Regional Forum News

Sector's big ideas on Big Society

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Big Society Consultation 6 September 2010 St George's Centre, Leeds. Over 50 people from a wide range of voluntary, private sector and other organisations attended a consultation on the Big Society in Leeds on 6th of September, organised by Yorkshire & the Humber Forum. Please find below copies of the speech given by Andrew Fellowes from ACEVO, and the presentation given by Mark Crowe from the Forum. You can also see a draft version of the 'Big Society Manifesto' which will be further informed by the views and opinions of those attending the consultation event.

Commissioning and procurement: great ideas from a buzzing conference

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The Forum is coordinating the way forward for a number of ideas on commissioning and procurement from its conference at Goole on 16th June. Eleven participants, from all sectors, volunteered to be part of a working group, which had its first meeting in July. Seventy people from all over Yorkshire and the Humber, and from the private and public sector, as well as voluntary and community organisations, took part in the conference. The atmosphere at the Courtyard in Goole was vibrant and stimulating all day. keynote speakers The day began with two excellent speakers. Ed Mayo (Secretary General, Co-operatives UK) - The Campaign For Co-operation Professor Andrew Kerslake (Associate Director, the Institute of Public Care - There may be trouble ahead... Key Issues in Commissioning Adult Social Care (these presentations are collated in one summary document see below)

Complimentary and interesting presentations
Inspiring, interesting, funny, well done

workshops (world café) We used, for the first time, a world café approach to workshops. Short presentations were followed by small, constantly changing discussion groups, so each discussion was cross-fertilised by participants form all round the room. Each small group aimed to finish with one key point to take forward (these are all collated in one summary document see below). From national to local (Stephen Oversby, Barnardos) Partnership with local authorities (Detty Tyler, East Riding Voluntary Action Services) Partnership working for health and commissioning: getting more for less (Norma Thompson, NHS Leeds) Choices and rights (Duncan Edge, Choices and Rights Disability Coalition)This session was a real eye opener
Discussion format very useful - made for focussed and interesting discussion.
performance Performers from Castaway (Goole Accessible Music Theatre) created a magical atmosphere outside in the Courtyard, as people participants had lunch in the sunshine.

The reason we are all here.

ideas bank 5 very specific ideas were aired for just 6 minutes each. Participants were then asked to spend their specially minted money Yorkies on whichever idea they thought was most effective and feasible:(these are all collated in one summary document see below)

Supporting BME organisations to deliver (Muzahid Khan, Yorkshire & the Humber Forum) - 25 Yorkies
A commissioning and procurement framework (Donald Macintosh, Community Regeneration Partnership) - 36 Yorkies
Participatory budgeting (Heather Blakey, International Centre for Participation Studies) - 82 Yorkies
Social impact bonds (Neil Berry, Development Trusts Association) - 136 Yorkies
Social value clauses in contracts (Tony Bailey and Dean Backhouse, Leeds City Council) - 69 Yorkies

key issues, discussion points and opportunities what did participants think? 90% of participants felt the conference completely or partly met their expectations
informative and thought provoking.
More than my expectations.
very interesting and a good learning opportunity

Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The Government has published a White Paper setting out the Governments vision for the NHS Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS. Click on the links below for a letter from the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, along with a PDF of the White Paper.

VCS quarterly confidence survey for Yorkshire and the Humber - June

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The Regional Forum has published its latest VCS quarterly confidence survey. Respondents are still gloomy about prospects for the sector, although there has been a slight increase in confidence about their own organisations' situations.

Government says what it means by Big Society

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The Government has today published details of what it means by Big Society (see link, and download the Big Society Programme). This is likely to have far-reaching effects on the voluntary and community sector, and on how things are planned.

VCS quarterly confidence survey for Yorkshire and the Humber

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The Regional Forum has published its latest VCS quarterly confidence survey. Despite increasing concern about economic conditions within the VCS, over a third of organisations are planning to expand their services and 81% expect to collaborate more over the next year. VCS Quarterly Confidence Survey

Report on the work of Yorkshire Forward

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MPs on the Yorkshire and the Humber Select Committee are concerned about the impact of budget cuts and a reduction in funding on the work of Yorkshire Forward in the region. In a report on the work of the Regional Development Agency published today the MPs praise its work promoting economic development and regeneration in the region. The report points out that Yorkshire Forward has incurred a 23.9% reduction in total financial resources for 2010-11 and recommends that the Development Agency should not have its budget decreased further. The Committee welcomes the conclusions of the National Audit Office and Pricewaterhouse Coopers reports which positively endorse the work of Yorkshire Forward and its benefits to the regional economy.

Evaluation reports on impact of early ChangeUp investment

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Findings from the independent evaluation of ChangeUp - covering the initial funding period for the programme from April 2004 to March 2008 - show how the programmes early focus on partnerships and greater collaboration contributed to a significant distance travelled in the way that third sector support services are organised. This led to greater stability and resilience and opened up greater funding opportunities and influence.. The report also highlights high levels of satisfaction amongst users of local support services. The evaluation, carried out by the Third Sector Research Centre, BMG Research, Guidestar Data Services and Sustain Consultancy, concludes that by the end of the first phase of ChangeUp investment, partnerships established at a local level in response to the ChangeUp programme had supported the development of better local relationships between third sector organisations and public agencies, leading to greater influence within local decision making. However, the evaluation also identifies the need, going forward, for the programme to address different rates of progress in local partnerships, and to ensure improvements in partnership working contribute effectively to the development of services for local frontline third sector groups. For more information visit: Evaluation Report Website

Councils shouldn't cut out third sector in efficiency drive

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Councils should consider the unique skills and benefits the third sector has to offer when improving local public services, Communities Secretary John Denham said today. In a keynote speech to the New Local Government Network, Mr Denham said councils shouldnt ignore the social outcomes the third sector can provide such as jobs for the workless or better services, in the stampede the hunt down the cheapest deal. Mr Denham will shortly be meeting with representatives from local government and the third sector to discuss the issue and look at how to ensure the third sector has the opportunity to play its part in the big issue of public service reform locally. John Denham said: It does not make sense to exclude the many excellent voluntary and third sector providers. They may not offer the cheapest contract in terms of narrowly defined cost/benefit in the short-term. But they can deliver important additional social outcomes such as jobs for the workless and marginalised and better quality service which saves money in the long run. Third sector organisations as well as groups of local public service employees and new private sector providers must have the chance to show how they could deliver the outcomes local people want by new ways of working, and new ways of delivering services not just asked to compete to deliver the current services at the lowest possible cost. I have a real concern that the third sector is not getting the opportunity to play its part in the big issue of public service reform locally. I have invited in representatives from local government and the third sector to discuss the issues and look at how we can address this.

Charity Awards 2010 are now open for entries

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The Charity Awards 2010 are now open for entries The Charity Awards recognise excellence in the leadership and management of charities. They provide a wonderful opportunity for you propel your charitys work into the spotlight, to influence policy makers and funders and to boost the morale of your staff and stakeholders. The closing date for entries is Friday 12th March 2010. For more information visit: http://www.charityawards.co.uk/home/index.php

New Director General for the OTS

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Rolande Anderson has been appointed as the new Director General for the Office of the Third Sector (OTS). She joins the OTS from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) where she was Director General for Transformation and Corporate Services. Before joining ONS, Rolande was Regional Director of the Government Office for the South East, Englands largest region.

Communities hit by Government u-turn on funding

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Two organisations working with marginalised communities in Yorkshire are angry at the decision of the Office for the Third Sector to pull the plug on much needed funding which had already been agreed. GATE (Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange) and GenderShift, based in Hull, had been successful in applying for much-needed funds from the Campaign Research Programme. Each organisation was awarded £15,000 just three weeks ago, to support their work in advocating for some of the most vulnerable groups in the region. They have now been told that the funding has been withdrawn. In letters sent to the organisations, Minister for the Third Sector, Angela Smith MP, cites the recession as the reason for the u-turn, with the money being transferred instead to the Governments Hardship Fund for the sector. On hearing the news Judy Robinson, Director of Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Forum said: Many organisations put in precious time and resources to bid for this money in good faith. Its withdrawal leaves them in a worse position than before, and sends out very negative messages about the inclusion of marginalised communities. It also flies in the face of the Governments Compact with the voluntary sector. I sincerely hope the Minister urgently reviews this decision. The Campaign Research Programme, from where the funds had been designated to enable the voice of vulnerable people to be heard through campaigning and advocacy, was to be administered by Capacitybuilders. GATE works to promote positive understanding and appreciation of Gypsy and Traveller culture, and provides information, advice and advocacy support. GenderShift is a social enterprise set up to help create a fairer world in which every persons gender, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation are accepted and respected. Add your name to this petition http://www.louder.org.uk/OTScampaign asking the Government to reverse a decision which it admits has breached the Compact, the voluntary agreement that advises on how third sector and public bodies should treat each other.

The Queen's Speech

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

There are thirteen Bills outlined in today's Queen's Speech; three of these have direct relevance to the voluntary and community sector. They are; The Child Poverty Bill This puts into law the government's commitment to end child poverty by 2020. It places a duty on local authorities to deal with the problem, and requires the government to report progress to Parliament on an annual basis. The Equality Bill This places a duty on the whole public sector to "narrow the gap between rich and poor". It would ban age discrimination outside the workplace, and require businesses with more than 250 employees to report on gender differences on pay. The public sector should use money for public procurement deals to drive equality in the private sector. Personal Care at Home Bill This would guarantee free personal care for people suffering from acute diseases like dementia or Parkinson's. It will protect the savings of people who currently get free care, and promises to help those needing to enter care homes for the first time to maintain their independence. This applies to England only. The Child Poverty and Equality Bills are not new in substance, although there are some additions/changes in the details. The Regional Forum has been engaged with both of these Bills with responses and briefings. For more information on the policy work of the Regional Forum visit: UK Policy

Government research shows racial discrimination in recruitment

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

New research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), shows that racial discrimination in recruitment still exists towards ethnic minority people. The study showed discrimination occurred for those applying for jobs with a name suggesting they were from an ethnic minority, rather than white British. For every nine applications sent by a white applicant, an equally good applicant with an ethnic minority name had to send sixteen to obtain a positive response. Three applications were sent to 987 advertised job vacancies giving a total of 2,961 applications. Applications were made to private, public and voluntary sector employers of varying sizes. The public sector vacancies included in this study which usually required standard application forms, did not discriminate at this initial stage of recruitment. This suggests that discrimination might be reduced by the use of standard application forms.

Exceptional pressures will alter the face of the voluntary sector

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Exceptional pressures will alter the face of the voluntary sector, says Recession Watch Panel By Tristan Donovan, Third Sector, 15 September 2009 Changes to public spending and a struggle for small charities predicted by Third Sector's team of experts The voluntary sector will look significantly different after the recession because of changing patterns of public spending and commissioning and the rise of social enterprise, according to Third Sector's Recession Watch Panel. The panel of voluntary sector leaders, which met for the third time last week to discuss the economic downturn, agreed the sector was facing unprecedented pressures saying the Government's desire to commission large contracts could require even the largest charities to collaborate or merge to win public sector work. Two groups of charities were seen as particularly vulnerable to this and to falls in grant funding - those in the £10,000 to £150,000 income bracket taking on staff or premises for the first time; and organisations in the £1m to £20m range trying to turn themselves into national players. Federated charities could also be hit because they were often made up of organisations in these income brackets. Dame Mary Marsh, director of the Clore Social Leadership Programme, said social enterprise would become more important. "It's the only thing offering the potential for more income, because there are people who are interested in investing their money for social good rather than giving it away," she said. Foundations and trusts might move away from grant giving to social investment, she said: "Some private foundations are looking for more secure ways of getting a return for the money they put into the sector." It also warned that the Government's planned social investment bank would not make up for the drop in public funding.

All Inclusive? Third sector involvement in regional and sub-regional policymaking

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Regions and sub-regions play an important, if often unseen, role in policymaking. Influential decisions linked to regeneration, planning, housing, economic development and the allocation of European funding are all taken at these levels by a complex web of quangos and partnerships. This report considers the third sector's role as a key stakeholder in decision-making at the regional and sub-regional level, with a particular focus on economic development. To view and download the full report free of charge visit: http://www.ippr.org/publicationsandreports/publication.asp?id=684

Denham announces successful projects to support communities in promoting race equality

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A £9million Tackling Race Inequality Fund (TRIF) to address discrimination and underachievement has been announced by Communities Secretary John Denham. After a wide-ranging consultation on improving opportunities for minority ethnic people the Government is announcing a new commitment to funding projects that will drive forward efforts to promote race equality. TRIF projects will give targeted help to disadvantaged groups and all reflect a sense of shared values and fairness. The projects are split between 21 national and six regional organisations and include organisations such as the Stephen Lawrence Trust, Age Concern, the Race Equality Foundation and Mind.

Yorkshire and Humber new governance arrangements - Update

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The Yorkshire and Humber Assembly has now been dissolved and new governance arrangements established, focused around a Joint Regional Board (JRB) and a series of thematic advisory boards.

The Joint Regional Board (JRB) - consisting of the 8 Members the Local Government Yorkshire & Humber (LGYH) Leaders' Board (2 Leaders from each of the four Functional Sub Regions/City regions), plus 8 Yorkshire Forward Board members - met for the third time on 24 April. This was an "extraordinary" meeting to discuss the region's immediate response to the economic downturn; as well as an outline process and timetable for the development of the region's single Integrated Regional Strategy (IRS) by 2011.

The JRB agreed that rather than continue with the ongoing review of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), as previously planned, work on the review should now be rolled into the development of the IRS. Discussions are now taking place with the Government Office to confirm this proposal.

Dates have also now been set for the first meetings of the Four Thematic Boards established by the JRB to steer and inform the development of the IRS. The Chairing arrangements for these Boards are as follows:

Thematic Board	Chair	Deputy
Spatial Planning	Cllr Peter Box (LGYH) Leader, Wakefield	Julie Kenny (YF) MD, Pyronix Ltd
Regeneration & Housing	Cllr Kris Hopkins (LGYH) Leader, Bradford	Mark Lovell (YF) Exec Chairman, A4e Ltd
Work & Skills Partnership Board	Mark Andrews (YF) CEX, NG Bailey Group	Cllr Kris Hopkins (LGYH) Leader, Bradford
Transport	Cllr Mark Kirk (YF) YF Board and Leader, North Lincolnshire	Cllr Andrew Carter (LGYH) Leader, Leeds

It is planned that all Thematic Boards will meet before the next full meeting of the JRB on 17 July. At its July meeting the JRB will consider the initial views of each Thematic Board on the priority areas on which the IRS must focus. In particular, the IRS will need to add value to the sustainable economic growth strategies now being developed at the City Region level. Each of the four City Regions in Yorkshire and the Humber Leeds, Sheffield, York & North Yorkshire and Hull and the Humber Ports - are developing tailored approaches to their sub-regional strategies; and the award of Pathfinder City Region status to the Leeds City Region offers particular opportunities in this regard.

The 17 July JRB meting will also be discussing arrangements to establish an Independent Sustainable Development Board. Research funded by the DEFRA Transition and Transformation Fund has now reported and the JRB will discuss its recommendations alongside alternative options for ensuring sustainability is hard-wired into the IRS process. LGYH will also be facilitating a forum of lead local authority Chief Executives and Leaders in early June to ensure that wider health, community protection, cohesion and cultural priorities can be delivered appropriately through the IRS.

A paper on the engagement of social, economic and environmental partners throughout the IRS timetable and process will also go to the July JRB meeting, reinforcing the fact that the commitment to build the IRS from local priorities will help ensure that the Strategy reflects the priorities of such organisations at the different spatial levels.

A Regional Executive Group (REG) has been established to provide the regional managerial partnership to ensure the successful implementation of the new regional arrangements and IRS. The REG is to be made up of 8 local authority Chief Executives (two per City Region), one of whom will be Chair, the Chief Executives of LGYH and Yorkshire Forward the Regional Director of GOYH.

Following the dissolution of the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly on 1 April 2009, confirmation has now been received from Government that LGYH is now the designated regional chamber body for Yorkshire and the Humber. The JRB is now the designated regional planning body until new legislation comes into force, with transitional arrangements in place ensuring that the National Parks Authorities are co-opted onto the JRB for the regional planning purposes.

Big Lottery Fund unveils new funding strategy

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

** Kaye Wiggins, Third Sector Online, 25 June 2009 ** The voluntary and community sector will receive at least 80 per cent of funds and an extra £45m for the recession The Big Lottery Fund is providing an extra £45m to help charities through the recession and has pledged to give at least 80 per cent of its funds to voluntary and community groups rather than the current 60 to 70 per cent. The news came in its announcement today of its funding strategy for the for the next six years. The strategy follows its Big Thinking consultation, which asked stakeholders and the public how its budget for new funding programmes should be spent. The extra £45m, which will be distributed in the current financial year, includes an extra £20m for the Reaching Communities scheme in England, £7m for its Basis programme, which works to increase capacity in the sector, £5m for its Awards for All, which gives grants of between £300 and £10,000 to grassroots groups, and between £1m and £3m each for programmes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Voluntary groups get £500K

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Recession-hit voluntary groups in North Yorkshire have been awarded almost £500,000 in lottery funds. The Big Lottery Fund has given £487,795 to Ryedale Voluntary Action to work in partnership with 14 organisations to support the area's rural communities. A Big Lottery Fund spokesman said: "The funding will help the sector cope with the strains of the economic downturn." Ryedale Voluntary Action welcomed the boost, saying other sources of funding were "drying up" during the recession. The groups benefiting from the funding include the Yorkshire Rural Community Council, York Racial Equality Network, Richmondshire Council for Voluntary Service and South Craven Community Action.

Yorkshire Forward looks for new Board Members

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Regional Development Agency Yorkshire Forward is looking for new members to join its Board. Tasked with driving economic development in Yorkshire and Humber and in the current economic climate, supporting regional businesses through the recession Yorkshire Forward invests around £300 million of public money every year in initiatives to support business growth, regenerate the regions towns and cities and develop the skills of its workforce. Members of the Board are responsible for driving the organisations investment decisions, which are accountable to Government via the newly created Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The closing date for applications is Friday, 3rd July and more information is available at http://www.rdaboardappointments.com or from Kelly Walton on 0113 2056095.

Angela Smith named new third sector minister

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Angela Smith, the Prime Ministers parliamentary private secretary and MP for Basildon, has been named as the new minister for the third sector. Ms Smith has also previously held positions as under secretary of state at the Department for Communities and Local Government and under secretary of state for Northern Ireland, while between 1997 and 1999 she was an officer for the All Party Parliamentary Group for Charities and the Voluntary Sector. In her most recent role as parliamentary private secretary, she described herself as the eyes and ears of the Prime Minister at Westminster. Her predecessor, Kevin Brennan, moves to an as yet unspecified role at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, having spent just eight months at the OTS. The role of minister for the third sector has also been raised from parliamentary under secretary to minister of state.

Surviving NOT Thriving - recession impact in the North East

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Voluntary organisations' network north east (VONNE) has published the findings of it's impact study on the recession. The results of the survey highlight the difficulties faced by the sector in the North East including evidence that people in real need are being turned away from mental health charities, advice services and hostels as demand outstrips supply as well as, increased levels of stress amongst staff and concerns about the creation of the tow new unitary authorities in the region. The report also contains a number of recommendations for the future in particular about the Governments £42.5 million Real Help for Communities, the value of volunteers and the role of the Compact. The full report and all the findings can be found at:http://www.vonne.org.uk/survey/

Health of the 'VCS' survey 2009/10

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The Regional Forum has completed its initial analysis of the results gathered from the 2009 Health of the Sector survey. As well as giving a breakdown of the type of work organisations do the survey also asked if the organisations had experienced any changes in the demand for their services and in terms of size and finance. The results show that a significant number of the respondents had experienced a growth in the demand for services but that rate of growth was not matched in rises in staff or volunteers. Many organisations expected to grow in the next financial year although at the time of the survey around 15% of those who took part were still unsure about what was going to happen to their organisation. The survey results can be viewed by clicking on the link below. Surevy Results

The Budget: verdict from the sector

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0100

** Third Sector Online, 23 April 2009 ** A welcome for £20m hardship fund, but disappointment at lack of progress on setting up a social investment bank and Gift Aid reform. Voluntary sector leaders greeted Alistair Darling's 2009 Budget with a mixture of enthusiasm and frustration. The biggest hit was a new £20m grant fund for charities hit by the recession, which came as a welcome supplement to the £42.5m action plan announced in February. They also welcomed an additional £18.75m to help credit unions make more affordable loans to people on low incomes, and a match funding scheme to help create 150,000 new jobs for young unemployed people, which they said would draw young people into the sector. John Low, chief exective of the Charities Aid Foundation, said the Chancellor had brought some welcome good news: "Coming in an extraordinary budget when nobody expected much help, this demonstrates recognition right at the heart of government that charities are the front line support for many people during these difficult times." The frustration came over Darling's failure to announce promised measures to streamline Gift Aid and reform the problematic substantial donor legislation, and the Government's slow progress on the commitment to set up a new social investment bank. Hopes of measures to ease charities' problems with VAT and prolong the staff hire concession, which helps charities that use agency staff, were also disappointed. The Charity Tax Group issued a statement saying the sector was "invisible" in the Budget. Helen Donoghue, director of the group, said: "It is surprising that a number of measures that could have been introduced to ensure the sector played its part in delivering services to alleviate the social problems caused by rising unemployment were overlooked." Shadow charities minister Nick Hurd said the decision to hold a consultation on a social investment bank, rather than making a firm commitment to fund it, was a "missed opportunity". Opinion was divided on whether the new 50 per cent tax rate from next year on incomes above £150,000 would harm or boost donations to charity. Some felt high earners would give less; others that they would be attracted by being able to claim back a higher percentage of a donation for themselves.

Regional revamp requires reps rethink!

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The VCS Leaders Advisory Group Its all change in the regions! The Regional Assembly will cease to operate and the new regional arrangements start in April 2009. These new arrangements involve a Regional Board made up of local authority leaders and 8 members of the Board of Yorkshire Forward. Under this will be functional boards on things like skills and regeneration / housing. In addition the city regions are developing their work. So what does it all mean for the voluntary sector? Unlike the Assembly, where the non local authority sector had a number of representatives, the new bodies are working out their relationship to other sectors. But the issues these bodies will be tackling will have a profound impact on people and communities - and thats where the voluntary and community sector comes in. The sector works in all these areas so its involvement can make important links between local need and strategy, and between on the ground intelligence about what works and policy making. The Regional Forum with colleagues from the sector in the sub regions wants to make sure that the sectors contribution to the region can continue in positive ways. This is why the Forum is pleased to be setting up the VCS Leaders Advisory Group. Gil Chimon, Chair of The Regional Forum, in welcomed the Group: The Leaders Group will help to make sure the sector has a positive working relationship with the new structures in the region The Advisory Group will bring together sector leaders who have an understanding of strategic issues, a wide range of experience and who can offer their expertise and knowledge of communities to support decision making at the regional and other levels. We hoped the Group will make links across geography and theme and be able to help the sector have a coordinated message. We want members of the Group to come from all parts of the region, be operating at different levels (not just regional) and bring an active commitment to the positive contribution of the sector to Yorkshire and the Humber. The new Group will be recruited through application and interview. It will be accountable to the vcs through the Regional Forums democratic membership structures. There will be a strong requirement will to report to the sector. If you are interested in joining the Leaders Advisory Group please look at the advert and download the information pack and application on http://www.regionalforum.org.uk/job_tender_opportunities.php?id=64

Nearly 50,000 charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises have their say on public sector support

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

nitial results from one of the biggest surveys of its kind ever conducted, are published today. Nearly 50,000 charity, social enterprise and voluntary organisations took part in the National Survey of Third Sector Organisation and first findings show that when local public sector bodies work with them, it can have a really positive effect on their success. First results show that 58% of those who had direct dealings with local government bodies said that they had a positive or very positive effect on their success. However, over half of all respondents (51%) said they felt public sector bodies had no overall influence on their success, meaning public sector bodies have more to do to improve their contact and support to their local third sector. Initial results from one of the biggest surveys of its kind ever conducted, are published today. Nearly 50,000 charity, social enterprise and voluntary organisations took part in the National Survey of Third Sector Organisation and first findings show that when local public sector bodies work with them, it can have a really positive effect on their success. First results show that 58% of those who had direct dealings with local government bodies said that they had a positive or very positive effect on their success. However, over half of all respondents (51%) said they felt public sector bodies had no overall influence on their success, meaning public sector bodies have more to do to improve their contact and support to their local third sector. For more information visit: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/news/news_stories/090128_nstso.aspx

New LSC Qualified Provider Framework Begins

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Qualified Provider Framework What is the Qualified Provider Framework? As of 31st October 2008, the LSC has opened a Qualified Provider Framework (QPF) for providers of education and training services. The Qualified Provider Framework is a maintained list of all providers from which the LSC will secure education and training services. This list will incorporate those providers with whom the LSC will negotiate and/or invite to tender. The Qualified Provider Framework will streamline the way the LSC commissions and contracts for provision and will remove barriers for new providers wishing to work with the LSC. Providers that wish to be eligible to receive invitations to tender can apply to be pre-qualified at any time during the year. This always open approach will allow providers to apply at a time convenient to them and which suits their business need. When the LSC identifies a need to tender for provision, it will temporarily freeze the list to new applicants in order for the tendering process to begin. The dates that the list will be frozen will be published well in advance; ensuring providers have sufficient opportunity to apply to pre-qualify. How do providers ensure they are on the Qualified Provider Framework? The details of all existing LSC providers are on the Qualified Provider Framework. Providers only need to take action if they wish ro receive inviations to tender from the LSC. Any provider that wishes to be included in the LSCs tendering round in January 2009 needs to ensure that they apply to pre-qualify by 10th December 2008. Providers who do not apply to pre-qualify by this date will not be eligible to receive invitations to tender in January 2009. This will not impact on a providers ability to continue to negotiate with the LSC. Existing providers who have no interest in receiving invitations to tender for new programmes do not need to take action. The LSC will continue to negotiate existing contracted programmes with these providers. General information on the Qualified Provider Framework - this is available on the LSC website LSC.gov.uk Information on the Qualified Provider Framework is outlined in the following documents on the lSC website: At-a-glance view of how to apply to pre-qualify The press advertisement on the Qualified Provider Framework Specification document for the Qualified Provider Framework If you would like to apply to pre-qualify: Access the LSCs e-tendering solution Frequently asked questions about e-tendering (2008/09 tendering round) Every week the LSC will look through all the questions they have received about the e-tendering process and publish answers to those that are asked frequently or that they think you may find useful.

At last, at long, long last! Government announces a new Third Sector Skills Council

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

This new skills body will identify and address skills gaps and shortages for charities, voluntary groups, social enterprises and other Third Sector organisations. It will pull together the work of the sector skills councils to open up learning opportunities for Third Sector paid and voluntary staff. It will ensure the sector's needs are properly considered in the design and development of National Occupational Standards, Apprenticeship Frameworks and Sector Qualification Strategies. The Office of the Third Sector (OTS) and the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) will jointly fund the new skills body with £2.5 million over the next 3 years. It will be independent and directed by a board representing the sector's employers. To support this Skills for Justice will act as "incubator" and Janet Fleming of the Workforce Hub will project manage. The Minister for the Third Sector, Kevin Brennan, said: "This will put the Third Sector's skills needs on the same level as other sectors. Charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises deal with some of the most challenging social and environmental issues. Whether they are multi-million pound global operations or small community groups, having employees and volunteers with the right skills to get the job done is essential." Lord Young, Minister for Skills and Apprenticeships said: "The Third Sector Skills body will be a real step change to how charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups get the skills they need. As well as developing programmes to plug the immediate skills gaps, it will link the Third Sector into the complete national skills framework and influence the development of skills support services for the benefit of the sector." And with a regional view, John Harris at the Regional Forum, said: "This is progress on a front we have worked on for 6 years - ever since the government rejected the case for a generic Sector Skills Council after the National Training Organisations were abolished. We have lobbied regionally and nationally for this new body, the Workforce Hub have tenaciously held on and worked for this at national level and congratulations are due all round."

Potentially Good Capital News for LSC funded learning providers

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

LSC Capital Funding Potential for the VCS Work is underway to extend access to LSC capital funding to the Third sector. There are two proposed funds: the Skills Capital Projects Fund is for large projects (minimum £500,000) and to be administered nationally. The second would be the Regional Skills Capital Development Fund and the current proposal is for a £100,000 minimum and this fund would be administered regionally. The key criterion proposed is that organisations would have to already receive 50% of their funding from the LSC concern has been expressed over this as it would exclude most Third Sector organisations. The LSC Capital team are looking at the possibility of adding a clause which would state that any strong educational proposal should be looked at separately regardless of the 50% requirement. It is hoped that this new access to capital funding will take shape in the Spring of 2009 - we will keep you posted.

Upcoming Training for Infrastructure Organisations

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

National Performance Programme - Training discount for infrastructure members of the Regional Forum for Yorkshire and Humber The Regional Forum has negotiated training discounts for its infrastructure members from the National Performance Programme, led by Charities Evaluation Services (CES). National Performance Programme training courses are for people working in infrastructure organisations that support groups and organisations, for example as development workers. The courses provide a solid foundation in: strategic planning, quality assurance and monitoring and evaluation. There is also an introduction to performance management course for people who want a quick overview of the field, or who are new to the role of supporting groups on performance. Prices start from £45 but Regional Forum members can access a 25% discount on courses running in autumn 2008. There are also bursaries available to help with travel costs. Courses include: Introducing performance for support providers 9 October (York)or the 11 November in Cambridge or the 19 November in Birmingham Quality: supporting groups 13 October (York) or the 4 November in Birmingham Strategic planning: supporting groups 6 & 7 November (York)or the 25 and 26 November in Cambridge Monitoring and evaluation: supporting groups 22 October in Cambridge or the 14 November (York) or the 11 November in Cambridge or the 28 November in Birmingham The training has been designed for people who are new or fairly new to the topics the courses cover and therefore are not suitable for people with a lot of experience on the subject. For more detailed information on the courses, travel bursaries and booking information please go to http://www.performancemanagement.org.uk When you book please specify that you are a Regional Forum member to receive your 25% discount. Further information can be obtained from: CES: Peter Norgate Peter Norgate 020 7078 9394 Regional Forum: John Harris 0113 3942300

Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly, welcomes the publication of the Yorkshire and Humber Plan

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Peter Box, Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly, has welcomed the publication of the Yorkshire and Humber Plan. Many organisations and individuals across the region have put a lot of effort in to the preparation of the Plan," he said. Its important that we have an up to date plan in place to provide the long term direction for development and investment in the region." And he added: Theres no doubt the higher housing requirements for more homes in the region are challenging, which is why the Government has asked the Assembly to undertake a partial review of the Plan - to look again at housing growth. In addition, that mini review will also allow us to look at other, related key issues like infrastructure, transport, Eco Towns and New Growth Points." Government legislation in 2004 saw Regional Planning Guidance - the framework for local authority development plans which oversee development and land use applications - replaced by a Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). In this region, this is called the Yorkshire and Humber Plan. The RSS will set the framework to guide and direct where and how development and investment takes place across the region. Under new planning law, it will form part of the development plan" for each local authority and be taken into account in determining planning applications. More information can be found at: http://www.goyh.gov.uk/goyh/plan/regplan/?a=42496

BASIS 2 launches to fill gaps in VCS support

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Greater support is on its way to voluntary and community organisations across England, as the Big Lottery Fund launched the second round of its BASIS (Building and Sustaining Infrastructure Support) programme with up to £50 million available to develop the sector. Following the success of BASIS 1 that awarded close to £100 million to over 200 projects supporting third sector infrastructure, BASIS 2 is taking a more targeted approach. The programme is looking to fund projects that fill the highest priority gaps in the current VCS infrastructure support to ensure the sectors wide spectrum of organisations can access relevant high-quality assistance. BASIS 2 will continue to complement, but not duplicate government initiatives such as Change Up and Capacity Builders. It is building on a strong history of Lottery funding in this area that is responding to a key need amongst voluntary and community organisations. The Big Lottery Fund's regional staff will hold a series of stakeholder events to ensure that those who are eligible to apply for BASIS 2 funding are fully briefed on the opportunities presented by the programme. Full eligibility criteria and application packs will be available to download from the Big Lottery Fund website: http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

OPPORTUNITY: VCS Equality and Human Rights Network Steering Group Membership

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

We are seeking up to 6 experienced team players to supplement the Steering Group for the Network. The Steering Group is made up of the regional thematic networks in Yorkshire and the Humber and we are now seeking additional members to bring additional perspectives on equality and human rights.
You will find links to the following documents below:

An information sheet outlining the role of the network and its steering group.

A short application form for these positions on the steering group.

A leaflet about the network.
The deadline for completed applications is Wednesday 28th May at 5pm. Completed applications should be send to Ruth Beattie, at the address below or emailed to: ruth.beattie@regionalforum.org.uk If you have any queries please contact Ruth Beattie on 0113 394 2300.

NCVO Barclays Leadership Programme 2008 - apply now for an excellent Leeds opportunity!

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Outstanding civil society leaders demonstrate a potent blend of qualities and are key to guiding their organisations to become all they can be. The new NCVO Barclays Leadership Programme will enable you to develop these qualities, primarily through a series of facilitated group meetings with other leaders. This opportunity is particularly aimed at leaders in smaller civil society organisations and will run from 3 UK locations including Leeds. How will the programme work? Over a period of 7 months you will meet 5 times with a group of leaders, where you'll receive some input about an aspect of leadership, followed by structured discussion led by our facilitator. In between meetings you'll be given material to help you reflect on your leadership practises. What will you achieve? Through the programme you will achieve a clearer understanding of the qualities demonstrated by effective leaders. We anticipate that this will bring new insight to your leadership approach, and bring transformation to your organisation as a result. We also anticipate that you will develop fruitful and inspiring relationships with other leaders. Who's it for? To gain maximum benefit from this programme, you will need to be already in a position of leadership and able to bring live examples of leadership challenges to group discussion. You may be a chair of trustees or a chief executive or a leader of a team within your organisation. The programme has been designed for those representing small organisations - you can read more about our suggested eligibility criteria at http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/leadershipprogramme. To apply, for more information, or with any questions please contact Claire Curtis on 020 7520 2511 or mailto:claire.curtis@ncvo-vol.org.uk. ** The closing date for applications is Friday 18th April 2008 **

Sub National Review - Consultation launched

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The long awaited consultation on the Sub National Review has been published. The full consultation document along with information on how to respond can be found at: http://www.berr.gov.uk/consultations/page45474.html. The Regional Forum is in the process of formulating a response to the Sub National Review on behalf of the voluntary and community sector in our region, more details on the consultation will be released shortly. All responses must be submitted by 20th June 2008, the online process will open next week.

Simon Hebditch stands down as Chief Executive of Capacitybuilders

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Simon Hebditch is to stand down as Chief Executive of Capacitybuilders, after two years as the agencys first CEO. In a statement today, Chris Pond said; " It has been a privilege to work with Simon over the last two years in setting up the new agency. Simon established the organisation, led its work on external representation and has taken us through an important consultation with the sector in the creation of Destination 2014 our strategy for the delivery of the ChangeUp vision. I wish Simon every success in his future work." As the first Chief Executive of Capacitybuilders, Hebditch led the organisation through its first two years of operation and the successful delivery of £70 million of ChangeUp funds. Simon Hebditch commented; " I have been proud to work for Capacitybuilders, and its excellent staff, and to see it established as a significant funder of improvement in the third sector for the next three year period to 2011. I believe that it is important that a new Chief Executive is in place to take the organisation through to March 2011, and to win renewal through the comprehensive spending review until 2014. For myself, I will always be a staunch supporter of the need to build the capacity of the third sector and the increased role it can play in our communities. I will be concentrating on playing a wider role in this development in future". The Capacitybuilders Board in its meeting yesterday agreed interim arrangements and appointed Catherine Johnstone as acting Chief Executive.

"Now's the time..." Regional Minister makes first speech

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Over 100 delegates gathered in York yesterday for Nows the time, the Regional Forums Annual Conference. Those who attended heard Rosie Winterton MP, the new Regional Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber give her first speech in her new ministerial role along with different perspectives of the Sub-National Review (SNR) from Chris Megainey, the chief Civil Servant who oversees the implementation of the SNR and local politician Cllr Peter Box, Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly and Leader of Wakefield District Council. Reflecting on personal family experiences, Rosie spoke of her past associations with the voluntary and community sector, her Uncle ran a home for the blind during the 30s and was happy to speak to the sector again after her close involvement whilst with the Department of Health. She highlighted that during that consultation, the popular views held by the statutory sector, that the third sector was often not properly organised or resourced were quite the opposite. Referring to the SNR, Rosie said that the next few months were uncertain but there was now an opportunity to take things forward, to ensure all views were heard and she was delighted to be playing a role in that process. She was also sorry that plans for a regional government hadnt taken off, for her regional devolution meant proper accountability, transparency and organisations that reflect local principles. She acknowledged the enormous contribution that the sector and the Regional Forum makes, reflecting something of the Yorkshire Spirit, adding that we all need to celebrate what the region is about and to talk it up. Above all Yorkshire and the Humber is a great place to business and a great place to live, and we should say that loud and clear. On the challenges that lie ahead, Rosie highlighted that strong regions matter to the Government and Whitehall and the emphasis must be on modern governance structures to increase involvement in our communities at a time of disengagement and a decrease in voting. People want to feel more empowered, how can power and responsibility be devolved to right level. The region also has challenges in issues such as housing, skills and transport and for her the region needs a strong regional strategy to overcome them, the key is not to have Yorkshire Forward working alone in a vacuum but in partnership with local authorities and the third sector. Rosie was very keen to meet with leaders in the third sector, to bring together social partners with business to add value to the discussions going on and ensure that the Yorkshire and Humber voice is heard clearly in Whitehall and Westminster, and that policy recognises the reality of what is happening in the region. A full round up of the days events and speeches will follow shortly.

Community Empowerment Workshops

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A practice exchange workshop and Action Learning Session on skills for effective representation in communities Community Empowerment Workshop: 10 March 10.00 to 4.00 in Leeds (St. Georges Centre) At this workshop we will be looking at the skills and abilities needed to be an effective representative of the voluntary and community sectors on Local Strategic Partnerships and other strategic groups. To do this we will be sharing our own experience and make use of a set of skills developed through recent research. The National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) has developed a set of competencies for effective representation and well be drawing on these to help us look at our own roles. The workshop will also focus on empowerment how can we act as empowering representatives and leaders? How can we build skills and confidence in others as well as our selves? Well use look at the idea of empowering leadership, again drawing on our own experience, as well as recent work on this carried out by NAVCA. Maximum 20 participants. The Action Learning Session: 17 March - 10.00 to 1.00 (lunch is 1.00 to 1.30) in Leeds (venue to be confirmed) This informal half day session will be an opportunity for people to go into more depth to share their experiences. Using action learning methods we will work in small groups to explore problems and challenges, again drawing on the NAVCA research on skills for effective representation as a broad framework. In comparison to the workshop, this session gives you more time to reflect on your own work in a supportive environment. Maximum 12 participants Both events are open to anyone from the voluntary and community sectors who are involved as representatives on LSPs, either the executive board or thematic partnerships, as well as anyone from the Third or public sectors interested or involved in supporting representatives. Booking: Priority will be given to participants who can attend both sessions complete the form attached or accessible below: We can pay travel expenses by public transport where necessary. Both events are funded through the Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Empowerment Partnership. They are organised by the Regional Forum and facilitated by Steve Skinner, a freelance consultant and trainer who is a well known author on community engagement and capacity building. Steve is joint author of Skilling up for LSPs, research published by NAVCA in 2007 and is currently carrying out further research on representation for NAVCA called Stronger Voices. For more information on the research, please go to www.navca.org.uk The Regional Empowerment Partnership is part of the National Empowerment Partnership which has been established by the Department for Communities and Local Government. The central aim of the national strategy is to improve the quality and functioning of relationships between citizens and government in order to increase the ability of people to influence to decisions which affect their lives. The main purpose of the National Partnership is to improve community empowerment and engagement by showing where they are taking place, how well they are working, what makes them work well and disseminating and applying those lessons widely. This should bring about, over a period of time, an improvement in the quality of community empowerment across England.

Progress in the Region 2007

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Progress in the Region is a report produced by Yorkshire Futures which assesses progress in key areas like transport, jobs, housing, crime and the environment. The 2007 version of the report has recently been completed and concludes that Yorkshire and Humber has consolidated its position overall making good progress in some areas, whilst facing major challenges on others. Against 32 headline indicators it concludes that the region has made progress on 12 key issues and lost ground on 9, whilst the position is steady or uncertain on a further 11 indicators. Both the summary and full reports of Progress in the Region 2007 are available online. Progress in the Region 2007

Public Service Delivery and the voluntary and community sector

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Maintaining diverse and durable funding streams is key to achieving sustainability. Public service delivery is one of the options available to voluntary and community organisations who are looking to diversify their income base. Many organisations are exploring how to deliver public services using a consortium approach. This new webpage explores three models for voluntary and community organisations to use when delivering public services through consortia. The page has been written by NCVOs Collaborative Working Unit but is available from the Sustainable Funding Projects website at http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/psd and follow the link to working with others. The public service delivery section on the Sustainable Funding Project website has been recently updated, so do take a look at the above link. NCVO has also re-launched the Only Connect Visit Scheme which enables voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) who are considering delivering public services to visit another organisation and learn from their first hand experience. For more information on this scheme visit: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/sfp/?id=7278

New Improving Reach Programme: 2008-2011 - Open for applications

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Capacitybuilders have launched the second round of their Improving Reach funding programme.

Improving Reach is focusing additional resources to extend and improve sector support services available to those frontline organisations dedicated to working in and with excluded communities.

The Improving Reach programme for 2008-11 aims to achieve the following outcomes:

Smaller organisations have more skills and resources to provide support services to third-sector frontline organisations which work with excluded communities. These smaller organisations are able to continue their work after our funding has run out.

More frontline organisations working in and with excluded communities can get high-quality support services which are appropriate for them.

All applications for Improving Reach, must be received by 5.00pm on Monday 28th January 2008.

For more information or to complete an eligibility check visit: www.capacitybuilders.org.uk

Regional Forum Annual Review 2006 - 2007

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The Regional Forum Annual Review 2006 - 2007 has now been published. The Review illustrates as well as celebrates the diverse range of work the Regional Forum has been involved with over the last year. It also highlights that through the continued support and involvement of our membership it enables the Forum to remain a strong advocate and presence for the voluntary and community sector on the regional stage. Many will be receiving a printed copy shortly and it can be viewed and downloaded from: Annual Review 2007

A Northern Economic Agenda

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

In a series of papers from its Northern Economic Agenda project, ippr north will examine the critical roles played in the North's economy by the public sector, entrepreneurship and innovation, transport and infrastructure. The papers will provide a detailed analysis and practical recommendations on how to improve the economic performance of England's three northern regions - the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber. These regions have seen improvements in the past 10 years but still need to work to close the performance gap between them and the rest of the country. The first reports have been published. The Public Sector in the North: Driver or Intruder?, and a background paper, The North in Numbers: A Strategic Audit of the Northern Economies can be viewed and downloaded from: The Public Sector in the North: Driver or Intruder? The North in Numbers

The Queen's Speech 2007

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The Government has set out its programme for reform in the first Queen's Speech of Gordon Brown's premiership. Education, housing, health and the environment topped the bill in the Queen's traditional annual address at the State Opening of Parliament. A key proposal on education is to increase the age of compulsory learning, either academic or vocational, to 18 and to improve apprenticeship provision. Legislation will be introduced to create a new Homes and Communities agency with responsibility for affordable housing and regeneration. Planning legislation will also be reformed to make decision - making "quicker and more transparent". On health, the Queen revealed Government plans to establish a health and social care regulator to ensure "clean and safe services". There were 22 seperate bills anounced in the speech, for more detailed information or to read a transcript of the speech visit: http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page13708.asp

Capacitybuilders launch 2nd round of Improving Reach Funding

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Capacitybuilders have launched the second round of the Improving Reach Programme. Improving Reach is focusing additional resources to extend and improve sector support services available to those frontline organisations dedicated to working in and with excluded communities. The Improving Reach programme for 2008-11 aims to achieve the following outcomes:

More frontline organisations working in and with excluded communities can get high-quality support services which are appropriate for them.

For further information about Improving Reach and how to apply visit: www.capacitybuilders.org.uk

FOOTSEY 2007 round up

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0000

A round up of the days events at this year's FOOTSEY is now available. The e-bulletin also contains a Gallery of pictures of the day along with highlights and details of some of the competition winners.

Regional Compact Launch

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Compact on Relations between Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector in England (Compact), first introduced in 1998, is a framework agreement for how the government and the third sector should work together. Together the Compact and Codes set out a range of principles and a shared vision, along with undertakings for all sides. It applies to central government departments, Government Offices for the regions, executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies and to a range of organisations in the third sector. The Compact for the Yorkshire and Humber Region was officially launched at the FOOTSEY 2007 Event at York racecourse on 18th October. The main signatories, who by doing so confirm their organisation's commitment to the document, are: Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber The Regional Forum Yorkshire and Humber Assembly Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum Yorkshire Forward Local Government Yorkshire and Humber The Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber BME VCS Regional Panel The full version of the Compact can be downloaded from: http://www.regionalforum.org.uk/publications_resources/knowledgebase/500/560/250.pdf

Third Sector Review Final Report Published

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The review report, The future role of the third sector in social and economic regeneration, sets out a strategy to promote the partnership between the Government and the third sector over the next ten years. The review was undertaken by the Treasury and the Cabinet Office. Most of the measures announced in the report will be led by the Office of the Third Sector, which will invest more than £515 million over the next three years in third sector programmes to support thousands of community organisations across the country. The main aims outlined in the report are to help give third sector organisations a greater voice and to work with the sector to strengthen communities, transform public services, encourage social enterprise and support the conditions for the sector to thrive. Also included is a section on building a robust evidence base for the sector, which includes a proposal to establish a third sector research centre. The report is at: Third Sector Review Final Report where you will also have the chance to 'Have your Say' on the report in a discussion forum.

Changes to National Support Services

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Capacitybuilders has decided to make some relatively minor changes to proposals for the "future delivery of national support services to the voluntary and community sector and social enterprises" after its recent consultation. The four themes are kept, but with Workforce becoming 'People and Skills' encompassing the modernisation of volunteering, ICT moving from 'Performance' to 'Finance and Resources'. 'Voice' is the fourth theme. It is confirmed that the four new national support services will be in operation from 1st April 2008. This is also when a three year programme of support for social enterprises starts. See the news item: Changes to National Support Services

The Brown Government and Learning and Skills

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Whats the new Brown Government got to say about Learning and Skills? Childrens Services The new Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) will bring together all policy related to children and young people. It takes the Respect Agenda from the Home Office and will share Youth Justice with the Ministry of Justice, child poverty with the Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), childrens health with the Department of Health (DoH) and youth sport with the Department for Culture. Beverley Hughes is Minister for Children and Youth Justice. Schools Schools will be run by the DCSF under Ed Balls. The DCSF will set pre 19 education policy and work with the new Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) on education reforms for 14-19 yrs old. 14-19 School pupils in this age group and (probably) sixth form college students will come under the DCSF. General further education college students and apprentices aged 16-19 will come under DIUS. Although 16-19 year olds in general Further Education (FE) colleges will be in institutions that are accountable to DIUS, they and sixth form college students will be funded via local education authorities. Adult Learning DIUS will cover further education, including foundation degrees and workplace training that attracts public funding. Barring further change it will take over Train to gain, basic skills and oversee the £4 billion adult portion of the LSC budget. Universities One of the immediate goals of the new DIUS will be to raise graduate skills. Under John Denham, it will oversee the development, funding and performance of higher education both in teaching and research. It will also take over science and innovation from the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI). The Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell will stay.

Supporting parish and town councils at the local level recommendations for reform

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Commission for Rural Communities have produced a report Features and Characteristics of Successful County Associations of Local Councils (CALCs). The report recommends that creating a renewed structure of empowered and influential town and parish councils, with well-organised and effective representation at county level, will help to support strong and sustainable rural communities. There are currently 36 CALCs in England, all of which are independent bodies supporting their member parish and town councils. They represent the views of parish and town councils as well as providing training, briefings, newsletters, plus legal and technical advice and a signposting service, to guide parishes where to find information and services. You can download the report and find out further information using the following link: Features and Characteristics of Successful County Associations of Local Councils (CALCs)

Still Difficult to Achieve Full Cost Recovery

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) says that a "significant proportion" of third sector organisations don't believe that they are getting paid for the full costs of providing services, including overheads. The NAO says that government departments have found it difficult translating the principle of full cost recovery (FCR) into practice, despite a government target to ensure full cost recovery applied across departments by April 2006. The review concludes that full cost recovery is not a concept that public funders can implement or roll out in a mechanistic way, and FCR does not necessarily apply in the same way across the variety of financial relationships between public funders and the sector. More details, including link to the full report, is available at: Full Report

Feedback from Capacity Builder's Destination 2014 Consultation

Thu, 24 May 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Capacity Builders have put together some initial feedback on the main themes from the Destination 2014 consultation and the next steps. Destination 2014 is the strategy for funding the development of the voluntary sector infrastructure and support, up to 2014. The consultation received a good response with over 500 people attending regional consultation events and 134 written responses. Comments submitted included both support for Capacity Builders and constructive criticism of the strategy. The revised Destination 2014 will be launched at the Capacity Builder's AGM on 3rd July 2007. You can read this initial summery of responses, which also includes a regional breakdown by using the following link: Destination 2014

Call for National Hubs to be abolished

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Development Trusts Association (DTA) and Community Alliance partners have called for the five national hubs to be wound down and their commissioning process taken over directly by Capacity Builders. This call came as part of the DTAs response to Capacity Builder's Destination 2014 consultation. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) have both voiced their opposition to this stance. The DTA has also raised "the deplorable situation in some regions where the regional commissioning process has lacked positive strategy and has played to narrow vested interests". Use the following link to read the DTAs response in full: DTA Destination 2014 Response

NOMS Voluntary Sector News

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Using the link below you can download the National Offender Management Services (NOMs), Voluntary Sector News, which we hope will be of interest to you. Highlights of the 7th edition of this newletter include:

Future of NOMs VCS Grant Funding

The role of VCS in Offender Management

The Commission on the Future of Volunteering - Consultation

NOMS Voluntary Sector Advisory Group

"Futureskills" - our regional Skills Action Plan

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

We now have our first regional voluntary and community sector Skills Action Plan. This is a key stage in accessing the right workforce development opportunities for our sector - given that to date we have not had a generic Sector Skills Council to move on this issue. This crucial work has been led by Humberside Learning Consortium and the Regional Forum, with support from the Learning and Skills Council. The whole Action plan can be accessed below - in the meantime the headlines are as follows: The Hit List the top 11 priorities for workforce development are:

To develop and promote a way of collecting workforce development information that is consistent, constant and easy to collect

To undertake a biennial state of the voluntary sector workforce and provision survey in Yorkshire and the Humber

To run a trustee recruitment campaign across the region

To develop a regional publicity programme that promotes the voluntary sector as a work and career option - to include both general and targeted campaigns (e.g. BME communities, young people, men, people with disabilities, long-term unemployed etc.)

To implement a region-wide framework for strategic and business planning to include progression pathways and programmes for voluntary sector managers

To establish a region-wide programme of human resource management support

To undertake a feasibility study into a voluntary sector governance and leadership centre for Yorkshire and the Humber in collaboration with the Third Sector Leadership Centre

To develop an e-bulletin service for leadership and management to send out the latest information on skills issues and learning opportunities directly to managers' desktops

To invest in improved volunteer management and development by volunteer involving organisations and lobby for the inclusion of volunteers in the "Train to Gain" programme

To improve regional dialogue with Sector Skills Councils that have a significant footprint in the voluntary sector, e.g. Skills for Care, Skills for Justice, Asset, Skills Active

To support the role of community development work in engaging people in informal learning, supporting them into accredited programmes and into work

What Future for Third Sector Commissioning?

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The new policy briefing "Starting to Make Sense" has been put together to inform the Regional Forum's Procurement Project. The project is working to improve commissioning in four key areas: health; children's services; NOMS (National Offender Management Service) and employability. For further information about upcoming conferences, networks and the latest news contact Lesley Wood at the Regional Forum on 0113 394 2300 or email: lesley.wood@regionalforum.org.uk "Starting to Make Sense" can be downloaded below.

Regional Compact for Yorkshire and Humber

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

We are currently involved in developing a regional compact. The draft is out for consultation until 31st March 2007. The Regional Compact is aimed at improving partnership working and relationships between the regional VCS umbrella organisations and the regional public sector bodies in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. It provides a basic framework setting out the main principles, values and commitments, so that all partners understand the roles and responsibilities of voluntary and community sector and public-sector organisations, and the common ground between them. We hope that the following regional bodies will sign off the Regional Compact:

Regional Forum

Regional BME Panel

Yorkshire and Humber Faiths forum

Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber

Yorkshire Forward

Yorkshire and Humber Assembly

Local Government Yorkshire and Humber

Learning and Skills Council

Regional Strategic Health Authority

The Regional Compact supports the national Compact and the local Compacts which already exist and are being developed further in each of our local authority areas.

Launch of Local Community Sector Taskforce Report

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

This report presents the findings of the Local Community Sector Taskforce which was commissioned: "to ensure that central, regional and local government put in place a framework which allows neighbourhood and community groups to manage the wind-down of the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) and to ensure there are opportunities for them to access the range of substantial sums of Government investment available." The Taskforce is an independent group reporting to the Government, with members from the voluntary and community sector and relevant Government departments. Communities and Local Government will be considering the report and its recommendations in due course as part of its preparation of the Communities and Local Government Strategy for Engaging with the Third Sector. Download the report Local Community Sector Taskforce Report

Investing in Change

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Capacitybuilders, the government sponsored agency with responsibility to manage the ChangeUp programme (£70 million for the 2 years to March 2008) to put in place a high-quality, sustainable infrastructure for the voluntary sector, has launched its consultation on priorities for the period to 2014. The overall vision for the ChangeUp programme is to see a transformed third sector. Capacitybuilders wants to hear the views of the third sector - at a local and sub-regional level specifically on the priorities it should adopt to meet its strategic objectives and outcomes up to 2014. 'Destination 2014' is a draft strategic framework that reflects a new way forward for the programme and your views are vital to us. The Destination 2014 website www.destination2014.org.uk has been set up using the Typepad blogging platform, making it easy to leave comments on sections of the consultation document. Download the consultation document from Destination 2014 Regional events will be taking place around England from late January to early March, with the consultation running to 30th March 2007. In Yorkshire and the Humber, an event is taking place on Friday 9th February 2007 in York. For further details, please visit Yorkshire and the Humber Consultation event

New National Support Services for the Sector

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Capacitybuilders, the body managing government ChangeUp funds, has made decisions in connection with its review of the National Hubs of expertise for the sector in England. At the board meeting on 22nd November it was agreed that Capacitybuilders will take on direct commissioning of national support services, and will launch a consultation on 7th December about priorities. The current hubs will be funded to March 2008 but with new contracts and budgets from June 2007, to include more effective cross hub working and communications. Chief executive Simon Hebditch anticipates much more competition to run the new national support services than with the hubs and many of the main contractors could be new. For further details read the Capacitybuilders news release in and the detailed 'Programme for Change' at: www.capacitybuilders.org.uk/info/story/?item=27

VCS takes part in NEET Strategic Commissioning Forum

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0000

NEET strategic commissioning forum -LSC, Bradford 9th October 2006 Attended by Simon Cale on behalf of LearningNet/Regional Forum VCS learning and skills providers are engaged with the NEETs agenda (Young People Not in Education, Training or Employment) - an issue of real concern for Yorkshire and the Humber. A recent study shows that young people value VCS input because it meets their own needs and is independent of the statutory services. Now the Regional Forum has been asked to nominate a VCS representative to sit on the Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Commissioning Forum - to be chaired by Paul Jagger. At short notice Simon Cale of the National Children's Centre has taken up this place and as usual the Regional Forum will link between the VCS representative and the wider sector. Summary by Simon Cale The forum discussed and took presentations regarding the NEET position in Y+H. The planning process for 07/08 was presented by Liz Butcher, LSC. As part of the discussion, the group agreed that NEET commissioning via the LSC would take into account the opportunities that the VCS could offer in the Region. It was acknowledged that new models of partnership and consortium approaches by the VCS needed to be tested and that the 07/08 planning and commissioning cycle could reference this. The VCS in the Region were adapting to the new Regional LSC commissioning model, but it was pointed out, the small and medium sized VCS organisations that tend to carry out the front line delivery of NEET support work were finding it difficult to enter the Regional commissioning process. It was agreed that the larger VCS organisations in the Region involved in NEET work may be able to pilot a lead consortium approach that involved small and medium VCS organisations at local level regarding delivery to NEETS. Forum members agreed to follow through on this proposal with relevant network contacts. If you have any issues you wish to feed into this process contact simon.cale@nccuk.org.uk and copy to john.harris@regionalforum.org.uk

First two net:gain Network Leaders Announced - One in Yorkshire

Fri, 20 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Two Voluntary Sector Organisations (VCOs) have been recognised for their achievement in helping to spread an innovative social franchise across their region, to support other VCOs in planning for ICT. Electroville run by the Disabled People´s Electronic Village Hall, in Yorkshire, and COSMIC from Ottery St Mary in Devon were selected as the first regional Network Leaders for net:gain. They have been chosen from the first 30 centres, and more Network Leaders will develop as the network builds to 50 centres across England. net:gain is a national programme, funded by Capacitybuilders under the government?s ChangeUp programme. Additional grant support, direct to centres, comes from Ufi Ltd, which has also made the Network Leader Development Fund available. net:gain centres help Voluntary and Community Organisations (VCOs) make better plans for technology development, introducing them to simple and useful planning techniques, as well as providing and signposting to a range of services and benefits. Colin Harrison from Electroville said: "net:gain is a completely new offer for the sector. It really helps Chief Officers, whether or not they are comfortable with technology, to plan in a very practical way, not least to get their funding right. We need to let a wide range of organisations know about the benefits of getting a good plan in place, and for that we have to work with good partners across the region." Julie Harris, Chief Executive of Cosmic agrees: "I firmly believe that net:gain is going to be hugely successful in the South West. We have worked hard to make sure it joins up with other ChangeUp offers, and that stakeholders see it as a real opportunity to work together to take the sector forward." Network Leaders are grant funded by Ufi, to enhance their capacity, to help other new net:gain centres in their region to take on and deliver the net:gain programme, and to work with other local stakeholders, to make sure that net:gain fits well with ChangeUp initiatives in their region. Both COSMIC and Electroville won awards in June this year for their early work to develop their net:gain service. As National Project Development Manager, Jane Berry, explains: "Although it?s a national programme, net:gain highly flexible, so it can be tailored to fit with local opportunities and offers. The new Network Leaders initiative devolves responsibility for this to local level. Most importantly though, it means we can reward success and, at the same time, ensure local help is there for new net:gain centres that are still developing." For further information about this press release contact the net:gain support team on 02476 853054.

Benchmarking e-learning survey and tool

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

This LSC commissioned project is part of the Working Together range of projects outlined in this website. The project uses a range of measures to benchmark a number of sector organisations and will provide a snapshot of how these organisations are dealing with e-learning issues. Please comment on the survey - the recommendations are on pages 26-28. Comments on the e-learning benchamarking tool are also welcome. All comments are to be directed to m.simmonds@mrsconsultancy.com

Capacitybuilders is Launched

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 00:00:00 +0100

The government's ChangeUp voluntary sector infrastructure programme became the responsibility of Capacitybuilders this week. At the launch, a summer review of the best ways of providing guidance to groups at a local level, including looking at how the national hubs operate, was announced. For more details about Capacity Builders, download the 'Fit for Growth' leaflet from the Information link on www.capacitybuilders.org.uk, which includes their programme of action for the next 2 years.

Regional Voluntary Sector Hub - Update

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 00:00:00 +0000

The Regional Forum has engaged Pulse Regeneration Ltd to prepare a feasibility study for a Regional Voluntary Sector Hub. The Forum is pursuing a long term strategy to develop an asset base from which the Forum could offer cluster facilities for regional voluntary and community sector organisations and a sustainable enterprise offering conferencing facility. Developing a regional cluster for vcs infrastructure and support networks is the logical next step for the strengthening of regional working in the sector, it could provide: - Higher profile for regional vcs organisations; - One stop shop for public sector agencies; - Physical focus for the sector regionally; - Clear and central point of reference; - Aggregate the work of existing networks and promote the continued development of sub-regional and district level infrastructure. The principles underlying the development of a regional hub are: - Improving performance; - Strengthening infrastructure; - Bringing together regional organisations; - Making links between policy and practice; - Generating income; - Creating access. The enclosed survey is intended for organisations who might want to become users of the Hub, either for its office space or conference facilities. We welcome returns from any interested organisation.

Infrastructure National Partnership

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0000

The Infrastructure National Partnership (INP) is being set up so that the voluntary and community sector can influence Capacity Builders, the new agency to be launched in April 2006 as the funding body for ChangeUp. There will be 25 members of the INP including four from regional infrastructure organisations and eight from sub-regional infrastructure consortia. The INP will meet at least five times each year and attendance allowances will be paid. Look out for advertisements in December in 'Third Sector' and 'the Guardian'. NACVS will seek one of the six places available for national infrastructure organisations.

Opportunities to Reduce Re-offending

Mon, 14 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Expressions of Interest Invited for Reducing Re-offending! This year presents the Voluntary and Community Sector with an exciting opportunity to have a real impact on the potential to build safer communities. The Government has made a target to reduce re-offending by 10% by 2010 and are encouraging the voluntary and community sector to play a key role The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) has been established with a draft Regional Reducing Re-offending Action. A key mechanism for taking forward work in the Action Plan is the creation of a number of Pathway Action Teams (PATs). A PAT for each pathway identified in the National Reducing Re-offending Action Plan has been established. These pathways are:  Accommodation  Finance, Benefit & Debt  Employment, Training and Education  Physical and Mental Health  Children & Families of Offenders  Drugs & Alcohol  Attitudes, Thinking and Behaviour  Prolific and other Priority Offenders  Voluntary & Community Sector It was also suggested that all PATs should include representatives from the VCS. In order for the VCS PAT to do its work effectively, it is necessary to remain reasonably small and focused. It is my intention that the VCS PAT be a working group rather than a talking shop. However, it is also important that as many VCS organisations as possible are kept informed about the work of the PAT and have the opportunity to feed-in ideas and expertise. To this end, I am proposing to have an Associate Membership for the VCS PAT, in addition to membership of the core working group. Associate Members will receive minutes of meetings and will be able to raise specific issues with the core working group. From here, issues can be taken to the PAT Chairs meeting and the Strategic Board, giving them a clear line of communication to the ROM. From time to time, individual Associate Members may be invited to attend meetings of the group in order to provide advice or expertise on specific areas of work. I urge you to get involved in an agenda that impacts on all the communities served by the voluntary and community sector. Download the full invitation and expression of interest form and the executive summary of the Action Plan for further information.

Capacity Builders

Thu, 27 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0100

ChangeUp Continuation Fund For 2006-2007 Implementation Procedures for Yorkshire and the Humber The Active Community Unit [Home Office] has released Guidance to Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber for the ChangeUp Continuation Fund for 2006-2007. It is recognised that some early decisions on funding for 2006/2007 are required to maintain momentum around current work. Continuation funding will be put in place for local and regional activities for 2006/2007 by the end of January 2006. £7 million has been set aside for this purpose from the annual allocation of £35 million for 2006/2007. This results in £819,700 for Yorkshire and the Humber available from 1st April 2006. The continuation fund is all revenue and must not overlap with activity funded from 2005-06. Funds for consortia support and development must be for the period up to 31st March 2007. Activity funding can be for a shorter period to cover the closure of the project or until a further bid is submitted directly to Capacity Builders. Appraisal of sub-regional and regional proposal packages will be by Government Offices (GO), with decisions notified by 27th January 2006. The GO role for 2006-2008 funds will end at this stage, with information and systems being transferred to Capacity Builders for programme management. Detailed guidance can be downloaded below.

ChangeUp Network Capacity Building Scheme

Tue, 18 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0100

Regional ChangeUp money is now available to support 8 individual regional networks under the theme of advocacy and engagement to an estimated total of £25,000 each. The scheme will aim to support new, emerging or strengthening thematic regional networks so that their members can engage better with the regional agenda and to develop advocates or representatives to participate in regional and other structures. The idea behind the scheme is to address two issues. First, identify each network's appropriate level of development in the current and future policy context of their work. Second, the scheme will provide resources to help them move towards that level of development and in some cases explore some of the practical actions that the network aspires to. It is expected that networks will spend the money on a combination of members expenses (including backfilling staff time), events and consultancy support to both aid network development and research. More established regional networks can also apply for funding that will enable them to:

Explore of the potential for joint working, for example through using the resource for equal shares funding or making a joint investment;

Use the resources to pilot solutions already identified such as virtual networks using new ICT resources;

Develop the network in partnership with the public sector so that it will attract future resources. The deadline for completed application forms is 5.00pm on Monday 7 November 2005. Networks must have completed their activity by 30 June 2006. If you have any queries about this process, please contact Mark Crowe on 0113 394 2300 or email: mark.crowe@regionalforum.org.uk Please download copies of the Application Pack and the Regional Infrastructure Development Plan by clicking on the links below. NB The Regional Infrastructure Plan is a large document and may take a few minutes to download.

Developing Capacity: Next Steps for ChangeUp

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0100

This document outlines how the Government plans to practically drive forward the ChangeUp programme. To download the briefing document, please click below.

New "ChangeUp" Framework is Launched

Sat, 26 Jun 2004 00:00:00 +0100

"ChangeUp" - The long awaited Capacity Building & Infrastructure Framework has now been launched. The framework focuses on how the voluntary & community sector develops over the next ten years. Backed by a £72 million investment plan, ChangeUp identifies key development areas and ways that Government wants the VCS to move forward. Organisational development will be key. There will be increased access to support for improving performance, addressing management issues and finding new sources of income. Using ICT effectively, together with developing staff and learning how to better support volunteers are other activities where more help will be available. National Hubs of Expertise in each of these areas are put forward as a mechanism through which all organisations will be able to get hold of good quality information and advice. Infrastructure developments will focus on making it easier for frontline organisations to get the help that they need. On the ground, this could mean more co-ordination of services as infrastructure organisations work together more closely. The long term aim will be for all these services to be supplied by a one-stop shop at regional or sub-regional levels. The framework focuses on public service delivery but it does recognise the value of the sectors contribution to civil renewal and building community. The full document is available at: (www.homeoffice.gov.uk/comrace/active/developing/index.html) Alternatively, if you wish to read a summary of the document, please download the attached National Council for Voluntary Organisation's briefing.

Regional Forum News

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VCS quarterly confidence survey for Yorkshire and the Humber - June

Government says what it means by Big Society

VCS quarterly confidence survey for Yorkshire and the Humber

Report on the work of Yorkshire Forward

Evaluation reports on impact of early ChangeUp investment

Councils shouldn't cut out third sector in efficiency drive

Charity Awards 2010 are now open for entries

New Director General for the OTS

Communities hit by Government u-turn on funding

The Queen's Speech

Government research shows racial discrimination in recruitment

Exceptional pressures will alter the face of the voluntary sector

All Inclusive? Third sector involvement in regional and sub-regional policymaking

Denham announces successful projects to support communities in promoting race equality

Yorkshire and Humber new governance arrangements - Update

Big Lottery Fund unveils new funding strategy

Voluntary groups get £500K

Yorkshire Forward looks for new Board Members

Angela Smith named new third sector minister

Surviving NOT Thriving - recession impact in the North East

Health of the 'VCS' survey 2009/10

The Budget: verdict from the sector

Regional revamp requires reps rethink!

Nearly 50,000 charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises have their say on public sector support

New LSC Qualified Provider Framework Begins

At last, at long, long last! Government announces a new Third Sector Skills Council

Potentially Good Capital News for LSC funded learning providers

Upcoming Training for Infrastructure Organisations

Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly, welcomes the publication of the Yorkshire and Humber Plan

BASIS 2 launches to fill gaps in VCS support

OPPORTUNITY: VCS Equality and Human Rights Network Steering Group Membership

NCVO Barclays Leadership Programme 2008 - apply now for an excellent Leeds opportunity!

Sub National Review - Consultation launched

Simon Hebditch stands down as Chief Executive of Capacitybuilders

"Now's the time..." Regional Minister makes first speech

Community Empowerment Workshops

Progress in the Region 2007

Public Service Delivery and the voluntary and community sector

New Improving Reach Programme: 2008-2011 - Open for applications

Regional Forum Annual Review 2006 - 2007

A Northern Economic Agenda

The Queen's Speech 2007

Capacitybuilders launch 2nd round of Improving Reach Funding

FOOTSEY 2007 round up

Regional Compact Launch

Third Sector Review Final Report Published

Changes to National Support Services

The Brown Government and Learning and Skills

Supporting parish and town councils at the local level  recommendations for reform

Still Difficult to Achieve Full Cost Recovery

Feedback from Capacity Builder's Destination 2014 Consultation

Call for National Hubs to be abolished

NOMS Voluntary Sector News

"Futureskills" - our regional Skills Action Plan

What Future for Third Sector Commissioning?

Regional Compact for Yorkshire and Humber

Launch of Local Community Sector Taskforce Report

Investing in Change

New National Support Services for the Sector

VCS takes part in NEET Strategic Commissioning Forum

First two net:gain Network Leaders Announced - One in Yorkshire

Benchmarking e-learning survey and tool

Capacitybuilders is Launched

Regional Voluntary Sector Hub - Update

Infrastructure National Partnership

Opportunities to Reduce Re-offending

Capacity Builders

ChangeUp  Network Capacity Building Scheme

Developing Capacity: Next Steps for ChangeUp

New "ChangeUp" Framework is Launched

Supporting parish and town councils at the local level recommendations for reform

ChangeUp Network Capacity Building Scheme