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.

Results of Rural Insights survey 2009 published

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The Commission for Rural Communities has published the results of a comprehensive survey which took place during late 2009, on the perceptions and priorities of rural people. The survey provides detailed information on the views of residents across rural England, and comparisons with the views of people who live in urban areas. The survey was carried out by Ipsos MORI who interviewed over 2,500 people across England and asked about the hopes, concerns, and priorities of people living in rural England. For more information and to view the report visit:http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/events/resultsofe28098ruralinsightssurvey2009e28099publishedtoday

Jobs and homes shortages 'force young from rural areas'

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A lack of jobs and affordable housing is driving young people out of the countryside, a report has warned. The government's rural advocate Stuart Burgess said "deep concerns" over work, training, housing, transport and social exclusion existed across rural England. He said planning rules must be loosened and broadband access improved if rural communities were to survive. The government says it is working with its Commission for Rural Communities to address young people's needs. Dr Burgess, the commission's chairman, reports rural communities' concerns as an adviser to ministers. His team gathered evidence from across England to assemble the report - which was handed directly to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS Wider availability of Job Centre Plus, Connexions, and apprenticeships Renewed focus on providing integrated public transport Rural areas prioritised for next generation broadband access and improved phone coverage A more creative and flexible approach to planning Schools and universities to raise young people's aspirations Dr Burgess said: "Wherever I go, I hear deep concerns - that challenges with housing, work, transport, training and social exclusion are preventing young people from living in the countryside. "Without young people to provide a work force, rural economies are unable to fulfil their full potential and rural communities can go into a decline." He said a lack of broadband and mobile phone coverage in many rural areas was preventing businesses from recruiting and young people from accessing jobs and support in education and training. The report said demand for new housing in the countryside was expected to grow by 35% between 2006 and 2031, compared to 27% in urban areas. Despite this, social housing accounts for only 13% of stock in rural areas, compared to 22% in big towns and cities. Despite high levels of youth unemployment in rural areas, there are also far fewer job centres. The full report is at: http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/

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

Parliament passes new economic recovery powers for councils and RDAs

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Councils will have new powers to engineer economic recovery locally, following the Royal Assent of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill. The Act strengthens the democratic role of councils to support local people and businesses to rebuild the local economy, increase jobs and skills, tackle housing shortages and improve infrastructure. Councils will have a stronger economic role that requires them to work closely with local people and regional partners to deliver growth. The downturn has created different challenges for different areas, which is why councils, as local leaders, have been given the responsibility to find local solutions and to help to integrate these in a single, powerful regional strategy. The Act creates: The responsibility for developing a single regional strategy, which will provide a blueprint for housing, transport and economic development. This will create a coherent action plan for recovery in each region and will be developed jointly by the Regional Development Agencies in partnership with a new local authority Leaders Board. A new requirement for councils to undertake an economic assessment of their area to ensure that authorities can understand the challenges, make informed decisions and contribute to the development of the regional strategy. New powers to create Economic Prosperity Boards to give local authorities the ability to create an executive decision-making body at sub-regional level to promote economic development and regeneration across council borders, within the overall framework of the regional strategy. The creation of Multi Area Agreements (MAAs) with statutory duties these will provide a further option for local authorities to work together on economic development by allowing MAAs to be put on a similar statutory footing to Local Area Agreements.

Sector responds to the Compact Refresh

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Compact Voice has received a range of responses to the Compact refresh consultation from 79 organisations and 3 individuals. The responses have been collated, and some of the key themes and requirements to emerge are highlighted in a new report to the Sector. These views will all be taken into account in the final Compact document, which will be launched on 16 December 2009. To read the response visit: http://www.compactvoice.org.uk/response

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.

Citizens get 70 years of advice

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Britain declared war on Germany on 3 September 1939. The very next day the first Citizens Advice Bureaux opened its doors. The network of 200 offices was planned before the war as an emergency service. The theory was that, in times of conflict, people would need clear, calm advice about all sorts of practical problems. During the blitz, the first CAB advisers were kept busy dealing with the damage caused by air raids. Help was also given evacuating children and tracing missing relatives. In late 1939, almost 28,000 people a month were going to CABs. By 1944 there had been a tenfold increase to 280,000 visits a month. The war ended, but the need for free, independent help kept growing - particularly as the welfare state began a period of rapid expansion. People wanted to know how to use the NHS and how to apply for things like Legal Aid and Housing Benefit. Today the Citizens Advice service is one of the largest charitable organisations in the UK and is in demand more than ever, the recession has led to a dramatic increase in issues like debt and unemployment. Over 20,000 volunteers swell its ranks. Even if the UK economy returns to growth this year, the social impact of the recession will be felt for a long time to come. That will mean even greater demands on the 3,200 CABs across the country.

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.

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

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

Government launches real help for volunteers, charities and social enterprises

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Government today pledged £42.5 million to help volunteers, charities and social enterprises deliver extra real help to those that need it most, during the global economic downturn. The action plan for the third sector, published by Minister for the Cabinet Office Liam Byrne, sets out a targeted package of support that includes measures to help hundreds of voluntary organisations, charities, and social enterprises step up advice, support and volunteering in the areas that need it most across the country. The plan, which has been designed together with third sector leaders over the last three months, builds on the wide range of measures the Government has put in place to support people through the economic downturn, and on the Governments long term commitment to voluntary organisations and social enterprises. For more information visit: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/real_help_for_communities.aspx

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

Regional GVA tops £87bn

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Gross Value Added (GVA) for Yorkshire and The Humber totalled £87.4bn in 2007, compared to £82.9bn in 2006, an annual increase of £4.5bn or 5.5 per cent. GVA per head rose from £16,114 in 2006 to £16,880 in 2007, an increase of 4.8 per cent. These figures come from the regional and sub-regional GVA estimates, published by ONS on 12th December. The data showed that the increase in Yorkshire and The Humber was smaller than in the UK as a whole, where headline GVA grew by 6.0 per cent and the per head figure increased by 5.3 per cent. GVA for industries within each region have been restored to the release, after their absence from the December 2007 publication. The proportion of GVA in Yorkshire and The Humber that comes from Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities increased from 13 per cent in 1991 to 19 per cent in 2006. However, this proportion is still smaller than all other English regions except the North East.

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.

Third Sector Research centre contracts sealed

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Birmingham University and Southampton University have been jointly awarded a five-year contract to run the new £10.25m Third Sector Research Centre. The two universities will work with voluntary sector representative organisations including umbrella body the NCVO, chief executives body ACEVO and the Social Enterprise Coalition. "We want to have all the major sector-wide agencies involved because we are committed to research that is valuable to the sector and can be disseminated across it," said Pete Alcock, who has been appointed director of the centre. He will relinquish his role as head of the school of social sciences at Birmingham University to take up the new position on 1 September. John Mohan, professor of social policy at Southampton University, has been appointed his deputy. The Economic and Social Research Council and the Office of the Third Sector will each contribute £5m towards the centre, with the Barrow Cadbury Trust adding £250,000. The centre will publish an annual 'state of the sector' report showing what research is being undertaken each year.

Regional Forum News

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Citizens get 70 years of advice

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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

Angela Smith named new third sector minister

Surviving NOT Thriving - recession impact in the North East

Health of the 'VCS' survey 2009/10

Regional revamp requires reps rethink!

Government launches real help for volunteers, charities and social enterprises

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

Regional GVA tops £87bn

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

Third Sector Research centre contracts sealed

Results of Rural Insights survey 2009 published