarah Dodds, sarah.dodds@shropshire.gov.uk or telephone 01743 252740.

Compact Voice - New Publication
The Compact Advocacy Programme has a new one page briefing on resolving disputes between partners. 'Fighting the Good Fight: Effective Dispute Resolution Tactics'. For a copy visit:
http://www.compactvoice.org.uk/sites/default/files/resources/Fighting_the_Good_Fight_-_Effective_Dispute_Resolution_Tactics.pdf

Compact Awards
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

New Ministerial Committee for the Big Society considers Compact
A Big Society committee of government ministers from departments with remits affecting the voluntary sector is be chaired by Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office. It will meet for the first time later this month. A priority for its work will be making sure The Compact is observed across Whitehall. See Third Sector news item http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/news/1013994/.

New Publication from the Commission for the Compact
The Commission for the Compact has produced a research report 'How the Compact applies to Participatory Budgeting: an analysis'. The News item can be found at:
http://www.thecompact.org.uk/information/100016/141369/participatorybudgetingshouldfollowthecompact/

The report is available from: http://www.thecompact.org.uk/files/141384/FileName/CompactParticipatoryReport_FINALweb.pdf

Have you got a Compact story? Email sarah.dodds@shropshire.gov.uk and share it with others.

 

7. Important Reminders

News Items

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

Shropshire's Volunteering Team - Customer Satisfaction Survey
Shropshire's Volunteering Team is undertaking a customer satisfaction survey.

North Shropshire - Kim Thomson - Lawrence T: 01691 656 882
Central Shropshire - Lisa Darkin T: 01743 237 872
South Shropshire - Clive Leworthy T: 01743 342 172

VCS Assembly Coordinator
Elaine Griffiths has very recently taken on the role of part time VCS Assembly Coordinator. Contact elaine.griffiths@shropshire.gov.uk or telephone 01743 252269.

Mental Health First Aid Training Now Available
South Shropshire Furniture Scheme is now offering Mental Health First Aid Training. Telephone 01584 877751 or email gill@furniturescheme.co.uk.

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. Email: mikejones@furniturescheme.co.uk

Lay members needed for the Shropshire Safeguarding Children Board
Shropshire Safeguarding Childrens Board (SSCB) is seeking two lay members from local voluntary and community groups. 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.

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

Film Making Opportunity for Small Charities
See http://www.mediatrust.org/volunteerfilmmaking, or get an application form via 020 7217 3628 or volunteerfilmmaking@mediatrust.org.

Lottery offers green grants to West Midlands
For information on BIG's Community Wildlife funding programme visit: http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_community_wildlife

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

European Social Fund Technical Assistance Events - 12 July, Ludlow
An event for third sector organisations interested in being part of an ESF funded bid.

Diane Jennings: officeadmin@wmeuronet.org T. 0121 683 8894
Eddie Currall: Eddie@wmeuronet.org T. 0121 683 8891

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. Three workshops will be held in Shropshire on 14th July, 23rd September and 5th October. Email: joe.bubb@shropshire.gov.uk.

Bringing Social Media Surgeries to Shropshire - 12 July, Shrewsbury
Email renee.wallace@shropshirevcs.org.uk. More information is attached.

An Introduction to Social Impact Measurement - 16 July (am), Birmingham
Contact Iftikar Karim or Mike Swain 01902 556679.

Get involved in the new Advisory Board for Children's Centres!
If you are interested in getting involved please contact Elaine Griffiths by email: elaine.griffiths@shropshire.gov.uk or by phone on 01743 252275 (please leave a message with Donna Ball on 01743 252767 if Elaine is out of the office).

 

Consultations

Improving sector access to capital and investment ( from VolResource)
Comments are invited, see: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/fundingcommission

 

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