Technical assistance and support for the bidding process is provided by the ESF Local Management Group. As part of the new arrangements the two Groups previously covering Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have now merged and we now have one Local Management Group covering the whole area. The voluntary sector is represented on the Group and the CVS Director, Lorna Davies, is a member of the new LMG and can advise local voluntary groups who may be considering bidding.
ESF is relevant to a wide range of groups who help people who are disadvantaged in the job market to gain skills for employment. It is however a complicated funding regime and some groups find the bureaucracy daunting. The CVS can help - but if you are interested in bidding you will need to prepare well in advance. An outline of the new programme is available on the GO-East website (www.go-east.org) and a file with all the relevant documents is available (for reference only) at the CVS office.
Information about the new programme will be presented at the Learning & Skills event on 19th September (see What's On section) and you should try to send someone from your organisation to that event if you are considering an ESF application.
In the meantime we are collecting information about potential bidders, to help put organisations together if they are interested in similar bids. If you are considering a bid in the October round then please fax Lorna Davies at the CVS on 500486 with your organisation's name, contact name and details of the target group and type of project you are interested in bidding for.
The Key Findings:
THE MAIN PROPOSALS FOR ACTION:
1. To draw up a funding strategy. This will describe aims, priorities, outcomes etc and define the role of and resources for core funding, pump-priming, rolling agreements and project grants. The strategy will be agreed by the Committee in June each year and each year will include a focus on a different area of grant giving through a series of mini best value reviews.
2. To establish a Grants Gateway. This will provide a single information point for all City Council grants. It will be managed by a Gateway Manager and provide information and advice, promote grant opportunities, and help to develop consistent best practice across the council. Procedures will be rationalised and computerised - and an appropriately weighted application scoring system.
3. To develop a Local Compact setting out the relationship between the Council and the voluntary sector. This will be developed in equal partnership with voluntary groups and provide a framework for consultation and partnerships.
4. There will be some efficiency improvements to procedures, information and response times.
5. New resources will be sought to support capacity building and partnership work in the voluntary sector, to fund green initiatives and to set up a Council grants website.
Following the committee meeting a summary document will be prepared and sent to all groups that have taken part in the Best Value review process. A copy of the full report is available on request from Community Development - and we will also hold a copy in the CVS resource library.
Discussions are already underway to establish a process for drawing up a Local Compact. We are aiming to begin the process with an open meeting and initiatives to involve as many groups as possible at the end of November or beginning of December.
The catering team from Cambridge Toy Library were rushed off their feet all afternoon and the beer tent was nearly dry by the end of the Fair! Almost all of the stallholders we have spoken to felt it was a really worthwhile opportunity to tell people about the work of their organisation. Many of those selling goods did really well, and the Charity Auction for the Community Trust raised over �600!
We are keen to have feedback from everyone who took part, and when Judith Hartley, who was responsible for the bulk of the organisation of the Fair, returns from her well earned break, we will be sending you a short questionnaire to canvas your views.
Many people helped us behind the "scenes", particular thanks go to the sound crew from the Junction, our volunteer stewards (especially David Cunningham and David McLeary who looked after the vehicle entrance), Ray, Judith's partner who put in many hours of voluntary work, our printers, Target Litho, who printed the programme free of charge and Peter Limmer and his team who provided professional events management expertise at a much reduced fee.
We have adopted the PCG local priorities (CHD, mental health, accidents (elderly) and homelessness - but it has also been agreed to add access to services to reflect the voluntary sector�s priorities.
Health Forum members have been asked to identify work that contributes to these priorities as part of a local mapping exercise. From this we will identify gaps and areas for joint action. If your organisation is not a member of the Forum but would like to contribute to the mapping, please contact the CVS office.
We have been continuing discussions with both City and County Councils on progressing a local Compact and have agreed a process that will enable all voluntary and community groups to be involved in identifying the issues we want to cover. The county has also agreed to participate in a joint event with the City, so that we can make the best use of people�s limited time.
We hope to finalise details of the joint event shortly and will be sending information to all groups in a joint bulletin with Community Development in the very near future.
Learning and Skills Councils:
from April next year, TECs and the Further Education Funding Council will be replaced by the new Learning and Skills Council. Cambridge will be served by a new Learning and Skills Council covering Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Nominations are currently being sought from people with relevant experience who are interested in serving on the new Council.
Connexions:
is a new government service aiming to meet the support needs of young people (up to age of 19). Many local voluntary organisations working with young people may be able to contribute to this new service which hopes to promote new and innovative ways of providing a comprehensive service for young people.
Agenda 2000:
June sees the launch of a new ESF funding framework and a number of local organisations will be interested in bidding in September for funding from the new programme.
IAG Network:
is a network of local organisations supporting the provision of information, advice and guidance for local adults.
Lifelong Learning Partnerships:
have been around for a while, but are now involved in developing a wide range of projects which aim to support and increase adult participation in learning.
To bring you up to date with all these new initiatives and to give voluntary groups an opportunity to find out how they might impact on their work Cambridge CVS, Hunts Forum and Peterborough CVS are organising a one day Conference on 19 september from 10 am to 4 pm. The event will be held at:
The Commemoration Hall, High Street, Huntingdon. Lunch will be provided and help will be provided with transport to Huntingdon.
For more information contact Cambridge CVS on Tel: 464696.
The final report and action plan will now go to a special meeting in September 2000 but in the meantime the Interim Report identifies some areas for corporate consideration and a number of tasks for immediate action.
The independent review panel identified a number of fundamental flaws in the current system, in particular:-
In response to these the Council has identified a number of issues requiring a corporate response:-
The Council has recently decided to reorganise Leisure Services which is no longer a separate department. As a result the priority is to establish new arrangements for the management of the Leisure Services grants programme by Community Development. However, an interim work plan is proposed over the summer months covering a number of areas identified by the review:-
1. To agree a consultation process for the development of a Compact. It is proposed to issue a Bulletin in July setting out the planning options and a workshop in October to consider the process.
2. To issue a leaflet containing all sources of Council funds available to the voluntary sector. This should be ready by October.
3. To organise and publicise an open access event in the Autumn which will offer advice and information for grant applications.
4. To establish an officer working group during July to develop the Council wide Gateway.
5. To establish a process to give earlier notification to applicants of grant-aid intentions. The process should be agreed by August to enable initial recommendations to be reported to the January Committee (instead of in March).
6. To revise some Community Development monitoring systems to separate bid and monitoring procedures.
7. To pilot an on-going application process for groups meeting criteria of stability, management competence and policy priority. The process should be agreed by September and aims, over time, to reduce Council and group bidding and monitoring workloads and enable longer term 'in principle' grant commitments to be given.
8. To establish common documentation across the three grant areas (arts & leisure, community development and economic policy).
9. To extend computerised access to information e.g. through use of existing web sites, creating a new site or promoting the existing disc access scheme.
We will report on the Final Report and Action Plan early in the Autumn.
The PCG has agreed to move to Level 2. It is continuing to focus on coronary heart disease, mental health, accidents and homelessness - but is also supporting work on carers and access to services.
The PCG is working closely with other agencies to try and resolve problems caused by the lack of appropriate care to enable some older people to be discharged from Addenbrookes. This is contributing to a shortage of beds which is in turning making it difficult to achieve waiting list targets. Local waiting list targets are not being met and money will be lost if targets aren�t being met by September.
The discussion on Addenbrookes led to a number of concerns being shared about communication with and within Addenbrookes. There were a number of examples were organisations could have provided support to patients but poor communication was preventing this from happening effectively. It was agreed to invite the Chief Executive to the next Forum meeting.
Take a stall
So far over 35 voluntary and community groups from around the City plan to take a stall - to promote their work and/or fund raise. It is not too late to book your pitch - you will find a booking form in the newsletter. If you have any queries about booking a stall please give Judith Hartley a ring in the CVS office.
Join in the entertainment
We are also planning a programme of entertainment to run through the afternoon on a covered stage, showcasing voluntary arts and ethnic community groups. Janet Cornish would like to hear from you if your groups would like to take part in this. Give her a ring in the CVS office.
Help with the stewarding
We are looking to recruit around a dozen volunteer stewards to help us set up and run the event. Volunteers need to be over 18 years old. If anyone from your group would be prepared to help please give Judith Hartley a ring.
Help with publicity
The event will be included in the City Council's 'Summer in the City' brochure and we will be promoting it widely in the local media. We hope that you will be able to help us spread the word among your members and put up posters in your part of the City. Contact Janet Cornish if you would like a supply of posters/handouts.
We are holding a networking and information event for community groups from 3-6 pm on Weds 21st June at the Centre at St Paul's, Hills Road, Cambridge.
This will include a Workshop from 3-5 pm on Setting up and Funding Environmental Projects.
This will be followed by a Green Tea from 5-6 pm. With refreshments, information tables and opportunities to meet and share ideas with other groups.
You will need to book a place for the Funding Workshop, 'phone the CVS office on tel: 464696 if you are interested.
You may have heard that ESF is difficult to access and difficult to manage - and this is true. However there may be opportunities for small groups to be part of partnership bids by other agencies who can help with the administration. We can help to put groups in touch with potential bid partners - and can also advise you about the wisdom of getting involved with some partnerships. There are cases where voluntary sector organisations have been involved in bid partnerships to give credibility to the bid - and these organisations have not necessarily gained much money to help run their service. We can provide advice and assistance on the ESF process - but you need to let us know your interest now. Information will automatically be sent to all organisations on the Training Forum mailing list.
We have been fortunate that support for the voluntary sector has been consistent across all the political divides in Cambridge. Liberal Democrat councillors have been strong and active supporters of the voluntary sector in the City and we have every reason to believe that this support will continue and that we will enjoy a good relationship with the new leadership.
The new Chair of the Community Development & Leisure Committee is Cllr Joye Rosenstiel who has worked within the voluntary sector for a number of years and understands very well the challenges that we face.
She participated in our meetings during the Best Value Review and took on board many of the comments that were made. She now has the task of steering through the recommendations and action plans arising out of that process - and we hope that this will result in a framework that will be supported by all parties and deliver some real benefits to the sector and the people we serve.
Representatives will serve from 1st September 2000 until 31st August 2004 and should be prepared to make a substantial time commitment to the work.
Effective CHC members need to have a wide ranging interest in health issues. Representatives are not there to represent their own organisation's interests and need to have a commitment to learn about and promote the interests of other organisations and people within the community. You will of course be able to follow your own special interests and to express the views and experiences of your own organisation as part of the work you do.
If you want to know more about the work and time commitment involved,
please speak to Penny Fowler, the CHC's Chief Officer.
Many organisations have been sent nomination papers by the Regional NHS
Executive, however if you have not received any papers and would like to
receive them please contact Alan Eatwell, CHC and Complaints Manager, telephone
01908 844400 or fax 01908 844444.
The papers include a member specification, information about the CHC
and details of eligibility criteria.
If you have any difficulty obtaining papers please contact the CVS Office.
Nomination forms will need to be submitted by 14th May.
A full review of all organisations in receipt of Joint Finance monies is being carried out by Social Services and the Primary Care Groups.
The review will include organisations with tapered funding - which may include some groups who are not even aware that they will be affected!
Questionnaires are being sent directly to all groups under review. It is important that you fill these in carefully as the outcome of this review WILL affect your future funding.
The questionnaires will be reviewed by a cross sector group, including the CVS - and some organisations will receive a follow up visit.
If you have any problems with the questionnaire or concerns about the process, please contact Lorna Davies at the CVS office.
This will bring together organisations whose activities promote healthy living.
Information will be sent directly to all groups on the Health Forum mailing list - or call the CVS office if you would like to publicise your group's activities at this event.
SATURDAY 1ST JULY
at The Grafton Centre
The review will include organisations with tapered funding - which may include some groups who are not even aware that they will be affected!
Questionnaires are being sent directly to all groups under review. It is important that you fill these in carefully as the outcome of this review WILL affect your future funding.
The questionnaires will be reviewed by a cross sector group, including the CVS - and some organisations will receive a follow up visit.
If you have any problems with the questionnaire or concerns about the process, please contact Lorna Davies at the CVS office.
The Black & Minority Ethnic voluntary sector draft Code is now out and and consultation on this will run for three months until 3rd July.
A Community Groups sub-group is being set up and should start work in June to pull together a draft code covering relations with community groups.
Two other Codes of Practice have nearly completed the final stage of negotiation with government: one on Funding and the other on Consultation. These will also be important models in helping to negotiate local compacts.
We are hoping to see some progress on Local Compacts soon. Both the City Council and County Council have made a commitment to develop Compacts and we have asked for a process that will enable interested organisations to be involved in identifying the issues to be covered. Any draft will then be subject to consultation and discussion with the whole of the sector and will include a long period of consultation so that organisations can take it to their management committees for full discussion.
Copies of all the national Compact materials are available from the
Working Group on Government Relations Secretariat c/o NCVO, Regent's Wharf,
8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL.
Telephone: 020 7520 2453
Fax: 020 7278 3972
E.mail: [email protected]
Documents can also be downloaded from the website on www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/main/gateway/compact.html
We will be running a full programme of training from April to September. This will include fundraising, financial management, management committee responsibilities and a number of courses on marketing and handling the media. If there are other training courses that you would like us to provide to help you manage your organisation then please let us know.
The first issue we considered was did voluntary organisations want to be more effectively consulted, or did we want to participate in the policy making process. Although recognising the additional time commitment that would be required, the consensus was that we needed to be involved earlier in the process. Although consultation drafts can be changed, we felt that in practice it was difficult to make substantive changes once drafts were written.
The Voluntary Sector Health Forum then met on 20th March and considered how we could increase voluntary sector input into local policy making. We agreed that:-
Brenda Cook, Partnership Officer from Social Services, fully welcomed these proposals and felt that such a structure would provide a very effective way for involving and working with the voluntary sector.
It was agreed that the CVS would consult with other organisations who
were not present and collate any feedback for discussion at the next Forum
meeting.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HEALTH FORUM CONTACT THE CVS OFFICE
The next meeting of the Voluntary Sector Training Forum will be held on Monday 10th April (see back page for details). Geoffrey Troth from the North Anglia Open College Network will be attending the meeting to talk through the process of applying for and receiving accreditation for training programmes and we hope to support a number of organisations to make applications and get their courses formally accredited.
If you are not part of the Voluntary Sector Training Forum and would like to on the mailing list please contact Judith Hartley in the CVS office.
We will be inviting you to run a stall, from which you can promote your group, sell things to raise money and/or run fun activities or competitions to interest and involve the public.
As well as the stalls we also plan to have a programme of entertainment throughout the afternoon - drama, dance, clowning, music, and we would like to hear from groups who would like to take part in this.
Cambridge City Council Leisure Services are giving us some help with the organisation of the event and are providing Jesus Green free of charge. The Community Fair will be included in their 'Summer in the City' leaflet. The Fair will be held near to Jesus Green play area so we expect that there will be a good number of people about on a late summers' afternoon.
We hope you will want to join in this City-wide celebration of the voluntary
sector - please talk to Judith Hartley or Janet Cornish in the CVS office
if you would like more information.
This is part of our special millennium project to raise the profile and skills level of the voluntary sector in Cambridge. As well as free membership, this year all members will get:
We will be running a full programme of training from April to September. This will include fundraising, financial management, management committee responsibilities and a number of courses on marketing and handling the media. If there are other training courses that you would like us to provide to help you manage your organisation then please let us know.
During March we are running two free courses:
TRAINING NEEDS ANALYSIS
Tuesday 7th March
9.45am - 4.30pm.
Find out how to go about identifying the training needs of people in
your organisation. (Some groups on this course may then be able to access
some funding to help meet the training needs that you identify)
EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE
Tuesday 21st March
9.45 - 4.30pm
Are you up to date on all the recent changes - or even the key provisions
that have been around for some time?
The CVS often finds that organisations have out of date contracts and employment practices, and this course will give you a chance to update your knowledge and ensure you are keeping within the law.
Delivery of IAG services is the responsibility of the local Lifelong Learning Partnerships, which draw together a wide range of organisations, including local authorities, careers services, employers and community voluntary organisations. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough LLP's have agreed to set up one IAG Network to serve adults living and working in the area.
A number of voluntary agencies with learning or training as their focus
are already involved in the Network. However, DfEE see the involvement
of the broader voluntary and community sector as crucial to the success
of IAG Networks as they often have contact with adults not currently participating
in learning or work and will have a key role in providing a sympathetic
'way in' to the Network for people who may lack the confidence to access
these services themselves. The local IAG Network is planning a number of
activities to raise awareness and develop continuing links with the voluntary
and community sector. If you are interested in finding out more pleae contact
Sue Claydon or Paul Jennens at Cambridgeshire Careers Guidance Ltd
on 01480 463463 or E-mail [email protected]
CCVS has subsequently spoken to Hugh Gault from Social Services who has said that Joint Finance funding issues are still under discussion and a paper will be going to the Social Services Committee during the week of 24th January. CCVS is sending a copy of this paper to all Joint Finance funded groups so that they are aware of the situation. A good deal seems to hinge on discussions with PCGs - who are still unclear about the level of funding they are likely to have. We can only hope that the position will become clearer after the February round of PCG meetings.
It is proposed that they will carry out an early review of joint finance terminating next year and the review panel will include voluntary sector representation.
Remember to apply your organisation must be a paid up member of Cambridge CVS (we are still happy to receive subscriptions for 1999!) or have submitted a recent application to join. Organisations should also be registered charities, although applications from non-registered groups will be considered, subject to approval by CCVS and Cambridge Students Rag, if their aims are deemed charitable.
This year grants of up to 400 are available for special events; buying items of equipment, books and materials; publicity for events or activities or towards start up costs for new groups.
If you would like to apply please send an A4 stamped addressed envelope (marked Cambridge Students Rag Application Form) to the CCVS office and we will send you a form and guidance notes.
Our role is to improve the health of the residents of South Cambridgeshire. We aim to achieve this by:
The PCG Board meets in public at 9.15 am on the third Thursday of every
month at a variety of locations across South Cambridgeshire. Come along
and hear our discussions, there is usually the opportunity at the end of
each meeting for a Question and Answer session. A short summary of key
decisions taken at each Board meeting is currently circulated to around
350 individuals or organisations across South Cambridgeshire following
each meeting.
If you would like to know more about our work, find out how you can
become involved, or receive a copy of the monthly Board bulletin please
contact:
Karen Mason,
Head of Corporate Services,
Box 330,
Hillview,
Fulbourn Hospital,
Fulbourn,
Cambridge CB1 5EF
(Tel: 01223 475101; Fax: 01223 410471;
email: [email protected])
Please note from 1 April 2000, our address will be Heron Court, Ida Darwin, Fulbourn, Cambridge
Click here for previous archive.
For information on how to become a member of CVS please see our homepage.