SWF Newsletter - April 2008, Issue 72
• SWF Annual Conference 2008• VCS and Health Relationships
• Introducing two new SWF members
• Ladder4Learning
• News from Intercom: the LGBT Standing Council
• Community Empowerment News
• ARTicipation
• Regional events
• Easy Translations
• Current Vacancies
• Our funders
SWF Annual Conference 2008
Following the success of our first residential event in November last year, we thought we'd do it again! We are pleased to announce date and venue for this year's event as follows:
Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th November 2008, the Connaught Hotel, Bournemouth.
Full booking details will be available shortly - but in the meantime, if you'd like to find out what participants thought of last year's event, please download the post-conference report: here. Because it contains lots of photos, it may take a minute to download (it's a 6MB PDF) but well worth the wait...
VCS and Health Relationships
In partnership with NHS South West and the Care Services Improvement Partnership South West Forum is planning a conference to showcase current best practice and explore the potential of voluntary community and social enterprise organisations (VCSEOs) in planning and delivering public services relating to health and social care and to examine ways in which this potential can be more fully released.
It will be of interest to anyone working with public sector organisations in the delivery of health and social care related public services, as well as policy and decision makers in primary care trusts and local authorities.
A provisional date and location have been set: Wednesday 9th July, Taunton, and further details will be available shortly. In the meanwhile, to express your interest in this event please contact Roger Haworth.
Introducing two new SWF members
The Ethical Property Foundation
The Ethical Property Foundation is a charity committed to:
- empowering charities and community groups to make the most of property
- improving the environmental and social performance of the commercial property sector
Based in Bristol, Patsy Newton is the EPF Regional Manager, managing the Property Advice Service in Bristol and the surrounding areas.
Meet Patsy at the Ethical Expo in Bristol on 9th/10th May or book onto the Bristol Community Assets Conference, Weds 21st May, or the Section 106 Training on 24th June at the Pilgrim Centre Swindon.
Finally, EPF have issued a warning to Charities over reforms to the way business rates are charged for empty buildings. Please see the EP Foundation's press release for details of the implications this may have for charities.
If you are charity or community group based in Bristol or the surrounding areas with a property query please contact Patsy Newton on 0117 916 6455 or email mailto:patsynewton@ethicalproperty.org.uk, or to find out more visit http://www.ethicalproperty.org.uk/
------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mentoring and Befriending Foundation
The Mentoring and Befriending Foundation (MBF) is the national strategic body offering support to practitioners and organisations working across the mentoring and befriending field.
Mentoring and Befriending activity is expanding rapidly in the SW with the largest proportion taking place within the voluntary and community sector. There are currently 773 mentoring and befriending programmes known to the MBF throughout the region ranging from schemes that work with young offenders, older people and disabled people - but there are many more we would like to reach and offer support to.
Recent developments in the region have included the setting up of county wide practitioner networks which have brought together mentoring and befriending managers, volunteer centres and capacity building managers from strategic organisations. Several training programmes are planned to be delivered in Exeter towards the end of the year and in early 09 for practitioners interested in setting up a programme or learning how to coordinate a scheme and train volunteers. There are also 2 training days for school based mentoring coordinators planned for Bristol and Exeter towards the end of the year.
So, if you are interested in finding out more about how the MBF can help you to set up or develop your organisation's capacity, or if you would like further information about the county networks or courses available on the National Training Programme please contact Melanie Merrill, SW Regional Coordinator mel.merrill@mandbf.org.uk, 07983 525614. Click here to find out more about Mentoring and Befriending (Downloads 488KB MS Word document) or visit the website: http://www.mandbf.org.uk/
Ladder4Learning
A new information and advice service from Learning Curve
This new project will provide information and advice about learning and development opportunities for paid and voluntary workers in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector across the South West region, and parts of the South East. The service will operate through a website, telephone advice line, and some printed information.
Whilst individuals and organisations will be able to access the service directly, a key part of the project will involve working with partners in infrastructure organisations. Many of these organisations already provide and co-ordinate training as well as advice and information to frontline organisations. At this early stage in the project we are keen to involve infrastructure organisations in the design of the service, and to hear how the project can be useful to their staff in delivering information, advice and training to frontline organisations.
We will be getting in touch with support organisations via sub-regional infrastructure consortia, the regional workforce development group and regional contacts, but in the meantime, if you have thoughts about how this project could be developed in a way that will help you to help your clients, please get in touch.
Jaclyn Cross (formerly Oldman), Workforce Development Manager, The Learning Curve Jaclyn@learningcurve.org.uk
News from Intercom: the LGBT Standing Council
The Standing Council is a body open to all the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans community groups and projects that exist in the South West peninsula. Its main aims are to enable LGBT community networking; strengthen the Peninsula’s LGBT communities and provide a safe space for LGBT people to identify, discuss and act upon issues affecting them.
Intercom are running a number of introduction events where you can find out more about the Standing Council and have your say on what it will do - networking, campaigning, awareness raising – up to you! Events are taking place in a choice of luxurious locations across the South West, no expense spared on biscuits - there may even be cake.
Cornwall (inc. Isle of Scilly)
Truro - Wednesday 7th May 18:30 - Carnon Building, Wilson Way, Pool, Cornwall, TR15 3RS
Somerset (inc. N. Somerset & BANES)
Taunton - Saturday 10th May 13:30 – Somerset Gay Health, Creetown House, Albermarle Road, Taunton, TA1 1 BU
Dorset (inc. Bournemouth & Poole)
Bournemouth - Saturday 3rd May 13:30 – Metropolitan Community Church, Hannington Rd, Bournemouth, BH7 6JT
Although both Devon dates have now gone, it's not too late to get involved - find out more by contacting Paul at Intercom, paul@intercomtrust.org.uk 01392 201012, http://www.intercomtrust.org.uk/.
Community Empowerment News
The South West Regional ‘Empowering Communities’ Consortium of the National Empowerment Partnership has just published eight reports which reflect research and other activities undertaken through the South West Empowerment Development Project (October 2007 – March 2008).
The reports, while not comprehensive, provide an overview of the state of, and work to improve, empowerment and engagement across the South West. They cover sample urban and rural areas, and themes such as work with Older People and Children and Young People.
Empowering Communities will be publishing further findings documents from these research documents in the next couple of months. You can access the reports on the Creating Excellence website: www.creatingexcellence.org.uk/mod-Downloads-index-req-viewdownload-cid-23.html
Meanwhile, Urban Forum have published a report on research to explore the impact of new Local Area Agreements (LAAs) on Community Empowerment Networks (CENs). In particular they wanted to find out how LAA funding is affecting the activities of CENs. The report also examines how CENs contribute to empowerment in their area. A survey of 85 CENs across all 9 English regions was carried out at the beginning of March 2008 with 79 (93%) of CENs responding. In the South West, surveys were carried out by South West Forum on behalf of Urban Forum.
The report's findings are bleak, confirming a reducing pattern of funding across the country, including in the South West, and the report concludes:
"The trend is in stark contrast with the Government rhetoric about empowerment and community engagement. Both the ‘Duty to Involve’ and the forthcoming Empowerment White Paper call for more community representation. Effective representation relies on a range of other activity to ensure it is inclusive and accountable to local people. Without outreach, equalities work and capacity building, it is unlikely that community representation will reflect the aspirations and concerns of the whole community, particularly marginalised groups. Weak community representation will result in less efficient LSP performance."
Download the report here (684KB PDF)
More Urban Forum Research
Urban Forum are conducting a survey as a part of a bigger piece of research which explores community involvement in decision-making around the local built environment.
To fill in the short questionnaire please follow this link to Survey Monkey.
The questionnaire should not take more than 15 minutes to fill out. All responses will be treated in confidence and the deadline for responses is 23rd May. If you have any questions about the survey, please email consultation@urbanforum.org.uk.
ARTicipation
Message from Reemer J Bailey, England Coordinator, Voluntary Arts England - and SWF Trustee
"I work as England Coordinator for Voluntary Arts England a national body of the UK and Republic of Ireland development agency for public participation in the arts and crafts. I have been a Trustee of South West Forum for three years - I wanted to have a strong relationship with the region and community the farthest away from where my office is based, Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East. I have tried to bring a national perspective and specific information on new grant programmes or developments happening in other regions that I think might help the work of SWF. I have a great respect for the brilliant staff and work at SWF, and genuinely like the people I work with here.
I am very committed to community development and empowerment of people and am excited about my current work - a manifesto for public participation in the arts and a crafts.
During 2005 – 2006 I had been part of a Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) advisory board which was about increasing participation in and audiences for the arts. It was an interesting exercise and it brought home that this was a more complex and complicated issue than we had first thought. After 12 months the board was disbanded and we needed action… something that would have the potential to work across the whole arts and crafts infrastructure –including venues, companies, paid and unpaid practitioners. So the idea for the development of a manifesto for public participation in the arts and crafts was born.
Since then, I have been working with the National Campaign for the Arts, the National Association of Local Government Arts Officer, the Foundation for Community Dance and Disability Cultural Projects to develop the vision and mission for the manifesto and a set of suggested values and principles for the steering group. We’ve got support from DCMS and Arts Council England to run the first public consultation exercise as they are keen for the sector to ‘own’ the manifesto. Around 200 organisations have already expressed their interest in this work.
A consultation event on June 9th in London will ‘kick start’ the process and will be reported to our major national joint conference on July 2nd in partnership with DCMS and Arts Council England. Speakers will include Minister Margaret Hodge, CEO of Arts Council England Alan Davey and Robin Simpson CEO of the Voluntary Arts Network. It’s ground-breaking stuff and I’m really excited about the prospect of getting an explicit set of words and actions in place to make public participation in the arts and crafts, as a part of everyday life - a reality.
For details of both of these events keep watching http://www.vaengland.org.uk/cgi-bin/website.cgi?tier1=england&tier2=VAE%20events&fp=true
And to send YOUR expression of interest please email info@vaengland.org.uk with the words "EOI manifesto" in the subject line."
Regional events
These and many more are listed on our events pages
Introducing the Independent Safeguarding Authority: The laws regarding vetting and safe-recruitment practices for those working or volunteering with vulnerable groups will change in autumn 2009 ... visit SWF Events pages to find out more.
Community Cohesion For Funders Consultation: Event For BME, Age, Disability, Religion, LGBT & Women’s Specialist Third Sector Organisations, 8th May, Bristol... Visit SWF Events pages to find out more.
Development Trusts Association South West Conference: 5 & 6 June, Plymouth, visit SWF Events pages to find out more.
News just in!
Free Seminar for organisations interested in applying to the Big Lottery Fund Research programme
10.30 - 14.00, Wednesday 18 June, Exeter
The seminar will include an explanation of the grants available, the programme timetable, on-line application process and the support available to applicants. There will also be opportunities for delegates to discuss the application process and programme requirements.
The seminar is open to voluntary and community sector organisations and the research community. Delegates must register in advance to attend using the registration form . Places at all venues are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Queries to George Webb on 0870 190 6301.
Easy Translations
Current Vacancies
To view all current vacancies and details of SWF job advertising service, please visit http://www.southwestforum.org.uk/index.php?content=jb. You may also wish to visit http://www.vistajobs.org.uk/ for voluntary and community sector jobs in Somerset and beyond.
Trustee Vacancies
Learning Curve is a charity whose expertise in promoting and providing skills and learning to adults has been nationally recognised. We want to strengthen our Board of Trustees by recruiting new trustees who can bring business and other skills and have an interest in supporting our work in the voluntary sector and in education for young people and adults.
Being a Trustee gives you the opportunity to help steer the charity through an exciting new phase of its development as we continue to grow and expand. Trustees meet about six times a year in our Chippenham or Melksham Offices. The role is voluntary but expenses are payable. You would receive ongoing training and support to help you carry out this role.
When Required: Time Flexible
Commitment: 6 days per year approximately.
Areas of Interest: Learning and development in the voluntary and small business sectors.
Types of Activity: Trusteeship and Committee Work.
Skills and Qualifications:
You may have experience in learning and skills, the voluntary and community sector or social enterprise. Or you may bring business experience and skills, such as in financial management, strategic planning, marketing or HR. In particular we would like to recruit at least one trustee with financial expertise.
Recruitment Method: Interview
Age Restrictions: 18
Contact Information:
Anne Tew, The Learning Curve, Unit 2 Challeymead Business Park, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8BU
Tel: 01225 792500
Email: anne@learningcurve.org.uk Web: http://www.learningcurve.org.uk/
Dorset Community Action
Vital support is needed for Dorset’s Third Sector and Local Communities. We need two enthusiastic, professional staff to work within our specialist and local teams.
TEAM MANAGER –THIRD SECTOR SUPPORT
£27,000 - £28,000
You will offer specialist advice, particularly on good governance and governing structures and deliver a high quality information service. As team manager, Dorchester based, you will have excellent organisational and interpersonal skills and 2 years min experience of working within a voluntary organisation, community group or social enterprise.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORKER – NORTH DORSET TEAM
£24,500 - £26,000
Sturminster Newton based, you will have 2 years min relevant experience, worked with public and community sector partners and have exceptional communication and negotiation skills. Your drive and commitment will help rural communities achieve their ambitions.
Salary based on experience plus 6% pension contribution.
Interview dates:
Team Manager 15th May 2008
Community Development Worker 14th May 2008
For application pack telephone Denise Paice on 01305 216400 or email denise.paice@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk also on http://www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/
Closing date is 6th May (5.00 pm)
DCA is striving to be an equal opportunities employer
http://www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/
COMMUNITY GROUPS LEGAL ADVICE WORKER
AVON AND BRISTOL LAW CENTRE
We are looking for a caseworker to provide legal advice and training to community groups and the voluntary sector on a range of legal, constitutional and governance issues. You will be expected to have experience of the voluntary sector and/or a knowledge of the legal structures available to such organisations.
The post is 21 hrs per week
The post is funded until the end of March 2009. A funding application is also pending for a full time position. Applicants who may be interested in a full time position are encouraged to apply.
Salary pt.36, £28,919 pa pro rata (actual £17,351)
For an application pack and further information contact:
Avon and Bristol Law Centre, 2 Moon Street, Stokes Croft, Bristol BS2 8QE.
Tel: 0117 924 8662
Fax: 0117 924 8020
Email:mailto:%20mail@ablc.demon.co.uk (applications returned by email will not be accepted).
The closing date for applications is at 12 noon on Tuesday 13 May and interviews will be held on Friday 23 May.
We aim to be an equal opportunities employer.
Project Development Manager (Ref: PDM)
EXETER COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
£27,594 - £28,919 per annum (pay award pending)
plus 5% employer pension contribution
Are you up to the challenge of envisioning and overseeing the development and implementation of a wide range of community projects working with socially-excluded groups in Exeter? Can you act as Deputy Director for this local charity with 20+ paid staff? We are seeking an original and creative thinker who can inspire others. Previous experience of project development and writing successful funding applications are essential, together with a clear understanding of social inclusion issues, and excellent partnership-working, networking, communication and IT skills.
For an application pack please see links below or send an A4 SAE with 52p stamp marked PDM to: Gill Robertson, Exeter Community Initiatives, 14 York Road, Exeter EX4 6BA.
Documents available to download:
Applicants letter
Full job description and person specification
Project Development Managers application form, and
Diversity monitoring form.
Closing date: 12 noon on 8th May
Interview date: 23rd May
Charity No. 1026229
‘ECI is a MINDFUL EMPLOYER and positive about mental health’
http://www.eci.org.uk/
Our funders
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