Black and Ethnic Minority Working Group (BEMWG)
Black and Ethnic Minority Working Group (BEMWG) is a Health Forum set up with the purpose of improving the quality of health and social services for black and ethnic minority communities in City and Hackney.
BEMWG works both independently and proactively to reduce inequalities in health and social services for black and ethnic minority communities and to ensure that black and ethnic minority communities receive the type of services that are accessible and culturally appropriate to their needs.
BEMWG works mainly with black and ethnic minority community groups interested in health and social care issues, and those who are refugees and asylum seekers experiencing discrimination and disadvantage.
The scale of inequalities and deprivation within the locality of The City and Hackney amongst black and ethnic minority communities has underlined the need for BEMWG.
BEMWG has a membership questionnaire out to find out information about the needs, partnership work intentions and barriers of organisations working in hackney. If you are an organization working in hackney and would like to participate in the brief survey, please contact For more information ring 020 7923 2229 or 020 7275 9875 or E-mail post@bemwg.org.uk or visit the website www.bemwg.org.uk
Friday, 3 April 2009
Resources
Green office guide for charities
A new guide to help third sector organisations 'green' their offices has been released as part of the government-sponsored environmental initiative Every Action Counts.
Changing the Way We Work, aimed specifically at voluntary sector groups, gives advice on how to save energy and resources, source ethically and travel wisely.
Every Action Counts is an initiative from a consortium of environmental and community groups, led by the Community Development Foundation and supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The guide is available from the Every Action Counts website
http://www.everyactioncounts.org.uk/
A new guide to help third sector organisations 'green' their offices has been released as part of the government-sponsored environmental initiative Every Action Counts.
Changing the Way We Work, aimed specifically at voluntary sector groups, gives advice on how to save energy and resources, source ethically and travel wisely.
Every Action Counts is an initiative from a consortium of environmental and community groups, led by the Community Development Foundation and supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The guide is available from the Every Action Counts website
http://www.everyactioncounts.org.uk/
BNRRN Project Updates
BNRRN's Engagement Project, which is aimed at enabling BAMER organisations engage better with their local structures (like the council and the Primary Care Trust, and other local initiatives), continues, with work in the boroughs of Hackney and Ealing. BNRRN will work in these boroughs for the next six months (from February). If you are an organisation local to Hackney and Ealing and would like to find out more about this project, please contact Abul Helal or Gloria Oham on 0208 981 3003.
Questions & Answers
What is the Compact?
From www.thecompact.org.uk
The Compact is about better partnership working and creating better outcomes for individuals and local communities.
Established in 1998, the Compact is an agreement between Government and the voluntary and community sector in England. It recognises shared values, principles and commitments and sets out guidelines for how both parties should work together.
Although the Compact is not legally binding and is built on trust and mutual goodwill, its authority is derived from its endorsement by government and by the voluntary and community sector itself through its consultation process.
Five Codes of Practice underpin the Compact. They cover:
• Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Voluntary and Community Organisations
• Community Groups
• Consultation and Policy Appraisal
• Funding and Procurement
• Volunteering
The Compact and its Codes apply to:
• Central Government Departments, including Government Offices for the Regions
• Executive Non-Departmental Public Bodies, which have a relationship with the
voluntary and community sector
• A range of organisations in the voluntary and community sector
For more information please see http://www.thecompact.org.uk/
From www.thecompact.org.uk
The Compact is about better partnership working and creating better outcomes for individuals and local communities.
Established in 1998, the Compact is an agreement between Government and the voluntary and community sector in England. It recognises shared values, principles and commitments and sets out guidelines for how both parties should work together.
Although the Compact is not legally binding and is built on trust and mutual goodwill, its authority is derived from its endorsement by government and by the voluntary and community sector itself through its consultation process.
Five Codes of Practice underpin the Compact. They cover:
• Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Voluntary and Community Organisations
• Community Groups
• Consultation and Policy Appraisal
• Funding and Procurement
• Volunteering
The Compact and its Codes apply to:
• Central Government Departments, including Government Offices for the Regions
• Executive Non-Departmental Public Bodies, which have a relationship with the
voluntary and community sector
• A range of organisations in the voluntary and community sector
For more information please see http://www.thecompact.org.uk/
Vacancies, Volunteering & Training
Training - LVSC: Community Leaders Development Programme: Ready Steady Start
Are you starting a new community group?
Has your voluntary organisation been established recently?
Ready Steady Start is an interactive training course for anyone involved in setting up a new organisation. It will equip you with the basic skills needed to set up a sustainable organisation. It will also encourage you to consider whether setting up an organisation is the right path for your group. It is a FREE interactive training course consisting of one full day and three half day sessions:
Step 1 - 5th May 09 Setting up a sustainable organisation
Step 2 - 6th May 09 Project Development
Step 3 – 12th May 09 Governance
Step 4 - 13th May 09 New to Fundraising
Participants are expected to attend the full course and will receive a certificate from LVSC. Call 020 7700 8110 or email karin@lvsc.org.uk for more information on how to apply for your free place.
Influencing Planning Decisions in your Borough - FREE Training 8th May 2009
If you want to know:
• How to influence planning decisions in your borough
• How the Local Development Framework and Sustainable Community Strategy can
be used for your advantage
Then this 1 day FREE training event is for you.
The East London CVS Network is holding a FREE 1 day Training that will cover:
How planning policy is made
How to get involved and influence planning decisions locally
Demystifying Section 106 and the new Community Levy
Social return and how to use it as a tool in asset transfer negotiations
This training has been designed for infrastructure organisations across the East
London sub region and is aimed at managers and senior officers of infrastructure organisations who want to learn how their organisations can influence planning decisions.
[An infrastructure organisation is one that provides support to frontline voluntary and community organisations - Anyone representing their local Changeup Consortium or another consortium of organisations]
Please note: places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Also Notes: a refundable deposit of £50 is required to secure your place. This will be returned to you on the day of the course. Should you fail to attend or fail to send an alternative delegate in your place the £50 deposit WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.
To reserve a place please Email josephine.mason@elcvsnetwork.org.uk
MiNet Co-ordinator: £29,963 - £31,524 (NJC scale SO2 point 32 - 34), 5% pension
Race on the Agenda (ROTA) a social policy think-tank focusing on issues affecting Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities and the Third Sector that serves them, is looking to appoint a co-ordinator for MiNet, which is the London focused BAME network of networks, which joined ROTA in 2002 to strengthen the voice for London's BAME Third Sector in the development of regional policy.
This post offers the opportunity to lead on the development and delivery of the network, provide information on policy and provide a voice on the BAME implications of policy developments. You will need to have demonstradable experience in developing and supporting networks, knowledge of issues affecting the BAME Third Sector in London and some experience of management and income generation.
Closing Date for applications is Wednesday 22nd April 2009 10:00am (by post or email). Successful candidates will be notified on Friday 24th April 2009 to attend an interview on Wednesday 29nd April 2009. ROTA would like the successful candidate to start as soon as possible.
Volunteering- A Community Volunteer Panel Member (CVPM)
A Community Volunteer Panel Member (CVPM) is required for the Hackney Youth Offending Team. Please contact: Sherma Charles, Referral Order Support Worker, Hackney Youth Offending Team on 020 8356 1031 / 1090 or sherma_charles@hackney.gov.uk for more information.
Hackney Voluntary Action (HVA) is the Volunteer Centre for Hackney offering support to organisations in volunteer recruitment, retention, recognition and appreciation. Contact Hackney Voluntary Action on 020 7241 4443 or info@hackneyvoluntaryaction.org.uk for more information on volunteering in Hackney.
Are you starting a new community group?
Has your voluntary organisation been established recently?
Ready Steady Start is an interactive training course for anyone involved in setting up a new organisation. It will equip you with the basic skills needed to set up a sustainable organisation. It will also encourage you to consider whether setting up an organisation is the right path for your group. It is a FREE interactive training course consisting of one full day and three half day sessions:
Step 1 - 5th May 09 Setting up a sustainable organisation
Step 2 - 6th May 09 Project Development
Step 3 – 12th May 09 Governance
Step 4 - 13th May 09 New to Fundraising
Participants are expected to attend the full course and will receive a certificate from LVSC. Call 020 7700 8110 or email karin@lvsc.org.uk for more information on how to apply for your free place.
Influencing Planning Decisions in your Borough - FREE Training 8th May 2009
If you want to know:
• How to influence planning decisions in your borough
• How the Local Development Framework and Sustainable Community Strategy can
be used for your advantage
Then this 1 day FREE training event is for you.
The East London CVS Network is holding a FREE 1 day Training that will cover:
How planning policy is made
How to get involved and influence planning decisions locally
Demystifying Section 106 and the new Community Levy
Social return and how to use it as a tool in asset transfer negotiations
This training has been designed for infrastructure organisations across the East
London sub region and is aimed at managers and senior officers of infrastructure organisations who want to learn how their organisations can influence planning decisions.
[An infrastructure organisation is one that provides support to frontline voluntary and community organisations - Anyone representing their local Changeup Consortium or another consortium of organisations]
Please note: places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Also Notes: a refundable deposit of £50 is required to secure your place. This will be returned to you on the day of the course. Should you fail to attend or fail to send an alternative delegate in your place the £50 deposit WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.
To reserve a place please Email josephine.mason@elcvsnetwork.org.uk
MiNet Co-ordinator: £29,963 - £31,524 (NJC scale SO2 point 32 - 34), 5% pension
Race on the Agenda (ROTA) a social policy think-tank focusing on issues affecting Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities and the Third Sector that serves them, is looking to appoint a co-ordinator for MiNet, which is the London focused BAME network of networks, which joined ROTA in 2002 to strengthen the voice for London's BAME Third Sector in the development of regional policy.
This post offers the opportunity to lead on the development and delivery of the network, provide information on policy and provide a voice on the BAME implications of policy developments. You will need to have demonstradable experience in developing and supporting networks, knowledge of issues affecting the BAME Third Sector in London and some experience of management and income generation.
Closing Date for applications is Wednesday 22nd April 2009 10:00am (by post or email). Successful candidates will be notified on Friday 24th April 2009 to attend an interview on Wednesday 29nd April 2009. ROTA would like the successful candidate to start as soon as possible.
Volunteering- A Community Volunteer Panel Member (CVPM)
A Community Volunteer Panel Member (CVPM) is required for the Hackney Youth Offending Team. Please contact: Sherma Charles, Referral Order Support Worker, Hackney Youth Offending Team on 020 8356 1031 / 1090 or sherma_charles@hackney.gov.uk for more information.
Hackney Voluntary Action (HVA) is the Volunteer Centre for Hackney offering support to organisations in volunteer recruitment, retention, recognition and appreciation. Contact Hackney Voluntary Action on 020 7241 4443 or info@hackneyvoluntaryaction.org.uk for more information on volunteering in Hackney.
Get Funding!
The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation
This is a scheme for projects addressing mental health issues for prisoners and ex offenders.
A funding round is expected to begin in June and last for three years. Groups working in this field can contact the foundation for an initial discussion and will be sent further details closer to the time. You can contact the Grants Officer, by phoning, 020 7264 4990, or visit www.trusthousecharitablefoundation.org.uk/guide.pdf for more information
The LankellyChase Foundation
The foundation gives small grants of £500, to support Summer Activities. Schemes must benefit children between 5-17 years old. In 2009, the Foundation is keen to support activities for children and young people living in refuges, and for young carers. It also wants to see projects with strong volunteer support. Approximately 120 grants will be made throughout the UK.
Deadline: 8 May 2009. More info available at www.lankellychase.org.uk
Macmillan - funding for self-help cancer support groups
Macmillan Small Grants is a grants programme available to cancer self help and support groups across the UK. Up to £500 is available for new groups to help with their initial development and promotion, and up to £3,000 is available to existing groups for continuing development. Grants have been awarded for group activities and events, and purchase of resources such as computers and materials for use at information days. Please go to http://digbig.com/4xrrj or http://www.macmillan.org.uk for further information.
Funding for Hackney Groups
Voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations can apply for funding to deliver projects that support children and their families with the transition process from Key Stage 2 (8 to 11 year olds) to Key Stage 3 (11 to 14 year olds) under the Believe to Achieve grants programme This means children who are leaving primary schools to attend secondary schools.
You can apply for: Between £15,000 and £30,000
Closing date: 12 noon, Tuesday, 5 May 2009
There is an application support workshop: 10am - 3pm, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 (see more information below)
Who can apply?
Voluntary and Community Sector organisations working with children or with parents or carers of children who are currently in this transition process.
Organisations must have a governing document, a bank account in their own name, an annual turnover of less than £1million and a management committee made up of volunteers.
How do I apply?
Please contact Nadia Capogrosso on 020 7923 1962 or email nadia@hcvs.org.uk You can download an application pack from the website: http://www.hcvs.org.uk/en/pages/funding-grants/b2a.aspx
Need help with your application?
The CVS at Hackney is holding an application support workshop on Tuesday, 7 April from 10am to 3pm at HCVS. To book your place, please download a booking form: http://www.hcvs.org.uk/EN/store/grants06-07/LT%20Clusters%202009/b2A_workshops.doc
Hackney Council for Voluntary Service (HCVS) has been commissioned by The Learning Trust to deliver the ‘Believe to Achieve’ Grants Programme with funding allocated by Team Hackney.
Apply for funding for community projects in Hackney
Grants of £5,000 and £50,000 available through Team Hackney Community Grants
2009/10: http://www.hcvs.org.uk/en/pages/funding-grants/thch09.aspx
This is a scheme for projects addressing mental health issues for prisoners and ex offenders.
A funding round is expected to begin in June and last for three years. Groups working in this field can contact the foundation for an initial discussion and will be sent further details closer to the time. You can contact the Grants Officer, by phoning, 020 7264 4990, or visit www.trusthousecharitablefoundation.org.uk/guide.pdf for more information
The LankellyChase Foundation
The foundation gives small grants of £500, to support Summer Activities. Schemes must benefit children between 5-17 years old. In 2009, the Foundation is keen to support activities for children and young people living in refuges, and for young carers. It also wants to see projects with strong volunteer support. Approximately 120 grants will be made throughout the UK.
Deadline: 8 May 2009. More info available at www.lankellychase.org.uk
Macmillan - funding for self-help cancer support groups
Macmillan Small Grants is a grants programme available to cancer self help and support groups across the UK. Up to £500 is available for new groups to help with their initial development and promotion, and up to £3,000 is available to existing groups for continuing development. Grants have been awarded for group activities and events, and purchase of resources such as computers and materials for use at information days. Please go to http://digbig.com/4xrrj or http://www.macmillan.org.uk for further information.
Funding for Hackney Groups
Voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations can apply for funding to deliver projects that support children and their families with the transition process from Key Stage 2 (8 to 11 year olds) to Key Stage 3 (11 to 14 year olds) under the Believe to Achieve grants programme This means children who are leaving primary schools to attend secondary schools.
You can apply for: Between £15,000 and £30,000
Closing date: 12 noon, Tuesday, 5 May 2009
There is an application support workshop: 10am - 3pm, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 (see more information below)
Who can apply?
Voluntary and Community Sector organisations working with children or with parents or carers of children who are currently in this transition process.
Organisations must have a governing document, a bank account in their own name, an annual turnover of less than £1million and a management committee made up of volunteers.
How do I apply?
Please contact Nadia Capogrosso on 020 7923 1962 or email nadia@hcvs.org.uk You can download an application pack from the website: http://www.hcvs.org.uk/en/pages/funding-grants/b2a.aspx
Need help with your application?
The CVS at Hackney is holding an application support workshop on Tuesday, 7 April from 10am to 3pm at HCVS. To book your place, please download a booking form: http://www.hcvs.org.uk/EN/store/grants06-07/LT%20Clusters%202009/b2A_workshops.doc
Hackney Council for Voluntary Service (HCVS) has been commissioned by The Learning Trust to deliver the ‘Believe to Achieve’ Grants Programme with funding allocated by Team Hackney.
Apply for funding for community projects in Hackney
Grants of £5,000 and £50,000 available through Team Hackney Community Grants
2009/10: http://www.hcvs.org.uk/en/pages/funding-grants/thch09.aspx
News & Information Roundup
New Compact in November
The Compact is to be revised. Sir Bert Massie, the Commissioner for the Compact, will lead on the redraft of the Compact at the request of third sector minister Kevin Brennan. A new version of the national Compact will be published in November.
The Compact has not been revised since former Prime Minister Tony Blair established it in 1998 to outline how the voluntary and public sectors should behave towards each other.
The approach will be to take what is best from the existing documents rather than start from scratch. This will ensure that the new version takes into account recent developments in law, policy and practice. The Office of the Third Sector and Compact Voice are also establishing a cross-sector advisory panel to oversee the issues the new version should cover. Commissioning is expected to feature prominently.
£70 Million Migrants Impact Fund Announced
Government had announced details of a new £70 million fund to support communities in managing local pressures from migration which can place pressures on local public services including councils, schools, the NHS and the police.
Although all regions of England will receive a proportion of the funding, the amount each receives will be weighted towards the areas where international migration has had the greatest short-term impact.
Funding will be allocated to local projects from Government Offices working closely with local partners, and will be particularly targeted at projects which have identified innovative solutions to migration-related pressures - where possible involving and benefiting a number of local services.
To be considered for funding, projects must be able to demonstrate that they bring benefits to the settled, as well as the migrant community in an area. For example, additional English language provision for migrants will mean reducing the cost to public services from translation and interpretation.
In addition, ‘economic migrants’ and students coming to the UK from outside the EU will be charged a levy in addition to their normal visa application fee. The revenue will form the Migrants Impact Fund. The Fund will mean that migrants are being asked to pay an additional contribution to that which they already make through taxes, to support the communities in which they live. The funding amounts to £35 million in the first year and subject to a review in the autumn of the migrant fees being received, a similar amount in 2010/11.
Migrant and refugee community organisations influencing policy
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published a report entitled 'Change from Experience' on a partnership which explored how migrant and refugee community organisations influence policies and practices crucial to the lives of their communities. Read the report http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/migrant-refugee-community-organisations-influence
The Compact is to be revised. Sir Bert Massie, the Commissioner for the Compact, will lead on the redraft of the Compact at the request of third sector minister Kevin Brennan. A new version of the national Compact will be published in November.
The Compact has not been revised since former Prime Minister Tony Blair established it in 1998 to outline how the voluntary and public sectors should behave towards each other.
The approach will be to take what is best from the existing documents rather than start from scratch. This will ensure that the new version takes into account recent developments in law, policy and practice. The Office of the Third Sector and Compact Voice are also establishing a cross-sector advisory panel to oversee the issues the new version should cover. Commissioning is expected to feature prominently.
£70 Million Migrants Impact Fund Announced
Government had announced details of a new £70 million fund to support communities in managing local pressures from migration which can place pressures on local public services including councils, schools, the NHS and the police.
Although all regions of England will receive a proportion of the funding, the amount each receives will be weighted towards the areas where international migration has had the greatest short-term impact.
Funding will be allocated to local projects from Government Offices working closely with local partners, and will be particularly targeted at projects which have identified innovative solutions to migration-related pressures - where possible involving and benefiting a number of local services.
To be considered for funding, projects must be able to demonstrate that they bring benefits to the settled, as well as the migrant community in an area. For example, additional English language provision for migrants will mean reducing the cost to public services from translation and interpretation.
In addition, ‘economic migrants’ and students coming to the UK from outside the EU will be charged a levy in addition to their normal visa application fee. The revenue will form the Migrants Impact Fund. The Fund will mean that migrants are being asked to pay an additional contribution to that which they already make through taxes, to support the communities in which they live. The funding amounts to £35 million in the first year and subject to a review in the autumn of the migrant fees being received, a similar amount in 2010/11.
Migrant and refugee community organisations influencing policy
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published a report entitled 'Change from Experience' on a partnership which explored how migrant and refugee community organisations influence policies and practices crucial to the lives of their communities. Read the report http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/migrant-refugee-community-organisations-influence
Policy Updates & Briefing
Tackling Race Inequalities an invitation to send in views and comments
The Government has produced a discussion document, ‘Tackling Race Inequalities’ to seek views and comments on its priorities for tackling race inequalities. Government has said that the views and comments received will enable it determine where to concentrate resources. Comments are being sought from charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, local authorities, businesses, schools, universities and more.
The discussion document and its responses will enable government look afresh at its strategy for tackling race inequality however it is not intended to identify a single approach to tackling race inequality. Government hopes to start up a wide ranging discussion about the ways in which it’s approach to race equality might develop.
The discussion document aims to investigate the following:
What should a government race equality strategy look like?
How does tackling inequality fit with a broader equality and fairness agenda?
And how to strengthen the society to tackle race inequalities?
The discussion document states that the impact of the economic downturn holds challenges for particular ethnic groups as a result of their specific circumstances. The Government wants to take action to address this situation to ensure that these communities are not excluded from any recovery.
Some of the questions which government seeks views on include:
• How to make race equality maintain a distinct profile within a wider
programme of work to address multiple disadvantages?
• Which are the priority areas for government action on race equality?
• What practical measures should be taken to address disadvantage experienced
by different Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups?
• What role does the voluntary and community sector play in prioritising race
equality at a local level?
The discussion document available at http://my.dotmailer.com/CmpDoc/2008/697/1616_discussion-document.pdf?dm_i=JD,QQ9,52G1J,1MLF,1
The document will be closed for comments on 18 May 2009
‘Duty to Involve’
From 1st April this year, Local Authorities will have a duty to involve representatives of local people in decisions and functions that affect them. The Duty to Involve is contained in the Community Empowerment White Paper 2008(but before that in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill) and government has now produced the accompanying guidance. See: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/strongsafeprosperous
With the ‘Duty to involve,’ Government aims to mainstream and embed community empowerment in all the functions of the authority and involve, ‘representatives of local persons’ meaning those likely to be affected by, or interested in the given issue in the authority. This group will include, those that work, study or live in the area, businesses, voluntary and community groups. In addition, Local Authorities are expected to actively seek the engagement of groups that are typically excluded from mainstream empowerment activity which includes BAMER communities.
Local Authorities are also expected to consider the most appropriate way of involving ‘representatives of local persons’ and to actively engage these by providing information, consulting and involving in other ways.
The Guidance recommends that authorities consider directly involving communities in:
• influencing or directly participating in decision making
• providing feedback on decisions, services, policies and outcomes
• co-designing/working with the authority in designing policies and
services (for instance they can be involved in the commissioning of services)
• co-producing/carring out some aspects of services for themselves
• working with the authority in assessing services
BAMER communities have historically experienced exclusion from decision making and the ‘Duty to Involve’ places a responsibility on Local Councils to actively seek to engage them. The ‘Duty to Involve’ also means that more avenues for representation and engagement have opened up for BAMER communities to engage in local decision making.
A case is also being put forward for councils and their Local Strategic Partners (LSPs) to put together Comprehensive Community Engagement Strategies as a means of streamlining and co-ordinating and 'joining up' the range of engagement practices undertaken by different partners and services in the local area. More information about Comprehensive Community Engagement Strategies can be found at http://www.urbanforum.org.uk/handy-guides/a-practical-guide-to-developing-your-comprehensive-community-engagement-strategy
Involve which is a not-for-profit public participation specialist organisation are offering free mentoring sessions across England and Wales to help identify key issues around involvement, and help build the best possible involvement strategy. If you would like to register for a session please contact: duty2involve@involve.org.uk.
In addition and to further support the case for Local Authorities working actively, to seek involvement from the diverse communities within their local area, research by the National Programme for Third Sector Commissioning has shown that involving communities more in the design and delivery of public services achieves better value for money.
See more information at http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=6583598#contents-1e
The London Assembly has produced a response to the Mayor's draft Equalities Framework
The response is intended to offer a constructive contribution to the development and implementation of the framework. Overall the response welcomes the production of the draft equalities framework and supports many of the aspirations for instance to increase purchasing from smaller organisations led by people from under-represented groups. In addition the response contains 12 recommendations, including:
• that the next draft of the framework usefully identify the evidence on what
has been achieved to date and what the key priorities and opportunities are
for further interventions.
• that GLA should direct its resources and efforts to those areas where it has
the potential to make a real difference, and that the draft framework should
be focused and targeted towards those areas.
• that final version of the framework should categorise the desired outcomes
into short, medium and long term outcomes, which could then inform plans for
short, medium and long term interventions and initiatives.
• equalities impact assessments for draft mayoral strategies be published
alongside the strategies.
• the framework should set out clearly the actions to be taken and the targets
to be achieved by each organisation within the GLA group.
• the information showing the representation of minority groups within the GLA
and functional bodies be included in the quarterly monitoring information
provided to the Budget and Performance Committee.
• the final version of the draft framework should set out who the key external
partners are in the delivery of the Mayor’s vision, and what the
arrangements will be for them to be fully involved in the implementation of
the framework.
See the full response at: http://www.london.gov.uk/assembly/reports/general/bmac-equalities-response.pdf
London Development Agency (LDA) Investment Strategy
In line with Government requirements, the LDA is producing an Investment Strategy and Business Plan. This Investment Strategy will outline the LDA’s goals from April 2009 to March 2013. The public consultation for the Investment Strategy and Business Plan has now closed (on 26th January 2009) and a full consultation report will be produced and made publicly available in Spring 2009.
However London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC) is doing around Investment Strategy, LVSC would like to hear from organisations working on employment and skills issues. This will enable LVSC in their strategic work in this area – both in relation to LDA commissioning itself, and also in relation to strategic policy work.
BAMER organisations working within the employment and skills area can use this opportunity to inform LVSC of their priorities and the issues for their communities and as LVSC already works in partnership with the LDA and the London Skills and Employment Board, these ideas will be fed into both of these strategic bodies.
If you would like to be involved in this, please e-mail policy@lvsc.org.uk.
The Government has produced a discussion document, ‘Tackling Race Inequalities’ to seek views and comments on its priorities for tackling race inequalities. Government has said that the views and comments received will enable it determine where to concentrate resources. Comments are being sought from charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, local authorities, businesses, schools, universities and more.
The discussion document and its responses will enable government look afresh at its strategy for tackling race inequality however it is not intended to identify a single approach to tackling race inequality. Government hopes to start up a wide ranging discussion about the ways in which it’s approach to race equality might develop.
The discussion document aims to investigate the following:
What should a government race equality strategy look like?
How does tackling inequality fit with a broader equality and fairness agenda?
And how to strengthen the society to tackle race inequalities?
The discussion document states that the impact of the economic downturn holds challenges for particular ethnic groups as a result of their specific circumstances. The Government wants to take action to address this situation to ensure that these communities are not excluded from any recovery.
Some of the questions which government seeks views on include:
• How to make race equality maintain a distinct profile within a wider
programme of work to address multiple disadvantages?
• Which are the priority areas for government action on race equality?
• What practical measures should be taken to address disadvantage experienced
by different Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups?
• What role does the voluntary and community sector play in prioritising race
equality at a local level?
The discussion document available at http://my.dotmailer.com/CmpDoc/2008/697/1616_discussion-document.pdf?dm_i=JD,QQ9,52G1J,1MLF,1
The document will be closed for comments on 18 May 2009
‘Duty to Involve’
From 1st April this year, Local Authorities will have a duty to involve representatives of local people in decisions and functions that affect them. The Duty to Involve is contained in the Community Empowerment White Paper 2008(but before that in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill) and government has now produced the accompanying guidance. See: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/strongsafeprosperous
With the ‘Duty to involve,’ Government aims to mainstream and embed community empowerment in all the functions of the authority and involve, ‘representatives of local persons’ meaning those likely to be affected by, or interested in the given issue in the authority. This group will include, those that work, study or live in the area, businesses, voluntary and community groups. In addition, Local Authorities are expected to actively seek the engagement of groups that are typically excluded from mainstream empowerment activity which includes BAMER communities.
Local Authorities are also expected to consider the most appropriate way of involving ‘representatives of local persons’ and to actively engage these by providing information, consulting and involving in other ways.
The Guidance recommends that authorities consider directly involving communities in:
• influencing or directly participating in decision making
• providing feedback on decisions, services, policies and outcomes
• co-designing/working with the authority in designing policies and
services (for instance they can be involved in the commissioning of services)
• co-producing/carring out some aspects of services for themselves
• working with the authority in assessing services
BAMER communities have historically experienced exclusion from decision making and the ‘Duty to Involve’ places a responsibility on Local Councils to actively seek to engage them. The ‘Duty to Involve’ also means that more avenues for representation and engagement have opened up for BAMER communities to engage in local decision making.
A case is also being put forward for councils and their Local Strategic Partners (LSPs) to put together Comprehensive Community Engagement Strategies as a means of streamlining and co-ordinating and 'joining up' the range of engagement practices undertaken by different partners and services in the local area. More information about Comprehensive Community Engagement Strategies can be found at http://www.urbanforum.org.uk/handy-guides/a-practical-guide-to-developing-your-comprehensive-community-engagement-strategy
Involve which is a not-for-profit public participation specialist organisation are offering free mentoring sessions across England and Wales to help identify key issues around involvement, and help build the best possible involvement strategy. If you would like to register for a session please contact: duty2involve@involve.org.uk.
In addition and to further support the case for Local Authorities working actively, to seek involvement from the diverse communities within their local area, research by the National Programme for Third Sector Commissioning has shown that involving communities more in the design and delivery of public services achieves better value for money.
See more information at http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=6583598#contents-1e
The London Assembly has produced a response to the Mayor's draft Equalities Framework
The response is intended to offer a constructive contribution to the development and implementation of the framework. Overall the response welcomes the production of the draft equalities framework and supports many of the aspirations for instance to increase purchasing from smaller organisations led by people from under-represented groups. In addition the response contains 12 recommendations, including:
• that the next draft of the framework usefully identify the evidence on what
has been achieved to date and what the key priorities and opportunities are
for further interventions.
• that GLA should direct its resources and efforts to those areas where it has
the potential to make a real difference, and that the draft framework should
be focused and targeted towards those areas.
• that final version of the framework should categorise the desired outcomes
into short, medium and long term outcomes, which could then inform plans for
short, medium and long term interventions and initiatives.
• equalities impact assessments for draft mayoral strategies be published
alongside the strategies.
• the framework should set out clearly the actions to be taken and the targets
to be achieved by each organisation within the GLA group.
• the information showing the representation of minority groups within the GLA
and functional bodies be included in the quarterly monitoring information
provided to the Budget and Performance Committee.
• the final version of the draft framework should set out who the key external
partners are in the delivery of the Mayor’s vision, and what the
arrangements will be for them to be fully involved in the implementation of
the framework.
See the full response at: http://www.london.gov.uk/assembly/reports/general/bmac-equalities-response.pdf
London Development Agency (LDA) Investment Strategy
In line with Government requirements, the LDA is producing an Investment Strategy and Business Plan. This Investment Strategy will outline the LDA’s goals from April 2009 to March 2013. The public consultation for the Investment Strategy and Business Plan has now closed (on 26th January 2009) and a full consultation report will be produced and made publicly available in Spring 2009.
However London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC) is doing around Investment Strategy, LVSC would like to hear from organisations working on employment and skills issues. This will enable LVSC in their strategic work in this area – both in relation to LDA commissioning itself, and also in relation to strategic policy work.
BAMER organisations working within the employment and skills area can use this opportunity to inform LVSC of their priorities and the issues for their communities and as LVSC already works in partnership with the LDA and the London Skills and Employment Board, these ideas will be fed into both of these strategic bodies.
If you would like to be involved in this, please e-mail policy@lvsc.org.uk.
BNRRN Policy E-Bulletin 3rd April 09
Policy Updates & Briefing
Tackling Race Inequalities an invitation to send in views and comments
The Government has produced a discussion document, ‘Tackling Race Inequalities’ to seek views and comments on its priorities for tackling race inequalities. Government has said that the views and comments received will enable it determine where to concentrate resources. Comments are being sought from charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, local authorities, businesses, schools, universities and more.
The discussion document and its responses will enable government look afresh at its strategy for tackling race inequality however it is not intended to identify a single approach to tackling race inequality. Government hopes to start up a wide ranging discussion about the ways in which it’s approach to race equality might develop.
The discussion document aims to investigate the following:
What should a government race equality strategy look like?
How does tackling inequality fit with a broader equality and fairness agenda?
And how to strengthen the society to tackle race inequalities?
The discussion document states that the impact of the economic downturn holds challenges for particular ethnic groups as a result of their specific circumstances. The Government wants to take action to address this situation to ensure that these communities are not excluded from any recovery.
Some of the questions which government seeks views on include:
• How to make race equality maintain a distinct profile within a wider
programme of work to address multiple disadvantages?
• Which are the priority areas for government action on race equality?
• What practical measures should be taken to address disadvantage experienced
by different Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups?
• What role does the voluntary and community sector play in prioritising race
equality at a local level?
The discussion document available at http://my.dotmailer.com/CmpDoc/2008/697/1616_discussion-document.pdf?dm_i=JD,QQ9,52G1J,1MLF,1
The document will be closed for comments on 18 May 2009
‘A Duty to Involve’
From 1st April this year, Local Authorities will have a duty to involve representatives of local people in decisions and functions that affect them. The Duty to Involve is contained in the Community Empowerment White Paper 2008(but before that in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill) and government has now produced the accompanying guidance. See: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/strongsafeprosperous
With the ‘Duty to involve,’ Government aims to mainstream and embed community empowerment in all the functions of the authority and involve, ‘representatives of local persons’ meaning those likely to be affected by, or interested in the given issue in the authority. This group will include, those that work, study or live in the area, businesses, voluntary and community groups. In addition, Local Authorities are expected to actively seek the engagement of groups that are typically excluded from mainstream empowerment activity which includes BAMER communities.
Local Authorities are also expected to consider the most appropriate way of involving ‘representatives of local persons’ and to actively engage these by providing information, consulting and involving in other ways.
The Guidance recommends that authorities consider directly involving communities in:
• influencing or directly participating in decision making
• providing feedback on decisions, services, policies and outcomes
• co-designing/working with the authority in designing policies and
services (for instance they can be involved in the commissioning of services)
• co-producing/carring out some aspects of services for themselves
• working with the authority in assessing services
BAMER communities have historically experienced exclusion from decision making and the ‘Duty to Involve’ places a responsibility on Local Councils to actively seek to engage them. The ‘Duty to Involve’ also means that more avenues for representation and engagement have opened up for BAMER communities to engage in local decision making.
A case is also being put forward for councils and their Local Strategic Partners (LSPs) to put together Comprehensive Community Engagement Strategies as a means of streamlining and co-ordinating and 'joining up' the range of engagement practices undertaken by different partners and services in the local area. More information about Comprehensive Community Engagement Strategies can be found at http://www.urbanforum.org.uk/handy-guides/a-practical-guide-to-developing-your-comprehensive-community-engagement-strategy
Involve which is a not-for-profit public participation specialist organisation are offering free mentoring sessions across England and Wales to help identify key issues around involvement, and help build the best possible involvement strategy. If you would like to register for a session please contact: duty2involve@involve.org.uk.
In addition and to further support the case for Local Authorities working actively, to seek involvement from the diverse communities within their local area, research by the National Programme for Third Sector Commissioning has shown that involving communities more in the design and delivery of public services achieves better value for money.
See more information at http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=6583598#contents-1e
The London Assembly has produced a response to the Mayor's draft Equalities Framework
The response is intended to offer a constructive contribution to the development and implementation of the framework. Overall the response welcomes the production of the draft equalities framework and supports many of the aspirations for instance to increase purchasing from smaller organisations led by people from under-represented groups. In addition the response contains 12 recommendations, including:
• that the next draft of the framework usefully identify the evidence on what
has been achieved to date and what the key priorities and opportunities are
for further interventions.
• that GLA should direct its resources and efforts to those areas where it has
the potential to make a real difference, and that the draft framework should
be focused and targeted towards those areas.
• that final version of the framework should categorise the desired outcomes
into short, medium and long term outcomes, which could then inform plans for
short, medium and long term interventions and initiatives.
• equalities impact assessments for draft mayoral strategies be published
alongside the strategies.
• the framework should set out clearly the actions to be taken and the targets
to be achieved by each organisation within the GLA group.
• the information showing the representation of minority groups within the GLA
and functional bodies be included in the quarterly monitoring information
provided to the Budget and Performance Committee.
• the final version of the draft framework should set out who the key external
partners are in the delivery of the Mayor’s vision, and what the
arrangements will be for them to be fully involved in the implementation of
the framework.
See the full response at: http://www.london.gov.uk/assembly/reports/general/bmac-equalities-response.pdf
London Development Agency (LDA) Investment Strategy
In line with Government requirements, the LDA is producing an Investment Strategy and Business Plan. This Investment Strategy will outline the LDA’s goals from April 2009 to March 2013. The public consultation for the Investment Strategy and Business Plan has now closed (on 26th January 2009) and a full consultation report will be produced and made publicly available in Spring 2009.
However London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC) is doing around Investment Strategy, LVSC would like to hear from organisations working on employment and skills issues. This will enable LVSC in their strategic work in this area – both in relation to LDA commissioning itself, and also in relation to strategic policy work.
BAMER organisations working within the employment and skills area can use this opportunity to inform LVSC of their priorities and the issues for their communities and as LVSC already works in partnership with the LDA and the London Skills and Employment Board, these ideas will be fed into both of these strategic bodies.
If you would like to be involved in this, please e-mail policy@lvsc.org.uk.
News & Information Roundup
New Compact in November
The Compact is to be revised. Sir Bert Massie, the Commissioner for the Compact, will lead on the redraft of the Compact at the request of third sector minister Kevin Brennan. A new version of the national Compact will be published in November.
The Compact has not been revised since former Prime Minister Tony Blair established it in 1998 to outline how the voluntary and public sectors should behave towards each other.
The approach will be to take what is best from the existing documents rather than start from scratch. This will ensure that the new version takes into account recent developments in law, policy and practice. The Office of the Third Sector and Compact Voice are also establishing a cross-sector advisory panel to oversee the issues the new version should cover. Commissioning is expected to feature prominently.
£70 Million Migrants Impact Fund Announced
Government had announced details of a new £70 million fund to support communities in managing local pressures from migration which can place pressures on local public services including councils, schools, the NHS and the police.
Although all regions of England will receive a proportion of the funding, the amount each receives will be weighted towards the areas where international migration has had the greatest short-term impact.
Funding will be allocated to local projects from Government Offices working closely with local partners, and will be particularly targeted at projects which have identified innovative solutions to migration-related pressures - where possible involving and benefiting a number of local services.
To be considered for funding, projects must be able to demonstrate that they bring benefits to the settled, as well as the migrant community in an area. For example, additional English language provision for migrants will mean reducing the cost to public services from translation and interpretation.
In addition, ‘economic migrants’ and students coming to the UK from outside the EU will be charged a levy in addition to their normal visa application fee. The revenue will form the Migrants Impact Fund. The Fund will mean that migrants are being asked to pay an additional contribution to that which they already make through taxes, to support the communities in which they live. The funding amounts to £35 million in the first year and subject to a review in the autumn of the migrant fees being received, a similar amount in 2010/11.
Migrant and refugee community organisations influencing policy
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published a report entitled 'Change from Experience' on a partnership which explored how migrant and refugee community organisations influence policies and practices crucial to the lives of their communities. Read the report http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/migrant-refugee-community-organisations-influence
Events
Understanding & Resolving Conflict
17th April 2009, 10:00am – 4:30pm
Stratford Town Hall, London E15 4BQ
• How does conflict appear in our lives?
• What methods of dealing with conflict do refugees and migrants bring from
their countries of origin?
• What practical tools can we use to resolve conflict in our lives and in the
workplace?
The Evelyn Oldfield Unit invites you to explore these issues at this FREE introductory training session, in association with Conflict and Change. This event is open to representatives of refugee and migrant community organisations and second tier organisations who work closely with these groups.
Attached is a leaflet about the course, and a booking form which you can fill in and return to request a place. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
For more information, please speak to a member of the Development Team on 020 7700 8213.
Women: your Local Council needs you!
Interested in local issues? Have you got the commitment and drive to make change and champion issues in your area?
Find out more about how you can get involved and make a difference in your community at a FREE event on Friday 24 April 2009 from 10.00am 2.00pm at Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, London WC1H 9JE.
Community representatives and local councillors play a vital role in their communities and women are being encouraged to become councillors especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds.
At the event you will hear from Baroness Uddin, Chair of the ‘Women Councillors Taskforce’, Councillor Maya de Souza, Taskforce Member, and other councillors speak about how they got involved in public life.
To register please go to: www.livegroup.co.uk/BAME or telephone 020 8481 3375 or Email: BAME@livegroup.co.uk For more information visit www.equalities.gov.uk
Young People and Violent Crime National Conference: Innovative Solutions through Multi-Agency Working
Date: Thursday 30th April 2009, Time: 10:00am – 4:15pm (followed by networking reception), Venue: One Birdcage Walk, Westminster, London
The perceived escalation of knife-possession and gang-related violence has prompted the Government to launch new measures to tackle youth crime; particularly to address the growing street weapon culture that is destroying so many young lives. In 2008, three major action plans were unveiled with the aim of sending out a strong and clear message that violent crime and disorder in all its forms will no longer be tolerated:
• Saving Lives. Reducing Harm. Protecting the Public: An Action Plan for
Tackling Violence 2008-11
• The Youth Crime Action Plan
• The Youth Alcohol Action Plan
With a recent report estimating that up to 50,000 teenagers are involved in gang culture, the drive to seek innovative and joined-up solutions has never been more paramount.
This major one-day national conference, hosted by the Centre for Parliamentary Studies, provides an opportunity for local practitioners to assess the progress of the action plans in relation to tackling youth violence. Delegates will consider how the ‘triple track’ approach of prevention, enforcement and punishment and can be implemented fully and effectively at the local level, bringing closer together the work of police, probation, local authorities, health services and education authorities.
You can register at http://publicpolicyexchange.co.uk/register.php
For further details, please call 0845 606 1535.
Introduction to Sustainable Funding
Tuesday 12 May 2009, 10am - 5pm, Venue: HCVS, 84 Springfield House,
5 Tyssen Street London E8 2LY
Are you reliant on one grants source and looking to find alternative sources of funding? NCVO’s Sustainable Funding Project encourages and enables voluntary and community organisations to explore and exploit a full range of funding and financing options to develop a sustainable funding mix.
Development Advisor, Maneesha Sharma is hosting this free workshop led by NCVO to give you the awareness, understanding, enthusiasm and information to think further and different avenues to funding.
Issues covered include:
• Income diversification – exploring a sustainable and diverse funding mix of
income sources
• An introduction to planning Full cost recovery - being aware of both project
costs and overhead costs
• Earning – generating income through public service delivery and trading
goods and services
• Loan Finance – an introduction to the use of loans and other forms of
finance.
Contact Zelina at zelina@hcvs.org.uk or call 020 7923 1962 to book. A £25 deposit is required.
Get Funding!
The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation
This is a scheme for projects addressing mental health issues for prisoners and ex offenders.
A funding round is expected to begin in June and last for three years. Groups working in this field can contact the foundation for an initial discussion and will be sent further details closer to the time. You can contact the Grants Officer, by phoning, 020 7264 4990, or visit www.trusthousecharitablefoundation.org.uk/guide.pdf for more information
The LankellyChase Foundation
The foundation gives small grants of £500, to support Summer Activities. Schemes must benefit children between 5-17 years old. In 2009, the Foundation is keen to support activities for children and young people living in refuges, and for young carers. It also wants to see projects with strong volunteer support. Approximately 120 grants will be made throughout the UK.
Deadline: 8 May 2009. More info available at www.lankellychase.org.uk
Macmillan - funding for self-help cancer support groups
Macmillan Small Grants is a grants programme available to cancer self help and support groups across the UK. Up to £500 is available for new groups to help with their initial development and promotion, and up to £3,000 is available to existing groups for continuing development. Grants have been awarded for group activities and events, and purchase of resources such as computers and materials for use at information days. Please go to http://digbig.com/4xrrj or http://www.macmillan.org.uk for further information.
Funding for Hackney Groups
Voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations can apply for funding to deliver projects that support children and their families with the transition process from Key Stage 2 (8 to 11 year olds) to Key Stage 3 (11 to 14 year olds) under the Believe to Achieve grants programme This means children who are leaving primary schools to attend secondary schools.
You can apply for: Between £15,000 and £30,000
Closing date: 12 noon, Tuesday, 5 May 2009
There is an application support workshop: 10am - 3pm, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 (see more information below)
Who can apply?
Voluntary and Community Sector organisations working with children or with parents or carers of children who are currently in this transition process.
Organisations must have a governing document, a bank account in their own name, an annual turnover of less than £1million and a management committee made up of volunteers.
How do I apply?
Please contact Nadia Capogrosso on 020 7923 1962 or email nadia@hcvs.org.uk You can download an application pack from the website: http://www.hcvs.org.uk/en/pages/funding-grants/b2a.aspx
Need help with your application?
The CVS at Hackney is holding an application support workshop on Tuesday, 7 April from 10am to 3pm at HCVS. To book your place, please download a booking form: http://www.hcvs.org.uk/EN/store/grants06-07/LT%20Clusters%202009/b2A_workshops.doc
Hackney Council for Voluntary Service (HCVS) has been commissioned by The Learning Trust to deliver the ‘Believe to Achieve’ Grants Programme with funding allocated by Team Hackney.
Apply for funding for community projects in Hackney
Grants of £5,000 and £50,000 available through Team Hackney Community Grants
2009/10: http://www.hcvs.org.uk/en/pages/funding-grants/thch09.aspx
Vacancies, Volunteering & Training
Training - LVSC: Community Leaders Development Programme: Ready Steady Start
Are you starting a new community group?
Has your voluntary organisation been established recently?
Ready Steady Start is an interactive training course for anyone involved in setting up a new organisation. It will equip you with the basic skills needed to set up a sustainable organisation. It will also encourage you to consider whether setting up an organisation is the right path for your group. It is a FREE interactive training course consisting of one full day and three half day sessions:
Step 1 - 5th May 09 Setting up a sustainable organisation
Step 2 - 6th May 09 Project Development
Step 3 – 12th May 09 Governance
Step 4 - 13th May 09 New to Fundraising
Participants are expected to attend the full course and will receive a certificate from LVSC. Call 020 7700 8110 or email karin@lvsc.org.uk for more information on how to apply for your free place.
Influencing Planning Decisions in your Borough - FREE Training 8th May 2009
If you want to know:
• How to influence planning decisions in your borough
• How the Local Development Framework and Sustainable Community Strategy can
be used for your advantage
Then this 1 day FREE training event is for you.
The East London CVS Network is holding a FREE 1 day Training that will cover:
How planning policy is made
How to get involved and influence planning decisions locally
Demystifying Section 106 and the new Community Levy
Social return and how to use it as a tool in asset transfer negotiations
This training has been designed for infrastructure organisations across the East
London sub region and is aimed at managers and senior officers of infrastructure organisations who want to learn how their organisations can influence planning decisions.
[An infrastructure organisation is one that provides support to frontline voluntary and community organisations - Anyone representing their local Changeup Consortium or another consortium of organisations]
Please note: places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Also Notes: a refundable deposit of £50 is required to secure your place. This will be returned to you on the day of the course. Should you fail to attend or fail to send an alternative delegate in your place the £50 deposit WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.
To reserve a place please Email josephine.mason@elcvsnetwork.org.uk
MiNet Co-ordinator: £29,963 - £31,524 (NJC scale SO2 point 32 - 34), 5% pension
Race on the Agenda (ROTA) a social policy think-tank focusing on issues affecting Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities and the Third Sector that serves them, is looking to appoint a co-ordinator for MiNet, which is the London focused BAME network of networks, which joined ROTA in 2002 to strengthen the voice for London's BAME Third Sector in the development of regional policy.
This post offers the opportunity to lead on the development and delivery of the network, provide information on policy and provide a voice on the BAME implications of policy developments. You will need to have demonstradable experience in developing and supporting networks, knowledge of issues affecting the BAME Third Sector in London and some experience of management and income generation.
Closing Date for applications is Wednesday 22nd April 2009 10:00am (by post or email). Successful candidates will be notified on Friday 24th April 2009 to attend an interview on Wednesday 29nd April 2009. ROTA would like the successful candidate to start as soon as possible.
Volunteering- A Community Volunteer Panel Member (CVPM)
A Community Volunteer Panel Member (CVPM) is required for the Hackney Youth Offending Team. Please contact: Sherma Charles, Referral Order Support Worker, Hackney Youth Offending Team on 020 8356 1031 / 1090 or sherma_charles@hackney.gov.uk for more information.
Hackney Voluntary Action (HVA) is the Volunteer Centre for Hackney offering support to organisations in volunteer recruitment, retention, recognition and appreciation. Contact Hackney Voluntary Action on 020 7241 4443 or info@hackneyvoluntaryaction.org.uk for more information on volunteering in Hackney.
BNRRN Profiles & Member Notices
Black and Ethnic Minority Working Group (BEMWG)
Black and Ethnic Minority Working Group (BEMWG) is a Health Forum set up with the purpose of improving the quality of health and social services for black and ethnic minority communities in City and Hackney.
BEMWG works both independently and proactively to reduce inequalities in health and social services for black and ethnic minority communities and to ensure that black and ethnic minority communities receive the type of services that are accessible and culturally appropriate to their needs.
BEMWG works mainly with black and ethnic minority community groups interested in health and social care issues, and those who are refugees and asylum seekers experiencing discrimination and disadvantage.
The scale of inequalities and deprivation within the locality of The City and Hackney amongst black and ethnic minority communities has underlined the need for BEMWG.
BEMWG has a membership questionnaire out to find out information about the needs, partnership work intentions and barriers of organisations working in hackney. If you are an organization working in hackney and would like to participate in the brief survey, please contact For more information ring 020 7923 2229 or 020 7275 9875 or E-mail post@bemwg.org.uk or visit the website www.bemwg.org.uk
Questions & Answers
What is the Compact?
From www.thecompact.org.uk
The Compact is about better partnership working and creating better outcomes for individuals and local communities.
Established in 1998, the Compact is an agreement between Government and the voluntary and community sector in England. It recognises shared values, principles and commitments and sets out guidelines for how both parties should work together.
Although the Compact is not legally binding and is built on trust and mutual goodwill, its authority is derived from its endorsement by government and by the voluntary and community sector itself through its consultation process.
Five Codes of Practice underpin the Compact. They cover:
• Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Voluntary and Community Organisations
• Community Groups
• Consultation and Policy Appraisal
• Funding and Procurement
• Volunteering
The Compact and its Codes apply to:
• Central Government Departments, including Government Offices for the Regions
• Executive Non-Departmental Public Bodies, which have a relationship with the
voluntary and community sector
• A range of organisations in the voluntary and community sector
For more information please see http://www.thecompact.org.uk/
BNRRN Project Updates
BNRRN's Engagement Project, which is aimed at enabling BAMER organisations engage better with their local structures (like the council and the Primary Care Trust, and other local initiatives), continues, with work in the boroughs of Hackney and Ealing. BNRRN will work in these boroughs for the next six months (from February). If you are an organisation local to Hackney and Ealing and would like to find out more about this project, please contact Abul Helal or Gloria Oham on 0208 981 3003.
RESCOURCES
Green office guide for charities
A new guide to help third sector organisations 'green' their offices has been released as part of the government-sponsored environmental initiative Every Action Counts.
Changing the Way We Work, aimed specifically at voluntary sector groups, gives advice on how to save energy and resources, source ethically and travel wisely.
Every Action Counts is an initiative from a consortium of environmental and community groups, led by the Community Development Foundation and supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The guide is available from the Every Action Counts website
http://www.everyactioncounts.org.uk/
Tackling Race Inequalities an invitation to send in views and comments
The Government has produced a discussion document, ‘Tackling Race Inequalities’ to seek views and comments on its priorities for tackling race inequalities. Government has said that the views and comments received will enable it determine where to concentrate resources. Comments are being sought from charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, local authorities, businesses, schools, universities and more.
The discussion document and its responses will enable government look afresh at its strategy for tackling race inequality however it is not intended to identify a single approach to tackling race inequality. Government hopes to start up a wide ranging discussion about the ways in which it’s approach to race equality might develop.
The discussion document aims to investigate the following:
What should a government race equality strategy look like?
How does tackling inequality fit with a broader equality and fairness agenda?
And how to strengthen the society to tackle race inequalities?
The discussion document states that the impact of the economic downturn holds challenges for particular ethnic groups as a result of their specific circumstances. The Government wants to take action to address this situation to ensure that these communities are not excluded from any recovery.
Some of the questions which government seeks views on include:
• How to make race equality maintain a distinct profile within a wider
programme of work to address multiple disadvantages?
• Which are the priority areas for government action on race equality?
• What practical measures should be taken to address disadvantage experienced
by different Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups?
• What role does the voluntary and community sector play in prioritising race
equality at a local level?
The discussion document available at http://my.dotmailer.com/CmpDoc/2008/697/1616_discussion-document.pdf?dm_i=JD,QQ9,52G1J,1MLF,1
The document will be closed for comments on 18 May 2009
‘A Duty to Involve’
From 1st April this year, Local Authorities will have a duty to involve representatives of local people in decisions and functions that affect them. The Duty to Involve is contained in the Community Empowerment White Paper 2008(but before that in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill) and government has now produced the accompanying guidance. See: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/strongsafeprosperous
With the ‘Duty to involve,’ Government aims to mainstream and embed community empowerment in all the functions of the authority and involve, ‘representatives of local persons’ meaning those likely to be affected by, or interested in the given issue in the authority. This group will include, those that work, study or live in the area, businesses, voluntary and community groups. In addition, Local Authorities are expected to actively seek the engagement of groups that are typically excluded from mainstream empowerment activity which includes BAMER communities.
Local Authorities are also expected to consider the most appropriate way of involving ‘representatives of local persons’ and to actively engage these by providing information, consulting and involving in other ways.
The Guidance recommends that authorities consider directly involving communities in:
• influencing or directly participating in decision making
• providing feedback on decisions, services, policies and outcomes
• co-designing/working with the authority in designing policies and
services (for instance they can be involved in the commissioning of services)
• co-producing/carring out some aspects of services for themselves
• working with the authority in assessing services
BAMER communities have historically experienced exclusion from decision making and the ‘Duty to Involve’ places a responsibility on Local Councils to actively seek to engage them. The ‘Duty to Involve’ also means that more avenues for representation and engagement have opened up for BAMER communities to engage in local decision making.
A case is also being put forward for councils and their Local Strategic Partners (LSPs) to put together Comprehensive Community Engagement Strategies as a means of streamlining and co-ordinating and 'joining up' the range of engagement practices undertaken by different partners and services in the local area. More information about Comprehensive Community Engagement Strategies can be found at http://www.urbanforum.org.uk/handy-guides/a-practical-guide-to-developing-your-comprehensive-community-engagement-strategy
Involve which is a not-for-profit public participation specialist organisation are offering free mentoring sessions across England and Wales to help identify key issues around involvement, and help build the best possible involvement strategy. If you would like to register for a session please contact: duty2involve@involve.org.uk.
In addition and to further support the case for Local Authorities working actively, to seek involvement from the diverse communities within their local area, research by the National Programme for Third Sector Commissioning has shown that involving communities more in the design and delivery of public services achieves better value for money.
See more information at http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=6583598#contents-1e
The London Assembly has produced a response to the Mayor's draft Equalities Framework
The response is intended to offer a constructive contribution to the development and implementation of the framework. Overall the response welcomes the production of the draft equalities framework and supports many of the aspirations for instance to increase purchasing from smaller organisations led by people from under-represented groups. In addition the response contains 12 recommendations, including:
• that the next draft of the framework usefully identify the evidence on what
has been achieved to date and what the key priorities and opportunities are
for further interventions.
• that GLA should direct its resources and efforts to those areas where it has
the potential to make a real difference, and that the draft framework should
be focused and targeted towards those areas.
• that final version of the framework should categorise the desired outcomes
into short, medium and long term outcomes, which could then inform plans for
short, medium and long term interventions and initiatives.
• equalities impact assessments for draft mayoral strategies be published
alongside the strategies.
• the framework should set out clearly the actions to be taken and the targets
to be achieved by each organisation within the GLA group.
• the information showing the representation of minority groups within the GLA
and functional bodies be included in the quarterly monitoring information
provided to the Budget and Performance Committee.
• the final version of the draft framework should set out who the key external
partners are in the delivery of the Mayor’s vision, and what the
arrangements will be for them to be fully involved in the implementation of
the framework.
See the full response at: http://www.london.gov.uk/assembly/reports/general/bmac-equalities-response.pdf
London Development Agency (LDA) Investment Strategy
In line with Government requirements, the LDA is producing an Investment Strategy and Business Plan. This Investment Strategy will outline the LDA’s goals from April 2009 to March 2013. The public consultation for the Investment Strategy and Business Plan has now closed (on 26th January 2009) and a full consultation report will be produced and made publicly available in Spring 2009.
However London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC) is doing around Investment Strategy, LVSC would like to hear from organisations working on employment and skills issues. This will enable LVSC in their strategic work in this area – both in relation to LDA commissioning itself, and also in relation to strategic policy work.
BAMER organisations working within the employment and skills area can use this opportunity to inform LVSC of their priorities and the issues for their communities and as LVSC already works in partnership with the LDA and the London Skills and Employment Board, these ideas will be fed into both of these strategic bodies.
If you would like to be involved in this, please e-mail policy@lvsc.org.uk.
News & Information Roundup
New Compact in November
The Compact is to be revised. Sir Bert Massie, the Commissioner for the Compact, will lead on the redraft of the Compact at the request of third sector minister Kevin Brennan. A new version of the national Compact will be published in November.
The Compact has not been revised since former Prime Minister Tony Blair established it in 1998 to outline how the voluntary and public sectors should behave towards each other.
The approach will be to take what is best from the existing documents rather than start from scratch. This will ensure that the new version takes into account recent developments in law, policy and practice. The Office of the Third Sector and Compact Voice are also establishing a cross-sector advisory panel to oversee the issues the new version should cover. Commissioning is expected to feature prominently.
£70 Million Migrants Impact Fund Announced
Government had announced details of a new £70 million fund to support communities in managing local pressures from migration which can place pressures on local public services including councils, schools, the NHS and the police.
Although all regions of England will receive a proportion of the funding, the amount each receives will be weighted towards the areas where international migration has had the greatest short-term impact.
Funding will be allocated to local projects from Government Offices working closely with local partners, and will be particularly targeted at projects which have identified innovative solutions to migration-related pressures - where possible involving and benefiting a number of local services.
To be considered for funding, projects must be able to demonstrate that they bring benefits to the settled, as well as the migrant community in an area. For example, additional English language provision for migrants will mean reducing the cost to public services from translation and interpretation.
In addition, ‘economic migrants’ and students coming to the UK from outside the EU will be charged a levy in addition to their normal visa application fee. The revenue will form the Migrants Impact Fund. The Fund will mean that migrants are being asked to pay an additional contribution to that which they already make through taxes, to support the communities in which they live. The funding amounts to £35 million in the first year and subject to a review in the autumn of the migrant fees being received, a similar amount in 2010/11.
Migrant and refugee community organisations influencing policy
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published a report entitled 'Change from Experience' on a partnership which explored how migrant and refugee community organisations influence policies and practices crucial to the lives of their communities. Read the report http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/migrant-refugee-community-organisations-influence
Events
Understanding & Resolving Conflict
17th April 2009, 10:00am – 4:30pm
Stratford Town Hall, London E15 4BQ
• How does conflict appear in our lives?
• What methods of dealing with conflict do refugees and migrants bring from
their countries of origin?
• What practical tools can we use to resolve conflict in our lives and in the
workplace?
The Evelyn Oldfield Unit invites you to explore these issues at this FREE introductory training session, in association with Conflict and Change. This event is open to representatives of refugee and migrant community organisations and second tier organisations who work closely with these groups.
Attached is a leaflet about the course, and a booking form which you can fill in and return to request a place. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
For more information, please speak to a member of the Development Team on 020 7700 8213.
Women: your Local Council needs you!
Interested in local issues? Have you got the commitment and drive to make change and champion issues in your area?
Find out more about how you can get involved and make a difference in your community at a FREE event on Friday 24 April 2009 from 10.00am 2.00pm at Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, London WC1H 9JE.
Community representatives and local councillors play a vital role in their communities and women are being encouraged to become councillors especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds.
At the event you will hear from Baroness Uddin, Chair of the ‘Women Councillors Taskforce’, Councillor Maya de Souza, Taskforce Member, and other councillors speak about how they got involved in public life.
To register please go to: www.livegroup.co.uk/BAME or telephone 020 8481 3375 or Email: BAME@livegroup.co.uk For more information visit www.equalities.gov.uk
Young People and Violent Crime National Conference: Innovative Solutions through Multi-Agency Working
Date: Thursday 30th April 2009, Time: 10:00am – 4:15pm (followed by networking reception), Venue: One Birdcage Walk, Westminster, London
The perceived escalation of knife-possession and gang-related violence has prompted the Government to launch new measures to tackle youth crime; particularly to address the growing street weapon culture that is destroying so many young lives. In 2008, three major action plans were unveiled with the aim of sending out a strong and clear message that violent crime and disorder in all its forms will no longer be tolerated:
• Saving Lives. Reducing Harm. Protecting the Public: An Action Plan for
Tackling Violence 2008-11
• The Youth Crime Action Plan
• The Youth Alcohol Action Plan
With a recent report estimating that up to 50,000 teenagers are involved in gang culture, the drive to seek innovative and joined-up solutions has never been more paramount.
This major one-day national conference, hosted by the Centre for Parliamentary Studies, provides an opportunity for local practitioners to assess the progress of the action plans in relation to tackling youth violence. Delegates will consider how the ‘triple track’ approach of prevention, enforcement and punishment and can be implemented fully and effectively at the local level, bringing closer together the work of police, probation, local authorities, health services and education authorities.
You can register at http://publicpolicyexchange.co.uk/register.php
For further details, please call 0845 606 1535.
Introduction to Sustainable Funding
Tuesday 12 May 2009, 10am - 5pm, Venue: HCVS, 84 Springfield House,
5 Tyssen Street London E8 2LY
Are you reliant on one grants source and looking to find alternative sources of funding? NCVO’s Sustainable Funding Project encourages and enables voluntary and community organisations to explore and exploit a full range of funding and financing options to develop a sustainable funding mix.
Development Advisor, Maneesha Sharma is hosting this free workshop led by NCVO to give you the awareness, understanding, enthusiasm and information to think further and different avenues to funding.
Issues covered include:
• Income diversification – exploring a sustainable and diverse funding mix of
income sources
• An introduction to planning Full cost recovery - being aware of both project
costs and overhead costs
• Earning – generating income through public service delivery and trading
goods and services
• Loan Finance – an introduction to the use of loans and other forms of
finance.
Contact Zelina at zelina@hcvs.org.uk or call 020 7923 1962 to book. A £25 deposit is required.
Get Funding!
The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation
This is a scheme for projects addressing mental health issues for prisoners and ex offenders.
A funding round is expected to begin in June and last for three years. Groups working in this field can contact the foundation for an initial discussion and will be sent further details closer to the time. You can contact the Grants Officer, by phoning, 020 7264 4990, or visit www.trusthousecharitablefoundation.org.uk/guide.pdf for more information
The LankellyChase Foundation
The foundation gives small grants of £500, to support Summer Activities. Schemes must benefit children between 5-17 years old. In 2009, the Foundation is keen to support activities for children and young people living in refuges, and for young carers. It also wants to see projects with strong volunteer support. Approximately 120 grants will be made throughout the UK.
Deadline: 8 May 2009. More info available at www.lankellychase.org.uk
Macmillan - funding for self-help cancer support groups
Macmillan Small Grants is a grants programme available to cancer self help and support groups across the UK. Up to £500 is available for new groups to help with their initial development and promotion, and up to £3,000 is available to existing groups for continuing development. Grants have been awarded for group activities and events, and purchase of resources such as computers and materials for use at information days. Please go to http://digbig.com/4xrrj or http://www.macmillan.org.uk for further information.
Funding for Hackney Groups
Voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations can apply for funding to deliver projects that support children and their families with the transition process from Key Stage 2 (8 to 11 year olds) to Key Stage 3 (11 to 14 year olds) under the Believe to Achieve grants programme This means children who are leaving primary schools to attend secondary schools.
You can apply for: Between £15,000 and £30,000
Closing date: 12 noon, Tuesday, 5 May 2009
There is an application support workshop: 10am - 3pm, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 (see more information below)
Who can apply?
Voluntary and Community Sector organisations working with children or with parents or carers of children who are currently in this transition process.
Organisations must have a governing document, a bank account in their own name, an annual turnover of less than £1million and a management committee made up of volunteers.
How do I apply?
Please contact Nadia Capogrosso on 020 7923 1962 or email nadia@hcvs.org.uk You can download an application pack from the website: http://www.hcvs.org.uk/en/pages/funding-grants/b2a.aspx
Need help with your application?
The CVS at Hackney is holding an application support workshop on Tuesday, 7 April from 10am to 3pm at HCVS. To book your place, please download a booking form: http://www.hcvs.org.uk/EN/store/grants06-07/LT%20Clusters%202009/b2A_workshops.doc
Hackney Council for Voluntary Service (HCVS) has been commissioned by The Learning Trust to deliver the ‘Believe to Achieve’ Grants Programme with funding allocated by Team Hackney.
Apply for funding for community projects in Hackney
Grants of £5,000 and £50,000 available through Team Hackney Community Grants
2009/10: http://www.hcvs.org.uk/en/pages/funding-grants/thch09.aspx
Vacancies, Volunteering & Training
Training - LVSC: Community Leaders Development Programme: Ready Steady Start
Are you starting a new community group?
Has your voluntary organisation been established recently?
Ready Steady Start is an interactive training course for anyone involved in setting up a new organisation. It will equip you with the basic skills needed to set up a sustainable organisation. It will also encourage you to consider whether setting up an organisation is the right path for your group. It is a FREE interactive training course consisting of one full day and three half day sessions:
Step 1 - 5th May 09 Setting up a sustainable organisation
Step 2 - 6th May 09 Project Development
Step 3 – 12th May 09 Governance
Step 4 - 13th May 09 New to Fundraising
Participants are expected to attend the full course and will receive a certificate from LVSC. Call 020 7700 8110 or email karin@lvsc.org.uk for more information on how to apply for your free place.
Influencing Planning Decisions in your Borough - FREE Training 8th May 2009
If you want to know:
• How to influence planning decisions in your borough
• How the Local Development Framework and Sustainable Community Strategy can
be used for your advantage
Then this 1 day FREE training event is for you.
The East London CVS Network is holding a FREE 1 day Training that will cover:
How planning policy is made
How to get involved and influence planning decisions locally
Demystifying Section 106 and the new Community Levy
Social return and how to use it as a tool in asset transfer negotiations
This training has been designed for infrastructure organisations across the East
London sub region and is aimed at managers and senior officers of infrastructure organisations who want to learn how their organisations can influence planning decisions.
[An infrastructure organisation is one that provides support to frontline voluntary and community organisations - Anyone representing their local Changeup Consortium or another consortium of organisations]
Please note: places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Also Notes: a refundable deposit of £50 is required to secure your place. This will be returned to you on the day of the course. Should you fail to attend or fail to send an alternative delegate in your place the £50 deposit WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.
To reserve a place please Email josephine.mason@elcvsnetwork.org.uk
MiNet Co-ordinator: £29,963 - £31,524 (NJC scale SO2 point 32 - 34), 5% pension
Race on the Agenda (ROTA) a social policy think-tank focusing on issues affecting Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities and the Third Sector that serves them, is looking to appoint a co-ordinator for MiNet, which is the London focused BAME network of networks, which joined ROTA in 2002 to strengthen the voice for London's BAME Third Sector in the development of regional policy.
This post offers the opportunity to lead on the development and delivery of the network, provide information on policy and provide a voice on the BAME implications of policy developments. You will need to have demonstradable experience in developing and supporting networks, knowledge of issues affecting the BAME Third Sector in London and some experience of management and income generation.
Closing Date for applications is Wednesday 22nd April 2009 10:00am (by post or email). Successful candidates will be notified on Friday 24th April 2009 to attend an interview on Wednesday 29nd April 2009. ROTA would like the successful candidate to start as soon as possible.
Volunteering- A Community Volunteer Panel Member (CVPM)
A Community Volunteer Panel Member (CVPM) is required for the Hackney Youth Offending Team. Please contact: Sherma Charles, Referral Order Support Worker, Hackney Youth Offending Team on 020 8356 1031 / 1090 or sherma_charles@hackney.gov.uk for more information.
Hackney Voluntary Action (HVA) is the Volunteer Centre for Hackney offering support to organisations in volunteer recruitment, retention, recognition and appreciation. Contact Hackney Voluntary Action on 020 7241 4443 or info@hackneyvoluntaryaction.org.uk for more information on volunteering in Hackney.
BNRRN Profiles & Member Notices
Black and Ethnic Minority Working Group (BEMWG)
Black and Ethnic Minority Working Group (BEMWG) is a Health Forum set up with the purpose of improving the quality of health and social services for black and ethnic minority communities in City and Hackney.
BEMWG works both independently and proactively to reduce inequalities in health and social services for black and ethnic minority communities and to ensure that black and ethnic minority communities receive the type of services that are accessible and culturally appropriate to their needs.
BEMWG works mainly with black and ethnic minority community groups interested in health and social care issues, and those who are refugees and asylum seekers experiencing discrimination and disadvantage.
The scale of inequalities and deprivation within the locality of The City and Hackney amongst black and ethnic minority communities has underlined the need for BEMWG.
BEMWG has a membership questionnaire out to find out information about the needs, partnership work intentions and barriers of organisations working in hackney. If you are an organization working in hackney and would like to participate in the brief survey, please contact For more information ring 020 7923 2229 or 020 7275 9875 or E-mail post@bemwg.org.uk or visit the website www.bemwg.org.uk
Questions & Answers
What is the Compact?
From www.thecompact.org.uk
The Compact is about better partnership working and creating better outcomes for individuals and local communities.
Established in 1998, the Compact is an agreement between Government and the voluntary and community sector in England. It recognises shared values, principles and commitments and sets out guidelines for how both parties should work together.
Although the Compact is not legally binding and is built on trust and mutual goodwill, its authority is derived from its endorsement by government and by the voluntary and community sector itself through its consultation process.
Five Codes of Practice underpin the Compact. They cover:
• Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Voluntary and Community Organisations
• Community Groups
• Consultation and Policy Appraisal
• Funding and Procurement
• Volunteering
The Compact and its Codes apply to:
• Central Government Departments, including Government Offices for the Regions
• Executive Non-Departmental Public Bodies, which have a relationship with the
voluntary and community sector
• A range of organisations in the voluntary and community sector
For more information please see http://www.thecompact.org.uk/
BNRRN Project Updates
BNRRN's Engagement Project, which is aimed at enabling BAMER organisations engage better with their local structures (like the council and the Primary Care Trust, and other local initiatives), continues, with work in the boroughs of Hackney and Ealing. BNRRN will work in these boroughs for the next six months (from February). If you are an organisation local to Hackney and Ealing and would like to find out more about this project, please contact Abul Helal or Gloria Oham on 0208 981 3003.
RESCOURCES
Green office guide for charities
A new guide to help third sector organisations 'green' their offices has been released as part of the government-sponsored environmental initiative Every Action Counts.
Changing the Way We Work, aimed specifically at voluntary sector groups, gives advice on how to save energy and resources, source ethically and travel wisely.
Every Action Counts is an initiative from a consortium of environmental and community groups, led by the Community Development Foundation and supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The guide is available from the Every Action Counts website
http://www.everyactioncounts.org.uk/
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Resources
Get software donations from Microsoft and Symantec
Charity Technology Exchange (CTX) enables eligible charities to gain access to donations of the latest technology from major companies including Microsoft and Symantec. To see the full range of donors, available products and how to apply for a donation, go to www.ctxchange.org.
Do your members need to raise funds?
Would you ideally prefer unrestricted funds? Could you support your members more effectively in doing this? www.how2fundraise.org is a free online resource for volunteer fundraisers. It can help your members maximise their volunteer income while minimising risk, by telling volunteers how to fundraise successfully, safely and within the law.
Charity Technology Exchange (CTX) enables eligible charities to gain access to donations of the latest technology from major companies including Microsoft and Symantec. To see the full range of donors, available products and how to apply for a donation, go to www.ctxchange.org.
Do your members need to raise funds?
Would you ideally prefer unrestricted funds? Could you support your members more effectively in doing this? www.how2fundraise.org is a free online resource for volunteer fundraisers. It can help your members maximise their volunteer income while minimising risk, by telling volunteers how to fundraise successfully, safely and within the law.
Questions & Answers
What is a CVS and what functions do they perform?
A CVS (Councils for Voluntary Service) is an infrastructure organisation that provides a range of development and support services to voluntary and community organisations. In essence they enable voluntary and community organisations become more effective and efficient in serving the needs of their communities. Their role includes:
• Identifying and filling the gaps
• Raising standards
• Enabling communication and collaboration
• Providing a voice
• Promoting strategic involvement
What is meant by infrastructure organisation?
These are organisations concerned with and working primarily to ensure that Voluntary and Community organisations have the capacity to work effectively and that what they need for this to be the case is in place. Consequently infrastructure organisations will provide a fair bit of developmental services to voluntary and community organisations like training and information.
Most boroughs across England have infrastructure organizations.
Use this online tool to find your local CVS http://webdb.navca.org.uk/home.aspx
A CVS (Councils for Voluntary Service) is an infrastructure organisation that provides a range of development and support services to voluntary and community organisations. In essence they enable voluntary and community organisations become more effective and efficient in serving the needs of their communities. Their role includes:
• Identifying and filling the gaps
• Raising standards
• Enabling communication and collaboration
• Providing a voice
• Promoting strategic involvement
What is meant by infrastructure organisation?
These are organisations concerned with and working primarily to ensure that Voluntary and Community organisations have the capacity to work effectively and that what they need for this to be the case is in place. Consequently infrastructure organisations will provide a fair bit of developmental services to voluntary and community organisations like training and information.
Most boroughs across England have infrastructure organizations.
Use this online tool to find your local CVS http://webdb.navca.org.uk/home.aspx
Member Profile & Member Notices
London Civic Forum
London Civic Forum is a network of 1300 full member organisations and associate individual members, from the capital’s private, public and not-for-profit sectors including black, asian and minority ethnic groups, faith groups, disabled people’s organisations, young people’s organisations, older people’s groups, disabled and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people’s groups.
The Civic Forum brings these together to strengthen civil society by which is meant, the people and organisations outside of government and for-profit business that strengthen associational life, common values and a space for public debate. They work in partnership with other umbrella or second tier organisations in London and closely with institutions that have responsibility for the governance of London.
The London Civic Forum offers member organisations the chance to:
• Be involved in debates on proposed policy changes, which might affect your work
• Work in partnership with a wide variety of other organisations on issues which matter to Londoners
• Gain access to the various parts of London government enabling you to get your interests heard
• Learn with others how London works and gain new participation skills
• Keep up to date with key events around the capital
• Raise the profile of the work you are doing in London
More info at www.londoncivicforum.org.uk, or call 020 87099770
London Civic Forum is a network of 1300 full member organisations and associate individual members, from the capital’s private, public and not-for-profit sectors including black, asian and minority ethnic groups, faith groups, disabled people’s organisations, young people’s organisations, older people’s groups, disabled and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people’s groups.
The Civic Forum brings these together to strengthen civil society by which is meant, the people and organisations outside of government and for-profit business that strengthen associational life, common values and a space for public debate. They work in partnership with other umbrella or second tier organisations in London and closely with institutions that have responsibility for the governance of London.
The London Civic Forum offers member organisations the chance to:
• Be involved in debates on proposed policy changes, which might affect your work
• Work in partnership with a wide variety of other organisations on issues which matter to Londoners
• Gain access to the various parts of London government enabling you to get your interests heard
• Learn with others how London works and gain new participation skills
• Keep up to date with key events around the capital
• Raise the profile of the work you are doing in London
More info at www.londoncivicforum.org.uk, or call 020 87099770
Vacancies, Volunteering & Training
Children and Young People’s Organisational Support Officer LVSC
SO2 (£29,963 - £31,527) inc. LW 35 hours per week, permanent, based in N7 Ref: CYP/PN/1
Role: with strong communication and organisational skills, you will develop, commission and deliver a broad package of organisational and developmental support to eighteen front-line organisations funded by London Councils to work with Children and Young People.
Based within the Policy and Networks team, you will provide tailored events, training and consultancy for a range of groups working with disadvantaged children and young people, those at risk of involvement with violent crime and with those vulnerable to bullying.
This is a new post, operating in a highly visible area of policy, which brings with it some acute challenges – but you’ll be joining a dedicated team of second tier specialists, supporting front line organisations in meeting the needs of the Londoners they serve.
Closing date is 12 noon, Friday 20th March. Interviews are expected to take place in the first week of April. For an application pack: email cleo@lvsc.org.uk; download from www.lvsc.org.uk (go to Jobs) or telephone 020 7700 8107.
Vacancy- Community Engagement Officer, Salary: £30662 - £31511 p.a. incl. ILW
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 to recruit a Community Engagement Officer.
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 in civic life, governance & leadership roles.
Applicants must have proven knowledge & experience of community development & empowerment, sustainable capacity building training activities, voluntary and statutory sector structures, governance & planning mechanisms.
Excellent communication skills & ability to engage & empower individuals & groups from diverse BME communities is essential.
The post is based in Southall and Job Sharers are welcomed. Deadline for applications: 16th March 2009 by 5pm. For more information or an application, please call 020 8571 7928 or email leadership@taha.org.uk
Vacancy-Community Development Work Learning and Qualifications Pilot
London Civic Forum is currently advertising for a position to deliver a Learning and Qualifications Pilot for community development work. They welcome applications from both consultants and those interested in a short term contract.
This is a piece of work which aims to improve the uptake of existing learning and qualification programmes, and to develop new opportunities for community development workers.
The deadline for applications is Monday 16th March 2009. Interviews will be held during the w/b 23rd March and the post-holder will start at the beginning of April 2009.
For more information an application pack and is you have any queries please contact Hannah Peaker on: E hannah@londoncivicforum.org.uk
T 020 8709 9775
Training-A chance to learn more about community trading and new income streams
The Income Generation workstream, funded by Capacitybuilders and led by Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO), has launched a training project for development staff from support providers to help them gain insight and skills in community trading and social enterprise.
With a mix of online and residential participation, the aim is to equip support organisations with the skills they need to help third sector organisations, especially community groups, understand how to grow and diversify income by exploring, through the business planning process, trading activities and new income streams. The first programme starts in May. More information at www.improvingsupport.org.uk/income/news/community-trading.html To book your place please contact Joel Martinez on 0207 812 1692, or email joel.martinez@tht.org.uk
Free training courses for organisations working within African Communities that promote awareness, reduction and management of HIV.
Terrence Higgins Trust is running the following courses
Governance and Running an Effective Management Committee
10:00 to 16:30, Tuesday 17th March 2009 or Tuesday 31st March 2009
This one day course will help provide you with information to understand the role of your Management Committee and develop your skills to provide strong governance to your organisation. It will help you see how all members are responsible for strengthening the organisation and delivering results. You will also explore the range of documents legally required by a board of Trustees. The course will also assist you in:
• Appreciating the seven principles of the Code of Governance for small community organisations.
• Understanding the role of the Management Committee.
• Identifying how to strengthen governance in your organisation.
• Motivating all members to achieve set standards.
• Exploring the purpose and range of governance documentation that is required.
• Appreciating the benefits of a committee with a range of experience.
For more information contact Justin Barrett on 0207 812 1727, or email Learning@tht.org.uk
Research for Your Fundraising Bids
10:00 to 16:30 - Tuesday 11th March 2009
For any fundraising bid it is important that your research demonstrates to funders that the services you are proposing to deliver are required and that you have done your market research. This course will help you develop the methods you can use to do your research, not only for funding bids, but also to help set the strategic direction of your organisation. The course will help you to:
• Identify what research needs to be done for community organisations.
• Understand the purpose of research and the benefits.
• Explore different research methods to produce tangible data and evidence
For more information contact Justin Barrett on 0207 812 1727, or email Learning@tht.org.uk
Training - Women4Change Seminar
Friday 27th March 2009; 1:00 – 4:30pm, Harrow Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow HA1 2XF
TAHA's seminar is part of a series of events organised within their Women4Change programme and aims to:
• Provide perspectives & presentations on the under-representation of women from Black Minority Ethnic & Refuge & Migrant (BME) communities within elected & appointed positions, decision-making structures.
• Examine the barriers that still exist to BMER women’s engagement and participation within diverse BME communities, community leadership & community organisations as well as within mainstream public independent & political institutions, civic roles and leadership positions For more information and to book please call 020 8571 7928 or email leadership@taha.org.uk
SO2 (£29,963 - £31,527) inc. LW 35 hours per week, permanent, based in N7 Ref: CYP/PN/1
Role: with strong communication and organisational skills, you will develop, commission and deliver a broad package of organisational and developmental support to eighteen front-line organisations funded by London Councils to work with Children and Young People.
Based within the Policy and Networks team, you will provide tailored events, training and consultancy for a range of groups working with disadvantaged children and young people, those at risk of involvement with violent crime and with those vulnerable to bullying.
This is a new post, operating in a highly visible area of policy, which brings with it some acute challenges – but you’ll be joining a dedicated team of second tier specialists, supporting front line organisations in meeting the needs of the Londoners they serve.
Closing date is 12 noon, Friday 20th March. Interviews are expected to take place in the first week of April. For an application pack: email cleo@lvsc.org.uk; download from www.lvsc.org.uk (go to Jobs) or telephone 020 7700 8107.
Vacancy- Community Engagement Officer, Salary: £30662 - £31511 p.a. incl. ILW
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 to recruit a Community Engagement Officer.
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 in civic life, governance & leadership roles.
Applicants must have proven knowledge & experience of community development & empowerment, sustainable capacity building training activities, voluntary and statutory sector structures, governance & planning mechanisms.
Excellent communication skills & ability to engage & empower individuals & groups from diverse BME communities is essential.
The post is based in Southall and Job Sharers are welcomed. Deadline for applications: 16th March 2009 by 5pm. For more information or an application, please call 020 8571 7928 or email leadership@taha.org.uk
Vacancy-Community Development Work Learning and Qualifications Pilot
London Civic Forum is currently advertising for a position to deliver a Learning and Qualifications Pilot for community development work. They welcome applications from both consultants and those interested in a short term contract.
This is a piece of work which aims to improve the uptake of existing learning and qualification programmes, and to develop new opportunities for community development workers.
The deadline for applications is Monday 16th March 2009. Interviews will be held during the w/b 23rd March and the post-holder will start at the beginning of April 2009.
For more information an application pack and is you have any queries please contact Hannah Peaker on: E hannah@londoncivicforum.org.uk
T 020 8709 9775
Training-A chance to learn more about community trading and new income streams
The Income Generation workstream, funded by Capacitybuilders and led by Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO), has launched a training project for development staff from support providers to help them gain insight and skills in community trading and social enterprise.
With a mix of online and residential participation, the aim is to equip support organisations with the skills they need to help third sector organisations, especially community groups, understand how to grow and diversify income by exploring, through the business planning process, trading activities and new income streams. The first programme starts in May. More information at www.improvingsupport.org.uk/income/news/community-trading.html To book your place please contact Joel Martinez on 0207 812 1692, or email joel.martinez@tht.org.uk
Free training courses for organisations working within African Communities that promote awareness, reduction and management of HIV.
Terrence Higgins Trust is running the following courses
Governance and Running an Effective Management Committee
10:00 to 16:30, Tuesday 17th March 2009 or Tuesday 31st March 2009
This one day course will help provide you with information to understand the role of your Management Committee and develop your skills to provide strong governance to your organisation. It will help you see how all members are responsible for strengthening the organisation and delivering results. You will also explore the range of documents legally required by a board of Trustees. The course will also assist you in:
• Appreciating the seven principles of the Code of Governance for small community organisations.
• Understanding the role of the Management Committee.
• Identifying how to strengthen governance in your organisation.
• Motivating all members to achieve set standards.
• Exploring the purpose and range of governance documentation that is required.
• Appreciating the benefits of a committee with a range of experience.
For more information contact Justin Barrett on 0207 812 1727, or email Learning@tht.org.uk
Research for Your Fundraising Bids
10:00 to 16:30 - Tuesday 11th March 2009
For any fundraising bid it is important that your research demonstrates to funders that the services you are proposing to deliver are required and that you have done your market research. This course will help you develop the methods you can use to do your research, not only for funding bids, but also to help set the strategic direction of your organisation. The course will help you to:
• Identify what research needs to be done for community organisations.
• Understand the purpose of research and the benefits.
• Explore different research methods to produce tangible data and evidence
For more information contact Justin Barrett on 0207 812 1727, or email Learning@tht.org.uk
Training - Women4Change Seminar
Friday 27th March 2009; 1:00 – 4:30pm, Harrow Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow HA1 2XF
TAHA's seminar is part of a series of events organised within their Women4Change programme and aims to:
• Provide perspectives & presentations on the under-representation of women from Black Minority Ethnic & Refuge & Migrant (BME) communities within elected & appointed positions, decision-making structures.
• Examine the barriers that still exist to BMER women’s engagement and participation within diverse BME communities, community leadership & community organisations as well as within mainstream public independent & political institutions, civic roles and leadership positions For more information and to book please call 020 8571 7928 or email leadership@taha.org.uk
Get Funding!
Arts Council England
This programme is now open.
Grants for the arts are for individuals, arts organisations and other people who use the arts in their work. They are for activities carried out over a set period and which engage people in England in arts activities, and help artists and arts organisations in England carry out their work.
• Grants to individuals normally range from £1,000 up to £30,000, and can cover activities lasting up to three years.
• Grants to organisations range from £1,000 up to £100,000, and can cover activities lasting up to three years.
Please visit www.artscouncil.org.uk or call 0845 300 6200 for further details.
Big Lottery Fund
The Big Lottery Fund version of the Awards for All programme will fund not-for-profit and community groups, schools and health organisations, and parish and town councils whose project will meet one of these four aims:
• Enabling people have better chances in life, with better access to training and development to improve their life skills.
• Stronger communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems.
• Improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to enjoy.
• Healthier and more active people and communities.
You can apply at any time, for between £300 and £10,000, for projects that are completed within 12 months. This programme will open on 1 April 2009. Please visit www.awardsforall.org.uk or call 0845 4 10 20 30 for further details.
Small grants for groups in England – Lottery Funding
Below is an outline of the funding programmes that will be available to groups in England from each lottery distributor following changes to the Awards for All programme.
Heritage Lottery Fund
Heritage Lottery Fund run two small grant schemes: Young Roots provides grants of between £3,000 and £25,000 and aims to involve 13-25 year-olds in finding out about their heritage, developing skills, building confidence and promoting community involvement. And Your Heritage provides grants of between £3,000 and £50,000 to support projects that relate to the local, regional or national heritage of the UK, and that help people to learn about, look after, and take an active part in heritage.
For both the Young Roots Scheme and the Your Heritage Programme:
You can apply at any time for both schemes and you will receive a decision on your application within 10 weeks from your completed application being received.This programme is open now. Please visit www.hlf.org.uk or call 020 7591 6042 for more information.
Sport England
Sport England’s small grants scheme will provide funding for activities that help more people to become involved in sport, sustain participation by ensuring people have a quality sporting experience or help people to improve their performance in their chosen sport.
Grants of between £300 and £10,000 will be available for revenue and small capital projects.
There will be a single-stage online application form, and they will offer advice and support to potential applicants. The whole process, from receipt of application to decision, will take no longer than six weeks.
The scheme will be open to not-for-profit sports clubs, voluntary or community organisations as well as local authorities and education establishments.
This programme will open in April 2009. Please visit www.sportengland.org or call 08458 508 508 for further details.
This programme is now open.
Grants for the arts are for individuals, arts organisations and other people who use the arts in their work. They are for activities carried out over a set period and which engage people in England in arts activities, and help artists and arts organisations in England carry out their work.
• Grants to individuals normally range from £1,000 up to £30,000, and can cover activities lasting up to three years.
• Grants to organisations range from £1,000 up to £100,000, and can cover activities lasting up to three years.
Please visit www.artscouncil.org.uk or call 0845 300 6200 for further details.
Big Lottery Fund
The Big Lottery Fund version of the Awards for All programme will fund not-for-profit and community groups, schools and health organisations, and parish and town councils whose project will meet one of these four aims:
• Enabling people have better chances in life, with better access to training and development to improve their life skills.
• Stronger communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems.
• Improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to enjoy.
• Healthier and more active people and communities.
You can apply at any time, for between £300 and £10,000, for projects that are completed within 12 months. This programme will open on 1 April 2009. Please visit www.awardsforall.org.uk or call 0845 4 10 20 30 for further details.
Small grants for groups in England – Lottery Funding
Below is an outline of the funding programmes that will be available to groups in England from each lottery distributor following changes to the Awards for All programme.
Heritage Lottery Fund
Heritage Lottery Fund run two small grant schemes: Young Roots provides grants of between £3,000 and £25,000 and aims to involve 13-25 year-olds in finding out about their heritage, developing skills, building confidence and promoting community involvement. And Your Heritage provides grants of between £3,000 and £50,000 to support projects that relate to the local, regional or national heritage of the UK, and that help people to learn about, look after, and take an active part in heritage.
For both the Young Roots Scheme and the Your Heritage Programme:
You can apply at any time for both schemes and you will receive a decision on your application within 10 weeks from your completed application being received.This programme is open now. Please visit www.hlf.org.uk or call 020 7591 6042 for more information.
Sport England
Sport England’s small grants scheme will provide funding for activities that help more people to become involved in sport, sustain participation by ensuring people have a quality sporting experience or help people to improve their performance in their chosen sport.
Grants of between £300 and £10,000 will be available for revenue and small capital projects.
There will be a single-stage online application form, and they will offer advice and support to potential applicants. The whole process, from receipt of application to decision, will take no longer than six weeks.
The scheme will be open to not-for-profit sports clubs, voluntary or community organisations as well as local authorities and education establishments.
This programme will open in April 2009. Please visit www.sportengland.org or call 08458 508 508 for further details.
Events
Faiths Forum for London(FFFL) - Regional Event 24 March
The next regional meeting of the Faiths Forum for London (FFFL) will hear the outcome of FFfLs survey of faith activity in London and of the faith mapping exercise identifying links between faith based, interfaith and multi-faith groups.
For more information on attending or how to be involved in the forum, please email harmander@londoncivicforum.org.uk or ring 020 8709 9778.
Building Safer Communities by Designing Out Crime Symposium
Date: Tuesday 31st March 2009
Time: 10:15am — 3:40pm (followed by networking drinks)
Venue: 1 Birdcage Walk, Westminster, London
Government has pledged to consolidate the work of the Design and Technology Alliance with a major expansion of the Designing Out Crime Initiative. This £1.6m programme will focus on several key areas:
• Schools - reduce problems such as bullying, fighting and petty theft
• 'Hot' products - make personal electronics more 'crime-proof'
• Housing - design-led crime reducing approaches in the planning of
neighbourhoods and construction of housing
• Alcohol-related crime – use design to reduce the harm caused by alcohol-related antisocial and criminal behaviour
• Business crime - use design to minimise crimes such as shoplifting and other forms of retail theft
This special Public Policy Exchange Symposium, hosted by the Centre for Parliamentary Studies, offers an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the contribution these latest developments can make towards developing a long-term national strategy for designing out crime. Delegates will have the opportunity to debate, share ideas and network with colleagues from across the community safety, policing, design/planning and government landscape.
For more information, contact parvin.madahar@publicpolicyexchange.co.uk or telephone 0845 606 1535.
Opportunity to participate in the Lord Mayor’s Show 2009
The City of London Corporation is providing a selection of community organisations with the opportunity to participate in the Lord Mayor’s Show 2009. The Lord Mayor’s Show is a colourful procession through the City of London and this year will take place on 14th November 2009. It marks the inauguration of the new Lord Mayor of the City of London, who will spend a year representing the City of London and the UK financial services industry at home and abroad.
With over 6,000 participants, 65 floats, 20 marching bands and 22 carriages the Lord Mayor’s Show is the largest parade of its kind in the world. The Show is televised live by the BBC to a domestic audience of 1.6 million. In 2008, half a million people lined the streets to join the celebrations.
The incoming Lord Mayor is keen for the Show to reflect the communities that neighbour the City of London and to provide local organisations with a platform to showcase the work they do with the community. The City of London Corporation’s Lord Mayor’s Show Community Involvement Scheme provides community organisations with an excellent opportunity to use art and music to engage its client group and to develop clients’ skills. Participants in previous years have found the day a rewarding experience and have gained a real sense of achievement.
The Scheme will provide successful organisations with the following support:
1) Free entry to the Show (normally costing approx £4,100);
2) Assistance from a Lord Mayor’s Show designer/producer, who will work with your organisation to design and produce your entry to the Show;
3) Up to £15,000 (+ VAT) per float to purchase materials and costumes and support a programme of work to involve your members or client group in preparing your entry.
If you would like to be considered for taking part in this Scheme, you will need to complete an application form and return it by Friday 3rd April. Please ring 020 7332 3176 for a form and further information.
The next regional meeting of the Faiths Forum for London (FFFL) will hear the outcome of FFfLs survey of faith activity in London and of the faith mapping exercise identifying links between faith based, interfaith and multi-faith groups.
For more information on attending or how to be involved in the forum, please email harmander@londoncivicforum.org.uk or ring 020 8709 9778.
Building Safer Communities by Designing Out Crime Symposium
Date: Tuesday 31st March 2009
Time: 10:15am — 3:40pm (followed by networking drinks)
Venue: 1 Birdcage Walk, Westminster, London
Government has pledged to consolidate the work of the Design and Technology Alliance with a major expansion of the Designing Out Crime Initiative. This £1.6m programme will focus on several key areas:
• Schools - reduce problems such as bullying, fighting and petty theft
• 'Hot' products - make personal electronics more 'crime-proof'
• Housing - design-led crime reducing approaches in the planning of
neighbourhoods and construction of housing
• Alcohol-related crime – use design to reduce the harm caused by alcohol-related antisocial and criminal behaviour
• Business crime - use design to minimise crimes such as shoplifting and other forms of retail theft
This special Public Policy Exchange Symposium, hosted by the Centre for Parliamentary Studies, offers an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the contribution these latest developments can make towards developing a long-term national strategy for designing out crime. Delegates will have the opportunity to debate, share ideas and network with colleagues from across the community safety, policing, design/planning and government landscape.
For more information, contact parvin.madahar@publicpolicyexchange.co.uk or telephone 0845 606 1535.
Opportunity to participate in the Lord Mayor’s Show 2009
The City of London Corporation is providing a selection of community organisations with the opportunity to participate in the Lord Mayor’s Show 2009. The Lord Mayor’s Show is a colourful procession through the City of London and this year will take place on 14th November 2009. It marks the inauguration of the new Lord Mayor of the City of London, who will spend a year representing the City of London and the UK financial services industry at home and abroad.
With over 6,000 participants, 65 floats, 20 marching bands and 22 carriages the Lord Mayor’s Show is the largest parade of its kind in the world. The Show is televised live by the BBC to a domestic audience of 1.6 million. In 2008, half a million people lined the streets to join the celebrations.
The incoming Lord Mayor is keen for the Show to reflect the communities that neighbour the City of London and to provide local organisations with a platform to showcase the work they do with the community. The City of London Corporation’s Lord Mayor’s Show Community Involvement Scheme provides community organisations with an excellent opportunity to use art and music to engage its client group and to develop clients’ skills. Participants in previous years have found the day a rewarding experience and have gained a real sense of achievement.
The Scheme will provide successful organisations with the following support:
1) Free entry to the Show (normally costing approx £4,100);
2) Assistance from a Lord Mayor’s Show designer/producer, who will work with your organisation to design and produce your entry to the Show;
3) Up to £15,000 (+ VAT) per float to purchase materials and costumes and support a programme of work to involve your members or client group in preparing your entry.
If you would like to be considered for taking part in this Scheme, you will need to complete an application form and return it by Friday 3rd April. Please ring 020 7332 3176 for a form and further information.
News & Information Roundup
BME organisations could withdraw support for equality bill
The Winning the Race Coalition, which was started by Voice4Change England and Race on the Agenda, has called for a meeting with Harriet Harman, the leader of the House of Commons, to discuss making changes to the new single equality bill. They say that black and minority ethnic voluntary sector organisations will find it difficult to support new equality laws unless the proposed legislation is changed. Among the changes called for by the coalition are an explicit legal duty to make sure public contracts are only awarded to private and third sector organisations that provide equal opportunities. The coalition is also calling for the bill to allow positive discrimination for access to employment, training or promotion.
Director of Voice 4Change England Vandna Gohil said that the Government would without doubt be looking to the BAMER sector to help deliver its equalities agenda, but that, "if it fails to engage with us on the framing of the bill then it will be difficult to support policy we had little say in."
The bill was included in the draft Queen's Speech last May and is expected to be introduced to Parliament this spring.
Invitation to Local Authorities to submit proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007
If you have an interest in how your community develops you could contact your Local Authority to encourage them to include your ideas in their proposal under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007.
The first formal invitation to local authorities to submit proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 has been issued. Councils have until 31 July 2009 to submit their proposals to the selector (the Local Government Association). Communities and Local Government has outlined the agreed process for making proposals and reaching decisions. More information is available online from: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/firstinvitation
Department of Health replaces to Section 64 grants scheme
The Department of Health has replaced its main grants scheme for the voluntary sector from 2009-10. Under it’s new system; the third Sector Investment Programme, it has awarded 11 voluntary organisations, £5.5m over the next three years to help plan health and social care spending and provide feedback from the sector.
The change from ‘Section 64’ grants to the ‘Third Sector Investment Programme’ comes after the Department of Health held a consultation with more than 700 third sector organisations on how it could improve its funding of the health and social care charity sector. This new programme has two strands: a strategic partner programme and an innovation, excellence and service development fund.
The funding programmes closed for applications on Monday 8 September 2008. Applications for funding in 2010-11 will be invited after April 2009. More information available at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/managingyourorganisation/financeandplanning/section64grants/index.htm
Mayor and Greater London Authority (GLA) - Outer London Commission
The Mayor has established an Outer London Commission to (1) Identify the extent to which outer London has unrealised potential to contribute to London’s economic success, the factors that are impeding it from doing so and the economic, social and environmental benefits that could be achieved and (2) Recommend policies and proposals for the future development of Outer London to the Mayor for inclusion in the London Plan, its associated supplementary guidance and other GLA Group strategies and guidance. See www.london.gov.uk/mayor/planning/olc/outer.londoncommission@london.gov.uk for more information.
The Winning the Race Coalition, which was started by Voice4Change England and Race on the Agenda, has called for a meeting with Harriet Harman, the leader of the House of Commons, to discuss making changes to the new single equality bill. They say that black and minority ethnic voluntary sector organisations will find it difficult to support new equality laws unless the proposed legislation is changed. Among the changes called for by the coalition are an explicit legal duty to make sure public contracts are only awarded to private and third sector organisations that provide equal opportunities. The coalition is also calling for the bill to allow positive discrimination for access to employment, training or promotion.
Director of Voice 4Change England Vandna Gohil said that the Government would without doubt be looking to the BAMER sector to help deliver its equalities agenda, but that, "if it fails to engage with us on the framing of the bill then it will be difficult to support policy we had little say in."
The bill was included in the draft Queen's Speech last May and is expected to be introduced to Parliament this spring.
Invitation to Local Authorities to submit proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007
If you have an interest in how your community develops you could contact your Local Authority to encourage them to include your ideas in their proposal under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007.
The first formal invitation to local authorities to submit proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 has been issued. Councils have until 31 July 2009 to submit their proposals to the selector (the Local Government Association). Communities and Local Government has outlined the agreed process for making proposals and reaching decisions. More information is available online from: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/firstinvitation
Department of Health replaces to Section 64 grants scheme
The Department of Health has replaced its main grants scheme for the voluntary sector from 2009-10. Under it’s new system; the third Sector Investment Programme, it has awarded 11 voluntary organisations, £5.5m over the next three years to help plan health and social care spending and provide feedback from the sector.
The change from ‘Section 64’ grants to the ‘Third Sector Investment Programme’ comes after the Department of Health held a consultation with more than 700 third sector organisations on how it could improve its funding of the health and social care charity sector. This new programme has two strands: a strategic partner programme and an innovation, excellence and service development fund.
The funding programmes closed for applications on Monday 8 September 2008. Applications for funding in 2010-11 will be invited after April 2009. More information available at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/managingyourorganisation/financeandplanning/section64grants/index.htm
Mayor and Greater London Authority (GLA) - Outer London Commission
The Mayor has established an Outer London Commission to (1) Identify the extent to which outer London has unrealised potential to contribute to London’s economic success, the factors that are impeding it from doing so and the economic, social and environmental benefits that could be achieved and (2) Recommend policies and proposals for the future development of Outer London to the Mayor for inclusion in the London Plan, its associated supplementary guidance and other GLA Group strategies and guidance. See www.london.gov.uk/mayor/planning/olc/outer.londoncommission@london.gov.uk for more information.
Policy Updates & Briefing
BME Third Sector campaign to increase recognition of the positive contribution made by the Black and Minority Ethnic Third Sector
Voice4Change England’s is seeking your help in the ‘ Valuing the BME Third Sector’ campaign to increase recognition of the positive contributions made by the Black and Minority Ethnic Third Sector, in bonding communities and promoting equality. Organisations are being urged to Lobby their MPs, in support of the campaign.
Lack of visibility and a lack of understanding of the role of BME third sector organisations, is a key reason behind the disadvantage they suffer when it comes to securing funding. The result is a continuation of the historic under-resourcing that has limited the Sector’s ability to do more in reducing inequalities.
To raise the profile of the Sector and to build political support, Early Day Motion (EDM) No 620 Voice4Change, has been tabled by Alun Michael MP. Voice4Change needs organisations to support the effort by getting their MPs to both sign the EDM and engage with frontline services through meetings and project visits. Further information about the campaign and guidance on how you can write to your MP is available on Voice4Change website - http://www.voice4change-england.co.uk/valuing_the_bme_third_sector_campaign.html -
Place Satisfaction Survey
Every two years as part of the Comprehensive Area Assessment, all local authorities must carry out a place/quality of life survey. This survey is to discover local resident's views on a range of issues which affect their every days lives including crime, anti-social behaviour, street cleanliness, transport, health and general quality of life. The residents surveyed are randomly selected.
This survey replaces the Best Value Performance Indicators general satisfaction survey that was carried out every three years. It is a government requirement and all districts across the country will be asking the same questions so that national trends and comparisons can be made. Every London borough (and potentially the City of London) will be required to carry out the 'Place Survey' every two years.
Capturing local people's views, experiences and perceptions, means that the solutions for an area can reflect local views and priorities. The survey is also a way of tracking people's changing perceptions, including a way of determining whether interventions made in an area result in the right outcomes for local people for instance do people feel happier, healthier, safer etc?
The Place Survey of local boroughs, will eventually supply the data by which a number of national indicators will be measured. The national indicators will measure how well Government's priorities, as set out in the Comprehensive Spending Review- are being delivered by local government and local government partnerships.
The data will be published by Communities and Local Government – however local boroughs are expected to have a proactive communications strategy to disseminate the results widely.
Equality and Human Rights Commission Report on Police and Racism
10 years on from the publication of the Lawrence Inquiry report, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has put together a report on Police and Racism to consider what progress the police service has made in terms of race equality. The report considers four main themes:
• Employment, Training, Retention, and Promotion
• Stop and Search
• DNA database
• Race hate crimes
Employment
Recent statistics provide evidence of some progress in this area:
• For all staff, both civilian and sworn officers, the police has exceeded the Home Office target for ethnic minorities to make up at least 7% of the service in England and Wales by 2009. In 2007 the total was 8%.
• The proportion of ethnic minority officers has risen from 2% in 1999 to 3.9% (5,511 officers) in April 2007. However, the target of 7% will almost certainly not be met.
• The proportion of ethnic minorities who were successful police recruits increased from 6.3% to 10.7% of the total number of candidates during the first half of 2007-08.
• Nearly 12% of police community support officers are from ethnic minority groups.
• Targets on progression through the ranks have been met, in all but the very top levels.
• Ethnic minority officers do, however, have a higher resignation rate than white officers, particularly in the first six months of service.
Stop and search
Police statistics show that a decade after the Lawrence Inquiry report, black people are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white with Asian people twice as likely to be stopped and searched as white people.
The report expresses a concern that this disproportionate impact of stop and search on black people has shown no long term drop in the past 15 years and also with the Home Office making several significant changes to the way ‘stop and search’ is recorded.
DNA
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is against the database holding DNA samples and fingerprints of suspects who have been released or cleared as recently as October 2008. It also is of the belief that for the past 10 years the police service has failed to properly acknowledge or address the race equality impact of the database.
By the Commission’s calculations, more than 30% of all black males living in Britain are on the National DNA Database compared with about 10% of white males and 10% of Asian males. Estimates suggest that black men are about four times more likely than white men to have their DNA profiles stored on the police National DNA Database. This situation has the potential to result in race patterns on the database strengthening ‘ethnic profiling,’ also there is the possibility that samples or DNA records could be sold in the future to commercial research companies, for research such as trying to establish crimogenic genes in certain races.
Racist incidents
The Commission believes that overall there has been significant progress in the past 10 years in how the police deal with racist incidents and Figures from the latest British Crime Survey, indicate that the number of racially motivated incidents has fallen from 390,000 incidents in 1995 to 184,000 in 2006/07.
The majority of racist incidents are not reported to the police. Recorded racist incidents in England and Wales rose from nearly 14,000 in 1997/8 to 61,262 in 2006/7 and this rise in reported crime figures can be interpreted as a form of ‘success’, in the sense that the police and other agencies have been trying to encourage a greater level of reporting among victims of race crimes.
Conclusions
In some areas the police service is making clear progress in delivering race equality, however the Equality and Human Rights Commission has also identified issues and concerns that appear to have been ignored, and highlighted areas where initiatives are having little impact.
The report also contains recommendations.
Working in a consortium: a guide from Office of the Third Sector
BAMER organisations are being encouraged to work in consortiums, to enable them have greater access to funding. The Office of the Third Sector has produced a guide for third sector organisations involved or interested in being involved in public service delivery. The guide consists of an introduction to consortium working, a discussion on whether working in a consortium is right for the organization and a list of where to get more information and advice.
Why a consortium?
One of the key reasons to form a consortium is that it provides an organisation new opportunities to secure contracts which it would otherwise not have available. Other reasons for forming a consortium include to:
• Extend current activities, to include new ones for different client groups
• Deliver services in another geographical area
• Tender for a contract where the specification includes areas of activity the organization is unable to deliver
• Respond to another organisation which has approached with a view to joining a consortium; or
• Ensure the organisation continues to provide services to a particular client group
If the relationship is to be satisfactory for all parties, it requires: a shared vision; good communication; sound policies and procedures; effective financial, risk and environmental management systems; a clear understanding of the practical details including potential risks; and access to regularly updated relevant legislation.
Before an organisation takes any steps in the development of a consortium there are some key questions which it should be clear on in order not to loose organisational focus and to continue to meet it’s aims and objectives. These include:
• The organisations vision and values
• What is the organisations aim?
• Why the organisation wants to extend your operations?
• How it will measure success?
• What key Performance Indicators have been set for the expansion activity?
The guide also looks at potential pitfalls in developing a consortium and states that one of the most common is as a result of a lack of clarity of the purpose, structure and management arrangements for the consortium.
Organisations need to be aware that even if they deliver on their contractual requirements, they may still be liable because of the failure of one of the other consortium members. It is thus important that senior staff and governance of organizations think through possible implications and potential legal actions and consider how to mitigate these risks. A key area to explore is insurance and most financial risks can be insured but costs may be a prohibiting factor.
The guide strongly recommends that specialist legal advice be taken from the earliest stages in the development of a consortium, not just in relation to the drafting of the legal documentation for the consortium but also in ensuring that the formation of the consortium and the way in which the contract is to be delivered does not breach Competition Law. A copy of the guide is available from the link below.
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/107235/consortium%20guide%20final.pdf
Voice4Change England’s is seeking your help in the ‘ Valuing the BME Third Sector’ campaign to increase recognition of the positive contributions made by the Black and Minority Ethnic Third Sector, in bonding communities and promoting equality. Organisations are being urged to Lobby their MPs, in support of the campaign.
Lack of visibility and a lack of understanding of the role of BME third sector organisations, is a key reason behind the disadvantage they suffer when it comes to securing funding. The result is a continuation of the historic under-resourcing that has limited the Sector’s ability to do more in reducing inequalities.
To raise the profile of the Sector and to build political support, Early Day Motion (EDM) No 620 Voice4Change, has been tabled by Alun Michael MP. Voice4Change needs organisations to support the effort by getting their MPs to both sign the EDM and engage with frontline services through meetings and project visits. Further information about the campaign and guidance on how you can write to your MP is available on Voice4Change website - http://www.voice4change-england.co.uk/valuing_the_bme_third_sector_campaign.html -
Place Satisfaction Survey
Every two years as part of the Comprehensive Area Assessment, all local authorities must carry out a place/quality of life survey. This survey is to discover local resident's views on a range of issues which affect their every days lives including crime, anti-social behaviour, street cleanliness, transport, health and general quality of life. The residents surveyed are randomly selected.
This survey replaces the Best Value Performance Indicators general satisfaction survey that was carried out every three years. It is a government requirement and all districts across the country will be asking the same questions so that national trends and comparisons can be made. Every London borough (and potentially the City of London) will be required to carry out the 'Place Survey' every two years.
Capturing local people's views, experiences and perceptions, means that the solutions for an area can reflect local views and priorities. The survey is also a way of tracking people's changing perceptions, including a way of determining whether interventions made in an area result in the right outcomes for local people for instance do people feel happier, healthier, safer etc?
The Place Survey of local boroughs, will eventually supply the data by which a number of national indicators will be measured. The national indicators will measure how well Government's priorities, as set out in the Comprehensive Spending Review- are being delivered by local government and local government partnerships.
The data will be published by Communities and Local Government – however local boroughs are expected to have a proactive communications strategy to disseminate the results widely.
Equality and Human Rights Commission Report on Police and Racism
10 years on from the publication of the Lawrence Inquiry report, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has put together a report on Police and Racism to consider what progress the police service has made in terms of race equality. The report considers four main themes:
• Employment, Training, Retention, and Promotion
• Stop and Search
• DNA database
• Race hate crimes
Employment
Recent statistics provide evidence of some progress in this area:
• For all staff, both civilian and sworn officers, the police has exceeded the Home Office target for ethnic minorities to make up at least 7% of the service in England and Wales by 2009. In 2007 the total was 8%.
• The proportion of ethnic minority officers has risen from 2% in 1999 to 3.9% (5,511 officers) in April 2007. However, the target of 7% will almost certainly not be met.
• The proportion of ethnic minorities who were successful police recruits increased from 6.3% to 10.7% of the total number of candidates during the first half of 2007-08.
• Nearly 12% of police community support officers are from ethnic minority groups.
• Targets on progression through the ranks have been met, in all but the very top levels.
• Ethnic minority officers do, however, have a higher resignation rate than white officers, particularly in the first six months of service.
Stop and search
Police statistics show that a decade after the Lawrence Inquiry report, black people are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white with Asian people twice as likely to be stopped and searched as white people.
The report expresses a concern that this disproportionate impact of stop and search on black people has shown no long term drop in the past 15 years and also with the Home Office making several significant changes to the way ‘stop and search’ is recorded.
DNA
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is against the database holding DNA samples and fingerprints of suspects who have been released or cleared as recently as October 2008. It also is of the belief that for the past 10 years the police service has failed to properly acknowledge or address the race equality impact of the database.
By the Commission’s calculations, more than 30% of all black males living in Britain are on the National DNA Database compared with about 10% of white males and 10% of Asian males. Estimates suggest that black men are about four times more likely than white men to have their DNA profiles stored on the police National DNA Database. This situation has the potential to result in race patterns on the database strengthening ‘ethnic profiling,’ also there is the possibility that samples or DNA records could be sold in the future to commercial research companies, for research such as trying to establish crimogenic genes in certain races.
Racist incidents
The Commission believes that overall there has been significant progress in the past 10 years in how the police deal with racist incidents and Figures from the latest British Crime Survey, indicate that the number of racially motivated incidents has fallen from 390,000 incidents in 1995 to 184,000 in 2006/07.
The majority of racist incidents are not reported to the police. Recorded racist incidents in England and Wales rose from nearly 14,000 in 1997/8 to 61,262 in 2006/7 and this rise in reported crime figures can be interpreted as a form of ‘success’, in the sense that the police and other agencies have been trying to encourage a greater level of reporting among victims of race crimes.
Conclusions
In some areas the police service is making clear progress in delivering race equality, however the Equality and Human Rights Commission has also identified issues and concerns that appear to have been ignored, and highlighted areas where initiatives are having little impact.
The report also contains recommendations.
Working in a consortium: a guide from Office of the Third Sector
BAMER organisations are being encouraged to work in consortiums, to enable them have greater access to funding. The Office of the Third Sector has produced a guide for third sector organisations involved or interested in being involved in public service delivery. The guide consists of an introduction to consortium working, a discussion on whether working in a consortium is right for the organization and a list of where to get more information and advice.
Why a consortium?
One of the key reasons to form a consortium is that it provides an organisation new opportunities to secure contracts which it would otherwise not have available. Other reasons for forming a consortium include to:
• Extend current activities, to include new ones for different client groups
• Deliver services in another geographical area
• Tender for a contract where the specification includes areas of activity the organization is unable to deliver
• Respond to another organisation which has approached with a view to joining a consortium; or
• Ensure the organisation continues to provide services to a particular client group
If the relationship is to be satisfactory for all parties, it requires: a shared vision; good communication; sound policies and procedures; effective financial, risk and environmental management systems; a clear understanding of the practical details including potential risks; and access to regularly updated relevant legislation.
Before an organisation takes any steps in the development of a consortium there are some key questions which it should be clear on in order not to loose organisational focus and to continue to meet it’s aims and objectives. These include:
• The organisations vision and values
• What is the organisations aim?
• Why the organisation wants to extend your operations?
• How it will measure success?
• What key Performance Indicators have been set for the expansion activity?
The guide also looks at potential pitfalls in developing a consortium and states that one of the most common is as a result of a lack of clarity of the purpose, structure and management arrangements for the consortium.
Organisations need to be aware that even if they deliver on their contractual requirements, they may still be liable because of the failure of one of the other consortium members. It is thus important that senior staff and governance of organizations think through possible implications and potential legal actions and consider how to mitigate these risks. A key area to explore is insurance and most financial risks can be insured but costs may be a prohibiting factor.
The guide strongly recommends that specialist legal advice be taken from the earliest stages in the development of a consortium, not just in relation to the drafting of the legal documentation for the consortium but also in ensuring that the formation of the consortium and the way in which the contract is to be delivered does not breach Competition Law. A copy of the guide is available from the link below.
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/107235/consortium%20guide%20final.pdf
BNRRN Policy E-Bulletin 11th March 09
Policy Updates & Briefing
BME Third Sector campaign to increase recognition of the positive contribution made by the Black and Minority Ethnic Third Sector
Voice4Change England’s is seeking your help in the ‘ Valuing the BME Third Sector’ campaign to increase recognition of the positive contributions made by the Black and Minority Ethnic Third Sector, in bonding communities and promoting equality. Organisations are being urged to Lobby their MPs, in support of the campaign.
Lack of visibility and a lack of understanding of the role of BME third sector organisations, is a key reason behind the disadvantage they suffer when it comes to securing funding. The result is a continuation of the historic under-resourcing that has limited the Sector’s ability to do more in reducing inequalities.
To raise the profile of the Sector and to build political support, Early Day Motion (EDM) No 620 Voice4Change, has been tabled by Alun Michael MP. Voice4Change needs organisations to support the effort by getting their MPs to both sign the EDM and engage with frontline services through meetings and project visits. Further information about the campaign and guidance on how you can write to your MP is available on Voice4Change website - http://www.voice4change-england.co.uk/valuing_the_bme_third_sector_campaign.html -
Place Satisfaction Survey
Every two years as part of the Comprehensive Area Assessment, all local authorities must carry out a place/quality of life survey. This survey is to discover local resident's views on a range of issues which affect their every days lives including crime, anti-social behaviour, street cleanliness, transport, health and general quality of life. The residents surveyed are randomly selected.
This survey replaces the Best Value Performance Indicators general satisfaction survey that was carried out every three years. It is a government requirement and all districts across the country will be asking the same questions so that national trends and comparisons can be made. Every London borough (and potentially the City of London) will be required to carry out the 'Place Survey' every two years.
Capturing local people's views, experiences and perceptions, means that the solutions for an area can reflect local views and priorities. The survey is also a way of tracking people's changing perceptions, including a way of determining whether interventions made in an area result in the right outcomes for local people for instance do people feel happier, healthier, safer etc?
The Place Survey of local boroughs, will eventually supply the data by which a number of national indicators will be measured. The national indicators will measure how well Government's priorities, as set out in the Comprehensive Spending Review- are being delivered by local government and local government partnerships.
The data will be published by Communities and Local Government – however local boroughs are expected to have a proactive communications strategy to disseminate the results widely.
Equality and Human Rights Commission Report on Police and Racism
10 years on from the publication of the Lawrence Inquiry report, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has put together a report on Police and Racism to consider what progress the police service has made in terms of race equality. The report considers four main themes:
• Employment, Training, Retention, and Promotion
• Stop and Search
• DNA database
• Race hate crimes
Employment
Recent statistics provide evidence of some progress in this area:
• For all staff, both civilian and sworn officers, the police has exceeded the Home Office target for ethnic minorities to make up at least 7% of the service in England and Wales by 2009. In 2007 the total was 8%.
• The proportion of ethnic minority officers has risen from 2% in 1999 to 3.9% (5,511 officers) in April 2007. However, the target of 7% will almost certainly not be met.
• The proportion of ethnic minorities who were successful police recruits increased from 6.3% to 10.7% of the total number of candidates during the first half of 2007-08.
• Nearly 12% of police community support officers are from ethnic minority groups.
• Targets on progression through the ranks have been met, in all but the very top levels.
• Ethnic minority officers do, however, have a higher resignation rate than white officers, particularly in the first six months of service.
Stop and search
Police statistics show that a decade after the Lawrence Inquiry report, black people are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white with Asian people twice as likely to be stopped and searched as white people.
The report expresses a concern that this disproportionate impact of stop and search on black people has shown no long term drop in the past 15 years and also with the Home Office making several significant changes to the way ‘stop and search’ is recorded.
DNA
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is against the database holding DNA samples and fingerprints of suspects who have been released or cleared as recently as October 2008. It also is of the belief that for the past 10 years the police service has failed to properly acknowledge or address the race equality impact of the database.
By the Commission’s calculations, more than 30% of all black males living in Britain are on the National DNA Database compared with about 10% of white males and 10% of Asian males. Estimates suggest that black men are about four times more likely than white men to have their DNA profiles stored on the police National DNA Database. This situation has the potential to result in race patterns on the database strengthening ‘ethnic profiling,’ also there is the possibility that samples or DNA records could be sold in the future to commercial research companies, for research such as trying to establish crimogenic genes in certain races.
Racist incidents
The Commission believes that overall there has been significant progress in the past 10 years in how the police deal with racist incidents and Figures from the latest British Crime Survey, indicate that the number of racially motivated incidents has fallen from 390,000 incidents in 1995 to 184,000 in 2006/07.
The majority of racist incidents are not reported to the police. Recorded racist incidents in England and Wales rose from nearly 14,000 in 1997/8 to 61,262 in 2006/7 and this rise in reported crime figures can be interpreted as a form of ‘success’, in the sense that the police and other agencies have been trying to encourage a greater level of reporting among victims of race crimes.
Conclusions
In some areas the police service is making clear progress in delivering race equality, however the Equality and Human Rights Commission has also identified issues and concerns that appear to have been ignored, and highlighted areas where initiatives are having little impact.
The report also contains recommendations.
Working in a consortium: a guide from Office of the Third Sector
BAMER organisations are being encouraged to work in consortiums, to enable them have greater access to funding. The Office of the Third Sector has produced a guide for third sector organisations involved or interested in being involved in public service delivery. The guide consists of an introduction to consortium working, a discussion on whether working in a consortium is right for the organization and a list of where to get more information and advice.
Why a consortium?
One of the key reasons to form a consortium is that it provides an organisation new opportunities to secure contracts which it would otherwise not have available. Other reasons for forming a consortium include to:
• Extend current activities, to include new ones for different client groups
• Deliver services in another geographical area
• Tender for a contract where the specification includes areas of activity the organization is unable to deliver
• Respond to another organisation which has approached with a view to joining a consortium; or
• Ensure the organisation continues to provide services to a particular client group
If the relationship is to be satisfactory for all parties, it requires: a shared vision; good communication; sound policies and procedures; effective financial, risk and environmental management systems; a clear understanding of the practical details including potential risks; and access to regularly updated relevant legislation.
Before an organisation takes any steps in the development of a consortium there are some key questions which it should be clear on in order not to loose organisational focus and to continue to meet it’s aims and objectives. These include:
• The organisations vision and values
• What is the organisations aim?
• Why the organisation wants to extend your operations?
• How it will measure success?
• What key Performance Indicators have been set for the expansion activity?
The guide also looks at potential pitfalls in developing a consortium and states that one of the most common is as a result of a lack of clarity of the purpose, structure and management arrangements for the consortium.
Organisations need to be aware that even if they deliver on their contractual requirements, they may still be liable because of the failure of one of the other consortium members. It is thus important that senior staff and governance of organizations think through possible implications and potential legal actions and consider how to mitigate these risks. A key area to explore is insurance and most financial risks can be insured but costs may be a prohibiting factor.
The guide strongly recommends that specialist legal advice be taken from the earliest stages in the development of a consortium, not just in relation to the drafting of the legal documentation for the consortium but also in ensuring that the formation of the consortium and the way in which the contract is to be delivered does not breach Competition Law. A copy of the guide is available from the link below.
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/107235/consortium%20guide%20final.pdf
News & Information Roundup
BME organisations could withdraw support for equality bill
The Winning the Race Coalition, which was started by Voice4Change England and Race on the Agenda, has called for a meeting with Harriet Harman, the leader of the House of Commons, to discuss making changes to the new single equality bill. They say that black and minority ethnic voluntary sector organisations will find it difficult to support new equality laws unless the proposed legislation is changed. Among the changes called for by the coalition are an explicit legal duty to make sure public contracts are only awarded to private and third sector organisations that provide equal opportunities. The coalition is also calling for the bill to allow positive discrimination for access to employment, training or promotion.
Director of Voice 4Change England Vandna Gohil said that the Government would without doubt be looking to the BAMER sector to help deliver its equalities agenda, but that, "if it fails to engage with us on the framing of the bill then it will be difficult to support policy we had little say in."
The bill was included in the draft Queen's Speech last May and is expected to be introduced to Parliament this spring.
Invitation to Local Authorities to submit proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007
If you have an interest in how your community develops you could contact your Local Authority to encourage them to include your ideas in their proposal under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007.
The first formal invitation to local authorities to submit proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 has been issued. Councils have until 31 July 2009 to submit their proposals to the selector (the Local Government Association). Communities and Local Government has outlined the agreed process for making proposals and reaching decisions. More information is available online from: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/firstinvitation
Department of Health replaces to Section 64 grants scheme
The Department of Health has replaced its main grants scheme for the voluntary sector from 2009-10. Under it’s new system; the third Sector Investment Programme, it has awarded 11 voluntary organisations, £5.5m over the next three years to help plan health and social care spending and provide feedback from the sector.
The change from ‘Section 64’ grants to the ‘Third Sector Investment Programme’ comes after the Department of Health held a consultation with more than 700 third sector organisations on how it could improve its funding of the health and social care charity sector. This new programme has two strands: a strategic partner programme and an innovation, excellence and service development fund.
The funding programmes closed for applications on Monday 8 September 2008. Applications for funding in 2010-11 will be invited after April 2009. More information available at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/managingyourorganisation/financeandplanning/section64grants/index.htm
Mayor and Greater London Authority (GLA) - Outer London Commission
The Mayor has established an Outer London Commission to (1) Identify the extent to which outer London has unrealised potential to contribute to London’s economic success, the factors that are impeding it from doing so and the economic, social and environmental benefits that could be achieved and (2) Recommend policies and proposals for the future development of Outer London to the Mayor for inclusion in the London Plan, its associated supplementary guidance and other GLA Group strategies and guidance. See www.london.gov.uk/mayor/planning/olc/outer.londoncommission@london.gov.uk for more information.
Events
Faiths Forum for London(FFFL) - Regional Event 24 March
The next regional meeting of the Faiths Forum for London (FFFL) will hear the outcome of FFfLs survey of faith activity in London and of the faith mapping exercise identifying links between faith based, interfaith and multi-faith groups.
For more information on attending or how to be involved in the forum, please email harmander@londoncivicforum.org.uk or ring 020 8709 9778.
Building Safer Communities by Designing Out Crime Symposium
Date: Tuesday 31st March 2009
Time: 10:15am — 3:40pm (followed by networking drinks)
Venue: 1 Birdcage Walk, Westminster, London
Government has pledged to consolidate the work of the Design and Technology Alliance with a major expansion of the Designing Out Crime Initiative. This £1.6m programme will focus on several key areas:
• Schools - reduce problems such as bullying, fighting and petty theft
• 'Hot' products - make personal electronics more 'crime-proof'
• Housing - design-led crime reducing approaches in the planning of
neighbourhoods and construction of housing
• Alcohol-related crime – use design to reduce the harm caused by alcohol-related antisocial and criminal behaviour
• Business crime - use design to minimise crimes such as shoplifting and other forms of retail theft
This special Public Policy Exchange Symposium, hosted by the Centre for Parliamentary Studies, offers an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the contribution these latest developments can make towards developing a long-term national strategy for designing out crime. Delegates will have the opportunity to debate, share ideas and network with colleagues from across the community safety, policing, design/planning and government landscape.
For more information, contact parvin.madahar@publicpolicyexchange.co.uk or telephone 0845 606 1535.
Opportunity to participate in the Lord Mayor’s Show 2009
The City of London Corporation is providing a selection of community organisations with the opportunity to participate in the Lord Mayor’s Show 2009. The Lord Mayor’s Show is a colourful procession through the City of London and this year will take place on 14th November 2009. It marks the inauguration of the new Lord Mayor of the City of London, who will spend a year representing the City of London and the UK financial services industry at home and abroad.
With over 6,000 participants, 65 floats, 20 marching bands and 22 carriages the Lord Mayor’s Show is the largest parade of its kind in the world. The Show is televised live by the BBC to a domestic audience of 1.6 million. In 2008, half a million people lined the streets to join the celebrations.
The incoming Lord Mayor is keen for the Show to reflect the communities that neighbour the City of London and to provide local organisations with a platform to showcase the work they do with the community. The City of London Corporation’s Lord Mayor’s Show Community Involvement Scheme provides community organisations with an excellent opportunity to use art and music to engage its client group and to develop clients’ skills. Participants in previous years have found the day a rewarding experience and have gained a real sense of achievement.
The Scheme will provide successful organisations with the following support:
1) Free entry to the Show (normally costing approx £4,100);
2) Assistance from a Lord Mayor’s Show designer/producer, who will work with your organisation to design and produce your entry to the Show;
3) Up to £15,000 (+ VAT) per float to purchase materials and costumes and support a programme of work to involve your members or client group in preparing your entry.
If you would like to be considered for taking part in this Scheme, you will need to complete an application form and return it by Friday 3rd April. Please ring 020 7332 3176 for a form and further information.
Get Funding!
Arts Council England
This programme is now open.
Grants for the arts are for individuals, arts organisations and other people who use the arts in their work. They are for activities carried out over a set period and which engage people in England in arts activities, and help artists and arts organisations in England carry out their work.
• Grants to individuals normally range from £1,000 up to £30,000, and can cover activities lasting up to three years.
• Grants to organisations range from £1,000 up to £100,000, and can cover activities lasting up to three years.
Please visit www.artscouncil.org.uk or call 0845 300 6200 for further details.
Big Lottery Fund
The Big Lottery Fund version of the Awards for All programme will fund not-for-profit and community groups, schools and health organisations, and parish and town councils whose project will meet one of these four aims:
• Enabling people have better chances in life, with better access to training and development to improve their life skills.
• Stronger communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems.
• Improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to enjoy.
• Healthier and more active people and communities.
You can apply at any time, for between £300 and £10,000, for projects that are completed within 12 months. This programme will open on 1 April 2009. Please visit www.awardsforall.org.uk or call 0845 4 10 20 30 for further details.
Small grants for groups in England – Lottery Funding
Below is an outline of the funding programmes that will be available to groups in England from each lottery distributor following changes to the Awards for All programme.
Heritage Lottery Fund
Heritage Lottery Fund run two small grant schemes: Young Roots provides grants of between £3,000 and £25,000 and aims to involve 13-25 year-olds in finding out about their heritage, developing skills, building confidence and promoting community involvement. And Your Heritage provides grants of between £3,000 and £50,000 to support projects that relate to the local, regional or national heritage of the UK, and that help people to learn about, look after, and take an active part in heritage.
For both the Young Roots Scheme and the Your Heritage Programme:
You can apply at any time for both schemes and you will receive a decision on your application within 10 weeks from your completed application being received.This programme is open now. Please visit www.hlf.org.uk or call 020 7591 6042 for more information.
Sport England
Sport England’s small grants scheme will provide funding for activities that help more people to become involved in sport, sustain participation by ensuring people have a quality sporting experience or help people to improve their performance in their chosen sport.
Grants of between £300 and £10,000 will be available for revenue and small capital projects.
There will be a single-stage online application form, and they will offer advice and support to potential applicants. The whole process, from receipt of application to decision, will take no longer than six weeks.
The scheme will be open to not-for-profit sports clubs, voluntary or community organisations as well as local authorities and education establishments.
This programme will open in April 2009. Please visit www.sportengland.org or call 08458 508 508 for further details.
Vacancies, Volunteering & Training
Children and Young People’s Organisational Support Officer LVSC
SO2 (£29,963 - £31,527) inc. LW 35 hours per week, permanent, based in N7 Ref: CYP/PN/1
Role: with strong communication and organisational skills, you will develop, commission and deliver a broad package of organisational and developmental support to eighteen front-line organisations funded by London Councils to work with Children and Young People.
Based within the Policy and Networks team, you will provide tailored events, training and consultancy for a range of groups working with disadvantaged children and young people, those at risk of involvement with violent crime and with those vulnerable to bullying.
This is a new post, operating in a highly visible area of policy, which brings with it some acute challenges – but you’ll be joining a dedicated team of second tier specialists, supporting front line organisations in meeting the needs of the Londoners they serve.
Closing date is 12 noon, Friday 20th March. Interviews are expected to take place in the first week of April. For an application pack: email cleo@lvsc.org.uk; download from www.lvsc.org.uk (go to Jobs) or telephone 020 7700 8107.
Vacancy- Community Engagement Officer, Salary: £30662 - £31511 p.a. incl. ILW
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 to recruit a Community Engagement Officer.
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 in civic life, governance & leadership roles.
Applicants must have proven knowledge & experience of community development & empowerment, sustainable capacity building training activities, voluntary and statutory sector structures, governance & planning mechanisms.
Excellent communication skills & ability to engage & empower individuals & groups from diverse BME communities is essential.
The post is based in Southall and Job Sharers are welcomed. Deadline for applications: 16th March 2009 by 5pm. For more information or an application, please call 020 8571 7928 or email leadership@taha.org.uk
Vacancy-Community Development Work Learning and Qualifications Pilot
London Civic Forum is currently advertising for a position to deliver a Learning and Qualifications Pilot for community development work. They welcome applications from both consultants and those interested in a short term contract.
This is a piece of work which aims to improve the uptake of existing learning and qualification programmes, and to develop new opportunities for community development workers.
The deadline for applications is Monday 16th March 2009. Interviews will be held during the w/b 23rd March and the post-holder will start at the beginning of April 2009.
For more information an application pack and is you have any queries please contact Hannah Peaker on: E hannah@londoncivicforum.org.uk
T 020 8709 9775
Training-A chance to learn more about community trading and new income streams
The Income Generation workstream, funded by Capacitybuilders and led by Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO), has launched a training project for development staff from support providers to help them gain insight and skills in community trading and social enterprise.
With a mix of online and residential participation, the aim is to equip support organisations with the skills they need to help third sector organisations, especially community groups, understand how to grow and diversify income by exploring, through the business planning process, trading activities and new income streams. The first programme starts in May. More information at www.improvingsupport.org.uk/income/news/community-trading.html To book your place please contact Joel Martinez on 0207 812 1692, or email joel.martinez@tht.org.uk
Free training courses for organisations working within African Communities that promote awareness, reduction and management of HIV.
Terrence Higgins Trust is running the following courses
Governance and Running an Effective Management Committee
10:00 to 16:30, Tuesday 17th March 2009 or Tuesday 31st March 2009
This one day course will help provide you with information to understand the role of your Management Committee and develop your skills to provide strong governance to your organisation. It will help you see how all members are responsible for strengthening the organisation and delivering results. You will also explore the range of documents legally required by a board of Trustees. The course will also assist you in:
• Appreciating the seven principles of the Code of Governance for small community organisations.
• Understanding the role of the Management Committee.
• Identifying how to strengthen governance in your organisation.
• Motivating all members to achieve set standards.
• Exploring the purpose and range of governance documentation that is required.
• Appreciating the benefits of a committee with a range of experience.
For more information contact Justin Barrett on 0207 812 1727, or email Learning@tht.org.uk
Research for Your Fundraising Bids
10:00 to 16:30 - Tuesday 11th March 2009
For any fundraising bid it is important that your research demonstrates to funders that the services you are proposing to deliver are required and that you have done your market research. This course will help you develop the methods you can use to do your research, not only for funding bids, but also to help set the strategic direction of your organisation. The course will help you to:
• Identify what research needs to be done for community organisations.
• Understand the purpose of research and the benefits.
• Explore different research methods to produce tangible data and evidence
For more information contact Justin Barrett on 0207 812 1727, or email Learning@tht.org.uk
Training - Women4Change Seminar
Friday 27th March 2009; 1:00 – 4:30pm, Harrow Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow HA1 2XF
TAHA's seminar is part of a series of events organised within their Women4Change programme and aims to:
• Provide perspectives & presentations on the under-representation of women from Black Minority Ethnic & Refuge & Migrant (BME) communities within elected & appointed positions, decision-making structures.
• Examine the barriers that still exist to BMER women’s engagement and participation within diverse BME communities, community leadership & community organisations as well as within mainstream public independent & political institutions, civic roles and leadership positions For more information and to book please call 020 8571 7928 or email leadership@taha.org.uk
Member Profile & Member Notices
London Civic Forum
London Civic Forum is a network of 1300 full member organisations and associate individual members, from the capital’s private, public and not-for-profit sectors including black, asian and minority ethnic groups, faith groups, disabled people’s organisations, young people’s organisations, older people’s groups, disabled and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people’s groups.
The Civic Forum brings these together to strengthen civil society by which is meant, the people and organisations outside of government and for-profit business that strengthen associational life, common values and a space for public debate. They work in partnership with other umbrella or second tier organisations in London and closely with institutions that have responsibility for the governance of London.
The London Civic Forum offers member organisations the chance to:
• Be involved in debates on proposed policy changes, which might affect your work
• Work in partnership with a wide variety of other organisations on issues which matter to Londoners
• Gain access to the various parts of London government enabling you to get your interests heard
• Learn with others how London works and gain new participation skills
• Keep up to date with key events around the capital
• Raise the profile of the work you are doing in London
More info at www.londoncivicforum.org.uk, or call 020 87099770
BME Third Sector campaign to increase recognition of the positive contribution made by the Black and Minority Ethnic Third Sector
Voice4Change England’s is seeking your help in the ‘ Valuing the BME Third Sector’ campaign to increase recognition of the positive contributions made by the Black and Minority Ethnic Third Sector, in bonding communities and promoting equality. Organisations are being urged to Lobby their MPs, in support of the campaign.
Lack of visibility and a lack of understanding of the role of BME third sector organisations, is a key reason behind the disadvantage they suffer when it comes to securing funding. The result is a continuation of the historic under-resourcing that has limited the Sector’s ability to do more in reducing inequalities.
To raise the profile of the Sector and to build political support, Early Day Motion (EDM) No 620 Voice4Change, has been tabled by Alun Michael MP. Voice4Change needs organisations to support the effort by getting their MPs to both sign the EDM and engage with frontline services through meetings and project visits. Further information about the campaign and guidance on how you can write to your MP is available on Voice4Change website - http://www.voice4change-england.co.uk/valuing_the_bme_third_sector_campaign.html -
Place Satisfaction Survey
Every two years as part of the Comprehensive Area Assessment, all local authorities must carry out a place/quality of life survey. This survey is to discover local resident's views on a range of issues which affect their every days lives including crime, anti-social behaviour, street cleanliness, transport, health and general quality of life. The residents surveyed are randomly selected.
This survey replaces the Best Value Performance Indicators general satisfaction survey that was carried out every three years. It is a government requirement and all districts across the country will be asking the same questions so that national trends and comparisons can be made. Every London borough (and potentially the City of London) will be required to carry out the 'Place Survey' every two years.
Capturing local people's views, experiences and perceptions, means that the solutions for an area can reflect local views and priorities. The survey is also a way of tracking people's changing perceptions, including a way of determining whether interventions made in an area result in the right outcomes for local people for instance do people feel happier, healthier, safer etc?
The Place Survey of local boroughs, will eventually supply the data by which a number of national indicators will be measured. The national indicators will measure how well Government's priorities, as set out in the Comprehensive Spending Review- are being delivered by local government and local government partnerships.
The data will be published by Communities and Local Government – however local boroughs are expected to have a proactive communications strategy to disseminate the results widely.
Equality and Human Rights Commission Report on Police and Racism
10 years on from the publication of the Lawrence Inquiry report, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has put together a report on Police and Racism to consider what progress the police service has made in terms of race equality. The report considers four main themes:
• Employment, Training, Retention, and Promotion
• Stop and Search
• DNA database
• Race hate crimes
Employment
Recent statistics provide evidence of some progress in this area:
• For all staff, both civilian and sworn officers, the police has exceeded the Home Office target for ethnic minorities to make up at least 7% of the service in England and Wales by 2009. In 2007 the total was 8%.
• The proportion of ethnic minority officers has risen from 2% in 1999 to 3.9% (5,511 officers) in April 2007. However, the target of 7% will almost certainly not be met.
• The proportion of ethnic minorities who were successful police recruits increased from 6.3% to 10.7% of the total number of candidates during the first half of 2007-08.
• Nearly 12% of police community support officers are from ethnic minority groups.
• Targets on progression through the ranks have been met, in all but the very top levels.
• Ethnic minority officers do, however, have a higher resignation rate than white officers, particularly in the first six months of service.
Stop and search
Police statistics show that a decade after the Lawrence Inquiry report, black people are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white with Asian people twice as likely to be stopped and searched as white people.
The report expresses a concern that this disproportionate impact of stop and search on black people has shown no long term drop in the past 15 years and also with the Home Office making several significant changes to the way ‘stop and search’ is recorded.
DNA
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is against the database holding DNA samples and fingerprints of suspects who have been released or cleared as recently as October 2008. It also is of the belief that for the past 10 years the police service has failed to properly acknowledge or address the race equality impact of the database.
By the Commission’s calculations, more than 30% of all black males living in Britain are on the National DNA Database compared with about 10% of white males and 10% of Asian males. Estimates suggest that black men are about four times more likely than white men to have their DNA profiles stored on the police National DNA Database. This situation has the potential to result in race patterns on the database strengthening ‘ethnic profiling,’ also there is the possibility that samples or DNA records could be sold in the future to commercial research companies, for research such as trying to establish crimogenic genes in certain races.
Racist incidents
The Commission believes that overall there has been significant progress in the past 10 years in how the police deal with racist incidents and Figures from the latest British Crime Survey, indicate that the number of racially motivated incidents has fallen from 390,000 incidents in 1995 to 184,000 in 2006/07.
The majority of racist incidents are not reported to the police. Recorded racist incidents in England and Wales rose from nearly 14,000 in 1997/8 to 61,262 in 2006/7 and this rise in reported crime figures can be interpreted as a form of ‘success’, in the sense that the police and other agencies have been trying to encourage a greater level of reporting among victims of race crimes.
Conclusions
In some areas the police service is making clear progress in delivering race equality, however the Equality and Human Rights Commission has also identified issues and concerns that appear to have been ignored, and highlighted areas where initiatives are having little impact.
The report also contains recommendations.
Working in a consortium: a guide from Office of the Third Sector
BAMER organisations are being encouraged to work in consortiums, to enable them have greater access to funding. The Office of the Third Sector has produced a guide for third sector organisations involved or interested in being involved in public service delivery. The guide consists of an introduction to consortium working, a discussion on whether working in a consortium is right for the organization and a list of where to get more information and advice.
Why a consortium?
One of the key reasons to form a consortium is that it provides an organisation new opportunities to secure contracts which it would otherwise not have available. Other reasons for forming a consortium include to:
• Extend current activities, to include new ones for different client groups
• Deliver services in another geographical area
• Tender for a contract where the specification includes areas of activity the organization is unable to deliver
• Respond to another organisation which has approached with a view to joining a consortium; or
• Ensure the organisation continues to provide services to a particular client group
If the relationship is to be satisfactory for all parties, it requires: a shared vision; good communication; sound policies and procedures; effective financial, risk and environmental management systems; a clear understanding of the practical details including potential risks; and access to regularly updated relevant legislation.
Before an organisation takes any steps in the development of a consortium there are some key questions which it should be clear on in order not to loose organisational focus and to continue to meet it’s aims and objectives. These include:
• The organisations vision and values
• What is the organisations aim?
• Why the organisation wants to extend your operations?
• How it will measure success?
• What key Performance Indicators have been set for the expansion activity?
The guide also looks at potential pitfalls in developing a consortium and states that one of the most common is as a result of a lack of clarity of the purpose, structure and management arrangements for the consortium.
Organisations need to be aware that even if they deliver on their contractual requirements, they may still be liable because of the failure of one of the other consortium members. It is thus important that senior staff and governance of organizations think through possible implications and potential legal actions and consider how to mitigate these risks. A key area to explore is insurance and most financial risks can be insured but costs may be a prohibiting factor.
The guide strongly recommends that specialist legal advice be taken from the earliest stages in the development of a consortium, not just in relation to the drafting of the legal documentation for the consortium but also in ensuring that the formation of the consortium and the way in which the contract is to be delivered does not breach Competition Law. A copy of the guide is available from the link below.
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/107235/consortium%20guide%20final.pdf
News & Information Roundup
BME organisations could withdraw support for equality bill
The Winning the Race Coalition, which was started by Voice4Change England and Race on the Agenda, has called for a meeting with Harriet Harman, the leader of the House of Commons, to discuss making changes to the new single equality bill. They say that black and minority ethnic voluntary sector organisations will find it difficult to support new equality laws unless the proposed legislation is changed. Among the changes called for by the coalition are an explicit legal duty to make sure public contracts are only awarded to private and third sector organisations that provide equal opportunities. The coalition is also calling for the bill to allow positive discrimination for access to employment, training or promotion.
Director of Voice 4Change England Vandna Gohil said that the Government would without doubt be looking to the BAMER sector to help deliver its equalities agenda, but that, "if it fails to engage with us on the framing of the bill then it will be difficult to support policy we had little say in."
The bill was included in the draft Queen's Speech last May and is expected to be introduced to Parliament this spring.
Invitation to Local Authorities to submit proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007
If you have an interest in how your community develops you could contact your Local Authority to encourage them to include your ideas in their proposal under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007.
The first formal invitation to local authorities to submit proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 has been issued. Councils have until 31 July 2009 to submit their proposals to the selector (the Local Government Association). Communities and Local Government has outlined the agreed process for making proposals and reaching decisions. More information is available online from: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/firstinvitation
Department of Health replaces to Section 64 grants scheme
The Department of Health has replaced its main grants scheme for the voluntary sector from 2009-10. Under it’s new system; the third Sector Investment Programme, it has awarded 11 voluntary organisations, £5.5m over the next three years to help plan health and social care spending and provide feedback from the sector.
The change from ‘Section 64’ grants to the ‘Third Sector Investment Programme’ comes after the Department of Health held a consultation with more than 700 third sector organisations on how it could improve its funding of the health and social care charity sector. This new programme has two strands: a strategic partner programme and an innovation, excellence and service development fund.
The funding programmes closed for applications on Monday 8 September 2008. Applications for funding in 2010-11 will be invited after April 2009. More information available at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/managingyourorganisation/financeandplanning/section64grants/index.htm
Mayor and Greater London Authority (GLA) - Outer London Commission
The Mayor has established an Outer London Commission to (1) Identify the extent to which outer London has unrealised potential to contribute to London’s economic success, the factors that are impeding it from doing so and the economic, social and environmental benefits that could be achieved and (2) Recommend policies and proposals for the future development of Outer London to the Mayor for inclusion in the London Plan, its associated supplementary guidance and other GLA Group strategies and guidance. See www.london.gov.uk/mayor/planning/olc/outer.londoncommission@london.gov.uk for more information.
Events
Faiths Forum for London(FFFL) - Regional Event 24 March
The next regional meeting of the Faiths Forum for London (FFFL) will hear the outcome of FFfLs survey of faith activity in London and of the faith mapping exercise identifying links between faith based, interfaith and multi-faith groups.
For more information on attending or how to be involved in the forum, please email harmander@londoncivicforum.org.uk or ring 020 8709 9778.
Building Safer Communities by Designing Out Crime Symposium
Date: Tuesday 31st March 2009
Time: 10:15am — 3:40pm (followed by networking drinks)
Venue: 1 Birdcage Walk, Westminster, London
Government has pledged to consolidate the work of the Design and Technology Alliance with a major expansion of the Designing Out Crime Initiative. This £1.6m programme will focus on several key areas:
• Schools - reduce problems such as bullying, fighting and petty theft
• 'Hot' products - make personal electronics more 'crime-proof'
• Housing - design-led crime reducing approaches in the planning of
neighbourhoods and construction of housing
• Alcohol-related crime – use design to reduce the harm caused by alcohol-related antisocial and criminal behaviour
• Business crime - use design to minimise crimes such as shoplifting and other forms of retail theft
This special Public Policy Exchange Symposium, hosted by the Centre for Parliamentary Studies, offers an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the contribution these latest developments can make towards developing a long-term national strategy for designing out crime. Delegates will have the opportunity to debate, share ideas and network with colleagues from across the community safety, policing, design/planning and government landscape.
For more information, contact parvin.madahar@publicpolicyexchange.co.uk or telephone 0845 606 1535.
Opportunity to participate in the Lord Mayor’s Show 2009
The City of London Corporation is providing a selection of community organisations with the opportunity to participate in the Lord Mayor’s Show 2009. The Lord Mayor’s Show is a colourful procession through the City of London and this year will take place on 14th November 2009. It marks the inauguration of the new Lord Mayor of the City of London, who will spend a year representing the City of London and the UK financial services industry at home and abroad.
With over 6,000 participants, 65 floats, 20 marching bands and 22 carriages the Lord Mayor’s Show is the largest parade of its kind in the world. The Show is televised live by the BBC to a domestic audience of 1.6 million. In 2008, half a million people lined the streets to join the celebrations.
The incoming Lord Mayor is keen for the Show to reflect the communities that neighbour the City of London and to provide local organisations with a platform to showcase the work they do with the community. The City of London Corporation’s Lord Mayor’s Show Community Involvement Scheme provides community organisations with an excellent opportunity to use art and music to engage its client group and to develop clients’ skills. Participants in previous years have found the day a rewarding experience and have gained a real sense of achievement.
The Scheme will provide successful organisations with the following support:
1) Free entry to the Show (normally costing approx £4,100);
2) Assistance from a Lord Mayor’s Show designer/producer, who will work with your organisation to design and produce your entry to the Show;
3) Up to £15,000 (+ VAT) per float to purchase materials and costumes and support a programme of work to involve your members or client group in preparing your entry.
If you would like to be considered for taking part in this Scheme, you will need to complete an application form and return it by Friday 3rd April. Please ring 020 7332 3176 for a form and further information.
Get Funding!
Arts Council England
This programme is now open.
Grants for the arts are for individuals, arts organisations and other people who use the arts in their work. They are for activities carried out over a set period and which engage people in England in arts activities, and help artists and arts organisations in England carry out their work.
• Grants to individuals normally range from £1,000 up to £30,000, and can cover activities lasting up to three years.
• Grants to organisations range from £1,000 up to £100,000, and can cover activities lasting up to three years.
Please visit www.artscouncil.org.uk or call 0845 300 6200 for further details.
Big Lottery Fund
The Big Lottery Fund version of the Awards for All programme will fund not-for-profit and community groups, schools and health organisations, and parish and town councils whose project will meet one of these four aims:
• Enabling people have better chances in life, with better access to training and development to improve their life skills.
• Stronger communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems.
• Improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to enjoy.
• Healthier and more active people and communities.
You can apply at any time, for between £300 and £10,000, for projects that are completed within 12 months. This programme will open on 1 April 2009. Please visit www.awardsforall.org.uk or call 0845 4 10 20 30 for further details.
Small grants for groups in England – Lottery Funding
Below is an outline of the funding programmes that will be available to groups in England from each lottery distributor following changes to the Awards for All programme.
Heritage Lottery Fund
Heritage Lottery Fund run two small grant schemes: Young Roots provides grants of between £3,000 and £25,000 and aims to involve 13-25 year-olds in finding out about their heritage, developing skills, building confidence and promoting community involvement. And Your Heritage provides grants of between £3,000 and £50,000 to support projects that relate to the local, regional or national heritage of the UK, and that help people to learn about, look after, and take an active part in heritage.
For both the Young Roots Scheme and the Your Heritage Programme:
You can apply at any time for both schemes and you will receive a decision on your application within 10 weeks from your completed application being received.This programme is open now. Please visit www.hlf.org.uk or call 020 7591 6042 for more information.
Sport England
Sport England’s small grants scheme will provide funding for activities that help more people to become involved in sport, sustain participation by ensuring people have a quality sporting experience or help people to improve their performance in their chosen sport.
Grants of between £300 and £10,000 will be available for revenue and small capital projects.
There will be a single-stage online application form, and they will offer advice and support to potential applicants. The whole process, from receipt of application to decision, will take no longer than six weeks.
The scheme will be open to not-for-profit sports clubs, voluntary or community organisations as well as local authorities and education establishments.
This programme will open in April 2009. Please visit www.sportengland.org or call 08458 508 508 for further details.
Vacancies, Volunteering & Training
Children and Young People’s Organisational Support Officer LVSC
SO2 (£29,963 - £31,527) inc. LW 35 hours per week, permanent, based in N7 Ref: CYP/PN/1
Role: with strong communication and organisational skills, you will develop, commission and deliver a broad package of organisational and developmental support to eighteen front-line organisations funded by London Councils to work with Children and Young People.
Based within the Policy and Networks team, you will provide tailored events, training and consultancy for a range of groups working with disadvantaged children and young people, those at risk of involvement with violent crime and with those vulnerable to bullying.
This is a new post, operating in a highly visible area of policy, which brings with it some acute challenges – but you’ll be joining a dedicated team of second tier specialists, supporting front line organisations in meeting the needs of the Londoners they serve.
Closing date is 12 noon, Friday 20th March. Interviews are expected to take place in the first week of April. For an application pack: email cleo@lvsc.org.uk; download from www.lvsc.org.uk (go to Jobs) or telephone 020 7700 8107.
Vacancy- Community Engagement Officer, Salary: £30662 - £31511 p.a. incl. ILW
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 to recruit a Community Engagement Officer.
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 in civic life, governance & leadership roles.
Applicants must have proven knowledge & experience of community development & empowerment, sustainable capacity building training activities, voluntary and statutory sector structures, governance & planning mechanisms.
Excellent communication skills & ability to engage & empower individuals & groups from diverse BME communities is essential.
The post is based in Southall and Job Sharers are welcomed. Deadline for applications: 16th March 2009 by 5pm. For more information or an application, please call 020 8571 7928 or email leadership@taha.org.uk
Vacancy-Community Development Work Learning and Qualifications Pilot
London Civic Forum is currently advertising for a position to deliver a Learning and Qualifications Pilot for community development work. They welcome applications from both consultants and those interested in a short term contract.
This is a piece of work which aims to improve the uptake of existing learning and qualification programmes, and to develop new opportunities for community development workers.
The deadline for applications is Monday 16th March 2009. Interviews will be held during the w/b 23rd March and the post-holder will start at the beginning of April 2009.
For more information an application pack and is you have any queries please contact Hannah Peaker on: E hannah@londoncivicforum.org.uk
T 020 8709 9775
Training-A chance to learn more about community trading and new income streams
The Income Generation workstream, funded by Capacitybuilders and led by Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO), has launched a training project for development staff from support providers to help them gain insight and skills in community trading and social enterprise.
With a mix of online and residential participation, the aim is to equip support organisations with the skills they need to help third sector organisations, especially community groups, understand how to grow and diversify income by exploring, through the business planning process, trading activities and new income streams. The first programme starts in May. More information at www.improvingsupport.org.uk/income/news/community-trading.html To book your place please contact Joel Martinez on 0207 812 1692, or email joel.martinez@tht.org.uk
Free training courses for organisations working within African Communities that promote awareness, reduction and management of HIV.
Terrence Higgins Trust is running the following courses
Governance and Running an Effective Management Committee
10:00 to 16:30, Tuesday 17th March 2009 or Tuesday 31st March 2009
This one day course will help provide you with information to understand the role of your Management Committee and develop your skills to provide strong governance to your organisation. It will help you see how all members are responsible for strengthening the organisation and delivering results. You will also explore the range of documents legally required by a board of Trustees. The course will also assist you in:
• Appreciating the seven principles of the Code of Governance for small community organisations.
• Understanding the role of the Management Committee.
• Identifying how to strengthen governance in your organisation.
• Motivating all members to achieve set standards.
• Exploring the purpose and range of governance documentation that is required.
• Appreciating the benefits of a committee with a range of experience.
For more information contact Justin Barrett on 0207 812 1727, or email Learning@tht.org.uk
Research for Your Fundraising Bids
10:00 to 16:30 - Tuesday 11th March 2009
For any fundraising bid it is important that your research demonstrates to funders that the services you are proposing to deliver are required and that you have done your market research. This course will help you develop the methods you can use to do your research, not only for funding bids, but also to help set the strategic direction of your organisation. The course will help you to:
• Identify what research needs to be done for community organisations.
• Understand the purpose of research and the benefits.
• Explore different research methods to produce tangible data and evidence
For more information contact Justin Barrett on 0207 812 1727, or email Learning@tht.org.uk
Training - Women4Change Seminar
Friday 27th March 2009; 1:00 – 4:30pm, Harrow Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow HA1 2XF
TAHA's seminar is part of a series of events organised within their Women4Change programme and aims to:
• Provide perspectives & presentations on the under-representation of women from Black Minority Ethnic & Refuge & Migrant (BME) communities within elected & appointed positions, decision-making structures.
• Examine the barriers that still exist to BMER women’s engagement and participation within diverse BME communities, community leadership & community organisations as well as within mainstream public independent & political institutions, civic roles and leadership positions For more information and to book please call 020 8571 7928 or email leadership@taha.org.uk
Member Profile & Member Notices
London Civic Forum
London Civic Forum is a network of 1300 full member organisations and associate individual members, from the capital’s private, public and not-for-profit sectors including black, asian and minority ethnic groups, faith groups, disabled people’s organisations, young people’s organisations, older people’s groups, disabled and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people’s groups.
The Civic Forum brings these together to strengthen civil society by which is meant, the people and organisations outside of government and for-profit business that strengthen associational life, common values and a space for public debate. They work in partnership with other umbrella or second tier organisations in London and closely with institutions that have responsibility for the governance of London.
The London Civic Forum offers member organisations the chance to:
• Be involved in debates on proposed policy changes, which might affect your work
• Work in partnership with a wide variety of other organisations on issues which matter to Londoners
• Gain access to the various parts of London government enabling you to get your interests heard
• Learn with others how London works and gain new participation skills
• Keep up to date with key events around the capital
• Raise the profile of the work you are doing in London
More info at www.londoncivicforum.org.uk, or call 020 87099770
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