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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Principles of Representation

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Principles of Representation: A framework for effective third sector participation in Local Strategic Partnerships Communities and Local Government Department has published a document which provides advice to the third sector on how best to organise themselves to maximise their input on Local Strategic Partnership boards (LSPs). It is also designed to help LSPs decide how best to involve the sector; and assist all LSP partners agree an inclusive approach involving the sector more and, through them, empower their communities to exert more influence over local decision-making. To view the document and download free of charge visit: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/principleofrepresentation

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

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.

"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

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

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

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

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.

Local Area Agreements - the next generation

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

We have been invited to a Local Area Agreement roadshow discussion event with Government Office, the Department of Communities and Local Government, Local Government Yorkshire and Humber, and the Improvement and Development Agency. The event aims to do four things:

ensure partners understand where LAAs are going and the timetable for change

provide a real opportunity for partners to influence the design of LAAs and any accompanying operational guidance

have the chance to say what has worked well and what needs to be put right for the next "generation" of LAAs

provide insights into how the new LAA "model" is shaping up

I would therefore be very interested to hear your views and comments. The event is on 23rd March so please send comments to me by 20th March to give me time to digest them beforehand. A background document to inform the discussion at the roadshow: "Developing the future arrangements for LAAs" can be accessed at www.communities.gov.uk You can also find links to the Local Government White paper at this site. Many thanks for your help - I'll try to make sure I pass on what you say and report back what I hear. Peter Richardson Deputy Director Yorkshire & Humber Regional Forum peter.richardson@regionalforum.org.uk

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

We're connected to the Top LSC Table

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

The Good News is that the region has had two key personnel selected to join the National LSC Working Together Committee. Both John Harris of the Regional Forum and Debbie Dale of VC Train in South Yorkshire have won two of the eight places open to competition across the whole of the country. This will mean that as a region we have a route from the local level right up to national in relation to the partnership between the LSC and the VCS - as providers of learning, as employers with skills needs and as sources of expertise and communication. If you want issues to go to the Top then contact John Harris or Debbie Dale. For more details access: http://www.lsc.gov.uk/National/Partners/PolicyandDevelopment/vcs_working-together-strategy-committee.htm