Improving Local Partnerships
“Getting it together…”Setting up a voluntary & community sector
assembly
Robert Beard
Improving Local Partnerships Policy AdviserNAVCA
The Tower, 2 Furnival Square, SHEFFIELD S1 4QL
+(0)114 289 3984 [email protected]
Improving Local Partnerships
Why VCS forums (assemblies/networks)?
• Government intention to “work with national third (VCS) sector umbrella bodies to establish a standard by which local third sector bodies should organise themselves to be effectively represented on LSPs”
Strong and Prosperous Communities
Local Government white paper
October 2006
Improving Local Partnerships
Establishing the standard
Principles of Representation1. Accountability2. Purpose3. Equality4. Sustainability5. Leadership6. Values7. Openness
Improving Local Partnerships
Improving Local Partnerships
What is a VCS forum?
• A strategic voice– Bringing local VCS organisations together– Identifying needs– Setting priorities
• A partnership voice– Delivering VCS representation– Authentic, effective, accountable
Improving Local Partnerships
What might a VCS forum do? (1)
• Support communication• Facilitate networking• Identify capacity needs• Hold data• Facilitate consultation
Improving Local Partnerships
What might a VCS forum do? (2)
• Promote outreach (to ‘under the radar’ groups)• Develop transparent processes• Monitor impact• Co-ordinate representation• Promote Compact compliant working
Improving Local Partnerships
What does a VCS forum need?
• Excellent VCS infrastructure– Local support and development organisation(s)
• Excellent VCS networking– Local frontline groups (including ‘under the radar’)– Local specialist forums– National bodies
Improving Local Partnerships
What is a VCS forum for?
• Representing VCS diversity• Aspiring to VCS unity• Demonstrating VCS value
Improving Local Partnerships
Key questions for VCS forums:
1. What is its purpose?
2. How will its objectives help it fulfil its purpose?
3. How will it balance internal co-ordination and external partnership working?
4. How will it ensure commitment to equality and diversity, and engagement with ‘under the radar groups’?
Improving Local Partnerships
What kind of forum?
• Assembly + forums (Bradford District Assembly)
• Assembly (Central Bedfordshire 3rd Sector Assembly)
• Virtual assembly (Warwickshire VCS Assembly)
Improving Local Partnerships
