Championing the Sector

BUILDING A STRONGER VOICE

It is a core purpose of South West Forum to act as the voluntary and community sector’s regional champion.

Why 'Regional'?
There are a range of agencies working at regional level whose decisions impact on voluntary and community organisations.

Government Office for the South West coordinates the working of local strategic partnerships and local area agreements and with the Regional Development Agency is responsible for the various European and domestic funding programmes which come to the region.

There are also many specialist public sector agencies which now have a regional structure and take decisions on a regional basis such as NHS South West, The Learning and Skills Council, The Environment Agency and Natural England.

But what about the Assembly?

Although the Regional Assembly has been abolished as a result of the Sub-national review of economic development and regeneration, decisions which affect our lives will continue to be taken within the South West region.

South West RDA and a new Strategic Leaders Board will replace the Assembly's functions. Together, they are developing a Single Regional Strategy will integrate and replace existing Regional Strategies such as the Regional Economic Strategy and the Regional Spatial Strategy.

Previously, South West voluntary and community groups and a range of other 'stakeholders' were elected to the Regional Assembly with the right to an equal vote as 'SEEPs' (Social, Environmental and Economic Partners). The Sub-national review means that these stakeholders no longer have a statutory entitlement to representation in regional decision-making. As the former 'SEEPs' believe they have much to offer in future regional policy development, they are working together in a new body called 'South West Stakeholders' which will seek to engage with and make a positive contribution to regional decisions.

Get involved!
Against this background it is absolutely essential and more important than ever that voluntary and community organisations have a strong voice at regional level. In order to achieve this, South West Forum needs the wholehearted participation and support of voluntary and community organisations within the region.

South West Forum representatives are members of and participate in numerous regional meetings which have governance, scrutiny, policy and partnership functions. Decisions are being taken right here in the South West which have profound effects on voluntary and community organisations as well as civil society as a whole.

So how can you and your organisation help maintain and strengthen the voice of voluntary and community organisations within the region?

Join South West Forum – subscriptions are as little as £25 p.a. - and encourage other VCOs which you are in contact with to do the same!
Sign up for our e newsletter and e bulletins
Respond to policy consultation requests from South West Forum
Vote in South West Forum elections for regional representatives
Attend South West Forum regional events and contribute to regional debates
Consider putting yourself forward as a regional representative
Nominate someone from your organisation for election as a SWF Trustee

To find out more about SWF membership, please click here