POLICY UPDATES & BRIEFING
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) Communities in London Borough of Enfield particularly hard hit by the shift to commissioning approach
BAMER Communities in the London Borough of Enfield have been particularly hard hit by the switch from Grant based funding to the commissioning regime which came into effect in October 2007 says Ade Adeshina who is Enfield Strategic Partnership Board BME Representative, and Chief Executive of O”-Bay Community Trust. In October 2007 Enfield Council announced its decision to fully implement the commissioning approach to funding local initiatives, resulting in a cut of funding to a significant portion of BME frontline Voluntary and Community groups who had previously had a grant funding relationship with the council.
The borough of Enfield has had over six BME youth deaths incidents within a short period and this heightens the local BME community’s fears of funding cuts to local BAMER organisations. A number of BAMER groups in Enfield have formed an alliance; the Council for Enfield Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (CEBAME) which is in dialogue with Enfield Council. It has made a presentation to Enfield Strategic Partnership Management group, and has also had a meeting with the Greater London Authority (GLA), to raise its concerns. The Mayor of London has appointed a member of his team to work with CEBAME. They have also held a consultation which aims at better informing the Mayor of London of the situation in Enfield.
In a letter dated 1st November 2008 Ade Adeshina the Enfield Strategic Partnership Board BME Representative & Chief Executive of O”-Bay Community Trust stated that the BAMER voluntary and community organisations, “recognise the importance of Local and Regional decision making process and would very much like to be included.” He added however that BAMER organisations “have not as of yet been resourced, supported, and empowered to engage, to be involved or to be included in the Borough decision making process. A change is needed so that the Enfield Community Empowerment Network (ECEN), Enfield Strategic Partnership (ESP), Greater London Authority (GLA) and our BME organisations can co-operate cohesively to build a better future for local residents in Enfield.”
He continued that ‘while BME groups are trying their best to attend some meetings - their focus and energy these days are more channelled into seeking external resources and support to ensure the survival of their organisations, so as to enable the continuation of the provision of services as frontline organisations to BAMER communities, beneficiaries, local residents and our members.
BAMER community groups take on a full work load in representing and engaging on strategic partnerships, providing double value for their funding, and thus their double role is threatened by any cut in resources for their frontline services.
He said that London Borough of Enfield and The Enfield Strategic Partnership Board have so far not displayed a recognition of the need for resourcing BAMER Voluntary and Community Sector groups to enable them in addition to carrying out their frontline duties, perform the crucial function of representing their communities and ensuring effective BME group’s involvements and inclusion in the Borough and regional Decision-Making Process.
The next Enfield Local Strategic Partnership meeting (December 08) will discuss the issues raised by BAMER organisations in the borough. An update of the situation will be included in subsequent BNRRN newsletter. Please visit www.cebame.org.uk for more information on Council for Enfield Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (CEBAME). See CEBAME’s website for more information http://www.cebame.org.uk/ or contact Ade Adeshina by visiting www.o-bay.org for details.
Participatory Budgeting: A national strategy; giving more people a say in local spending
Every year public money (whether raised through council taxes, income tax, parking charges, the licensing of local businesses or many other ways) is spent on local services to benefit local people for instance investment in libraries, public parks, health centres, invested on traffic improvement etc. Participatory Budgeting is a way of enabling local people decide how specific pots of such public money should be spent. Participatory budgeting fits with governments wider and repeating theme of ‘participatory democracy’, in which local people are fully involved and consulted in making local decisions.
With participatory budgeting, the pot of money is allocated to the community and they are facilitated through the process in which they discuss, vote and finally prioritise how the money should be best spent.
Government wants Participatory Budgeting to be used in every local authority by 2012
A Participatory Budgeting Unit has been set up and it has developed a number of publications and resources in order to issue consistent advice to local authorities. The publication “Participatory Budgeting: Values, Principles and Standards’, in particular highlights the key standards such as accessibility, transparency, inclusiveness and ensuring proper deliberation.
How Participatory Budgeting fits in with other government initiatives-
The concept and principle of Participatory Budgeting has already been applied throughout England in such areas as Neighbourhood Renewal Funding and New Deal for Communities also with local area committees. Participatory Budgeting is being highlighted as a useful mechanism for fulfilling the ‘statutory duty to involve’ which comes into effect from April 1st 2009. Communities could also potentially use ‘call to action’ to encourage councils to use Participatory Budgeting (The government white paper ‘Communities in Control’ talks about government plans to introduce the ‘call to action’).
The key elements of the national strategy-
The current national strategy on Participatory Budgeting contains the following four elements:
• Promoting awareness
• Creating opportunities
• Providing guidance and support
• Learning from evaluation and research
Regular evaluation is planned by the Participatory Budgeting Unit which will also assist in national performance indicators around Participatory Budgeting. The Participatory Budgeting Unit is very keen to hear from organisations or individuals that are interested in promoting participatory budgets in their areas. They can be contacted at:
Participatory Budgeting Unit
c/o Church Action on Poverty
Central Buildings
Oldham St
Manchester M1 1JT
UK
Office Tel: 0161 236 9321
Also visit: http://www.participatorybudgeting.org.uk/
Transforming Places; changing lives: a framework for regeneration
Introduction-
This framework for regeneration is set out to shape the way regeneration will be carried out in the future in England. The new approach and direction is as a result of the learning that has been achieved so far of what works for local communities, the aim being to provide value-for-money regeneration investment.
The case for regeneration has already been made and it was reiterated in the framework, that in a current competitive world it could hardly be afforded for communities to fall behind, be left out of rising levels of prosperity and success or for people to have their talents wasted because of lack of skills, information or access to work. The implication is that there is need for a redoubling of efforts to regenerate those parts of the country that are still having challenges of deprivation and worklessness and improving the effectiveness of support to local areas.
The framework contains a renewed focus on regeneration from tackling the core issue of economic challenges to increased social mobility.
The regeneration measures proposed are-
• To ensure that regeneration investment is co-ordinated and prioritised in the right places, with all sectors (public, private, and third sector organizations) working together in the same places towards a common vision
• devolving of power with decisions about where to invest made as locally as possible, so as to align investment behind local and regional regeneration priorities
• focus regeneration investment on tackling the underlying economic challenges that hold back deprived areas, in particular supporting people to get a job and get on in the labour market and boosting levels of enterprise in those areas.
The framework sets out proposed new expectations of local government; sub-regional partnerships and central government. It is aimed at developing a shared vision between community and neighbourhood organisations; local government and other members of the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP); sub-regional partnerships; Regional Development Agencies; the new Homes and Communities Agency; Urban Regeneration Companies; Urban Development Corporations as well as the private sector, the third sector and Central Government departments (including their delivery agencies and non-departmental public bodies).
There are four chapters to the framework-
•Chapter one sets out what should be different about regeneration in the future. It talks about the nature of deprivation in England and considers what holds places back from reaching their potential.
•Chapter two makes the case for future regeneration to be defined by the outcomes it achieves, rather than the process it follows. This signals a move away from output measures towards the underlying sustainable outcomes.
•Chapter three sets out proposals for a common approach to targeting any investment for regeneration.
•Chapter four sets out proposals for how these changes might impact on the way different agencies work if they were implemented in full.
Transforming Places; changing lives: a framework for regeneration was produced as a draft for consultation and included a series of consultation questions (the consultation period ended on 31 October 2008).
For more on the framework see Urban forum’s briefing:
http://www.urbanforum.org.uk/pdf_files/draft%20framework%20for%20regeneration%20briefing%202008%2010.pdf
NEWS & INFORMATION ROUNDUP
Do you know you can become a councillor
The website http://www.beacouncillor.org.uk/howto/ has useful information on a range of issues including ‘Why be a councillor?’, ‘What do councillors do?’, ‘Could I be a councillor?’
Equalities Body consults on future plans
The former Commission for Race Equality (CRE), now The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched a consultation to seek views on the development of their new strategic plan. A series of events and an online consultation are requesting your views on a 3-year plan to be published in April, as well as an equality scheme and new grants programme.
http://equalityhumanrights.dialoguebydesign.net/default.asp
Awards for All England to close
Awards for All England which is the lottery grants scheme for community groups, will close in its existing form in March. The Big Lottery Fund announced that ‘Awards for All England’ will close, but groups will still have access to equivalent levels of lottery funding through programmes run by the four providers that administer the current scheme. These are Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Sport England and the Big Lottery Fund and they will handle applications individually through existing or new programmes.
The scheme, which has been running for seven years, offers grants of between £300 and £10,000 to small groups and community organisations. The Big Lottery Fund said that the total amount of money available would remain the same and that the new system coming in would make the application forms shorter. Groups whose work fall into more than one category will now have the opportunity to apply to more than one provider. However there have been questions about the transparency of how the decision to implement the new structure was made
See http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/DailyBulletin/859132/Awards-England-close/AB1E8BCC240F6CA7CB10A80A79992277/?DCMP=EMC-DailyBulletin
Office spaces for 80 charities in London from Can Mezzanine
Office spaces designed specifically for small charities is to open in the centre of London
The 36,000-square-foot refurbished building in the Old Street area will offer space for up to 80 charities when it opens in the spring. It will double the office space operated by the social landlord Can Mezzanine and brings the total number of organisations it provides with low-level rents to about 200. See http://www.can-online.org.uk/pages/mezzanine.html
New code to avoid trustee conflict
Trustees should prevent potential board conflicts becoming personal by introducing a code of conduct when things are going well, according to a new Charity Trustee Networks guidance document.
‘Codes of Conduct for Trustees’, which was launched on 19 November by third sector minister Kevin Brennan, says small charities need only "some basic ground rules for behaviour". The guidance can be downloaded free from CTN's website http://www.trusteenet.org.uk/resources and it contains three sample codes of conduct, as well as advice on drawing up and using a code.
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks update
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) has updated its guidance on CRB checks which provide important protection, for people who use social care services. You are required by law to get checks from the CRB if you are:
Applying for registration, the ‘responsible individual’, or a member of staff working in a social care service regulated and inspected by CSCI.
The guidance includes information and advice on:
• The different levels of CRB check and when they are needed
• When staff can begin work before their full CRB check arrives
• When previous CRB checks can be accepted
• The new independent safeguarding authority (ISA)
See http://www.csci.org.uk/professional
EVENTS
How Faiths Work
London Civic Forum’s ‘Your Voice, Your City’ programme and ‘Faiths Forum for London’ are holding the ‘How London Works’ event focusing specifically on faiths groups and the public sector.
Date: 9 December 2008
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Venue: Indian YMCA, 41 Fitzroy Square, London. W1T 6AQ
How Faiths Work is the first event in the series to focus exclusively on the way in which organisations from ‘faiths’ equality strand work, and how they can influence policy in London.
This event will bring together London’s funding and governance bodies and faiths-based organisations to promote and facilitate increased dialogue and understanding around regional, sub-regional and local policy development. This event will also see the London launch of the new framework for interfaith dialogue, ‘Face-to-Face and Side-by-Side.’
There is no cost to attend this event. To book a place, please download the booking from by clicking on the following link:
http://www.londoncivicforum.org.uk/page.asp?n=90&dm_i=JD,AGW,1CMPT,CQC,1 to the booking form (please scroll to the bottom of the webpage) or call 020 8709 9770.
Once completed, please email the booking form to Natalie (natalie@londoncivicforum.org.uk ). Places are limited, so please book early.
‘The Big Thinking’ London event
You are invited to the ‘Big Thinking’, dynamic and interactive event giving you the opportunity to have your say on Lottery funding in London.
The Big Thinking event is part of the consultation on the Big Lottery Fund’s (BIG) strategy for 2009 – 2015. It is where you get the opportunity to say what you think and help Big Lottery Fund decide where Lottery money can make the biggest difference in the capital.
You will join a mixed audience drawn from across the city to discuss key funding issues, share your ideas and answer some of the key questions identified as important in shaping the way forward for BIG. There will also be an opportunity to view examples of where funding has already made a difference in London.
The main focus of the day will be on public participation and interaction in the proceedings. A team of expert facilitators will be on hand to work with the attendees and capture their input in real time.
When and where
Wednesday 21 January 2009
9.30am – 4.00pm
Central London venue (exact address details will be sent to you nearer the date)
Places to this free event are limited, so please email events.lon@biglotteryfund.org.uk by Friday 9 January 2009 to request your place.
If you are unable to attend why not fill in an online questionnaire at
http://www.pauleyonline.co.uk/link.php?URL=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5iaWctdGhpbmtpbmcub3JnLnVrL2NvbnN1bHRhdGlvbnN1cnZleS5hc3B4&Name=&EncryptedMemberID=MTM3MTA1&CampaignID=634&CampaignStatisticsID=685&Demo=0&Email=bolaji@bnrrn.org.uk
Alive and Kicking: Creating successful strategies
Date: Thursday 11th December, London
Time: 10.00am - 4.10pm
Venue: Royal Horticultural Halls & Conference Centre, 80 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PE
This NCVO event is for everyone involved in strategic decisions, whether you’re new to the topic of strategic planning or a seasoned strategist. The day features eight hands-on workshops, and plenary sessions exploring strategy development in uncertain times and the future of the voluntary sector. There will be a host of ideas to help your organisation become more on-mission, innovative and sustainable. Book now by going to: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/aliveandkicking
For more information contact Kate Damiral, Communications Officer Strategy and Impact, National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Direct line: 020 7520 2540, Freephone HelpDesk: 0800 2 798 798
Understanding the Nature & Dynamics of Race & Institutional Racism,
A one-day (2 Dates) Programme featuring, Analysis, Discussion, Support & Networking
First date: 12 December 2008
Time: 10.00 – 4.30 pm
Venue: Shanti Centre, W6
Second date: 12 February 2009
Time: 10.00 – 4.30 pm
Venue: Jagonari Centre, E1
The Programme objectives are to
Enable individuals to understand the nature & dynamics of institutional racism, its effects on them, their work & their institutions;
Provide a critical analysis of existing institutional responses & approaches;
Enable individuals to specify demands, needs &aspirations of Black, Asian and White people into service requirements; Connect individuals to anti-racist network & provide ongoing mentoring support for their own strategies for change & intervention.
Who is it for?
The event is for those working in mainstream agencies; generic services or community groups who want to bring about tangible and sustainable change to programmes designed to deliver equality of services and outcomes.
The day is designed to promote and negotiate professional and personal commitment to making practical interventions within participants’ own contexts which have discriminatory practices and approaches in governance, service planning or delivery.
A post-session strategy is included and participants will be invited to negotiate future professional or personal support if required to carry out their intervention; and link in with networks for on-going support.
Costs£55 statutory bodies, £30 grant aided organizations, £10 Self-supporting (non-funded) groups. *Tea/Coffee and Lunch provided.
Places are limited!
GET FUNDING!
Interested in Joining TAHA to make a Consortium Bid?
The Asian Health Agency (TAHA) is looking to develop a Consortium bid. £7.5 Million Empowerment Fund. Do you want to Join or support their Consortium bid?
Date: Meeting on 10 December 2008
Subject: Developing a Consortium Bid under Empowerment Fund Bid
Venue: to be confirmed
Time: 2:00 - 4:30pm
The £7.5 million Empowerment Fund will run from 2009-2012 & will provide grants of either £250,000 or £500,000 over 3 years to between 20-25 organisations. It aims to provide strategic & stable funding for third sector organisations promoting community empowerment. Applications are invited under the following themes to deliver the goals for empowering communities:
•Community voices and leadership
•Community development
•Community and social media
•Community involvement in planning
•Improving communication between citizens and councillors.
•Social enterprises and social entrepreneurship
•Helping small organisations to work together
The deadline for applications is 6 January 2009. Contact: Balraj Purewal on leadership@taha.org.uk
Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Mental Health Foundation
The Foundation are inviting applications from groups of voluntary and statutory organisations across the UK, to work with them in developing new ways of protecting and promoting the mental health and well-being of 16 to 25 year olds. They expect to select up to four partnerships to work with from September 2009 – December 2013, with one focusing on improving support for Black and Minority Ethnic Young People.
Each of the pilots will be awarded up to £800,000 from September 2009 - April 2013. The foundation will also provide additional support to assist with planning and implementing the work, developing the partnerships, and documenting and sharing the learning. The deadline for applications is 18 December 2008.
For more details or to apply to become a ‘Right Here’ pilot site: www.right-here.org.uk and don’t hesitate to contact info@right-here.org.uk; 0207 803 1181 if you cannot find the information you require on the website.
Grassroots Grants
This is a £130 million programme that aims to invest in a thriving community sector.
It is funded by Office of the Third Sector (OTS) and delivered by the Community Development Foundation (CDF).
The programme, which will run from 2008-2011 is divided into two parts: an £80 million small grants fund for community organisations; and a £50 million endowments programme to enable local funders to generate additional donations on a matched basis and invest them in endowments, thereby building their capacity to provide long-term funding for frontline community organisations.
Local community groups should apply directly to their Local Funder, whose contact details can be found by going here http://www.cdf.org.uk/bfora/systems/xmlviewer/default.asp?arg=DS_CDF_TECHART_23/_page.xsl/27&xsl_argx=3
VACANCIES, VOLUNTEERING & TRAINING
Head of Policy-Vacancy: £32,119 - £42,602
(NJC salary scale PO2 - PO5, point 35 – 47), 5% pension
Race on the Agenda (ROTA) is a social policy think-tank focusing on issues affecting Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities and the Third Sector that serves them.
They are recruiting to this post which offers the opportunity to lead on the organisation’s policy and research programme working with the experienced and passionate policy team. Current policy priorities include crime and antisocial behaviour, health inequalities, community cohesion and regional governance. You will need demonstrable in-depth knowledge of social policy priorities for the BAME sector and communities. You will also need demonstrable experience of staff and project management as well as experience of fundraising and writing clear and concise reports.
Closing Date for applications: Tuesday 6th January 2009 10:00 am (by post or email). Successful candidates will be notified on Friday 9th January 2009 to attend an interview on Tuesday 13th January 2009. Successful candidate need to start as soon as possible.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
For further information and an application pack email Saifur Valli Saifur@rota.org.uk or ring 020 7729 1310. You can also download the application pack from www.rota.org.uk
Community Engagement Officer -Vacancy
TAHA is a leading national Agency specialising in the provision of health and social care and capacity building support services primarily to Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. They are seeking a community engagement officer.
Salary: £30662 - £31511 p.a. incl. ILW
(Part-time or full-time)
You will take responsibility for devising & delivering skills development, training & other support activity to increase BME community engagement within mainstream voluntary & statutory bodies’ governance arrangements and planning mechanisms & address barriers which disempower BMEs from engaging civic life, governance and leadership roles.
TAHA requires someone to make an immediate impact! Applicants must have proven knowledge and experience of community development & empowerment, sustainable capacity building training activities, regional voluntary and statutory sector structures, governance and planning mechanisms. Excellent communication skills & ability to engage & empower individuals & groups from diverse BME communities essential.
Job Sharers welcomed
Deadline for applications: 19 December 2008. For an application pack email: leadership@taha.org.uk
Would you be interested in doing research and working with Faith Based Regeneration Network (FbRN)? (Note this is not a job advertisement)
FbRN is applying for two research posts and is looking for potential researchers in the following areas:
• Strengthening civil society
• Promoting active citizenship, equalities and community empowerment.
There are two possibilities, both in association with Goldsmiths College, University of London, both full-time:
• A PhD studentship - fees and a maintenance allowance would be paid.
• A Knowledge Transfer Partnership - a two year post paid at full remuneration at standard rates of pay
Candidates for either post need to have, a good honours degree (minimum 2:1), preferably in a relevant social science, work experience in a relevant third sector organisation, a demonstrated interest in research in the field of faith and civil society, active citizenship, equalities or community empowerment.
Closing date: 16th December 2008
Please see the website for more information www.fbrn.org.uk
Preparing Your Children's Service Tenders
An extra date has been added to the programme of training courses on 'Successful Commissioning: Preparing Your Children's Service Tenders' in London.
Location: London Date: 3-4 February 2009
How to book
Book your place now by clicking on the link
http://www.vcsengage.org.uk/training%20and%20events/s2a_training.aspx
or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and they will make the booking for you.
Range of Free training for VCS organisations
The majority of places on this course are free. Free places are available for certain voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations. To find out if your organisation is eligible for free training places, please contact vcstraining@ncb.org.uk or telephone 020 7843 6084.
How to book
Please book your place online by visiting www.vcsengage.org.uk or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and we will make the booking for you.
Is your organisation commission-ready?
Following the successful VCS Engage programme, NCB are now offering a new series of training courses to support voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations.
This two-day training course will enable you to enter the new commissioning process with confidence, equipped with the tools to understand what commissioners want and how you can deliver within the Every Child Matters (ECM) framework.
The training will help participants to:
•Identify the key skills, characteristics and standards that organisations need to demonstrate when responding to Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs), Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and commission tenders.
•Identify the evidence they will need to support their application within local commissioning arrangements.
•Provide a checklist for writing a successful commissioning tender.
There are a number of reserved free places for voluntary and community sector organisations on each course. To find out if your organisation is eligible for free training places, please contact vcstraining@ncb.org.uk or telephone 020 7843 6084.
How to book
Please book your place online by visiting www.vcsengage.org.uk or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and we will make the booking for you.
Community Leaders Development Programme
The Community Leaders Development Programme aims to provide individuals from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee communities who live in London, with a flexible and tailored range of leadership development opportunities.
This project has two elements: a programme of outreach, taster sessions and entry level training; and a range of longer support options to provide more intensive structured personal and professional development.
The programme is funded by the LDA Opportunities Fund Round 2 and is run by London Voluntary Service Council in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Race on the Agenda, MODA and Charitytraining.com.
So:
•Are you a Londoner active in a voluntary or community organisation?
•Are you interested in developing your community leadership skills through a new training opportunity?
•Are you interested in receiving one-to-one mentoring support?
•Would you like practical help to produce a business or operational plan and fundraising strategy for your group?
If you play a leadership role within a voluntary sector/community groups, as a volunteer, trustee, or member of staff and have answered yes to these questions then contact Karin at LVSC on 020 7700 8110 or email Karin@lvsc.org.uk to find out how to access valuable free-of-charge mentoring and training opportunities.
Priority for this scheme will be given to first-time managers, new directors and Management Committee members wishing to help develop skills to benefit new or small voluntary and community groups.
BTEC Professional Certificate in Voluntary Sector Management
This Level 4 BTEC Vocational qualification is being delivered by LVSC and charitytraining.com to meet the needs of sector professionals in London. Accredited by EdExel, the certificate will provide tools to support organisational capacity development and efficiency improvements.
The qualification included the following units:
•Leadership and management
•Charity finance and accounting
•Fundraising and marketing
•Operational planning and service delivery
•Quality management in the sector
•HR planning and management
•Working with volunteers
•Charity management work-based project
The course consists of 6 days working shops with work-based assignments over 10-12 months. A limited number of bursaries are available for individuals identifying as BAMER. For further information please telephone 0207 700 8112
Leadership Training for Social Entrepreneurs
•Are you trying to start or grow an organisation that benefits your community?
•Would you like to hear from people who have been there and done it?
•Would you benefit from a day of leadership training to learn about social entrepreneurship and social enterprise?
This one day training session provides an introduction to social enterprise and how it relates to other types of social organisations including charities, and to the characteristics that make social entrepreneurs successful. You will also hear from social entrepreneurs who have successfully set up organisations, and have the opportunity to ask them about their experiences. For more information please contact the School for Social Entrepreneurs on 0208 981 0300 or email dorota.luksza@sse.org.uk
MEMBER PROFILE AND MEMBER NOTICES
O”-Bay Community Trust
Based in Enfield, O”-Bay Community Trust has been in existence since 1990 and was initially founded on a national basis to support its members. O”-Bay is a BME lead organisation, providing generic services to services users in Enfield.
O"-Bay provides confidential and impartial advice, information, signposting/referral and guidance on issues relating to education and welfare rights. It also provides immigration services to vulnerable women, men, youth, adults and children subject to immigration control including action to prevent child labour and so on. It also implement schemes to promote healthy living and ways to help the environment.
O”-Bay organises multicultural events and activities with the local community, plus share the celebration of BAME cultural heritage events amongst networking partners.
It runs weekend supplementary classes for children aged 8 to 15 in English, French, Maths, Science and ICT.
O”-Bay runs successful projects reaching youths in Enfield using music, drama and dance development workshops and talent showcase, as well as youth health promotions such as safe sex projects. It runs workshops on the effects of illegal drug use, teenage pregnancy as well as promotes employment opportunities available to young people.
For unemployed local residents, there is access to O”-Bay’s PC Refurbishment, IT training, ESOL lessons, workshops on interview techniques, CV writing and so on. They also offer advocacy on immigration matters and support the creation and development of new and existing community enterprises.
O"-Bay Community Trust is a member of the British Nigerian Association and the British West African Association. Visit www.o-bay.org for more information.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Resources
Jargon buster (from Camden Community Empowerment Network)
http://www.camdencen.org.uk/jargonbuster.htm
http://www.camdencen.org.uk/jargonbuster.htm
BNRRN Project Updates
BNRRN AGM
BNRRN held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 18th of November. The AGM provided members with an opportunity to learn more about the new projects BNRRN is delivering as well as suggesting new areas of work which will better support them at a grassroots level. Chaired by Florence Davies (Interim BNRRN Chair) the half-day event consisted of presentations from BNRRN staff as well as an overview of the last year from BNRRN Chief Executive, Bolaji Bank-Anthony. The morning ended with lunch and an opportunity for members to network.
BNRRN held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 18th of November. The AGM provided members with an opportunity to learn more about the new projects BNRRN is delivering as well as suggesting new areas of work which will better support them at a grassroots level. Chaired by Florence Davies (Interim BNRRN Chair) the half-day event consisted of presentations from BNRRN staff as well as an overview of the last year from BNRRN Chief Executive, Bolaji Bank-Anthony. The morning ended with lunch and an opportunity for members to network.
Questions & Answers
‘What are the ways of raising funds for my local organisation?’
The most popular method for many community groups has been to apply for grants particularly from councils, to fund small to medium community initiatives. However in most Local Councils, there has been a general move away from the grant approach to a commissioning approach to funding local Voluntary and Community Sector organisations.
Commissioning can be defined as:
‘…the process of specifying, securing and monitoring services to meet individuals’ needs at a strategic level. This applies to all services, whether they are provided by the local authority or by the private or voluntary sectors.’ (Audit Commission 2004)
The needs of the user (be these individuals, families or other groups) is first identified and defined. The council will next come up with the types of services it believes can address those needs. The next step is to develop a detailed “service specification” for the service/s that have been identified to address the highlighted needs. The process of selecting a delivery organisation then begins.
The selection process may involve competitive tendering (that is where a number of organisations competitively bid to win a contract), but a number of other options may be employed to identify the most appropriate provider.
There are opportunities as well as challenges of the commissioning approach particularly for small and medium voluntary sector organisations that might lack capacity and tendering skills. There are still grants available from a range of sources like Trusts, local councils, private organisations, however the commissioning approach is here to stay and it is a good idea for community groups to some to grips with the commissioning process.
Councils for Voluntary Services (CVS) are able to provide training and support , look for your local CVS by going to http://webdb.navca.org.uk/home.aspx
The most popular method for many community groups has been to apply for grants particularly from councils, to fund small to medium community initiatives. However in most Local Councils, there has been a general move away from the grant approach to a commissioning approach to funding local Voluntary and Community Sector organisations.
Commissioning can be defined as:
‘…the process of specifying, securing and monitoring services to meet individuals’ needs at a strategic level. This applies to all services, whether they are provided by the local authority or by the private or voluntary sectors.’ (Audit Commission 2004)
The needs of the user (be these individuals, families or other groups) is first identified and defined. The council will next come up with the types of services it believes can address those needs. The next step is to develop a detailed “service specification” for the service/s that have been identified to address the highlighted needs. The process of selecting a delivery organisation then begins.
The selection process may involve competitive tendering (that is where a number of organisations competitively bid to win a contract), but a number of other options may be employed to identify the most appropriate provider.
There are opportunities as well as challenges of the commissioning approach particularly for small and medium voluntary sector organisations that might lack capacity and tendering skills. There are still grants available from a range of sources like Trusts, local councils, private organisations, however the commissioning approach is here to stay and it is a good idea for community groups to some to grips with the commissioning process.
Councils for Voluntary Services (CVS) are able to provide training and support , look for your local CVS by going to http://webdb.navca.org.uk/home.aspx
MEMBER PROFILE AND MEMBER NOTICES
O”-Bay Community Trust
Based in Enfield, O”-Bay Community Trust has been in existence since 1990 and was initially founded on a national basis to support its members. O”-Bay is a BME lead organisation, providing generic services to services users in.
O"-Bay provides confidential and impartial advice, information, signposting/referral and guidance on issues relating to education and welfare rights. It also provides immigration services to vulnerable women, men, youth, adults and children subject to immigration control including action to prevent child labour and so on. It also implement schemes to promote healthy living and ways to help the environment.
O”-Bay organises multicultural events and activities with the local community, plus share the celebration of BAME cultural heritage events amongst networking partners.
It runs weekend supplementary classes for children aged 8 to 15 in English, French, Maths, Science and ICT.
O”-Bay runs successful projects reaching youths in Enfield using music, drama and dance development workshops and talent showcase, as well as youth health promotions such as safe sex projects. It runs workshops on the effects of illegal drug use, teenage pregnancy as well as promotes employment opportunities available to young people.
For unemployed local residents, there is access to O”-Bay’s PC Refurbishment, IT training, ESOL lessons, workshops on interview techniques, CV writing and so on. They also offer advocacy on immigration matters and support the creation and development of new and existing community enterprises.
O"-Bay Community Trust is a member of the British Nigerian Association and the British West African Association. Visit www.o-bay.org for more information.
Based in Enfield, O”-Bay Community Trust has been in existence since 1990 and was initially founded on a national basis to support its members. O”-Bay is a BME lead organisation, providing generic services to services users in.
O"-Bay provides confidential and impartial advice, information, signposting/referral and guidance on issues relating to education and welfare rights. It also provides immigration services to vulnerable women, men, youth, adults and children subject to immigration control including action to prevent child labour and so on. It also implement schemes to promote healthy living and ways to help the environment.
O”-Bay organises multicultural events and activities with the local community, plus share the celebration of BAME cultural heritage events amongst networking partners.
It runs weekend supplementary classes for children aged 8 to 15 in English, French, Maths, Science and ICT.
O”-Bay runs successful projects reaching youths in Enfield using music, drama and dance development workshops and talent showcase, as well as youth health promotions such as safe sex projects. It runs workshops on the effects of illegal drug use, teenage pregnancy as well as promotes employment opportunities available to young people.
For unemployed local residents, there is access to O”-Bay’s PC Refurbishment, IT training, ESOL lessons, workshops on interview techniques, CV writing and so on. They also offer advocacy on immigration matters and support the creation and development of new and existing community enterprises.
O"-Bay Community Trust is a member of the British Nigerian Association and the British West African Association. Visit www.o-bay.org for more information.
VACANCIES, VOLUNTEERING & TRAINING
Head of Policy-Vacancy: £32,119 - £42,602
(NJC salary scale PO2 - PO5, point 35 – 47), 5% pension
Race on the Agenda (ROTA) is a social policy think-tank focusing on issues affecting Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities and the Third Sector that serves them.
They are recruiting to this post which offers the opportunity to lead on the organisation’s policy and research programme working with the experienced and passionate policy team. Current policy priorities include crime and antisocial behaviour, health inequalities, community cohesion and regional governance. You will need demonstrable in-depth knowledge of social policy priorities for the BAME sector and communities. You will also need demonstrable experience of staff and project management as well as experience of fundraising and writing clear and concise reports.
Closing Date for applications: Tuesday 6th January 2009 10:00 am (by post or email). Successful candidates will be notified on Friday 9th January 2009 to attend an interview on Tuesday 13th January 2009. Successful candidate need to start as soon as possible.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
For further information and an application pack email Saifur Valli Saifur@rota.org.uk or ring 020 7729 1310. You can also download the application pack from www.rota.org.uk
Community Engagement Officer -Vacancy
TAHA is a leading national Agency specialising in the provision of health and social care and capacity building support services primarily to Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. They are seeking a community engagement officer.
Salary: £30662 - £31511 p.a. incl. ILW
(Part-time or full-time)
You will take responsibility for devising & delivering skills development, training & other support activity to increase BME community engagement within mainstream voluntary & statutory bodies’ governance arrangements and planning mechanisms & address barriers which disempower BMEs from engaging civic life, governance and leadership roles.
TAHA requires someone to make an immediate impact! Applicants must have proven knowledge and experience of community development & empowerment, sustainable capacity building training activities, regional voluntary and statutory sector structures, governance and planning mechanisms. Excellent communication skills & ability to engage & empower individuals & groups from diverse BME communities essential.
Job Sharers welcomed
Deadline for applications: 19 December 2008. For an application pack email: leadership@taha.org.uk
Would you be interested in doing research and working with Faith Based Regeneration Network (FbRN)? (Note this is not a job advertisement)
FbRN is applying for two research posts and is looking for potential researchers in the following areas:
• Strengthening civil society
• Promoting active citizenship, equalities and community empowerment.
There are two possibilities, both in association with Goldsmiths College, University of London, both full-time:
• A PhD studentship - fees and a maintenance allowance would be paid.
• A Knowledge Transfer Partnership - a two year post paid at full remuneration at standard rates of pay
Candidates for either post need to have, a good honours degree (minimum 2:1), preferably in a relevant social science, work experience in a relevant third sector organisation, a demonstrated interest in research in the field of faith and civil society, active citizenship, equalities or community empowerment.
Closing date: 16th December 2008
Please see the website for more information www.fbrn.org.uk
Preparing Your Children's Service Tenders
An extra date has been added to the programme of training courses on 'Successful Commissioning: Preparing Your Children's Service Tenders' in London.
Location: London Date: 3-4 February 2009
How to book
Book your place now by clicking on the link
http://www.vcsengage.org.uk/training%20and%20events/s2a_training.aspx
or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and they will make the booking for you.
Range of Free training for VCS organisations
The majority of places on this course are free. Free places are available for certain voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations. To find out if your organisation is eligible for free training places, please contact vcstraining@ncb.org.uk or telephone 020 7843 6084.
How to book
Please book your place online by visiting www.vcsengage.org.uk or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and we will make the booking for you.
Is your organisation commission-ready?
Following the successful VCS Engage programme, NCB are now offering a new series of training courses to support voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations.
This two-day training course will enable you to enter the new commissioning process with confidence, equipped with the tools to understand what commissioners want and how you can deliver within the Every Child Matters (ECM) framework.
The training will help participants to:
•Identify the key skills, characteristics and standards that organisations need to demonstrate when responding to Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs), Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and commission tenders.
•Identify the evidence they will need to support their application within local commissioning arrangements.
•Provide a checklist for writing a successful commissioning tender.
There are a number of reserved free places for voluntary and community sector organisations on each course. To find out if your organisation is eligible for free training places, please contact vcstraining@ncb.org.uk or telephone 020 7843 6084.
How to book
Please book your place online by visiting www.vcsengage.org.uk or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and we will make the booking for you.
Community Leaders Development Programme
The Community Leaders Development Programme aims to provide individuals from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee communities who live in London, with a flexible and tailored range of leadership development opportunities.
This project has two elements: a programme of outreach, taster sessions and entry level training; and a range of longer support options to provide more intensive structured personal and professional development.
The programme is funded by the LDA Opportunities Fund Round 2 and is run by London Voluntary Service Council in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Race on the Agenda, MODA and Charitytraining.com.
So:
•Are you a Londoner active in a voluntary or community organisation?
•Are you interested in developing your community leadership skills through a new training opportunity?
•Are you interested in receiving one-to-one mentoring support?
•Would you like practical help to produce a business or operational plan and fundraising strategy for your group?
If you play a leadership role within a voluntary sector/community groups, as a volunteer, trustee, or member of staff and have answered yes to these questions then contact Karin at LVSC on 020 7700 8110 or email Karin@lvsc.org.uk to find out how to access valuable free-of-charge mentoring and training opportunities.
Priority for this scheme will be given to first-time managers, new directors and Management Committee members wishing to help develop skills to benefit new or small voluntary and community groups.
BTEC Professional Certificate in Voluntary Sector Management
This Level 4 BTEC Vocational qualification is being delivered by LVSC and charitytraining.com to meet the needs of sector professionals in London. Accredited by EdExel, the certificate will provide tools to support organisational capacity development and efficiency improvements.
The qualification included the following units:
•Leadership and management
•Charity finance and accounting
•Fundraising and marketing
•Operational planning and service delivery
•Quality management in the sector
•HR planning and management
•Working with volunteers
•Charity management work-based project
The course consists of 6 days working shops with work-based assignments over 10-12 months. A limited number of bursaries are available for individuals identifying as BAMER. For further information please telephone 0207 700 8112
Leadership Training for Social Entrepreneurs
•Are you trying to start or grow an organisation that benefits your community?
•Would you like to hear from people who have been there and done it?
•Would you benefit from a day of leadership training to learn about social entrepreneurship and social enterprise?
This one day training session provides an introduction to social enterprise and how it relates to other types of social organisations including charities, and to the characteristics that make social entrepreneurs successful. You will also hear from social entrepreneurs who have successfully set up organisations, and have the opportunity to ask them about their experiences. For more information please contact the School for Social Entrepreneurs on 0208 981 0300 or email dorota.luksza@sse.org.uk
(NJC salary scale PO2 - PO5, point 35 – 47), 5% pension
Race on the Agenda (ROTA) is a social policy think-tank focusing on issues affecting Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities and the Third Sector that serves them.
They are recruiting to this post which offers the opportunity to lead on the organisation’s policy and research programme working with the experienced and passionate policy team. Current policy priorities include crime and antisocial behaviour, health inequalities, community cohesion and regional governance. You will need demonstrable in-depth knowledge of social policy priorities for the BAME sector and communities. You will also need demonstrable experience of staff and project management as well as experience of fundraising and writing clear and concise reports.
Closing Date for applications: Tuesday 6th January 2009 10:00 am (by post or email). Successful candidates will be notified on Friday 9th January 2009 to attend an interview on Tuesday 13th January 2009. Successful candidate need to start as soon as possible.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
For further information and an application pack email Saifur Valli Saifur@rota.org.uk or ring 020 7729 1310. You can also download the application pack from www.rota.org.uk
Community Engagement Officer -Vacancy
TAHA is a leading national Agency specialising in the provision of health and social care and capacity building support services primarily to Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. They are seeking a community engagement officer.
Salary: £30662 - £31511 p.a. incl. ILW
(Part-time or full-time)
You will take responsibility for devising & delivering skills development, training & other support activity to increase BME community engagement within mainstream voluntary & statutory bodies’ governance arrangements and planning mechanisms & address barriers which disempower BMEs from engaging civic life, governance and leadership roles.
TAHA requires someone to make an immediate impact! Applicants must have proven knowledge and experience of community development & empowerment, sustainable capacity building training activities, regional voluntary and statutory sector structures, governance and planning mechanisms. Excellent communication skills & ability to engage & empower individuals & groups from diverse BME communities essential.
Job Sharers welcomed
Deadline for applications: 19 December 2008. For an application pack email: leadership@taha.org.uk
Would you be interested in doing research and working with Faith Based Regeneration Network (FbRN)? (Note this is not a job advertisement)
FbRN is applying for two research posts and is looking for potential researchers in the following areas:
• Strengthening civil society
• Promoting active citizenship, equalities and community empowerment.
There are two possibilities, both in association with Goldsmiths College, University of London, both full-time:
• A PhD studentship - fees and a maintenance allowance would be paid.
• A Knowledge Transfer Partnership - a two year post paid at full remuneration at standard rates of pay
Candidates for either post need to have, a good honours degree (minimum 2:1), preferably in a relevant social science, work experience in a relevant third sector organisation, a demonstrated interest in research in the field of faith and civil society, active citizenship, equalities or community empowerment.
Closing date: 16th December 2008
Please see the website for more information www.fbrn.org.uk
Preparing Your Children's Service Tenders
An extra date has been added to the programme of training courses on 'Successful Commissioning: Preparing Your Children's Service Tenders' in London.
Location: London Date: 3-4 February 2009
How to book
Book your place now by clicking on the link
http://www.vcsengage.org.uk/training%20and%20events/s2a_training.aspx
or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and they will make the booking for you.
Range of Free training for VCS organisations
The majority of places on this course are free. Free places are available for certain voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations. To find out if your organisation is eligible for free training places, please contact vcstraining@ncb.org.uk or telephone 020 7843 6084.
How to book
Please book your place online by visiting www.vcsengage.org.uk or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and we will make the booking for you.
Is your organisation commission-ready?
Following the successful VCS Engage programme, NCB are now offering a new series of training courses to support voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations.
This two-day training course will enable you to enter the new commissioning process with confidence, equipped with the tools to understand what commissioners want and how you can deliver within the Every Child Matters (ECM) framework.
The training will help participants to:
•Identify the key skills, characteristics and standards that organisations need to demonstrate when responding to Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs), Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and commission tenders.
•Identify the evidence they will need to support their application within local commissioning arrangements.
•Provide a checklist for writing a successful commissioning tender.
There are a number of reserved free places for voluntary and community sector organisations on each course. To find out if your organisation is eligible for free training places, please contact vcstraining@ncb.org.uk or telephone 020 7843 6084.
How to book
Please book your place online by visiting www.vcsengage.org.uk or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and we will make the booking for you.
Community Leaders Development Programme
The Community Leaders Development Programme aims to provide individuals from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee communities who live in London, with a flexible and tailored range of leadership development opportunities.
This project has two elements: a programme of outreach, taster sessions and entry level training; and a range of longer support options to provide more intensive structured personal and professional development.
The programme is funded by the LDA Opportunities Fund Round 2 and is run by London Voluntary Service Council in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Race on the Agenda, MODA and Charitytraining.com.
So:
•Are you a Londoner active in a voluntary or community organisation?
•Are you interested in developing your community leadership skills through a new training opportunity?
•Are you interested in receiving one-to-one mentoring support?
•Would you like practical help to produce a business or operational plan and fundraising strategy for your group?
If you play a leadership role within a voluntary sector/community groups, as a volunteer, trustee, or member of staff and have answered yes to these questions then contact Karin at LVSC on 020 7700 8110 or email Karin@lvsc.org.uk to find out how to access valuable free-of-charge mentoring and training opportunities.
Priority for this scheme will be given to first-time managers, new directors and Management Committee members wishing to help develop skills to benefit new or small voluntary and community groups.
BTEC Professional Certificate in Voluntary Sector Management
This Level 4 BTEC Vocational qualification is being delivered by LVSC and charitytraining.com to meet the needs of sector professionals in London. Accredited by EdExel, the certificate will provide tools to support organisational capacity development and efficiency improvements.
The qualification included the following units:
•Leadership and management
•Charity finance and accounting
•Fundraising and marketing
•Operational planning and service delivery
•Quality management in the sector
•HR planning and management
•Working with volunteers
•Charity management work-based project
The course consists of 6 days working shops with work-based assignments over 10-12 months. A limited number of bursaries are available for individuals identifying as BAMER. For further information please telephone 0207 700 8112
Leadership Training for Social Entrepreneurs
•Are you trying to start or grow an organisation that benefits your community?
•Would you like to hear from people who have been there and done it?
•Would you benefit from a day of leadership training to learn about social entrepreneurship and social enterprise?
This one day training session provides an introduction to social enterprise and how it relates to other types of social organisations including charities, and to the characteristics that make social entrepreneurs successful. You will also hear from social entrepreneurs who have successfully set up organisations, and have the opportunity to ask them about their experiences. For more information please contact the School for Social Entrepreneurs on 0208 981 0300 or email dorota.luksza@sse.org.uk
GET FUNDING!
Interested in Joining TAHA to make a Consortium Bid?
The Asian Health Agency (TAHA) is looking to develop a Consortium bid. £7.5 Million Empowerment Fund. Do you want to Join or support their Consortium bid?
Date: Meeting on 10 December 2008
Subject: Developing a Consortium Bid under Empowerment Fund Bid
Venue: to be confirmed
Time: 2:00 - 4:30pm
The £7.5 million Empowerment Fund will run from 2009-2012 & will provide grants of either £250,000 or £500,000 over 3 years to between 20-25 organisations. It aims to provide strategic & stable funding for third sector organisations promoting community empowerment. Applications are invited under the following themes to deliver the goals for empowering communities:
•Community voices and leadership
•Community development
•Community and social media
•Community involvement in planning
•Improving communication between citizens and councillors.
•Social enterprises and social entrepreneurship
•Helping small organisations to work together
The deadline for applications is 6 January 2009. Contact: Balraj Purewal on leadership@taha.org.uk
Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Mental Health Foundation
The Foundation are inviting applications from groups of voluntary and statutory organisations across the UK, to work with them in developing new ways of protecting and promoting the mental health and well-being of 16 to 25 year olds. They expect to select up to four partnerships to work with from September 2009 – December 2013, with one focusing on improving support for Black and Minority Ethnic Young People.
Each of the pilots will be awarded up to £800,000 from September 2009 - April 2013. The foundation will also provide additional support to assist with planning and implementing the work, developing the partnerships, and documenting and sharing the learning. The deadline for applications is 18 December 2008.
For more details or to apply to become a ‘Right Here’ pilot site: www.right-here.org.uk and don’t hesitate to contact info@right-here.org.uk; 0207 803 1181 if you cannot find the information you require on the website.
Grassroots Grants
This is a £130 million programme that aims to invest in a thriving community sector.
It is funded by Office of the Third Sector (OTS) and delivered by the Community Development Foundation (CDF).
The programme, which will run from 2008-2011 is divided into two parts: an £80 million small grants fund for community organisations; and a £50 million endowments programme to enable local funders to generate additional donations on a matched basis and invest them in endowments, thereby building their capacity to provide long-term funding for frontline community organisations.
Local community groups should apply directly to their Local Funder, whose contact details can be found by going here http://www.cdf.org.uk/bfora/systems/xmlviewer/default.asp?arg=DS_CDF_TECHART_23/_page.xsl/27&xsl_argx=3
The Asian Health Agency (TAHA) is looking to develop a Consortium bid. £7.5 Million Empowerment Fund. Do you want to Join or support their Consortium bid?
Date: Meeting on 10 December 2008
Subject: Developing a Consortium Bid under Empowerment Fund Bid
Venue: to be confirmed
Time: 2:00 - 4:30pm
The £7.5 million Empowerment Fund will run from 2009-2012 & will provide grants of either £250,000 or £500,000 over 3 years to between 20-25 organisations. It aims to provide strategic & stable funding for third sector organisations promoting community empowerment. Applications are invited under the following themes to deliver the goals for empowering communities:
•Community voices and leadership
•Community development
•Community and social media
•Community involvement in planning
•Improving communication between citizens and councillors.
•Social enterprises and social entrepreneurship
•Helping small organisations to work together
The deadline for applications is 6 January 2009. Contact: Balraj Purewal on leadership@taha.org.uk
Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Mental Health Foundation
The Foundation are inviting applications from groups of voluntary and statutory organisations across the UK, to work with them in developing new ways of protecting and promoting the mental health and well-being of 16 to 25 year olds. They expect to select up to four partnerships to work with from September 2009 – December 2013, with one focusing on improving support for Black and Minority Ethnic Young People.
Each of the pilots will be awarded up to £800,000 from September 2009 - April 2013. The foundation will also provide additional support to assist with planning and implementing the work, developing the partnerships, and documenting and sharing the learning. The deadline for applications is 18 December 2008.
For more details or to apply to become a ‘Right Here’ pilot site: www.right-here.org.uk and don’t hesitate to contact info@right-here.org.uk; 0207 803 1181 if you cannot find the information you require on the website.
Grassroots Grants
This is a £130 million programme that aims to invest in a thriving community sector.
It is funded by Office of the Third Sector (OTS) and delivered by the Community Development Foundation (CDF).
The programme, which will run from 2008-2011 is divided into two parts: an £80 million small grants fund for community organisations; and a £50 million endowments programme to enable local funders to generate additional donations on a matched basis and invest them in endowments, thereby building their capacity to provide long-term funding for frontline community organisations.
Local community groups should apply directly to their Local Funder, whose contact details can be found by going here http://www.cdf.org.uk/bfora/systems/xmlviewer/default.asp?arg=DS_CDF_TECHART_23/_page.xsl/27&xsl_argx=3
EVENTS
How Faiths Work
London Civic Forum’s ‘Your Voice, Your City’ programme and ‘Faiths Forum for London’ are holding the ‘How London Works’ event focusing specifically on faiths groups and the public sector.
Date: 9 December 2008
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Venue: Indian YMCA, 41 Fitzroy Square, London. W1T 6AQ
How Faiths Work is the first event in the series to focus exclusively on the way in which organisations from ‘faiths’ equality strand work, and how they can influence policy in London.
This event will bring together London’s funding and governance bodies and faiths-based organisations to promote and facilitate increased dialogue and understanding around regional, sub-regional and local policy development. This event will also see the London launch of the new framework for interfaith dialogue, ‘Face-to-Face and Side-by-Side.’
There is no cost to attend this event. To book a place, please download the booking from by clicking on the following link:
http://www.londoncivicforum.org.uk/page.asp?n=90&dm_i=JD,AGW,1CMPT,CQC,1 to the booking form (please scroll to the bottom of the webpage) or call 020 8709 9770.
Once completed, please email the booking form to Natalie (natalie@londoncivicforum.org.uk ). Places are limited, so please book early.
‘The Big Thinking’ London event
You are invited to the ‘Big Thinking’, dynamic and interactive event giving you the opportunity to have your say on Lottery funding in London.
The Big Thinking event is part of the consultation on the Big Lottery Fund’s (BIG) strategy for 2009 – 2015. It is where you get the opportunity to say what you think and help Big Lottery Fund decide where Lottery money can make the biggest difference in the capital.
You will join a mixed audience drawn from across the city to discuss key funding issues, share your ideas and answer some of the key questions identified as important in shaping the way forward for BIG. There will also be an opportunity to view examples of where funding has already made a difference in London.
The main focus of the day will be on public participation and interaction in the proceedings. A team of expert facilitators will be on hand to work with the attendees and capture their input in real time.
When and where
Wednesday 21 January 2009
9.30am – 4.00pm
Central London venue (exact address details will be sent to you nearer the date)
Places to this free event are limited, so please email events.lon@biglotteryfund.org.uk by Friday 9 January 2009 to request your place.
If you are unable to attend why not fill in an online questionnaire at
http://www.pauleyonline.co.uk/link.php?URL=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5iaWctdGhpbmtpbmcub3JnLnVrL2NvbnN1bHRhdGlvbnN1cnZleS5hc3B4&Name=&EncryptedMemberID=MTM3MTA1&CampaignID=634&CampaignStatisticsID=685&Demo=0&Email=bolaji@bnrrn.org.uk
Alive and Kicking: Creating successful strategies
Date: Thursday 11th December, London
Time: 10.00am - 4.10pm
Venue: Royal Horticultural Halls & Conference Centre, 80 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PE
This NCVO event is for everyone involved in strategic decisions, whether you’re new to the topic of strategic planning or a seasoned strategist. The day features eight hands-on workshops, and plenary sessions exploring strategy development in uncertain times and the future of the voluntary sector. There will be a host of ideas to help your organisation become more on-mission, innovative and sustainable. Book now by going to: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/aliveandkicking
For more information contact Kate Damiral, Communications Officer Strategy and Impact, National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Direct line: 020 7520 2540, Freephone HelpDesk: 0800 2 798 798
Understanding the Nature & Dynamics of Race & Institutional Racism,
A one-day (2 Dates) Programme featuring, Analysis, Discussion, Support & Networking
First date: 12 December 2008
Time: 10.00 – 4.30 pm
Venue: Shanti Centre, W6
Second date: 12 February 2009
Time: 10.00 – 4.30 pm
Venue: Jagonari Centre, E1
The Programme objectives are to
Enable individuals to understand the nature & dynamics of institutional racism, its effects on them, their work & their institutions;
Provide a critical analysis of existing institutional responses & approaches;
Enable individuals to specify demands, needs &aspirations of Black, Asian and White people into service requirements; Connect individuals to anti-racist network & provide ongoing mentoring support for their own strategies for change & intervention.
Who is it for?
The event is for those working in mainstream agencies; generic services or community groups who want to bring about tangible and sustainable change to programmes designed to deliver equality of services and outcomes.
The day is designed to promote and negotiate professional and personal commitment to making practical interventions within participants’ own contexts which have discriminatory practices and approaches in governance, service planning or delivery.
A post-session strategy is included and participants will be invited to negotiate future professional or personal support if required to carry out their intervention; and link in with networks for on-going support.
Costs£55 statutory bodies, £30 grant aided organizations, £10 Self-supporting (non-funded) groups. *Tea/Coffee and Lunch provided.
Places are limited!
London Civic Forum’s ‘Your Voice, Your City’ programme and ‘Faiths Forum for London’ are holding the ‘How London Works’ event focusing specifically on faiths groups and the public sector.
Date: 9 December 2008
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Venue: Indian YMCA, 41 Fitzroy Square, London. W1T 6AQ
How Faiths Work is the first event in the series to focus exclusively on the way in which organisations from ‘faiths’ equality strand work, and how they can influence policy in London.
This event will bring together London’s funding and governance bodies and faiths-based organisations to promote and facilitate increased dialogue and understanding around regional, sub-regional and local policy development. This event will also see the London launch of the new framework for interfaith dialogue, ‘Face-to-Face and Side-by-Side.’
There is no cost to attend this event. To book a place, please download the booking from by clicking on the following link:
http://www.londoncivicforum.org.uk/page.asp?n=90&dm_i=JD,AGW,1CMPT,CQC,1 to the booking form (please scroll to the bottom of the webpage) or call 020 8709 9770.
Once completed, please email the booking form to Natalie (natalie@londoncivicforum.org.uk ). Places are limited, so please book early.
‘The Big Thinking’ London event
You are invited to the ‘Big Thinking’, dynamic and interactive event giving you the opportunity to have your say on Lottery funding in London.
The Big Thinking event is part of the consultation on the Big Lottery Fund’s (BIG) strategy for 2009 – 2015. It is where you get the opportunity to say what you think and help Big Lottery Fund decide where Lottery money can make the biggest difference in the capital.
You will join a mixed audience drawn from across the city to discuss key funding issues, share your ideas and answer some of the key questions identified as important in shaping the way forward for BIG. There will also be an opportunity to view examples of where funding has already made a difference in London.
The main focus of the day will be on public participation and interaction in the proceedings. A team of expert facilitators will be on hand to work with the attendees and capture their input in real time.
When and where
Wednesday 21 January 2009
9.30am – 4.00pm
Central London venue (exact address details will be sent to you nearer the date)
Places to this free event are limited, so please email events.lon@biglotteryfund.org.uk by Friday 9 January 2009 to request your place.
If you are unable to attend why not fill in an online questionnaire at
http://www.pauleyonline.co.uk/link.php?URL=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5iaWctdGhpbmtpbmcub3JnLnVrL2NvbnN1bHRhdGlvbnN1cnZleS5hc3B4&Name=&EncryptedMemberID=MTM3MTA1&CampaignID=634&CampaignStatisticsID=685&Demo=0&Email=bolaji@bnrrn.org.uk
Alive and Kicking: Creating successful strategies
Date: Thursday 11th December, London
Time: 10.00am - 4.10pm
Venue: Royal Horticultural Halls & Conference Centre, 80 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PE
This NCVO event is for everyone involved in strategic decisions, whether you’re new to the topic of strategic planning or a seasoned strategist. The day features eight hands-on workshops, and plenary sessions exploring strategy development in uncertain times and the future of the voluntary sector. There will be a host of ideas to help your organisation become more on-mission, innovative and sustainable. Book now by going to: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/aliveandkicking
For more information contact Kate Damiral, Communications Officer Strategy and Impact, National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Direct line: 020 7520 2540, Freephone HelpDesk: 0800 2 798 798
Understanding the Nature & Dynamics of Race & Institutional Racism,
A one-day (2 Dates) Programme featuring, Analysis, Discussion, Support & Networking
First date: 12 December 2008
Time: 10.00 – 4.30 pm
Venue: Shanti Centre, W6
Second date: 12 February 2009
Time: 10.00 – 4.30 pm
Venue: Jagonari Centre, E1
The Programme objectives are to
Enable individuals to understand the nature & dynamics of institutional racism, its effects on them, their work & their institutions;
Provide a critical analysis of existing institutional responses & approaches;
Enable individuals to specify demands, needs &aspirations of Black, Asian and White people into service requirements; Connect individuals to anti-racist network & provide ongoing mentoring support for their own strategies for change & intervention.
Who is it for?
The event is for those working in mainstream agencies; generic services or community groups who want to bring about tangible and sustainable change to programmes designed to deliver equality of services and outcomes.
The day is designed to promote and negotiate professional and personal commitment to making practical interventions within participants’ own contexts which have discriminatory practices and approaches in governance, service planning or delivery.
A post-session strategy is included and participants will be invited to negotiate future professional or personal support if required to carry out their intervention; and link in with networks for on-going support.
Costs£55 statutory bodies, £30 grant aided organizations, £10 Self-supporting (non-funded) groups. *Tea/Coffee and Lunch provided.
Places are limited!
NEWS & INFORMATION ROUNDUP
Do you know you can become a councillor
The website http://www.beacouncillor.org.uk/howto/ has useful information on a range of issues including ‘Why be a councillor?’, ‘What do councillors do?’, ‘Could I be a councillor?’
Equalities Body consults on future plans
The former Commission for Race Equality (CRE), now The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched a consultation to seek views on the development of their new strategic plan. A series of events and an online consultation are requesting your views on a 3-year plan to be published in April, as well as an equality scheme and new grants programme.
http://equalityhumanrights.dialoguebydesign.net/default.asp
Awards for All England to close
Awards for All England which is the lottery grants scheme for community groups, will close in its existing form in March. The Big Lottery Fund announced that ‘Awards for All England’ will close, but groups will still have access to equivalent levels of lottery funding through programmes run by the four providers that administer the current scheme. These are Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Sport England and the Big Lottery Fund and they will handle applications individually through existing or new programmes.
The scheme, which has been running for seven years, offers grants of between £300 and £10,000 to small groups and community organisations. The Big Lottery Fund said that the total amount of money available would remain the same and that the new system coming in would make the application forms shorter. Groups whose work fall into more than one category will now have the opportunity to apply to more than one provider. However there have been questions about the transparency of how the decision to implement the new structure was made
See http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/DailyBulletin/859132/Awards-England-close/AB1E8BCC240F6CA7CB10A80A79992277/?DCMP=EMC-DailyBulletin
Office spaces for 80 charities in London from Can Mezzanine
A new office space designed specifically for small charities is to open in the centre of London.
The 36,000-square-foot refurbished building in the Old Street area will offer space for up to 80 charities when it opens in the spring. It will double the office space operated by the social landlord Can Mezzanine and brings the total number of organisations it provides with low-level rents to about 200. See http://www.can-online.org.uk/pages/mezzanine.html
New code to avoid trustee conflict
Trustees should prevent potential board conflicts becoming personal by introducing a code of conduct when things are going well, according to a new Charity Trustee Networks guidance document.
‘Codes of Conduct for Trustees’, which was launched on 19 November by third sector minister Kevin Brennan, says small charities need only "some basic ground rules for behaviour". The guidance can be downloaded free from CTN's website http://www.trusteenet.org.uk/resources and it contains three sample codes of conduct, as well as advice on drawing up and using a code.
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks update
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) has updated its guidance on CRB checks which provide important protection, for people who use social care services. You are required by law to get checks from the CRB if you are:
Applying for registration, the ‘responsible individual’, or a member of staff working in a social care service regulated and inspected by CSCI.
The guidance includes information and advice on:
• The different levels of CRB check and when they are needed
• When staff can begin work before their full CRB check arrives
• When previous CRB checks can be accepted
• The new independent safeguarding authority (ISA)
See http://www.csci.org.uk/professional
The website http://www.beacouncillor.org.uk/howto/ has useful information on a range of issues including ‘Why be a councillor?’, ‘What do councillors do?’, ‘Could I be a councillor?’
Equalities Body consults on future plans
The former Commission for Race Equality (CRE), now The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched a consultation to seek views on the development of their new strategic plan. A series of events and an online consultation are requesting your views on a 3-year plan to be published in April, as well as an equality scheme and new grants programme.
http://equalityhumanrights.dialoguebydesign.net/default.asp
Awards for All England to close
Awards for All England which is the lottery grants scheme for community groups, will close in its existing form in March. The Big Lottery Fund announced that ‘Awards for All England’ will close, but groups will still have access to equivalent levels of lottery funding through programmes run by the four providers that administer the current scheme. These are Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Sport England and the Big Lottery Fund and they will handle applications individually through existing or new programmes.
The scheme, which has been running for seven years, offers grants of between £300 and £10,000 to small groups and community organisations. The Big Lottery Fund said that the total amount of money available would remain the same and that the new system coming in would make the application forms shorter. Groups whose work fall into more than one category will now have the opportunity to apply to more than one provider. However there have been questions about the transparency of how the decision to implement the new structure was made
See http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/DailyBulletin/859132/Awards-England-close/AB1E8BCC240F6CA7CB10A80A79992277/?DCMP=EMC-DailyBulletin
Office spaces for 80 charities in London from Can Mezzanine
A new office space designed specifically for small charities is to open in the centre of London.
The 36,000-square-foot refurbished building in the Old Street area will offer space for up to 80 charities when it opens in the spring. It will double the office space operated by the social landlord Can Mezzanine and brings the total number of organisations it provides with low-level rents to about 200. See http://www.can-online.org.uk/pages/mezzanine.html
New code to avoid trustee conflict
Trustees should prevent potential board conflicts becoming personal by introducing a code of conduct when things are going well, according to a new Charity Trustee Networks guidance document.
‘Codes of Conduct for Trustees’, which was launched on 19 November by third sector minister Kevin Brennan, says small charities need only "some basic ground rules for behaviour". The guidance can be downloaded free from CTN's website http://www.trusteenet.org.uk/resources and it contains three sample codes of conduct, as well as advice on drawing up and using a code.
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks update
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) has updated its guidance on CRB checks which provide important protection, for people who use social care services. You are required by law to get checks from the CRB if you are:
Applying for registration, the ‘responsible individual’, or a member of staff working in a social care service regulated and inspected by CSCI.
The guidance includes information and advice on:
• The different levels of CRB check and when they are needed
• When staff can begin work before their full CRB check arrives
• When previous CRB checks can be accepted
• The new independent safeguarding authority (ISA)
See http://www.csci.org.uk/professional
POLICY UPDATES & BRIEFING
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) Communities in London Borough of Enfield particularly hard hit by the shift to commissioning approach
BAMER Communities in the London Borough of Enfield have been particularly hard hit by the switch from Grant based funding to the commissioning regime which came into effect in October 2007 says Ade Adeshina who is Enfield Strategic Partnership Board BME Representative, and Chief Executive of O”-Bay Community Trust. In October 2007 Enfield Council announced its decision to fully implement the commissioning approach to funding local initiatives, resulting in a cut of funding to a significant portion of BME frontline Voluntary and Community groups who had previously had a grant funding relationship with the council.
The borough of Enfield has had over six BME youth deaths incidents within a short period and this heightens the local BME community’s fears of funding cuts to local BAMER organisations. A number of BAMER groups in Enfield have formed an alliance; the Council for Enfield Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (CEBAME) which is in dialogue with Enfield Council. It has made a presentation to Enfield Strategic Partnership Management group, and has also had a meeting with the Greater London Authority (GLA), to raise its concerns. The Mayor of London has appointed a member of his team to work with CEBAME. They have also held a consultation which aims at better informing the Mayor of London of the situation in Enfield.
In a letter dated 1st November 2008 Ade Adeshina the Enfield Strategic Partnership Board BME Representative & Chief Executive of O”-Bay Community Trust stated that the BAMER voluntary and community organisations, “recognise the importance of Local and Regional decision making process and would very much like to be included.” He added however that BAMER organisations “have not as of yet been resourced, supported, and empowered to engage, to be involved or to be included in the Borough decision making process. A change is needed so that the Enfield Community Empowerment Network (ECEN), Enfield Strategic Partnership (ESP), Greater London Authority (GLA) and our BME organisations can co-operate cohesively to build a better future for local residents in Enfield.”
He continued that ‘while BME groups are trying their best to attend some meetings - their focus and energy these days are more channelled into seeking external resources and support to ensure the survival of their organisations, so as to enable the continuation of the provision of services as frontline organisations to BAMER communities, beneficiaries, local residents and our members.
BAMER community groups take on a full work load in representing and engaging on strategic partnerships, providing double value for their funding, and thus their double role is threatened by any cut in resources for their frontline services.
He said that London Borough of Enfield and The Enfield Strategic Partnership Board have so far not displayed a recognition of the need for resourcing BAMER Voluntary and Community Sector groups to enable them in addition to carrying out their frontline duties, perform the crucial function of representing their communities and ensuring effective BME group’s involvements and inclusion in the Borough and regional Decision-Making Process.
The next Enfield Local Strategic Partnership meeting (December 08) will discuss the issues raised by BAMER organisations in the borough. An update of the situation will be included in subsequent BNRRN newsletter. Please visit www.cebame.org.uk for more information on Council for Enfield Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (CEBAME). See CEBAME’s website for more information http://www.cebame.org.uk/ or contact Ade Adeshina by visiting www.o-bay.org for details.
Participatory Budgeting: A national strategy; giving more people a say in local spending
Every year public money (whether raised through council taxes, income tax, parking charges, the licensing of local businesses or many other ways) is spent on local services to benefit local people for instance investment in libraries, public parks, health centres, invested on traffic improvement etc. Participatory Budgeting is a way of enabling local people decide how specific pots of such public money should be spent. Participatory budgeting fits with governments wider and repeating theme of ‘participatory democracy’, in which local people are fully involved and consulted in making local decisions.
With participatory budgeting, the pot of money is allocated to the community and they are facilitated through the process in which they discuss, vote and finally prioritise how the money should be best spent.
Government wants Participatory Budgeting to be used in every local authority by 2012
A Participatory Budgeting Unit has been set up and it has developed a number of publications and resources in order to issue consistent advice to local authorities. The publication “Participatory Budgeting: Values, Principles and Standards’, in particular highlights the key standards such as accessibility, transparency, inclusiveness and ensuring proper deliberation.
How Participatory Budgeting fits in with other government initiatives-
The concept and principle of Participatory Budgeting has already been applied throughout England in such areas as Neighbourhood Renewal Funding and New Deal for Communities also with local area committees. Participatory Budgeting is being highlighted as a useful mechanism for fulfilling the ‘statutory duty to involve’ which comes into effect from April 1st 2009. Communities could also potentially use ‘call to action’ to encourage councils to use Participatory Budgeting (The government white paper ‘Communities in Control’ talks about government plans to introduce the ‘call to action’).
The key elements of the national strategy-
The current national strategy on Participatory Budgeting contains the following four elements:
• Promoting awareness
• Creating opportunities
• Providing guidance and support
• Learning from evaluation and research
Regular evaluation is planned by the Participatory Budgeting Unit which will also assist in national performance indicators around Participatory Budgeting. The Participatory Budgeting Unit is very keen to hear from organisations or individuals that are interested in promoting participatory budgets in their areas. They can be contacted at:
Participatory Budgeting Unit
c/o Church Action on Poverty
Central Buildings
Oldham St
Manchester M1 1JT
UK
Office Tel: 0161 236 9321
Also visit: http://www.participatorybudgeting.org.uk/
Transforming Places; changing lives: a framework for regeneration
Introduction-
The framework for regeneration is set out to shape the way regeneration will be carried out in the future in England. The new approach and direction is as a result of the learning that has been achieved so far of what works for local communities, the aim being to provide value-for-money regeneration investment.
The case for regeneration has already been made and it was reiterated in the framework, that in a current competitive world it could hardly be afforded for communities to fall behind, be left out of rising levels of prosperity and success or for people to have their talents wasted because of lack of skills, information or access to work. The implication is that there is need for a redoubling of efforts to regenerate those parts of the country that are still having challenges of deprivation and worklessness and improving the effectiveness of support to local areas.
The framework contains a renewed focus on regeneration from tackling the core issue of economic challenges to increased social mobility.
The regeneration measures proposed are-
• To ensure that regeneration investment is co-ordinated and prioritised in the right places, with all sectors (public, private, and third sector organizations) working together in the same places towards a common vision
• devolving of power with decisions about where to invest made as locally as possible, so as to align investment behind local and regional regeneration priorities
• focus regeneration investment on tackling the underlying economic challenges that hold back deprived areas, in particular supporting people to get a job and get on in the labour market and boosting levels of enterprise in those areas.
The framework sets out proposed new expectations of local government; sub-regional partnerships and central government. It is aimed at developing a shared vision between community and neighbourhood organisations; local government and other members of the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP); sub-regional partnerships; Regional Development Agencies; the new Homes and Communities Agency; Urban Regeneration Companies; Urban Development Corporations as well as the private sector, the third sector and Central Government departments (including their delivery agencies and non-departmental public bodies).
There are four chapters to the framework-
•Chapter one sets out what should be different about regeneration in the future. It talks about the nature of deprivation in England and considers what holds places back from reaching their potential.
•Chapter two makes the case for future regeneration to be defined by the outcomes it achieves, rather than the process it follows. This signals a move away from output measures towards the underlying sustainable outcomes.
•Chapter three sets out proposals for a common approach to targeting any investment for regeneration.
•Chapter four sets out proposals for how these changes might impact on the way different agencies work if they were implemented in full.
Transforming Places; changing lives: a framework for regeneration was produced as a draft for consultation and included a series of consultation questions (the consultation period ended on 31 October 2008).
For more on the framework see Urban forum’s briefing:
http://www.urbanforum.org.uk/pdf_files/draft%20framework%20for%20regeneration%20briefing%202008%2010.pdf
BAMER Communities in the London Borough of Enfield have been particularly hard hit by the switch from Grant based funding to the commissioning regime which came into effect in October 2007 says Ade Adeshina who is Enfield Strategic Partnership Board BME Representative, and Chief Executive of O”-Bay Community Trust. In October 2007 Enfield Council announced its decision to fully implement the commissioning approach to funding local initiatives, resulting in a cut of funding to a significant portion of BME frontline Voluntary and Community groups who had previously had a grant funding relationship with the council.
The borough of Enfield has had over six BME youth deaths incidents within a short period and this heightens the local BME community’s fears of funding cuts to local BAMER organisations. A number of BAMER groups in Enfield have formed an alliance; the Council for Enfield Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (CEBAME) which is in dialogue with Enfield Council. It has made a presentation to Enfield Strategic Partnership Management group, and has also had a meeting with the Greater London Authority (GLA), to raise its concerns. The Mayor of London has appointed a member of his team to work with CEBAME. They have also held a consultation which aims at better informing the Mayor of London of the situation in Enfield.
In a letter dated 1st November 2008 Ade Adeshina the Enfield Strategic Partnership Board BME Representative & Chief Executive of O”-Bay Community Trust stated that the BAMER voluntary and community organisations, “recognise the importance of Local and Regional decision making process and would very much like to be included.” He added however that BAMER organisations “have not as of yet been resourced, supported, and empowered to engage, to be involved or to be included in the Borough decision making process. A change is needed so that the Enfield Community Empowerment Network (ECEN), Enfield Strategic Partnership (ESP), Greater London Authority (GLA) and our BME organisations can co-operate cohesively to build a better future for local residents in Enfield.”
He continued that ‘while BME groups are trying their best to attend some meetings - their focus and energy these days are more channelled into seeking external resources and support to ensure the survival of their organisations, so as to enable the continuation of the provision of services as frontline organisations to BAMER communities, beneficiaries, local residents and our members.
BAMER community groups take on a full work load in representing and engaging on strategic partnerships, providing double value for their funding, and thus their double role is threatened by any cut in resources for their frontline services.
He said that London Borough of Enfield and The Enfield Strategic Partnership Board have so far not displayed a recognition of the need for resourcing BAMER Voluntary and Community Sector groups to enable them in addition to carrying out their frontline duties, perform the crucial function of representing their communities and ensuring effective BME group’s involvements and inclusion in the Borough and regional Decision-Making Process.
The next Enfield Local Strategic Partnership meeting (December 08) will discuss the issues raised by BAMER organisations in the borough. An update of the situation will be included in subsequent BNRRN newsletter. Please visit www.cebame.org.uk for more information on Council for Enfield Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (CEBAME). See CEBAME’s website for more information http://www.cebame.org.uk/ or contact Ade Adeshina by visiting www.o-bay.org for details.
Participatory Budgeting: A national strategy; giving more people a say in local spending
Every year public money (whether raised through council taxes, income tax, parking charges, the licensing of local businesses or many other ways) is spent on local services to benefit local people for instance investment in libraries, public parks, health centres, invested on traffic improvement etc. Participatory Budgeting is a way of enabling local people decide how specific pots of such public money should be spent. Participatory budgeting fits with governments wider and repeating theme of ‘participatory democracy’, in which local people are fully involved and consulted in making local decisions.
With participatory budgeting, the pot of money is allocated to the community and they are facilitated through the process in which they discuss, vote and finally prioritise how the money should be best spent.
Government wants Participatory Budgeting to be used in every local authority by 2012
A Participatory Budgeting Unit has been set up and it has developed a number of publications and resources in order to issue consistent advice to local authorities. The publication “Participatory Budgeting: Values, Principles and Standards’, in particular highlights the key standards such as accessibility, transparency, inclusiveness and ensuring proper deliberation.
How Participatory Budgeting fits in with other government initiatives-
The concept and principle of Participatory Budgeting has already been applied throughout England in such areas as Neighbourhood Renewal Funding and New Deal for Communities also with local area committees. Participatory Budgeting is being highlighted as a useful mechanism for fulfilling the ‘statutory duty to involve’ which comes into effect from April 1st 2009. Communities could also potentially use ‘call to action’ to encourage councils to use Participatory Budgeting (The government white paper ‘Communities in Control’ talks about government plans to introduce the ‘call to action’).
The key elements of the national strategy-
The current national strategy on Participatory Budgeting contains the following four elements:
• Promoting awareness
• Creating opportunities
• Providing guidance and support
• Learning from evaluation and research
Regular evaluation is planned by the Participatory Budgeting Unit which will also assist in national performance indicators around Participatory Budgeting. The Participatory Budgeting Unit is very keen to hear from organisations or individuals that are interested in promoting participatory budgets in their areas. They can be contacted at:
Participatory Budgeting Unit
c/o Church Action on Poverty
Central Buildings
Oldham St
Manchester M1 1JT
UK
Office Tel: 0161 236 9321
Also visit: http://www.participatorybudgeting.org.uk/
Transforming Places; changing lives: a framework for regeneration
Introduction-
The framework for regeneration is set out to shape the way regeneration will be carried out in the future in England. The new approach and direction is as a result of the learning that has been achieved so far of what works for local communities, the aim being to provide value-for-money regeneration investment.
The case for regeneration has already been made and it was reiterated in the framework, that in a current competitive world it could hardly be afforded for communities to fall behind, be left out of rising levels of prosperity and success or for people to have their talents wasted because of lack of skills, information or access to work. The implication is that there is need for a redoubling of efforts to regenerate those parts of the country that are still having challenges of deprivation and worklessness and improving the effectiveness of support to local areas.
The framework contains a renewed focus on regeneration from tackling the core issue of economic challenges to increased social mobility.
The regeneration measures proposed are-
• To ensure that regeneration investment is co-ordinated and prioritised in the right places, with all sectors (public, private, and third sector organizations) working together in the same places towards a common vision
• devolving of power with decisions about where to invest made as locally as possible, so as to align investment behind local and regional regeneration priorities
• focus regeneration investment on tackling the underlying economic challenges that hold back deprived areas, in particular supporting people to get a job and get on in the labour market and boosting levels of enterprise in those areas.
The framework sets out proposed new expectations of local government; sub-regional partnerships and central government. It is aimed at developing a shared vision between community and neighbourhood organisations; local government and other members of the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP); sub-regional partnerships; Regional Development Agencies; the new Homes and Communities Agency; Urban Regeneration Companies; Urban Development Corporations as well as the private sector, the third sector and Central Government departments (including their delivery agencies and non-departmental public bodies).
There are four chapters to the framework-
•Chapter one sets out what should be different about regeneration in the future. It talks about the nature of deprivation in England and considers what holds places back from reaching their potential.
•Chapter two makes the case for future regeneration to be defined by the outcomes it achieves, rather than the process it follows. This signals a move away from output measures towards the underlying sustainable outcomes.
•Chapter three sets out proposals for a common approach to targeting any investment for regeneration.
•Chapter four sets out proposals for how these changes might impact on the way different agencies work if they were implemented in full.
Transforming Places; changing lives: a framework for regeneration was produced as a draft for consultation and included a series of consultation questions (the consultation period ended on 31 October 2008).
For more on the framework see Urban forum’s briefing:
http://www.urbanforum.org.uk/pdf_files/draft%20framework%20for%20regeneration%20briefing%202008%2010.pdf
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