BNRRN

What Will the Big Society mean for Black Asian Ethnic Minority and Refugee Organisations?

2011-02-24T15:39:00.000Z

Will the Big Society be inclusive for disadvantaged groups?

The ‘Big Society agenda is not a government programme; it is a call to action.’[1] The worry for grass-roots BAMER community groups is whether they are hearing this ‘call to action’ and whether they have the capacity, time, or civic skills to answer this call, especially in the current economic climate.

The government must be held to account on its pledge that “we are all in this together”. If the Big Society agenda is not a programme but a call to action, then the BNRRN and other BAMER third sector organisations must seize the opportunity to mould the agenda and help build the capacity of BAMER communities to engage with the Big Society. The Big Society should present an opportunity for the reduction, if not the end of, social exclusion for BAMER groups in London and beyond.

Rob Berkeley from Runnymede Trust says:

“If the Big Society is also to be a fairer society, it is crucial that the BME VCS is enabled to play its full role in supporting BME citizens and others to engage with opportunities to play a larger role in shaping public services. Without their involvement the Big Society project is likely to fail, putting at risk the major contribution that BME people already make to civil society.”

The main broad issues of the localism bill and the Big Society agenda for the BAMER community are:

1.   Accountability
2.   Equality
3.   Access
4.   Exclusion

Examples of Big Society scepticism

1.1 How is a community defined? Ethnicity? Gender? Neighbourhood?

The government has not yet defined what it means by a ‘community’ in Big Society funding applications. Community Cohesion, which initially set out to allow distinct faith-based and ethnic communities to “peacefully co-exist”, has not led to the eradication of tension and segregation in geographical areas or positive relations between BAMER groups and the generic population. BAMER communities do not have an issue with cohesion but they are still excluded from local and national decision making. For the government, neighbourhoods are the ‘building blocks of localism’. However, there needs to be a wider definition of community as communities go beyond geographical neighbourhoods. Neighbourhood groups are not always inclusive and can marginalise BAMER communities.

The government has been insistent that the Big Society will not fund single-issue groups; Nick Hurd, Minister for the Office of Civil Society, said:

“We will not use taxpayers’ money to fund single issue groups”

Baroness Warsi has also followed this tone for the government’s agenda on BAMER groups’ funding opportunities in the Big Society:

“We need to move towards a mainstreaming of minority ethnic and religious groups. We need to move towards a place where we don’t treat them as specific interest groups.”

This assumes that the problems and barriers that the BAMER community face have been eradicated. BAMER groups find it hard to engage within the current structure, where they receive funding from local government. So, under the Big Society agenda, which will decrease the regulatory role of the local authorities, the issues of BAMER groups, with little capacity and civic skills, will be exacerbated. There is a danger that the generic population will dominate the local political sphere and exclude BAMER groups further. BAMER groups are specific interest groups, because of the perennial disadvantage and exclusion that they face.

It is troubling that the government is ignoring the issues that face the BAMER community. The government’s rhetoric has shown a lack of understanding of the issues that face BAMER communities. This is further compounded by the new insistence on the ill-defined notion of ‘fairness’, rather than equality. Fairness is not a concept that can be institutionalised; it is too abstract and based on chance. Equality on the other hand is much more tangible and well-defined. It has been, to a large extent, successfully integrated into the practice of the statutory, private and voluntary sector.

1.2 How are Community Organisers different to current organisers in the BAMER third sector?

The funding and organisation of community groups will be lead by Community Organisers (of which there will initially be 5000). Community Organisers should be members of the local community who will step forward to agitate the community (however defined) to help deliver better services or to campaign for specific issues. It is not yet clear how Community Organisers will be selected and trained.

It is also not yet clear how the role of the Community Organiser is different to those that already run BAMER voluntary services and organise their communities. There is a danger that there could be an overlap or a duplication of services and roles. Also funding maybe detracted from people who are already doing the job on the ground.

As with the concerns with accountability in localism, how will Community Organisers be held accountable and to whom will they be held accountable to?

1.3 Will Community Organisers be representative of the community in terms of equality and democracy?

There is a concern that Community Organisers may not be representative of the community that they are supposed to be working for. The government has not yet outlined exactly what it means by a ‘community’. It is important that the generic population do not come to be seen as representing neighbourhoods as a whole. As we have mentioned before, it is important that there is a broad definition of community to make sure that BAMER groups are identified and are not left out of the Big Society agenda.

BNRRN believes that the best community organisers are those from the communities they seek to serve, as they have the best understanding. It would be unrepresentative to ‘parachute in’ organisers to serve a community as they would not have the understanding of the grass-roots issues they should be equipped to solve.

1.4 How will equalities be measured and how can race equality be embedded in to the Big Society?

Public Sector Duty will not be applied to voluntary sector organisation providing services as part of Big Society. As with the issues raised with the localism bill there are gaps concerning the implementation of equality duty with Big Society service delivery. It is difficult to see how every group delivering services in an area is regulated so that BAMER groups are not excluded.

1.5 Is getting involved in Big Society projects incentivised so that disadvantaged people (of which BAMER groups make up a significant percentage) get involved?

Disadvantaged people tend to be low-skilled workers working shifts and long hours to provide for their families. How is it that someone from a disadvantaged group has the time (let alone the civic skills required) to run their own Big Society project?

The worry is that the BAMER community will be excluded from the opportunities to deliver better services and to improve their local areas, as the usual participators from the generic population dominate local politics. At the same time the loss of ring-fencing for specific issues could lead to the watering down of equalities regulation. Who will be held accountable for the services?

1.6 Will the cuts to funding of community groups be subject to an Equality Impact Assessment?

London Councils’ (who fund many charities and community organisations) have had to re-assess their cuts to groups because they did not fulfil their statutory duty of carrying out Equality Impact Assessments. They did not ensure that the cuts to groups were fair or representative, according to the court hearing. This sets a good precedent for community organisations that so often work with a certain sector of the community, for example the BAMER community. As of March 2010 43% of BAMER voluntary organisations had lost their funding, from a sample collected by Third Sector. The judge’s ruling shows that the cuts cannot be made in haste, but must be assessed to whom they hit; the cuts must be proportionate.

1.7 Will Common Standards for Equalities in Procurement be ensured?

There has been little discussion as to how standards of equality can be ensured with regards to procurement and commissioning of services in the Big Society. The worry is that as equality ring-fencing and regulations are removed under the new agenda the BAMER community may be marginalised further. There needs to be recognition from the private and public sector that BAMER voluntary sector organisations often lack the capacity for the procurement and commissioning of services. This could affect what sectors of the community can take advantage of the new powers that the government has devolved to a local level such as the right to buy amenities and the commissioning of local services.

Equality needs to be at the heart of the Big Society. There should be an increased role of BAMER voluntary organisations in delivering services and there needs to be a greater level of BAMER representation on commissioning panels.

1.8 Will BAMER Social Enterprises be supported?

Social Enterprises received funding and support from previous government, but there were concerns that BAMER social enterprises were being isolated and excluded. BAMER social enterprises are well placed to help solve the inequalities in their communities. It is imperative that in the current economic climate where the BAMER community is being hit hardest by the cuts that BAMER Social Enterprises are given increased support and access to Big Society funding. This is especially prevalent as the coalition government seems to be directing a lot of the funding to social enterprises through their Social Investment Strategy.

Mental Health Injection - will it reach the most disadvantaged?

2011-02-09T13:08:00.006Z

There has been an injection of £400m to tackle mental health as part of the “No Health without Mental Health” project, inspired by the more holistic approach to health care that has been popular in recent years. On twitter the hashtag #whatstigma encouraged those who have had mental health issues to tweet about it in a show of solidarity and to reduce the stigma attached to mental health.

Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister has stated:
"We need to end the stigma attached to mental illness, to set an example by talking about the issue openly and candidly and ensure everyone can access the support and information they need."

The BAME population is disproportionately affected by mental health issues. Will the government ring-fence any of this money to ensure that BAME people are affected by the improvements to mental health services? There are a number of reasons for the disproportionate number of BAME people who suffer from mental health issues (according to Rethink):

1. Mental illness is more likely in socially-disadvantaged groups
2. Mental illness is more likely in groups who have recently migrated to the UK
3. Communities living in inner cities are more likely to experience mental illness
4. BME groups are more likely to be picked up in a survey than white groups

African Caribbean people are more likely to be diagnosed with psychosis than any other group. According to Rethink, this is because there are fears among people from African Caribbean communities suffering from mental health issues that they will encounter institutional racism and as such there issues go untreated and get worse.

For Asian people the main issue is a cultural difference. Psychiatric care does not take into consideration cultural and religious backgrounds.

There are a number of general barriers to receiving the proper support for dealing with mental health problems once diagnosed, or even before the diagnosis stage:
1. Different approaches to mental illness
2. Cultural differences in seeking help
3. Communication problems
4. Poor access to non-drug treatments
5. Poor risk assessment
6. Lack of BAME mental health staff

These mental health issues will only be exacerbated by the recent cuts to the Refugee Council, the Refugee Integration and Employment Services (RIES), the cuts to legal aid for immigration issues, and the introduction of fees if a person wants to appeal against a refusal to have leave to enter the country. These will be discussed in greater detail below.

BNRRN will be looking for consultation opportunities with the relevant departments to air these issues. This additional budget should present itself as a chance to tackle the problem of mental health among BAME people, who disproportionatley suffer, and also to end the stigma associated with mental health for all groups in society.

This is an excellent booklet from Rethink (click to access download page, it is free!): Moving Forward, Living Life with Mental Health Problems: a guide for black and minority ethnic communities
This is also a great resource site for BME mental health issues:
http://www.bmementalhealth.org.uk/

Cameron, harsh on multiculturalism

2011-02-08T13:43:00.002Z

The press have reported extensively on David Cameron’s speech at the Munich security conference on 5th February. This speech followed on from the comments the PM made on the tougher rules for immigrants to learn English. Cameron’s speech addressed the apparent failure of multiculturalism and how as a nation we are to deal with the issue of terrorism. Cameron is pushing for a strong national identity based on ‘muscular liberalism’ as a tool for combating terrorism.

Many Labour members and other BAME voice organisations have called the timing of Cameron’s speech irresponsible as he made it on the same day that the fascistic English Defence League (EDL) planned to march in Luton. But Cameron’s speech defended Muslim’s and condemned the rising Islamaophobia in the country:

“They think whether someone is an extremist is dependent on how much they observe their religion. So they talk about ‘moderate’ Muslims as if all devout Muslims must be extremist. This is wrong.”

However, groups that do not adhere to the ideological values underpinning Cameron’s ideal national identity will not receive funding. Cameron believes Muslim groups that receive funding should be subject to testing and regulation:

"So let's properly judge these organisations:

Do they believe in universal human rights – including for women and people of other faiths?

Do they believe in equality of all before the law?

Do they believe in democracy and the right of people to elect their own government?

Do they encourage integration or separatism?"

This is a dangerous precedent and could lead to the exclusion of groups on the basis of protected characteristics, such as ethnicity and faith. Cameron is undermining the principles of these BAME organisations, creating a hierarchy of values, with British at the top and Muslim at the bottom. He is implicitly casting aspersions about Muslims' values.

This will be made worse with the loss of funding to the equality watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

Cameron claims that multiculturalism has failed and has produced distinct ethnic communities, which he links to the development of terrorism. Terrorism is not a result of state multiculturalism. The answer to tackling terrorism is not monoculturalism, as we have seen in France, where monoculturalism has not solved any integration issues they have had. The answer is much more complex than this.

Evidence from 2008 actually suggests that 43 % of Muslims say that they belong ‘very strongly’ to Britain and 42% say that they belong to Britain ‘fairly strongly’. Trevor Philips, who is most associated with the idea that multiculturalism has failed, with his comments in 2005 about Britain 'sleepwalking to segregation', has performed a volte face. He now claims his evidence was wrong. It seems Cameron is still using this evidence. If the evidence is wrong, then why the fear-mongering about Muslims in society?

The BNRRN questions this perspective. Is the attack on multiculturalism part of the current government’s insistence that BAME people should be able to access generic services; that BAME people are not a specific interest group? As Baroness Warsi has claimed: “We need to move towards a mainstreaming of minority ethnic and religious groups. We need to move towards a place where we don’t treat them as specific interest groups.” This strategy will leave BAME people more excluded and isolated as generic services are not yet equipped to meet BAME peoples’ cultural needs, as we have seen in discussions about BAME people and mental health.

Apart from English language lessons and teaching British history what are Cameron’s proposals to increase integration? There is no guarantee that integration will be achieved through these vague proposals, nor terrorism tackled. There is nothing new in teaching history from a British perspective or English language lessons in the curriculum. Might not this kind of teaching isolate and undermine the worth of migrant pupils whose families are from the nations that Britain dominated under colonialism, rather than forge a sense of British identity and loyalty? Historically the onus for integration has been on the migrant. But as the ‘host’ nation it seems reasonable to expect some more considered and robust proposals for the integration of people who have come to the country in search of a better life for themselves and their families.

BNRRN Profiles & Member Notices

2009-04-03T11:55:00.001+01:00

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

Resources

2009-04-03T11:12:00.001+01:00

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/

BNRRN Project Updates

2009-04-03T11:11:00.000+01:00

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

2009-04-03T11:10:00.001+01:00

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/

Vacancies, Volunteering & Training

2009-04-03T11:08:00.000+01:00

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.

Get Funding!

2009-04-03T11:02:00.000+01:00

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

News & Information Roundup

2009-04-03T10:59:00.000+01:00

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

Policy Updates & Briefing

2009-04-03T10:57:00.000+01:00

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.

BNRRN Policy E-Bulletin 3rd April 09

2009-04-03T10:07:00.000+01:00

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/

Resources

2009-03-10T16:16:00.000Z

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.

Questions & Answers

2009-03-10T16:14:00.000Z

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

Member Profile & Member Notices

2009-03-10T16:12:00.000Z

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

Vacancies, Volunteering & Training

2009-03-10T16:11:00.000Z

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

Get Funding!

2009-03-10T16:09:00.001Z

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.

Events

2009-03-10T16:07:00.000Z

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.

News & Information Roundup

2009-03-10T16:06:00.000Z

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.

Policy Updates & Briefing

2009-03-10T16:05:00.000Z

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

BNRRN Policy E-Bulletin 11th March 09

2009-03-10T15:46:00.000Z

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

Events

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Working for Equality 2009
If you work for an agency that supports Equality organisations or you have an active interest in equalities issues, then Capacitybuilders and HEAR - London’s equalities and human rights network invite you to attend Working for Equality 2009. The free information and networking event is taking place on 12 February 2009 at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in London.

The session will inform, discuss and consult on a number of significant new developments, which will impact on your work and will provide the opportunity to debate, learn from and problem solve with others through interactive workshops. Guest speakers include Capacitybuilders' Chief Executive, Matt Leach; Andrew Little, Chief Executive, London Deaf and Disability Organisations' CIC; Tim Wainwright, Director of Regions, Equality and Human Rights Commission. To find out more about the event and book your place, please visit http://www.rota.org.uk/pages/NetworkEvents.aspx?#H9

‘Planning Places of Worship’
An event that will look at the range of unresolved planning issues faced by hundreds of London faith groups in relation to their place of worship and at what needs to be done to deal with them fairly, is being planned for late March.
Across London hundreds of faith communities are struggling with the lack of clear and workable policies to allow the use of otherwise empty buildings to deliver what are often much needed practical as well as spiritual services. Planning Aid for London has been dealing with individual cases and cites a range of stop gap measures and perverse outcomes especially for minority churches and for newer faith communities.

Faiths Forum for London is working with Planning Aid for London, Black Neighbourhood Renewal &Regeneration Network and Just Space network to develop a clearer understanding of the issues between planning policy makers, planning implementation personnel and “minority” faith communities. Further information contact Marian Larragy by emailing: marian@londoncivicforum.org.uk or phone 020 8709 9773

BME Third Sector Community Enterprise Roadshow
Are you a BME third sector organisation involved in community enterprise? The Black Training and Enterprise Group (BTEG) and the Development Trusts Association (DTA) are working together to raise awareness and promote the DTA’s Communities of Interest membership to the BME third sector that are setting up or supporting community enterprise activity. BTEG will be hosting a workshop with the DTA to highlight the important role that development trusts play and how they can best support the BME third sector, illustrated with examples of best practice from the movement.

Date: 18 February 2009
Venue: NCVYS, Lancaster House, 33 Islington High Street, N1 9LH

To secure your place on this workshop, please fax Angeline Clarke at BTEG on 020 7833
6113 or email angeline@bteg.co.uk by 11 February 2009.

You can also become a member of DTA which is the leading network of community enterprise practitioners dedicated to helping people set up development trusts and helping existing development trusts learn from each other and work effectively. There are a range of benefits of DTA membership. Contact BTEG for more information on 020 7833 6113.

‘Getting 2 know YOUR 5-0’ Youth conference
This conference will be hold on February 18, 12 noon - 5.15pm at Mulberry Sports and Leisure Centre, Richard Street, E1 2JP and is open to the public.

The key - note speaker for the event is Paul Rickett, the Borough Commander for Tower Hamlets Police. The aim of the conference is to break down barriers between young people and the police, encourage discussion and identify areas where young people and the police can improve upon. The event will explore four key areas that affect young people such as: Hate crime, Violent crime, Substance misuse.

If you would like to attend the event please contact Abu Sufian on 020 7364 1613 or email: abu.sufian@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Resources

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Defending Local Grants
Is your Local Authority considering scrapping a crucial grant programme?
Is your PCT saying it's contracts or nothing? The Local Grants Forum (of which DSC is a member) has produced Defending Local Grants, a short leaflet to help you make the case for grant funding in your local area. It provides resources you can use to help convince councillors, commissioning officers and procurement professionals that grants should continue to be used to fund local organisations and groups. Download it at http://www.dsc.org.uk/NewsandInformation/PolicyandCampaigning/Policypositions/Fundingissues

BNRRN Project Updates

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Questions & Answers

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What are some of the necessary insurance policies for my Organisation?

Employer’s Liability
Required by law. All employers must have a minimum insurance cover of £5m for injury or disease suffered by employees. Employers Liability is expensive but unavoidable

Public Liability
Not a legal requirement, but could save charities from paying out millions. It protects a charity from injury or damage to people or property, which can happen on its premises or away from them - at fundraising events, say. Check that volunteers are covered by this policy. It is advisable for most.

Motor Vehicle
For charities that own or operate motor vehicles, it is a legal requirement to have at least third party motor insurance to cover damage to other people or their property. Extras such as personal accident benefits can be included.

Building
Essential for charities that own buildings. Policies should cover fire, lightning, flooding or damage through theft. The insurance should cover costs such as repairs, demolition and fees for professionals such as architects or surveyors. It is expensive but essential

Contents
Covers the contents of a charity's operation, which could be anything from furniture and computers to museum pieces. It is not however legally required.

Legal Expenses
It is advisable for charities to take out this insurance to cover any costs that arise if they have to bring or defend legal cases. This might be needed if a member of staff starts an employment dispute or if there is an occupancy disagreement with a landlord. It is highly recommended

Trustee Indemnity
If a trustee makes a bad decision or breaches the charity's trust, this covers them from personal liability when legal claims are made. This is the only charity insurance that protects an individual trustee rather than the organisation.

Fidelity Guarantee
This insures a charity against any loss of cash or valuables caused by employee fraud or dishonesty. It can be extended to cover fraud and dishonesty by trustees and volunteers.

Loss of Money
Charities often handle cash from say fundraising activities, thus many insurers say this type of insurance is advisable. It covers a charity for loss of money in places such as a safe or in transit, which might not come under contents insurance.

Patron Death
Charities with patrons whose demise could affect their ability to raise funds might want to consider this type of insurance. An insurer might cover a certain amount of lost revenue up to £25,000. This type of insurance is more useful for those with high-profile or celebrity patrons. It is cheap but rarely needed

Kidnap and Ransom
Advisable for any charity sending employees overseas, particularly if they are going to dangerous countries. It will cover the costs of getting employees back, including translators, private investigators and ransoms. It is expensive. It depends on the country and salary of the person concerned. Could cost thousands of pounds. It might be important for some organisations!

BNRRN Profiles & Member Notices

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Planning Aid
Planning Aid provides free, independent and professional town planning advice and support to communities and individuals who cannot afford to pay planning consultant fees. It complements the work of local planning authorities, but is wholly independent of them.

Planning Aid was started by the Town and Country Planning Association in 1973. From the beginning, it has been at the forefront of engaging communities in the planning process. Now Planning Aid is working to further widen engagement in the planning process and to give an equal voice to all those involved in planning.
In 2005 the Officer of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) confirmed funding until 2008

Planning Aid is about much more than giving advice. It engages communities positively in the planning process to help them manage changes to their neighbourhood areas. A significant portion of its work in recent years has been supporting minority churches and faith groups in their efforts to secure the use of otherwise empty buildings to deliver what are often much needed practical as well as spiritual services.

Planning Aid can help people to:
• Understand and use the planning system
• Participate in preparing plans
• Prepare their own plans for the future of their community
• Comment on planning applications
• Apply for planning permission or appeal against refusal of permission
• Represent themselves at public inquiries.
Planning Aid helps to meet one of the key aims of the government's planning reform agenda, which is to place community engagement at the heart of the planning system. Planning Aid website is at www.planningaid.rtpi.org.uk

Vacancies, Volunteering & Training

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Training: ‘Tender to Win’ Workshop
Date: Tue 24 February 2009
Venue: London Business Development Corporation (LBDC) 312 High Road London N15 4BN
Please email info@lbdc.org.uk or call on 0208 376 6262 to confirm a place as places are limited

Volunteer- Trustee Board Members for London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC)
LVSC are looking for new trustee board members to help lead the organisation up to and beyond its centenary celebrations in 2010. This is a great opportunity to contribute to strategic leadership in a regional voluntary sector body. LVSC is the umbrella organisation supporting London’s voluntary and community sector. The vision is for the voluntary and community sector to play a fully empowered and effective role in the diverse life of London.

They are looking for people with a commitment to working with the sector and knowledge of the issues affecting London. High-level skills in finance, premises or media relations would also be useful.

Trustees are expected to attend five meetings a year in North London. Additional opportunities for involvement include events and sub-committees and they would particularly like to appoint trustees to their finance sub-committee. LVSC encourages applications from skilled people of all backgrounds.

To apply please send your cv and completed diversity monitoring form with a covering letter or email to:

Susan George
LVSC
356 Holloway Road
London N7 6PA
susan@lvsc.org.uk
Closing date: 13 February 2009, Interviews: 27 February 2009

Vacancy: Head of Policy vacancy, Race on the Agenda
Head of Policy: 32,119 - 42,602 (NJC scale PO2 - PO5, point 35 - 47), 5% pension
Race on the Agenda (ROTA) is a social policy think-tank focusing on issues affecting Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities and the Third Sector that serves them. ROTA has a vacancy for Head of Policy. This post offers the opportunity to lead on the organisation's policy and research programme working with the experienced and passionate policy team.

Current policy priorities include crime and antisocial behaviour, health inequalities, community cohesion and regional governance. You will need demonstrable knowledge of social policy priorities for the BAME sector and communities. You will also need demonstrable experience of staff and project management as well as experience of fundraising and writing clear and concise reports.
Closing Date for applications: Monday 23rd February 2009 11:00pm (by post or email). Successful candidates will be notified on 27th February to attend an interview on Monday 2nd March 2009. Please contact ROTA on 020 7729 1310 or Email: rota@rota.org.uk.

Training: FREE funding seminars and training for the women's sector
The Women's Resource Centre's (WRC) Building Futures project is supporting women's frontline organisations across London to become financially stronger, resilient and more independent. They will be offering FREE funding training and seminars over the next five years. You will be able to access practical support, tailored to your needs, in areas such as:

How to be more successful in tendering for services, Writing more successful tenders and fundraising bids, How to better engage with funders to ensure more ongoing support, Forming effective partnerships, Social enterprise
The seminars and trainings are FREE and are open to all women's organisations in London (with limited places for those outside of London).
To find out more about any of the events listed below, or about the project in general, please visit the website at www.wrc.org.uk/buildingfutures. In addition, one-to-one support is available for WRC members, so why not join WRC?

Get Funding!

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Voluntary organisations can double their funding with V
The V Match Fund can give your charity the funding and the profile you need to create volunteering projects for 16-25 year olds.
As a v Match Fund delivery partner, you’ll have the opportunity to develop innovative volunteering opportunities that support your work and allow a new generation of supporters to get involved. If you can find a private sector funder to fund half of your project, V will do the rest and double the value of the funding.
For more information, please call or email: Tammy McCann on Tel: 02079607019 or Tammy.McCann@wearev.com

New fund launched for community relations projects
The Barrow Cadbury Trust fund will typically provide voluntary and community projects with grants worth £30,000 over a two-year period. Funding will be offered to projects that promote solidarity between people of different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.

They have consolidated their funding into three programme areas:
• Young Adults and Criminal Justice: Helping young adults who are in, or at risk of being in the criminal justice system, to make a successful transition to adulthood and improve their life chances.
• Inclusive Communities: Alleviating poverty and exclusion among marginalised groups.
• Global Exchange: Exchanging good practice across boundaries and using it to reinvigorate debates taking place in the UK.

Capacity Builders Launches Capital Funding Stream for Resource Centres
As part of their drive to increase the access that voluntary and community organisations have to high quality, relevant and affordable shared facilities and services, Capacity Builders have launched a programme of funding aimed at increasing the quality and availability of local resource centres across England.
Full details of the Capacity Builders Capital Funding programme which will run from January 2009 to March 2011 can be found at
http://capacitybuilders.org.uk/content/WhoWeFund/Funding200811/Capitalprogramme1.aspx

Volant Charitable Trust
This trust was set up by children's author J K Rowling to support charitable organisations to alleviate poverty and social deprivation with particular emphasis on children's and women's issues. It distributes about £5 million per year, mainly in large grants of more than £100,000 to large national charities but some smaller grants are given to local and regional charities. There is no stated minimum or maximum grant size

Deadline: Friday, 27 February 2009

Contact: The Trust Administrator, The Volant Charitable Trust, Box 8 196 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 4AT or visit www.volanttrust.com for more info.

Baily Thomas Charitable Fund
The Fund distributed over £4 million last year with grants ranging from £500 to £150,000. Meetings of the Trustees are usually held in June and early December each year and applications should be submitted no later than 1 May or 1 October for consideration at the next meeting.

The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund’s area of interest is learning disability. By the term ‘learning disability’, the Fund means the conditions generally referred to as severe learning difficulties, together with autism. In this area, they consider projects concerning children or adults. They do not give grants for research into, or care of, those with mental illness or dyslexia.
For more information please contact The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund
c/o TMF Management UK Limited, 400 Capability Green, Luton, Beds, LU1 3AE, Telephone: 01582 439 225 or Email: info@ bailythomas. org.uk

John Laing Charitable Trust
Gives money to charities that support homeless people, disadvantaged young people, the regeneration of local communities, education and environmental organisations.

Grant size available: Donations range from £250 to £25,000 with up to 12 charities receiving more than £10,000. Usually, charities receive one-off donations, but a small number are supported for an agreed period, often up to three years.

Donations towards revenue and capital costs can be made. There is no deadline for receipt of applications. The Trustees meet formally several times throughout the year
How to apply: Applications should be made in writing to the Trust Secretary. Initial telephone enquiries are welcome to discuss likely eligibility. The Trust does not have an application form and applicants are asked to keep the initial request as brief as possible. A copy of the charity's latest accounts should be included.
Please contact: Trust Secretary, John Laing Charitable Trust 33 Bunns Lane London NW7
2DX Telephone: 020 8959 9013

Tesco Charity Trust Community Awards Scheme
The Tesco Charity Trust Community Awards Scheme provides one-off donations of between £1,000 and £4,000. The funding they give goes towards providing practical benefits, such as equipment and resources for projects that directly benefit children, the elderly and adults and children with disabilities, living in the local communities around their stores in the UK.

Applications can be made via their Website: www.tescocharitytrustcommunityawards-applications.co.uk

Please note charities can only make one application each year.
Decisions are made by the Tesco Charity Trustees in conjunction with the regional Community Co-ordinators who are based across the UK.

Contact Details: Tesco Charity Trust, New Tesco House, Delamare Road, Cheshunt, Herts, EN8 9SL Tel: 01992 646768 Website: http://www.tescocorporate.com/charitiesandfundraising.htm

News & Information Roundup

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Free confidential advice for charities in financial difficulty
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has launched a free crisis helpline for charities that are worried about their finances. Charity leaders will be able to talk in confidence to CAF advisers and get advice on the steps they can take.

CAF will also refer charities to the sector's main umbrella bodies if they need further advice. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (Acevo), the Charity Finance Directors' Group and the Institute of Fundraising have all offered their support.

The helpline number is 0800 980 2000.

Nominations now open for The Charity Awards 2009
Entries are now being accepted for The Charity Awards 2009, the charity sector’s prestigious celebration of management excellence, organised by Plaza Publishing with support from overall sponsors CAF and The Leadership Trust Foundation and national media partner The Times.

The Charity Awards are open to charities of all sizes from throughout the UK and recognise exceptional leadership and management across ten broad categories of charitable activity, with one charity going on to receive the prestigious Overall Award. There is also an award made to an exceptional individual for Outstanding Achievement.

The closing date for nominations is 9 March and the winners will be announced at a gala presentation dinner in London for 1,000 prominent sector figures on Thursday 11 June 2009. Visit www.charityawards.co.uk for details on how to submit an entry.

Potential funding for work on FGM
The Women's Resource Centre (WRC) has been asked by a group of independent charitable funders to conduct an assessment of voluntary and community organisations and projects in the UK which are currently working in the FGM (female genital mutilation) field or supporting women and girls affected, or which are interested in, or have the potential to work in this area. The group of charitable funders is looking at possibly funding this area in the future.

If you want to help shape decisions about possible future funding, simply complete their brief survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=heD_2b1Ie7rizxAYvGESBMgA_3d_3d
or contact Tania Pouwhare at tania@wrc.org.uk or 020 7324 3030. The survey closes on Tuesday 17 February at 3pm.

Greener planning: A New Web Guidance
Communities and Local Government , the Homes and Communities Agency Academy and the Planning Advisory Service, are working together on new web-based guidance on planning and climate change. The new guidance will cover areas such as the delivery of local renewable energy and community power schemes like combined heat and power, as well as climate proofing new development.
See: www.hcaacademy.co.uk/planning-and-climate-change

Progress report on young black people and criminal justice published
As part of their response to the Home Affairs Select Committee’s inquiry into ‘young black people and the criminal justice system’, the government committed to report annually on progress. Their first annual report looks at the strategy and activities they are using to tackle the over-representation of young black people in the criminal justice system.
See: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/young-black-people-cjs-dec-08.htm

Guide to retaining funding
The Local Grants Forum, has launched a free guide to help voluntary groups keep their public sector funding. ‘Defending Local Grants’ is intended to provide local groups with advice to help them negotiate with councillors, commissioners and procurement officers over funding for local communities. See http://www.navca.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/0C1A3369-C77C-4E77-8A27-8C23AD0BC37E/0/Defendinglocalgrantsrevised.pdf

Events

Working for Equality 2009
If you work for an agency that supports Equality organisations or you have an active interest in equalities issues, then Capacitybuilders and HEAR - London’s equalities and human rights network invite you to attend Working for Equality 2009. The free information and networking event is taking place on 12 February 2009 at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in London.

The session will inform, discuss and consult on a number of significant new developments, which will impact on your work and will provide the opportunity to debate, learn from and problem solve with others through interactive workshops. Guest speakers include Capacitybuilders' Chief Executive, Matt Leach; Andrew Little, Chief Executive, London Deaf and Disability Organisations' CIC; Tim Wainwright, Director of Regions, Equality and Human Rights Commission. To find out more about the event and book your place, please visit http://www.rota.org.uk/pages/NetworkEvents.aspx?#H9

‘Planning Places of Worship’
An event that will look at the range of unresolved planning issues faced by hundreds of London faith groups in relation to their place of worship and at what needs to be done to deal with them fairly, is being planned for late March.
Across London hundreds of faith communities are struggling with the lack of clear and workable policies to allow the use of otherwise empty buildings to deliver what are often much needed practical as well as spiritual services. Planning Aid for London has been dealing with individual cases and cites a range of stop gap measures and perverse outcomes especially for minority churches and for newer faith communities.

Faiths Forum for London is working with Planning Aid for London, Black Neighbourhood Renewal &Regeneration Network and Just Space network to develop a clearer understanding of the issues between planning policy makers, planning implementation personnel and “minority” faith communities. Further information contact Marian Larragy by emailing: marian@londoncivicforum.org.uk or phone 020 8709 9773

BME Third Sector Community Enterprise Roadshow
Are you a BME third sector organisation involved in community enterprise? The Black Training and Enterprise Group (BTEG) and the Development Trusts Association (DTA) are working together to raise awareness and promote the DTA’s Communities of Interest membership to the BME third sector that are setting up or supporting community enterprise activity. BTEG will be hosting a workshop with the DTA to highlight the important role that development trusts play and how they can best support the BME third sector, illustrated with examples of best practice from the movement.

Date: 18 February 2009
Venue: NCVYS, Lancaster House, 33 Islington High Street, N1 9LH

To secure your place on this workshop, please fax Angeline Clarke at BTEG on 020 7833
6113 or email angeline@bteg.co.uk by 11 February 2009.

You can also become a member of DTA which is the leading network of community enterprise practitioners dedicated to helping people set up development trusts and helping existing development trusts learn from each other and work effectively. There are a range of benefits of DTA membership. Contact BTEG for more information on 020 7833 6113.

‘Getting 2 know YOUR 5-0’ Youth conference
This conference will be hold on February 18, 12 noon - 5.15pm at Mulberry Sports and Leisure Centre, Richard Street, E1 2JP and is open to the public.

The key - note speaker for the event is Paul Rickett, the Borough Commander for Tower Hamlets Police. The aim of the conference is to break down barriers between young people and the police, encourage discussion and identify areas where young people and the police can improve upon. The event will explore four key areas that affect young people such as: Hate crime, Violent crime, Substance misuse.

If you would like to attend the event please contact Abu Sufian on 020 7364 1613 or email: abu.sufian@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Policy Updates & Briefing

2009-02-10T14:21:00.001Z

Political Support from MPs for BAMER Community Groups
MPs have backed the campaign by ‘ Voice4Change’ for political support and recognition of the role of black and minority ethnic organisations in promoting equality and community cohesion. An early day motion, signed by seven MPs also calls on the Government to ensure councils continue to fund black and minority ethnic organisations. This is in response to draft guidelines on community cohesion issued by the Communities and Local Government department last February which instructed local authorities to focus grants on schemes that benefited the entire community, a recommendation widely believed to be instructions against BAMER type work funding.

Hazel Blears, the communities secretary recently said that she had decided to scrap the guidelines and leave decisions on funding priorities to local authorities. But the signatories to the Early Day Motion, tabled by Alun Michael, the Labour MP and former Welsh First Minister, "consider it wrong that funders are being encouraged to have a presumption against single group funding" and accept that BME-specific organisations "have grown out of a recognition that many of the needs of diverse communities have not been adequately met by mainstream services".

Vandna Gohil, director of Voice4Change, said that high-level political backing was necessary if the BME third sector was to overcome its current "lack of visibility" and secure the funding it needed.

Impact of the Recession on BAMER Organisations
ROTA (Race on the Agenda), is conducting a survey, to gather evidence on the impact of the recession on London’s BAMER voluntary and community sector organizations. Any organization wishing to participate can do so by 5pm Wednesday 25th of February by contacting rota on 0207 729 1310 or email nwadio@rota.org.uk. There is some payment for returning completed questionnaires.

Meanwhile London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC) has conducted the ‘Big Squeeze’ survey which is a survey to assess the impact of the recession on the work of generic voluntary and community sector organisations. The survey has so far yielded a picture and of those who responded:
• 92% believe the recession is already affecting communities you work with;
• 67% say your workload has already increased as a result;
• 82% of you are not confident you'll be able to meet the demand for your services in the future; but
• 73% are already taking positive steps to help your organisation cope and continue to deliver vital services
If you are a voluntary or community organisation and want to participate in this survey you can still do so, visit www.lvsc.org.uk/bigsqueeze

Also contact LVSC if you have any questions, speak to Gethyn Williams on Telephone: 020 7700 8107.

The Sustainable Communities Plan
The Deputy Prime Minister launched a £38-billion ‘Sustainable Communities’ Plan in February 2003. The plan set out the Government’s vision and a long-term programme of action for delivering sustainable communities in both urban and rural areas.

Contained within the plan were proposals for a significant increase in resources and major reforms of housing and planning, even a new approach to how we build and what we build.

Sustainable communities can be seen as the residential and workplace surroundings in which people live and thrive, where there is a balance and integration of the social, economic and environmental components that define a community area. It is a place where people want to live and work, now and in the future.
In short, these communities are likely to be:
• safe and inclusive
• well planned, built and run
• offering equality and opportunity for all

A host of guidance, plans and funding streams followed the launch of the ‘Sustainable Communities’ Plan in order to prompt action. The Sustainable Communities Act has received Royal Assent and has become law ( October 2007). It also enjoys full cross party support. The process in the Act has begun and on Tuesday 14th October 2008 Hazel Blears the Communities secretary, invited all principal councils to submit proposals to government for action and assistance in promoting sustainable communities, as defined in the Act.

See link below for the description of the Act and next steps.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/sustainablecommunitiesact

The Act’s potential is extensive, it will provide key opportunities for Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities to meet their community needs because communities and councils could use it to do such things as protect local services, increase renewable energy, public transport or local food, change the planning rules, change government policy and even force new legislation.

Central government is now working with councils, partner agencies and local people to achieve sustainable communities’ aims. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), and other key departments like the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), are providing both the funding and the policy framework for promoting the development of sustainable communities.
Local government is expected to play a lead role in the delivery of this vision, tackling the practical challenges of the policy framework. These challenges can include:
• the provision of decent homes
• creating access to employment
• protecting the environment
• regenerating community spirit

Further recommendations for sustainable communities were published in the Egan Review of Skills for Sustainable Communities, published in April 2004.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/152086.pdf
The DCLG has set up a new Academy for Sustainable Communities aimed at inspiring change, supporting innovation and promoting the generic skills required to make the vision a reality.

A ‘Sustainable Communities Act’ Public meeting holds on Tuesday 10th February 2009 7:00pm - 9:00pm The Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House, Parliament, Victoria Embankment, Westminster SW1A 3LW. This is an open meeting, and no booking is required.

New Opportunities White Paper
The Government has published it’s ‘New Opportunities’ White Paper, setting out plans to improve the life chances of people from less-privileged backgrounds. The white paper is about putting in place the right foundation for both a richer and fairer society. Government has adopted a dual approach for achieving it New Opportunities aims; to safeguard people within the current economic conditions and lay adequate foundations for opportunities of the future.

In line with the first aspect of the dual approach, the paper highlights Government’s increased support for those who have lost their jobs with personalised help to find new employment and to meet mortgage payments. It highlights governments efforts to improve the credit flow for businesses, the introduction of a range of tax cuts and extra support for families, children and pensioners, the bringing forward of £3 billion worth of capital projects to improve infrastructure, create jobs and stimulate the economy.

Considering the second aspect of laying adequate foundations for opportunities of the future, the white paper looks at economic forecasts, to the predicted doubling of the world’s economies in 20 years along with the likely creation of 1 billion new skilled jobs, expansion of wealth and increase in disposable incomes, all these creating immense opportunities for business growth and individual success. Considering the global world economy of the future, the White Paper states:

‘The countries which succeed will be those which make the most of the talents and potential of all their citizens. So if we make the right decisions in the downturn and continue to invest in skills and people, we can provide better jobs, wages and prospects for our citizens in the years to come. This means stepping up our efforts to unlock the talents of every child and young person from their earliest years, and supporting adults right through their working lives, so that we can build a more prosperous economy and a stronger, fairer society.’

The paper then goes on to discuss strategic economic positioning for the future under the following themes: An upwardly mobile society, Looking to the future, positioning our economy, investing to build up everyone’s capabilities throughout their lives, Supporting the families and communities in which people develop.
Alongside the social mobility White Paper, plans to establish a new ‘Inspiring Communities’ network have been announced. Communities and Local government will provide £10m of funding to support young people in 15 local communities. The funding comes in response to a Social Exclusion Task Force study into the aspirations and attainment of young people in deprived communities

For more on the Social Exclusion Task Force Study: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/social_exclusion_task_force/short_studies/aspirations.aspx

Or for details of the ‘Inspiring Communities Network’ see: http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1117420

The New Local Government Performance Framework and the National Indicator 7 (NI 7) for a thriving Voluntary and Community Sector (also referred to as the ‘Third Sector’)
The local government has a new performance framework for Local Strategic Partnerships and the Local Area Agreements (LAA) that they produce, and it includes a single set of 198 National Indicators. These indicators will be used to measure LAA performance nationally over the next three years. These indicators cover all the national priority outcomes which local authorities will be responsible for delivering, either on their own or in partnership with others.

See list of indicators:http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/nationalindicator

Local area agreements (LAAs) form the heart of the performance framework. They are the agreement between central government, local authorities and their partners to improve services and the quality of life in a place. Although LAA performance will be measured in an area against all 198 indicators, LAAs will agree up to 35 national priority targets with specific improvement targets set for each with central government.

More information on the new local government performance framework can be found on the Communities and Local Government (CLG) website: www.communities.gov.uk

NI 7 has been included in the 198 National Indicators. It will measure the contribution that local government and its partners make to the environment in which independent third sector organisations can operate successfully. This indicator has been included as a government priority in the National Indicator set in recognition of:

• The importance of the third sector to strong, active and empowered
local communities
• The value of the third sector to responsive and effective local government
• The value of local government to the third sector

It is recommended that LSPs choose this indicator for inclusion as one in their the 35 National Indicators that they can agree with Central Government. This is because a stronger third sector particularly Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Voluntary and Community Sector, would be an asset to every local authority area and enable a range of targets against which LAA’s are monitored to be achieved. Achieving a thriving Voluntary and Community sector (Third Sector) would be greatly enhanced if NI 7 is made a specific LAA priority.

More information available at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/cabinetoffice/third_sector/assets/ni7_briefing_note_final.pdf

The legacy of 2012 Olympics for local people
In summer 2012, London will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The sporting events, and the cultural festivals that accompany them, will be an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike. But the impact doesn't stop in 2012

There is a legacy of hosting the Games and this is essentially the difference the games will make to the lives of people across London and the UK even long after the end of the games.

Government has made a commitment of a lasting legacy of social, physical and economic regeneration and this was at the heart of London's bid for the Games, and has underpinned the design of the Olympic Park and the Olympic venues.
The London Development Agency (LDA) is leading the partnership planning this legacy. This partnership already includes all the key public sector bodies, the five host boroughs, the Mayor of London, the Olympic Delivery Authority, UK government departments, the London Organising Committe of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. But success can only be guaranteed with the participation of local residents, local businesses, investors and other stakeholders from across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The legacy of the 2012 Games has already started with training programmes, business support initiatives, access to jobs and planning for the post-Games physical transformation of the Olympic Park. ‘Legacy Now’ is the identity for this work, and between now and 2012 there will be a number of publications and events discussing the legacy of the 2012 Games. Please visit the link below for upcoming legacy events.
http://www.legacy-now.co.uk/events/calendar/?month=2&year=2009

BNRRN Policy E-Bulletin 10th Feb 09

2009-02-10T13:36:00.000Z

Policy Updates & Briefing

Political Support from MPs for BAMER Community Groups
MPs have backed the campaign by ‘ Voice4Change’ for political support and recognition of the role of black and minority ethnic organisations in promoting equality and community cohesion. An early day motion, signed by seven MPs also calls on the Government to ensure councils continue to fund black and minority ethnic organisations. This is in response to draft guidelines on community cohesion issued by the Communities and Local Government department last February which instructed local authorities to focus grants on schemes that benefited the entire community, a recommendation widely believed to be instructions against BAMER type work funding.

Hazel Blears, the communities secretary recently said that she had decided to scrap the guidelines and leave decisions on funding priorities to local authorities. But the signatories to the Early Day Motion, tabled by Alun Michael, the Labour MP and former Welsh First Minister, "consider it wrong that funders are being encouraged to have a presumption against single group funding" and accept that BME-specific organisations "have grown out of a recognition that many of the needs of diverse communities have not been adequately met by mainstream services".

Vandna Gohil, director of Voice4Change, said that high-level political backing was necessary if the BME third sector was to overcome its current "lack of visibility" and secure the funding it needed.

Impact of the Recession on BAMER Organisations
ROTA (Race on the Agenda), is conducting a survey, to gather evidence on the impact of the recession on London’s BAMER voluntary and community sector organizations. Any organization wishing to participate can do so by 5pm Wednesday 25th of February by contacting rota on 0207 729 1310 or email nwadio@rota.org.uk. There is some payment for returning completed questionnaires.

Meanwhile London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC) has conducted the ‘Big Squeeze’ survey which is a survey to assess the impact of the recession on the work of generic voluntary and community sector organisations. The survey has so far yielded a picture and of those who responded:
• 92% believe the recession is already affecting communities you work with;
• 67% say your workload has already increased as a result;
• 82% of you are not confident you'll be able to meet the demand for your services in the future; but
• 73% are already taking positive steps to help your organisation cope and continue to deliver vital services
If you are a voluntary or community organisation and want to participate in this survey you can still do so, visit www.lvsc.org.uk/bigsqueeze

Also contact LVSC if you have any questions, speak to Gethyn Williams on Telephone: 020 7700 8107.

The Sustainable Communities Plan
The Deputy Prime Minister launched a £38-billion ‘Sustainable Communities’ Plan in February 2003. The plan set out the Government’s vision and a long-term programme of action for delivering sustainable communities in both urban and rural areas.

Contained within the plan were proposals for a significant increase in resources and major reforms of housing and planning, even a new approach to how we build and what we build.

Sustainable communities can be seen as the residential and workplace surroundings in which people live and thrive, where there is a balance and integration of the social, economic and environmental components that define a community area. It is a place where people want to live and work, now and in the future.
In short, these communities are likely to be:
• safe and inclusive
• well planned, built and run
• offering equality and opportunity for all

A host of guidance, plans and funding streams followed the launch of the ‘Sustainable Communities’ Plan in order to prompt action. The Sustainable Communities Act has received Royal Assent and has become law ( October 2007). It also enjoys full cross party support. The process in the Act has begun and on Tuesday 14th October 2008 Hazel Blears the Communities secretary, invited all principal councils to submit proposals to government for action and assistance in promoting sustainable communities, as defined in the Act.

See link below for the description of the Act and next steps.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/sustainablecommunitiesact

The Act’s potential is extensive, it will provide key opportunities for Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities to meet their community needs because communities and councils could use it to do such things as protect local services, increase renewable energy, public transport or local food, change the planning rules, change government policy and even force new legislation.

Central government is now working with councils, partner agencies and local people to achieve sustainable communities’ aims. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), and other key departments like the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), are providing both the funding and the policy framework for promoting the development of sustainable communities.
Local government is expected to play a lead role in the delivery of this vision, tackling the practical challenges of the policy framework. These challenges can include:
• the provision of decent homes
• creating access to employment
• protecting the environment
• regenerating community spirit

Further recommendations for sustainable communities were published in the Egan Review of Skills for Sustainable Communities, published in April 2004.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/152086.pdf
The DCLG has set up a new Academy for Sustainable Communities aimed at inspiring change, supporting innovation and promoting the generic skills required to make the vision a reality.

A ‘Sustainable Communities Act’ Public meeting holds on Tuesday 10th February 2009 7:00pm - 9:00pm The Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House, Parliament, Victoria Embankment, Westminster SW1A 3LW. This is an open meeting, and no booking is required.

New Opportunities White Paper
The Government has published it’s ‘New Opportunities’ White Paper, setting out plans to improve the life chances of people from less-privileged backgrounds. The white paper is about putting in place the right foundation for both a richer and fairer society. Government has adopted a dual approach for achieving it New Opportunities aims; to safeguard people within the current economic conditions and lay adequate foundations for opportunities of the future.

In line with the first aspect of the dual approach, the paper highlights Government’s increased support for those who have lost their jobs with personalised help to find new employment and to meet mortgage payments. It highlights governments efforts to improve the credit flow for businesses, the introduction of a range of tax cuts and extra support for families, children and pensioners, the bringing forward of £3 billion worth of capital projects to improve infrastructure, create jobs and stimulate the economy.

Considering the second aspect of laying adequate foundations for opportunities of the future, the white paper looks at economic forecasts, to the predicted doubling of the world’s economies in 20 years along with the likely creation of 1 billion new skilled jobs, expansion of wealth and increase in disposable incomes, all these creating immense opportunities for business growth and individual success. Considering the global world economy of the future, the White Paper states:

‘The countries which succeed will be those which make the most of the talents and potential of all their citizens. So if we make the right decisions in the downturn and continue to invest in skills and people, we can provide better jobs, wages and prospects for our citizens in the years to come. This means stepping up our efforts to unlock the talents of every child and young person from their earliest years, and supporting adults right through their working lives, so that we can build a more prosperous economy and a stronger, fairer society.’

The paper then goes on to discuss strategic economic positioning for the future under the following themes: An upwardly mobile society, Looking to the future, positioning our economy, investing to build up everyone’s capabilities throughout their lives, Supporting the families and communities in which people develop.
Alongside the social mobility White Paper, plans to establish a new ‘Inspiring Communities’ network have been announced. Communities and Local government will provide £10m of funding to support young people in 15 local communities. The funding comes in response to a Social Exclusion Task Force study into the aspirations and attainment of young people in deprived communities

For more on the Social Exclusion Task Force Study: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/social_exclusion_task_force/short_studies/aspirations.aspx

Or for details of the ‘Inspiring Communities Network’ see: http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1117420

The New Local Government Performance Framework and the National Indicator 7 (NI 7) for a thriving Voluntary and Community Sector (also referred to as the ‘Third Sector’)
The local government has a new performance framework for Local Strategic Partnerships and the Local Area Agreements (LAA) that they produce, and it includes a single set of 198 National Indicators. These indicators will be used to measure LAA performance nationally over the next three years. These indicators cover all the national priority outcomes which local authorities will be responsible for delivering, either on their own or in partnership with others.

See list of indicators:http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/nationalindicator

Local area agreements (LAAs) form the heart of the performance framework. They are the agreement between central government, local authorities and their partners to improve services and the quality of life in a place. Although LAA performance will be measured in an area against all 198 indicators, LAAs will agree up to 35 national priority targets with specific improvement targets set for each with central government.

More information on the new local government performance framework can be found on the Communities and Local Government (CLG) website: www.communities.gov.uk

NI 7 has been included in the 198 National Indicators. It will measure the contribution that local government and its partners make to the environment in which independent third sector organisations can operate successfully. This indicator has been included as a government priority in the National Indicator set in recognition of:

• The importance of the third sector to strong, active and empowered
local communities
• The value of the third sector to responsive and effective local government
• The value of local government to the third sector

It is recommended that LSPs choose this indicator for inclusion as one in their the 35 National Indicators that they can agree with Central Government. This is because a stronger third sector particularly Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Voluntary and Community Sector, would be an asset to every local authority area and enable a range of targets against which LAA’s are monitored to be achieved. Achieving a thriving Voluntary and Community sector (Third Sector) would be greatly enhanced if NI 7 is made a specific LAA priority.

More information available at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/cabinetoffice/third_sector/assets/ni7_briefing_note_final.pdf

The legacy of 2012 Olympics for local people
In summer 2012, London will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The sporting events, and the cultural festivals that accompany them, will be an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike. But the impact doesn't stop in 2012

There is a legacy of hosting the Games and this is essentially the difference the games will make to the lives of people across London and the UK even long after the end of the games.

Government has made a commitment of a lasting legacy of social, physical and economic regeneration and this was at the heart of London's bid for the Games, and has underpinned the design of the Olympic Park and the Olympic venues.
The London Development Agency (LDA) is leading the partnership planning this legacy. This partnership already includes all the key public sector bodies, the five host boroughs, the Mayor of London, the Olympic Delivery Authority, UK government departments, the London Organising Committe of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. But success can only be guaranteed with the participation of local residents, local businesses, investors and other stakeholders from across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The legacy of the 2012 Games has already started with training programmes, business support initiatives, access to jobs and planning for the post-Games physical transformation of the Olympic Park. ‘Legacy Now’ is the identity for this work, and between now and 2012 there will be a number of publications and events discussing the legacy of the 2012 Games. Please visit the link below for upcoming legacy events.
http://www.legacy-now.co.uk/events/calendar/?month=2&year=2009

News & Information Roundup

Free confidential advice for charities in financial difficulty
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has launched a free crisis helpline for charities that are worried about their finances. Charity leaders will be able to talk in confidence to CAF advisers and get advice on the steps they can take.

CAF will also refer charities to the sector's main umbrella bodies if they need further advice. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (Acevo), the Charity Finance Directors' Group and the Institute of Fundraising have all offered their support.

The helpline number is 0800 980 2000.

Nominations now open for The Charity Awards 2009
Entries are now being accepted for The Charity Awards 2009, the charity sector’s prestigious celebration of management excellence, organised by Plaza Publishing with support from overall sponsors CAF and The Leadership Trust Foundation and national media partner The Times.

The Charity Awards are open to charities of all sizes from throughout the UK and recognise exceptional leadership and management across ten broad categories of charitable activity, with one charity going on to receive the prestigious Overall Award. There is also an award made to an exceptional individual for Outstanding Achievement.

The closing date for nominations is 9 March and the winners will be announced at a gala presentation dinner in London for 1,000 prominent sector figures on Thursday 11 June 2009. Visit www.charityawards.co.uk for details on how to submit an entry.

Potential funding for work on FGM
The Women's Resource Centre (WRC) has been asked by a group of independent charitable funders to conduct an assessment of voluntary and community organisations and projects in the UK which are currently working in the FGM (female genital mutilation) field or supporting women and girls affected, or which are interested in, or have the potential to work in this area. The group of charitable funders is looking at possibly funding this area in the future.

If you want to help shape decisions about possible future funding, simply complete their brief survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=heD_2b1Ie7rizxAYvGESBMgA_3d_3d
or contact Tania Pouwhare at tania@wrc.org.uk or 020 7324 3030. The survey closes on Tuesday 17 February at 3pm.

Greener planning: A New Web Guidance
Communities and Local Government , the Homes and Communities Agency Academy and the Planning Advisory Service, are working together on new web-based guidance on planning and climate change. The new guidance will cover areas such as the delivery of local renewable energy and community power schemes like combined heat and power, as well as climate proofing new development.
See: www.hcaacademy.co.uk/planning-and-climate-change

Progress report on young black people and criminal justice published
As part of their response to the Home Affairs Select Committee’s inquiry into ‘young black people and the criminal justice system’, the government committed to report annually on progress. Their first annual report looks at the strategy and activities they are using to tackle the over-representation of young black people in the criminal justice system.
See: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/young-black-people-cjs-dec-08.htm

Guide to retaining funding
The Local Grants Forum, has launched a free guide to help voluntary groups keep their public sector funding. ‘Defending Local Grants’ is intended to provide local groups with advice to help them negotiate with councillors, commissioners and procurement officers over funding for local communities. See http://www.navca.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/0C1A3369-C77C-4E77-8A27-8C23AD0BC37E/0/Defendinglocalgrantsrevised.pdf

Events

Working for Equality 2009
If you work for an agency that supports Equality organisations or you have an active interest in equalities issues, then Capacitybuilders and HEAR - London’s equalities and human rights network invite you to attend Working for Equality 2009. The free information and networking event is taking place on 12 February 2009 at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in London.

The session will inform, discuss and consult on a number of significant new developments, which will impact on your work and will provide the opportunity to debate, learn from and problem solve with others through interactive workshops. Guest speakers include Capacitybuilders' Chief Executive, Matt Leach; Andrew Little, Chief Executive, London Deaf and Disability Organisations' CIC; Tim Wainwright, Director of Regions, Equality and Human Rights Commission. To find out more about the event and book your place, please visit http://www.rota.org.uk/pages/NetworkEvents.aspx?#H9

‘Planning Places of Worship’
An event that will look at the range of unresolved planning issues faced by hundreds of London faith groups in relation to their place of worship and at what needs to be done to deal with them fairly, is being planned for late March.
Across London hundreds of faith communities are struggling with the lack of clear and workable policies to allow the use of otherwise empty buildings to deliver what are often much needed practical as well as spiritual services. Planning Aid for London has been dealing with individual cases and cites a range of stop gap measures and perverse outcomes especially for minority churches and for newer faith communities.

Faiths Forum for London is working with Planning Aid for London, Black Neighbourhood Renewal &Regeneration Network and Just Space network to develop a clearer understanding of the issues between planning policy makers, planning implementation personnel and “minority” faith communities. Further information contact Marian Larragy by emailing: marian@londoncivicforum.org.uk or phone 020 8709 9773

BME Third Sector Community Enterprise Roadshow
Are you a BME third sector organisation involved in community enterprise? The Black Training and Enterprise Group (BTEG) and the Development Trusts Association (DTA) are working together to raise awareness and promote the DTA’s Communities of Interest membership to the BME third sector that are setting up or supporting community enterprise activity. BTEG will be hosting a workshop with the DTA to highlight the important role that development trusts play and how they can best support the BME third sector, illustrated with examples of best practice from the movement.

Date: 18 February 2009
Venue: NCVYS, Lancaster House, 33 Islington High Street, N1 9LH

To secure your place on this workshop, please fax Angeline Clarke at BTEG on 020 7833
6113 or email angeline@bteg.co.uk by 11 February 2009.

You can also become a member of DTA which is the leading network of community enterprise practitioners dedicated to helping people set up development trusts and helping existing development trusts learn from each other and work effectively. There are a range of benefits of DTA membership. Contact BTEG for more information on 020 7833 6113.

‘Getting 2 know YOUR 5-0’ Youth conference
This conference will be hold on February 18, 12 noon - 5.15pm at Mulberry Sports and Leisure Centre, Richard Street, E1 2JP and is open to the public.

The key - note speaker for the event is Paul Rickett, the Borough Commander for Tower Hamlets Police. The aim of the conference is to break down barriers between young people and the police, encourage discussion and identify areas where young people and the police can improve upon. The event will explore four key areas that affect young people such as: Hate crime, Violent crime, Substance misuse.

If you would like to attend the event please contact Abu Sufian on 020 7364 1613 or email: abu.sufian@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Get Funding!

Voluntary organisations can double their funding with V
The V Match Fund can give your charity the funding and the profile you need to create volunteering projects for 16-25 year olds.
As a v Match Fund delivery partner, you’ll have the opportunity to develop innovative volunteering opportunities that support your work and allow a new generation of supporters to get involved. If you can find a private sector funder to fund half of your project, V will do the rest and double the value of the funding.
For more information, please call or email: Tammy McCann on Tel: 02079607019 or Tammy.McCann@wearev.com

New fund launched for community relations projects
The Barrow Cadbury Trust fund will typically provide voluntary and community projects with grants worth £30,000 over a two-year period. Funding will be offered to projects that promote solidarity between people of different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.

They have consolidated their funding into three programme areas:
• Young Adults and Criminal Justice: Helping young adults who are in, or at risk of being in the criminal justice system, to make a successful transition to adulthood and improve their life chances.
• Inclusive Communities: Alleviating poverty and exclusion among marginalised groups.
• Global Exchange: Exchanging good practice across boundaries and using it to reinvigorate debates taking place in the UK.

Capacity Builders Launches Capital Funding Stream for Resource Centres
As part of their drive to increase the access that voluntary and community organisations have to high quality, relevant and affordable shared facilities and services, Capacity Builders have launched a programme of funding aimed at increasing the quality and availability of local resource centres across England.
Full details of the Capacity Builders Capital Funding programme which will run from January 2009 to March 2011 can be found at
http://capacitybuilders.org.uk/content/WhoWeFund/Funding200811/Capitalprogramme1.aspx

Volant Charitable Trust
This trust was set up by children's author J K Rowling to support charitable organisations to alleviate poverty and social deprivation with particular emphasis on children's and women's issues. It distributes about £5 million per year, mainly in large grants of more than £100,000 to large national charities but some smaller grants are given to local and regional charities. There is no stated minimum or maximum grant size

Deadline: Friday, 27 February 2009

Contact: The Trust Administrator, The Volant Charitable Trust, Box 8 196 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 4AT or visit www.volanttrust.com for more info.

Baily Thomas Charitable Fund
The Fund distributed over £4 million last year with grants ranging from £500 to £150,000. Meetings of the Trustees are usually held in June and early December each year and applications should be submitted no later than 1 May or 1 October for consideration at the next meeting.

The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund’s area of interest is learning disability. By the term ‘learning disability’, the Fund means the conditions generally referred to as severe learning difficulties, together with autism. In this area, they consider projects concerning children or adults. They do not give grants for research into, or care of, those with mental illness or dyslexia.
For more information please contact The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund
c/o TMF Management UK Limited, 400 Capability Green, Luton, Beds, LU1 3AE, Telephone: 01582 439 225 or Email: info@ bailythomas. org.uk

John Laing Charitable Trust
Gives money to charities that support homeless people, disadvantaged young people, the regeneration of local communities, education and environmental organisations.

Grant size available: Donations range from £250 to £25,000 with up to 12 charities receiving more than £10,000. Usually, charities receive one-off donations, but a small number are supported for an agreed period, often up to three years.

Donations towards revenue and capital costs can be made. There is no deadline for receipt of applications. The Trustees meet formally several times throughout the year
How to apply: Applications should be made in writing to the Trust Secretary. Initial telephone enquiries are welcome to discuss likely eligibility. The Trust does not have an application form and applicants are asked to keep the initial request as brief as possible. A copy of the charity's latest accounts should be included.
Please contact: Trust Secretary, John Laing Charitable Trust 33 Bunns Lane London NW7
2DX Telephone: 020 8959 9013

Tesco Charity Trust Community Awards Scheme
The Tesco Charity Trust Community Awards Scheme provides one-off donations of between £1,000 and £4,000. The funding they give goes towards providing practical benefits, such as equipment and resources for projects that directly benefit children, the elderly and adults and children with disabilities, living in the local communities around their stores in the UK.

Applications can be made via their Website: www.tescocharitytrustcommunityawards-applications.co.uk

Please note charities can only make one application each year.
Decisions are made by the Tesco Charity Trustees in conjunction with the regional Community Co-ordinators who are based across the UK.

Contact Details: Tesco Charity Trust, New Tesco House, Delamare Road, Cheshunt, Herts, EN8 9SL Tel: 01992 646768 Website: http://www.tescocorporate.com/charitiesandfundraising.htm

Vacancies, Volunteering & Training

Training: ‘Tender to Win’ Workshop
Date: Tue 24 February 2009
Venue: London Business Development Corporation (LBDC) 312 High Road London N15 4BN
Please email info@lbdc.org.uk or call on 0208 376 6262 to confirm a place as places are limited

Volunteer- Trustee Board Members for London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC)
LVSC are looking for new trustee board members to help lead the organisation up to and beyond its centenary celebrations in 2010. This is a great opportunity to contribute to strategic leadership in a regional voluntary sector body. LVSC is the umbrella organisation supporting London’s voluntary and community sector. The vision is for the voluntary and community sector to play a fully empowered and effective role in the diverse life of London.

They are looking for people with a commitment to working with the sector and knowledge of the issues affecting London. High-level skills in finance, premises or media relations would also be useful.

Trustees are expected to attend five meetings a year in North London. Additional opportunities for involvement include events and sub-committees and they would particularly like to appoint trustees to their finance sub-committee. LVSC encourages applications from skilled people of all backgrounds.

To apply please send your cv and completed diversity monitoring form with a covering letter or email to:

Susan George
LVSC
356 Holloway Road
London N7 6PA
susan@lvsc.org.uk
Closing date: 13 February 2009, Interviews: 27 February 2009

Vacancy: Head of Policy vacancy, Race on the Agenda
Head of Policy: 32,119 - 42,602 (NJC scale PO2 - PO5, point 35 - 47), 5% pension
Race on the Agenda (ROTA) is a social policy think-tank focusing on issues affecting Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities and the Third Sector that serves them. ROTA has a vacancy for Head of Policy. This post offers the opportunity to lead on the organisation's policy and research programme working with the experienced and passionate policy team.

Current policy priorities include crime and antisocial behaviour, health inequalities, community cohesion and regional governance. You will need demonstrable knowledge of social policy priorities for the BAME sector and communities. You will also need demonstrable experience of staff and project management as well as experience of fundraising and writing clear and concise reports.
Closing Date for applications: Monday 23rd February 2009 11:00pm (by post or email). Successful candidates will be notified on 27th February to attend an interview on Monday 2nd March 2009. Please contact ROTA on 020 7729 1310 or Email: rota@rota.org.uk.

FREE funding seminars and training for the women's sector
The Women's Resource Centre's (WRC) Building Futures project is supporting women's frontline organisations across London to become financially stronger, resilient and more independent. They will be offering FREE funding training and seminars over the next five years. You will be able to access practical support, tailored to your needs, in areas such as:

How to be more successful in tendering for services, Writing more successful tenders and fundraising bids, How to better engage with funders to ensure more ongoing support, Forming effective partnerships, Social enterprise
The seminars and trainings are FREE and are open to all women's organisations in London (with limited places for those outside of London).
To find out more about any of the events listed below, or about the project in general, please visit the website at www.wrc.org.uk/buildingfutures. In addition, one-to-one support is available for WRC members, so why not join WRC?

BNRRN Profiles & Member Notices

Planning Aid
Planning Aid provides free, independent and professional town planning advice and support to communities and individuals who cannot afford to pay planning consultant fees. It complements the work of local planning authorities, but is wholly independent of them.

Planning Aid was started by the Town and Country Planning Association in 1973. From the beginning, it has been at the forefront of engaging communities in the planning process. Now Planning Aid is working to further widen engagement in the planning process and to give an equal voice to all those involved in planning.
In 2005 the Officer of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) confirmed funding until 2008

Planning Aid is about much more than giving advice. It engages communities positively in the planning process to help them manage changes to their neighbourhood areas. A significant portion of its work in recent years has been supporting minority churches and faith groups in their efforts to secure the use of otherwise empty buildings to deliver what are often much needed practical as well as spiritual services.

Planning Aid can help people to:
• Understand and use the planning system
• Participate in preparing plans
• Prepare their own plans for the future of their community
• Comment on planning applications
• Apply for planning permission or appeal against refusal of permission
• Represent themselves at public inquiries.
Planning Aid helps to meet one of the key aims of the government's planning reform agenda, which is to place community engagement at the heart of the planning system. Planning Aid website is at www.planningaid.rtpi.org.uk

Questions & Answers

What are some of the necessary insurance policies for my Organisation?

Employer’s Liability
Required by law. All employers must have a minimum insurance cover of £5m for injury or disease suffered by employees. Employers Liability is expensive but unavoidable

Public Liability
Not a legal requirement, but could save charities from paying out millions. It protects a charity from injury or damage to people or property, which can happen on its premises or away from them - at fundraising events, say. Check that volunteers are covered by this policy. It is advisable for most.

Motor Vehicle
For charities that own or operate motor vehicles, it is a legal requirement to have at least third party motor insurance to cover damage to other people or their property. Extras such as personal accident benefits can be included.

Building
Essential for charities that own buildings. Policies should cover fire, lightning, flooding or damage through theft. The insurance should cover costs such as repairs, demolition and fees for professionals such as architects or surveyors. It is expensive but essential

Contents
Covers the contents of a charity's operation, which could be anything from furniture and computers to museum pieces. It is not however legally required.

Legal Expenses
It is advisable for charities to take out this insurance to cover any costs that arise if they have to bring or defend legal cases. This might be needed if a member of staff starts an employment dispute or if there is an occupancy disagreement with a landlord. It is highly recommended

Trustee Indemnity
If a trustee makes a bad decision or breaches the charity's trust, this covers them from personal liability when legal claims are made. This is the only charity insurance that protects an individual trustee rather than the organisation.

Fidelity Guarantee
This insures a charity against any loss of cash or valuables caused by employee fraud or dishonesty. It can be extended to cover fraud and dishonesty by trustees and volunteers.

Loss of Money
Charities often handle cash from say fundraising activities, thus many insurers say this type of insurance is advisable. It covers a charity for loss of money in places such as a safe or in transit, which might not come under contents insurance.

Patron Death
Charities with patrons whose demise could affect their ability to raise funds might want to consider this type of insurance. An insurer might cover a certain amount of lost revenue up to £25,000. This type of insurance is more useful for those with high-profile or celebrity patrons. It is cheap but rarely needed

Kidnap and Ransom
Advisable for any charity sending employees overseas, particularly if they are going to dangerous countries. It will cover the costs of getting employees back, including translators, private investigators and ransoms. It is expensive. It depends on the country and salary of the person concerned. Could cost thousands of pounds. It might be important for some organisations!

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.

Resources
Defending Local Grants
Is your Local Authority considering scrapping a crucial grant programme?
Is your PCT saying it's contracts or nothing? The Local Grants Forum (of which DSC is a member) has produced Defending Local Grants, a short leaflet to help you make the case for grant funding in your local area. It provides resources you can use to help convince councillors, commissioning officers and procurement professionals that grants should continue to be used to fund local organisations and groups. Download it at http://www.dsc.org.uk/NewsandInformation/PolicyandCampaigning/Policypositions/Fundingissues

BNRRN Project Updates

2009-01-14T13:32:00.000Z

BNRRN begins work in Hackney and Ealing

BNRRN's Engagement Project, aimed at enabling BAMER organisations in engaging 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 for the next six months (from the month of 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

2009-01-14T13:31:00.001Z

What is a Social Enterprise

Social enterprises are businesses set up to tackle a social or environmental need. They are distinctive from other business types because their social and/or environmental purpose is absolutely central to what they do and any profits are reinvested to sustain and further the mission. Some examples of social enterprises include ‘The Big Issue’, Jamie Oliver's restaurant ‘Fifteen’. Divine Chocolate, which is a fair trade chocolate company co-owned by the cocoa farmers cooperative Kuapa Kokoo in Ghana is also another example.
Social enterprises use a wide variety of legal forms including:
• Community interest company (CIC)
• Industrial and provident society
• Companies limited by guarantee or shares
• Group structures and charitable status
For more information on setting up a Social Enterprise, go to http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?type=RESOURCES&itemId=1073789616

Resources

2009-01-14T13:28:00.001Z

Help with Accounting
Free online resources for small charities are being offered by The Charity Commission. The resource includes a ‘receipts and payments’ pack, which is a SORP manual specifically for smaller charities, an accruals pack for smaller non-company charities, and guidance on what is required for each charity size and a range of examples. Further information available at http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/

Member Profile & Member Notices

2009-01-14T13:21:00.000Z

Nile Community Organisation

Nile community organisation is based in Lambeth. The organization was set up eight months ago to meet the needs of local community particularly for people from Sudan and also people of North East African origin. It currently has between 80-90 members. They currently provide activities for children and young people including Christmas/Eid parties and outings to cinemas etc and there is a particular focus on women and also children to enable them integrate and have an active social life.
Though Nile operates out of Lambeth it attracts members from across London and beyond. For more information and to become a member please contact Elmahi on 07956551738.

Vacancies, Volunteering & Training

2009-01-14T13:19:00.002Z

Training- Free Training for Black Asian Minority Ethnic and Refugee Groups in Lambeth on Policy Engagement

Date: Tuesday 27 January 2009, Time: 10.30am – 2pm (Lambeth)
BNRRN is currently running the engagement project, ‘Working Together: Enabling BAMER Participation’ and as part of this project, BNRRN is running training sessions on Policy and Engagement in Enfield on the 27th of January and in Lambeth on the 29th of January.

Lambeth Venue: Kennington Park Community Centre, 8 Harleyford Street, Oval London SE11 5SY

Enfield Venue: O’bay Community Centre Housing Office, Broad House, 205 Fore Street, Upper Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield N18 2TZ

Refreshment and Lunch will be provided. All staff, trustees and volunteers are welcome.

For Further information please contact Abul Helal on 020 8981 3003 or email abul@bnrrn.org.uk

Jobs - Notre Dame Refugee Centre(NDRC): Director (maternity cover)
Salary £1,650 per month, 21 hours p/w, ideal start early March, 7 months minimum duration

Closing date for applications: Friday 6th February 5pm, Interview dates: 19 + 20 February

NDRC helps and supports refugees, mostly from francophone Africa with a wide range of services, including counselling, health and immigration surgeries delivered through the drop-in centre open every Mondays and Thursdays, whilst the advice service runs four days a week. The overall programme of work is delivered by a team of four part-time staff and 35 volunteers.

They wish to appoint a dynamic, experienced and self-motivated individual, who will have overall responsibility for managing the service, developing and supporting new initiatives and for implementing NDRC’s fundraising plan. Experience of working with disadvantaged groups is essential, along with excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills. A track record of success in raising funds from the general public, trusts, foundations and institutional donors is a requirement.

Please request an application pack by email at recruitment@notredamerc.org.uk, or by phone on 020 7440 2660.

Jobs-Islington Refugee Forum: Development Outreach Worker

Part time: 17.5 hrs per week. Salary: NJC Scale 6

Closing date: 5pm Monday 19th January 2009, Interviews: Tuesday 27th January 2009 (afternoon)

The Refugee Forum is recruiting a Development Outreach Worker in order to bring together refugee/migrant community organisations to promote dialogue and partnership with other service providers and statutory bodies. Key areas of responsibility are to provide outreach to refugee/migrant community organisations, administration and communication, Policy support and development.

For application packs please email Colette Joyce at info@islingtonrefugeeforum.org

Jobs-AFRUCA is recruiting a Family Outreach Officer
Closing Date: 5pm, Monday 9 February 2009, Interviews: Week beginning 23 February 2009
You will be at the forefront of AFRUCA’s efforts at to help stem the tide of African children being removed from their families and taken into care by local authorities across the country. You will work with African parents to improve their knowledge of child protection and the indicators of child abuse so they can better protect their children.

For further inquiries and a job pack including an application form, job description and person specification call on 0207 7042261 or email info@afruca.org, or write to: AFRUCA, Unit 3D/F Leroy House, 436 Essex Road, London N1 3QP

Training -GRANTfinder Fundraising for Beginners
Are you new to fundraising? Feeling out of your depth? then GRANTfinder's new Fundraising for Beginners course ‘Training investment’ could help. There is an introductory rate of £75 plus VAT per person (which includes lunch and light refreshments during the day and covers the costs of course material).

Next training dates: Wednesday, 21 January 2009
The practical one-day training courses are held in the training room at the GRANTfinder offices in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

The courses are designed specifically for people in the not-for-profit sector who are new to fundraising. (It is not necessary to be a GRANTfinder subscriber.) They aim to provide the tools necessary to understand the various sources of funding, with a view to writing winning applications and maximising your organisation’s chance of grants success.

Interested in finding out more? Contact the Training Department on: Tel: (01909) 501200

Training - Free one-day ”Leadership Training for Social Entrepreneurs"
Wednesday 11th February 2009, 9.45am-4.45pm
School for Social Entrepreneurs, 18 Victoria Park Square, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PF

• Are you trying to start or grow an organisation that benefits your community?
• Would you like to hear from people who have been there and done it?
• Would you benefit from a day of leadership training to learn about social entrepreneurship and social enterprise?
If so, then this training could be for you. The School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) supports individuals - social entrepreneurs - who strive to improve people's lives and affect change in their communities. They are running this event for people to sample SSE's approach and to provide leadership skills training for social and community entrepreneurs.
SSE works with a diverse range of individuals and organsiations. They particularly welcome people to this event from black and minority ethnic groups. If you would like to attend this event please e-mail: dorota.luksza@sse.org.uk, or telephone: 020 8981 0300

Get Funding!

2009-01-14T13:19:00.001Z

Youth Sector Development Fund (YSDF) and Tackling Knife Crime: Imminent Deadline
The third round of the Youth Sector Development Fund (YSDF) focuses on smaller third sector organisations with a turnover of under £1 million, with a proven track record in successfully delivering innovative positive activities and support for young people (13 -19) in England, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.

Approximately 25 organisations, will be supported through the Fund. Between £400,000
and £600,000 is available per organisation from April 2009 to March 2011.
In addition, the YSDF is administering a £0.5 million fund on behalf of the Home Office, which offers additional support for the areas and communities most affected by knife crime.

The Home Office is offering four opportunities for third sector organisations in the Tackling Knives Action Programme (TKAP) Police Force areas to receive approximately £100,000 in funding, plus business support. Funding will be specifically to support organisations working with young people (particularly teenage boys 13-19), who are significantly at risk of being involved in knife and gang crime. The TKAP areas are: Essex, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Metropolitan (London), Nottinghamshire, South Wales, Thames Valley, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Bedfordshire, Northumbria and South Yorkshire.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest for YSDF funding is 23 January 2009.
Applicants in the TKAP areas must submit their bids by 5 March 2009.

The Britannia Building Society Foundation Funds for Charities
The Foundation offers grants and donations between £1,000 and £25,000 to registered charities and schools working within education, particularly numeracy and/or financial literacy.
The Foundation welcomes applications from:
Registered Charities and Schools: Any registered charity or school working within their key priorities and operating in an area where the Building Society has a high density of members.
National Charities: Any national charity working within our key priorities that can ring fence their activities to a local community where the Building Society has a high density of members.
Note: The Foundation will consider capital expenditure and salary costs.
More information is available from www.britannia.co.uk/membership/community/britannia_foundation

Beatrice Laing Trust

The Trust Gives around £1 million per year to registered charities, mainly in small grants of up to £5,000, for the relief of poverty in its broadest sense, and the advancement of the evangelical Christian faith. The majority of grants are between £1,000 and £5,000 and are either small annual grants towards the core costs of national organisations working with the Trust's priority groups, or small capital grants to local organisations working to relieve poverty in their local communities.

Larger grants are generally up to about £30,000 given mainly to larger national organisations.

Apply by letter to the Trust correspondent. Apply at any time. The Trustees meet twice a year to consider applications for grants over £5,000. Decisions on grants of £5,000 and below are made on a monthly basis.

Contact Beatrice Laing Trust, c/o Laing Family Trusts 33 Bunns Lane Mill Hill London NW7 2DX Telephone: 020 8238 8890

Events

2009-01-14T13:18:00.001Z

Training- Free Training for Black Asian Minority Ethnic and Refugee Groups in Lambeth and Enfield on Policy Engagement
Date: Tuesday 27 January (Lambeth) and 29th January (Enfield) 2009, Time: 10.30am – 2pm

BNRRN is currently running an engagement project, and as part of this project, is holding training sessions on Policy and Engagement in Lambeth on the 27th of January and in Enfield on the 29th of January.

Lambeth Venue: Kennington Park Community Centre, 8 Harleyford Street, Oval London SE11 5SY

Enfield Venue: O’bay Community Centre Housing Office, Broad House, 205 Fore Street, Upper Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield N18 2TZ

Refreshment and Lunch will be provided. All staff, trustees and volunteers are welcome.

For Further information please contact Abul Helal on 020 8981 3003 or email abul@bnrrn.org.uk

Increasing BME and women’s representation on Local Strategic Partnerships

The ‘Black Training and Enterprise Group’ is working in partnership with the
‘Urban Forum’, ‘Women’s Resource Centre’, Black Regeneration and Neighbourhood Renewal Network and Oxfam, to deliver a series of one day workshops for BME groups and women’s groups.

These workshops will examine how Local Strategic Partnerships address BME and women’s issues, and develop the skills of BME groups and women’s groups to influence the way that local policies are developed. The workshops will also share good practice on how some Local Strategic Partnerships are successfully increasing representation from women and BME communities.

The workshops will provide intensive training and support to small groups of up to 12 participants. The workshops are FREE for participants and include lunch.

The workshops will take place in:

Islington Tuesday 20 January 2009
Hackney Tuesday 3rd February 2009

Who are these workshops for?
Anyone working for a BME, refugee or faith group or women’s organisation (staff,trustees or volunteers). The workshops will be most relevant for organizations, which are based in the boroughs of Islington and Hackney.
Places are limited to 12 people per workshop, so early booking is recommended.
For more information contact Angeline Clarke on Tel: 020 7843 6113
E-MAIL: angeline@bteg.co.uk

Working for Equality 2009
‘HEAR’, London’s equalities and human rights network and ‘Capacitybuilders’, invite you to: Working for Equality 2009, an information and networking event for agencies supporting equality organisations.

Date: 12 February 2009 (am)
Venue: Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, London, SE1 9NH.

This free event will inform, discuss and consult on a number of significant new developments. You will have the chance to debate, learn from and problem solve with others through interactive workshops.

This event is for all whether from: an organisation that specialises in supporting equalities organisations; a mainstream support organisation such as a CVS; the public sector; or a funding agency. Other interested organisations and individuals are also welcome. Further information and details of how to book available at http://www.rota.org.uk/pages/events/external.htm

Find out how you can be a Local Councillor

Do you have an interest in local issues? Have you got the skills and commitment to make changes and champion issues in your area?
Local councillors play a vital role in their communities and more women are being encouraged to get involved, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds to.
Find out more about how you can get involved at a free event. Hear from Baroness Uddin, Chair of the government’s Taskforce and other public figures about how they got involved in public life and what it means to them.
Dates left for London are 3 February 2009 Venue Trades Union Congress (TUC) Congress House, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS. For more information visit www.equalities,gov.uk or to register please go to: www.livegroup.co.uk/BAME or: telephone 020 8481 3375
Email: BAME@livegroup.co.uk

News & Information Roundup

2009-01-14T13:15:00.000Z

Government Pledges support the Voluntary and Community Sector through the recession
The Government has pledged to release an action plan setting out how it will support the sector through the recession. The commitment was made after a meeting between third sector minister Kevin Brennan and representatives of 25 sector bodies in November 08, including the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (Acevo) and the Charities Aid Foundation.

There was no immediate response to the 16 proposals put forward by chief executives body Acevo before the meeting, including a request for a new £500m scheme to help charities stay solvent. The meeting discussed reforming Gift Aid, setting up a social investment bank and extending the 10-year deadline for balancing the books in pension schemes.

The meeting also discussed ways the sector could help itself, such as developing toolkits, increasing collaboration, reducing overheads with IT and using mediation to minimise the fallout of redundancies.

Brennan said: "It is clear that the Government can also play an important role to support the sector. We have discussed some very constructive and realistic proposals today, which I will consider carefully."

Communities and Local Government (London) (CLG) £11m to help London councils unlock their housing markets
London councils have secured nearly £11m pounds as part of £101m allocated to help local authorities in England maintain the building of the family and first-time buyer homes still desperately needed.

The 2008-09 Housing and Planning Delivery Grant (HPDG) will provide for the first-time additional direct funding top up for councils to ensure that new homes are built where families need them. The Government has already announced a series of measures to alleviate the current challenges in the housing market and support the vital delivery of more homes over the long-term.

This new incentive will ensure that councils are able to be responsive (given the current economic climate) deliver good-quality homes quickly, properly identifying land for homes to help hard-working families and give the house-building industry greater certainty around development proposals.

Allocations to London councils under the 2008/09 HPDG are as follows:
Barking & Dagenham - £145,483
Barnet - £336,563
Bexley - £93,469
Brent - £544,131
Bromley - £83,132
Camden - £128,995
City of London - £92,267
Croydon - £138,926
Ealing - £128,995
Enfield - £118,658
Greenwich - £889,212
Hackney - £347,003
Hammersmith & Fuham - £129,867
Haringey - £142,474
Harrow - £128,995
Havering - £684,199
Hillingdon - £139,333
Hounslow - £476,973
Islington - £456,923
Kensington & Chelsea - £81,275
Kingston-upon-Thames - £118,658
Lambeth - £161,908
Lewisham - £108,906
Merton - £118,658
Newham - £216,670
Redbridge - £1,391,132
Richmond-upon-Thames - £336,563
Southwark - £608,000
Sutton - £139,333
Tower Hamlets - £1,683,359
Waltham Forest - £155,055
Wandsworth - £457,121
Westminster - £193,968

In order to be eligible, local authorities must show progress on: continuing to provide suitable land for development over future years, particularly as the housing market recovers from current economic challenges; providing the local plans necessary to deliver the needed homes; carrying out a strategic assessment of their housing market.
A £1billion package of support was recently announced that will help first-time buyers in England facing difficulties entering the market; support vulnerable households at risk from repossession; and deliver more affordable homes sooner; while also helping the house-building industry. A further £410m will be made available over the subsequent two years of the Housing and Planning Delivery Grant (HPDG) scheme.

The National Equality Partnership
The National Equality Partnership is working on:
 Education initiatives run by and for ‘minorities within minorities’, to target the more excluded groups;
 Equality audit peer learning project, to be launched in the new year;
 Bespoke and open training and learning events;
 One-to-one support to umbrella organisations;
 Support to pan-equality networks and partnerships;
 Development of its resources and contacts databases in equality, diversity and human rights.

If you are interested in the above initiatives and/or have any ideas that you would like to discuss with the National Equality Partnership on how to advance equality and diversity in your sector, please do not hesitate to contact them. If you would like to know more about the National Equality Partnership, please visit: www.improvingsupport.org.uk/equality

New ‘European Council on Refugees and Exiles’ (ECRE) website
The European Council on Refugees and Exiles has launched a new website.
Visit the new ECRE website

European Year Against Poverty
It has been confirmed that 2010 will be the European Year Against Poverty and Social Exclusion. A variety of national and European-wide activities are currently being planned. The European Anti Poverty Network have produced plans to ensure 2010 really makes a difference to people living in poverty.
See: www.eapn.eu/content/view/65/34/lang,en/

Policy Updates & Briefing

2009-01-14T13:14:00.001Z

The Queen's Speech 2008(3rd Dec 08)

The Queen's Speech 2008 has outlined 14 Bills for the coming year in Parliament. As well as dealing with the current economic downturn, the focus of the new session of Parliamentary business will be welfare reform and crime reduction. The Bills include:
• Banking Bill
• Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill
• Welfare Reform Bill
• Policing and Crime Bill
• Coroners & Justice Bill
• Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Bill
• Equality Bill
• Child Poverty Bill
• Health Bill
• Children, Skills and Learning Bill
• Marine and Coastal Access Bill
• Political Parties and Elections Bill
• Business Rates Supplement Bill
• Saving Gateway Accounts Bill

Economic Inactivity and Worklessness in Lambeth

The Borough of Lambeth suffers from higher levels of economic inactivity and worklessness. London's employment rate hovers around 69% and the working age benefit claim rate at 14.7%. In Lambeth employment rates are at 66.7% (July 06 – June 07), the working age benefit claim rate in May 2007 was 17.2 % (18.0% May 2006) which is higher than the London average (but has shown some reduction within a 12 month period).

Lambeth Startegic Partnership; Lambeth First, has put together its Employment and Skills Plan with the intention of bringing into a single action plan, the main activities in Lambeth focused on getting people back into work, its target being achievement of a 70% employment rate by 2012.

The Employment and Skills Board remain the custodians of the Employment and Skills Plan to tackle economic inactivity and worklessness, and will oversee the strategic development, delivery and monitoring of the activities to achieve the priorities defined by the Lambeth First Executive.

Lambeth Economic Development Strategy 2007-2012 – Employment and Skills Objectives

The Strategic objective 2 of the current Lambeth economic development strategy focuses on the following;

1. Promotion of a city strategy model of employment service provision – linking employers across the South London subregion with streamlined and co-ordinated employment services and appropriate, relevant training.
2. Support more people into work –Working with partners to significantly increase the numbers of people entering employment through employer partnerships and local job-search support programmes.
3. Remove barriers to employment for disadvantaged groups - Ensuring that the London Development Agency’s Childcare Affordability Programme has maximum impact in Lambeth in order to reduce the affordability gap and improve pathways to employment for parents. Work with employers on effective equal opportunities, with initiatives such as “Diversity Works” and tackle issues such as race and racial discrimination. Establish a local Task Force in January 2008 to take responsibility for issues relating to labour market achievements for the most disadvantaged, including disabled people, young people and women.
4. Improve in-work support and Workforce Development - Significantly increase the number of Apprenticeships and Train to Gain options in Lambeth within 18 months from October 2007.
5. A new University leadership model - Develop a model to strengthen the school-to-university pipeline to enable more Lambeth residents to enter higher education and promote Lambeth as a learning borough.
6. Increase adult learning through neighbourhood centres - Open up the world of learning, careers and employment.

BNRRN is running an Engagement Project in Lambeth which has involved linking local organisations and initiatives with Lambeth Strategic Partnership priorities. BNRRN is supporting and working in partnership with three organisations (Hyde Plus, Nile Community Organisation and Kurdish Cultural Centre) in their activities around the worklessness and economic activity agenda, and the activities include Employment partnerships, pathways to employment and Training. The local organisations include

“Fair Rules for Strong Communities”
The Prime Minister has set out the Government’s ‘fair rules’ agenda (Dec 08), outlining a wide range of policy initiatives designed to support strong communities.
The “Fair Rules for Strong Communities” contains a comprehensive series of reforms covering welfare, crime and policing, children and young people, business rules, immigration and communities. It is aimed at bringing people together and steering the country through the global economic downturn.

Under Welfare reform the government plans
• A new ‘one strike’ rule for benefit cheats.
• A tiered system for those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
• A requirement that from October 2010 lone parents with a youngest child aged seven or over will no longer be entitled to Income Support solely on the grounds of being a lone parent.
• Piloting Voice Risk Analysis technology to help assess whether a benefit claimant is providing misleading information.

Crime and policing
• A tougher community payback scheme.
• A new Victims Commissioner to give victims and witnesses a stronger voice in the justice system, protecting their interests and ensuring fair treatment
• Steps to support people who do the right thing, including a £5m Community Crime Fighters programme to train 3,600 members of the public who are already active in their communities and want to do more to make them safer
• Ensuring that public sector workers and other authority figures are empowered and supported in upholding fair rules.

Children and young people
• Supporting young people to play by the rules by increasing funding for out of school community facilities and activities
• More Family Intervention Projects
• A joined-up ‘Youth Crime Action Plan’ to deal with that small minority of young people who break the rules.

Businesses and town centres
• Reclassifying lap dancing clubs as ‘sex establishments’ to allow councils to take into account a wider range of local concerns
• Considering proposals to create a new code for alcohol retailers
• Working with local authorities to make it easier for local people to register their concerns about irresponsible and illegal alcohol sales
• Ensuring that local communities and their authorities have sufficient powers to prevent the
• A new push to ensure that credit card companies treat customers fairly in these difficult economic times.
Immigration
• A new requirement that from April 2009, migrants contribute directly towards a new fund that will help local service providers deal with the short-term pressures of migration
• Reforms to the immigration system, including a new selective points-based system to ensure Britain attracts economic migrants who have the skills our economy needs – and no more
• Enforcing strict penalties against immigrants or their employers if they break the rules.

Empowerment
• Ensuring people have a fair say in determining the rules by placing duties on all local authorities to promote democratic understanding and participation and respond to petitions, and extending the recently introduced ‘duty to involve’ to a wider range of agencies in local communities
• Enhancing the ability of community representatives to hold councils to account, ensuring swift and fair redress for poor services
• Giving people a greater say over their local police, including the introduction of directly elected policing representatives.

The plans around empowernment suggest that on the part of councils, an active 'reaching out' to local communities including BAMER groups, is expected. BAMER communitites will be able to take advantage of enhanced and supported democratic conditions fostered by governments plans around empowerment to engage in more effective dialogue with statutory bodies about the needs of the community. Empowerment plans will also enable stronger and better relationships to be built with local Police.

Further information available at
http://www.number10.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/fair-rules-for-strong-communities.pdf

Responses to the Cohesion Guidance for Funders Consultation

Communities and Local Government (CLG) consulted on the draft ‘Cohesion
Guidance for Funders’, from February to May 2008. CLG has now produced a summary of the ninety-eight responses received from the consultation.

The responses reflected the fact that the ‘Cohesion Guidance for Funders’, proved to be a controversial document particularly for the voluntary and community sector in its recommendations on the subject of “single group funding”.

Of the 98 responses received, two thirds were from the third sector. Half of the total number of responses came from third sector organisations supporting a specific client group with a large proportion of those groups were defined by ethnicity.

A Cross-section of Responses •
The consultation revealed limited support for the proposed guidance for funders.

• They wanted the guidance should apply to mainstream groups as to single groups, and for the emphasis on decisions being based on the local context.

• Many respondents were critical of the tone of the guidance which they considered appeared to: promote cohesion at the expense of equality, misrepresent single groups and reinforce negative stereotypes, make selective use of the evidence base and case studies, rely on theories and concepts perceived to be flawed or poorly explained, be inconsistent and incompatible with other relevant government policies, the legislative framework and Compact Codes, and challenge the independence of the third sector.

• Some respondents felt that single groups still had a role to play particularly as the society was still quite a way off from the ‘mainstreaming’ ideal.

• Many organisations said that the guidance could be used by funders to justify cutting funding to single groups, reducing access to services and thereby increasing inequality and hampering cohesion. And some felt that funders were already using the draft guidance to justify cutting funding to single groups.

• There was concern about monitoring its application and ensuring accountability and transparency around all funding decisions

• While some funders were confident that they had the right information and resources to enable them to make effective decisions, most third sector respondents thought that they did not. It was felt that funders lacked understanding of local community needs and capacity.

• Some respondents felt that the government was on a level challenging the sector’s independence.

The consultation responses contained over a hundred good practice examples of projects balancing bridging activity with meeting diverse needs.

Further information available from
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/cohesionfundersconsultation

'Cultural Metropolis – The Mayor's Priorities for Culture 2009-2012'
The Mayor of London has outlined his plans to enhance Londoners' experience of arts and culture in the capital.
London's cultural and creative sector’s contribution to the economy is very significant. In 2002 the creative industries added £21 billion to London's output and by 2005, 12 per cent of all London workers - 554,000 people - were creatively employed. Over 15 million overseas tourists come to London each year - five million more than go to Paris or New York - together with ten million domestic visitors and 150 million day trippers. Seven out of ten say that London’s cultural offer influenced their decision to visit.
The Key Priorities contained in the plan are:

Maintaining London’s position as a world centre of cultural excellence
Under this theme the mayor plan highlights the key cultural assets of London which include theatres and museums and the industries that surround these, the over 200 festivals staged in London each year; specifying that for London to keep their top position on the world stage, these would need to be maintained with a good level of public funding despite the current financial climate.
A new £1.4 million LDA fund, the ‘2012 London Cultural Skills Fund’ will be introduced to provide grants of up to £50,000 for not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations in London to build their capacity and capitalise on the opportunities presented by the Olympics. The fund will be administered by Arts Council England’s London office.
Also mention is the £175,000 grant given by the LDA towards a new home for the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, which will form part of the wider regeneration plans in this important historic area.

World-class culture for 2012 and beyond
In the plan culture is noted as ‘playing a major part in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games’. The Mayors plan highlights the ‘Cultural Olympiad’, (which consists of the opening, closing and medal ceremonies, as well as ten major cultural projects, all of which are to be delivered in the run-up to 2012 by LOCOG, in collaboration with major cultural institutions), as providing an opportunity for arts and cultural organisations, and the creative industries, to respond to the Olympic values and develop the themes of excellence and youth engagement in their work. The Cultural Olympiad was launched on 26 September 2008 with the nationwide events programme ‘Open Weekend’.
£40 million has been earmarked by LOCOG and its partners for the ten main Cultural Olympiad projects and plans are being made to bring in more through sponsorship.
For London, the Games will create an opportunity to celebrate the cities identity and to explore the relationship with the rest of the world and so to that effect, the GLA is planning to collaborate on major new partnership events across the city each year including ‘The Story of London’, a pan-London season of events to be held in June 2009, which will celebrate the past, present and future of London and its many communities.
To help coordinate activities up to and during the Games, the GLA have begun to develop a grid tool to map events in London.
In 2012 a world-class Olympic Park (which will be the largest urban park in Europe in 150 years) will be created. The creative team, based at the Olympic Delivery Authority, will coordinate the design and public art strategy for the site, and develop ideas for visitor attractions with input from different agencies including the Mayor’s Office. GLA will also help shape the Legacy Masterplan for the site.

Strengthen arts and music education for young people
The Mayor has launched a youth strategy in which music will play a key role in engaging young people in positive activities. GLA also supports the government’s 'Find Your Talent' initiative in Tower Hamlets, as well as efforts to spread the lessons of this to other boroughs. GLA aims to nurture the next generation of great artists and musicians, as well as the audiences of the future with the ultimate objective of encouraging a culture of popular participation in the arts at all levels.

To tackle the problem of the lack of affordable instruments which Is a major barrier for youth, GLA has initiated with Time Out magazine a musical instrument amnesty called ‘No Strings Attached’, inviting all Londoners to pledge their old musical instruments. These will be redistributed to music education providers in London.
The Mayor will also be looking at other disciplines that face similar challenges, such as dance, drawing and craft, the teaching of classics, and new media and digital technology.

Increase access and participation
The mayor’s aim under this theme is to enable greater access to enjoy and contribute to the rich mix of culture on offer in London through strategies for lowering of tickets, free screening, strategies for removing and reducing physical and sensory barriers that reduce access for disabled and older people as well as those with very young children. the idea of a culture Pass is being explored. Also considered are the problems of transportation example cost, congestion and parking. The issue of public safety is also considered.
There is also a focus on improving local cultural services and the London Cultural Improvement Group is mentioned in its role of bringing together 32 boroughs plus regional agencies and has initiated a series of reviews on local cultural services.
Improve provision in outer boroughs
This focus is to make cultural provision 60 per cent of Londoners who live in the outer boroughs who experience limited provision because London’s cultural institutions and events are mostly in the centre of London.
The plan speaks of the need to challenge the perception that there is enough support for culture in the suburbs. in light of this GLA plans to review the extent of cultural provision in London and call on national funders to re-examine their current levels of support.

The GLA currently funds a number of major public events in the city, but want to ensure this benefits as many Londoners as possible. To this effect the GLA has given funding to the London Jazz Festival so that organisers can hold events in outer London boroughs for the first time. The Mayor is also looking at how the annual Mayor’s Thames Festival can be extended outwards along the river in 2009 to enable even more people to participate.

Develop pathways for new talent
This priority speaks about the need to recruit talented people to the cultural and creative sectors. It picks up on the issue of discrimination and its wider social-economic factors. Though there is a focus of discrimination against non-whites. White people from working-class, low-income backgrounds face many of the same barriers as non-white people in the sector.
Under this priority, the Mayor has begun to discuss with relevant agencies and organisations how we can assist the professional development of recruits to the sector, through support networks, and the facilitation of bursaries and skills training.

Create a lively public realm
The GLA will continue to run an events programme aiming at making London an exciting and friendly place for people to visit. The Mayor has pledged his support for the main religious and cultural celebrations that take place in Trafalgar Square. We will also continue to back culturally significant events in the rest of the city, such as the Notting Hill Carnival in Kensington, the London Mela in Ealing and the Carnaval Del Pueblo in Peckham. Bugetary pressures are mentioned as resulting in a need for some changes and to pursue the angle of working better with local boroughs and to coordinate a city‑wide approach, especially in the run-up to 2012.
The increasing number of events held in Trafalgar Square and the pressures on its physical infrastructure means that the GLA will be undertaking a review of the events programme for the square to ensure that only the highest quality cultural and community events take place there. Where possible, we will work with organisations to move certain events to other central locations.

Support grassroots culture
This priority speaks about funding and support to the thousands of small voluntary and community organisations including independent clubs and societies, arts and music venues, choirs, bands, markets, festivals, studios and artists’ networks (a significant proportion of BAMER groups fall into this category and will therefore have expectations around this priority and will need to keenly watch out for developments).

The Mayors office proposes, working with the regional funding agencies to minimise the effects and provide support and advice to these grassrppt voluntary and community organisations, and work to find ways to reduce the red tape that hampers the activities of many smaller organisations.

Where appropriate, the Mayor will balance the considerations of important new transport developments with London’s arts and cultural landscape and seek to find a workable compromise. For example, the legendary Astoria Theatre will now be re-sited by developers to make way for the new Crossrail line.

Promote London
The focus under this priority is tourism and what brings tourists to London amidst the tougher global tourism market competition, the The Mayor’s Tourism Action Plan for London will be published in 2009 and will set out the opportunities and challenges facing London in the coming years. The GLA will be working with ‘Visit London’ to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the 2012 Olympic Games with an estimated tourist spend between 2-3 billion pounds. The GLA will also seek to attract major sporting and cultural events to make full use of the Olympic venues. The GLA Is also working to establish a coherent look and feel for London during the Games period, and will work with partners to develop quality public events, the use of interactive technology for navigation, appropriate signage, volunteer helpers and language services, and distinctive, eye-catching street dressing.

Develop targeted support for the creative industries
Commercial creative industries comes under this priority. The Industries make a large contribution to London’s economy and the GLA plans to work with the London Development Authority to maintain and strengthen London’s position as a centre for creativity and business. The Mayor will take steps to ensure that creative businesses have access to high quality advice and support so that they can plan effectively particularly for the anticipated downturn, which will create a reduced exchange rate for London’s creative goods and services.

In October the Mayor hosted a film industry summit jointly with Film London also announcing new, streamlined regulations to make it easier to shoot films in London through more effective management of road closures. He also awarded an extra £100,000 to the London Borough Film Fund Challenge, a scheme that gives young people training to make their first short film and thereby gain a foothold in the sector. In the future, the mayor will look at ways to cut red tape for film-makers, disseminate advice on environmentally-friendly film production and explore the state of independent cinemas in London, also engaging with other creative industry sectors, such as publishing, live music, design and architecture, to understand the particular challenges they face and the type of support we can provide.
The previous administration initiated the ‘Kulture to Couture’ scheme, which promoted emerging Black British fashion designers and the present Mayor Is hoping to expand this scheme to include people from all backgrounds and to bring it closer to the fashion industry through a stronger association with London Fashion Week. Work is planned with the creative industrial sectors to deliver the GLA’s will be collaborating with leading figures in publishing and literacy and public reading projects as part of the annual World Book Day.

International promotion is important for many creative businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises and through the LDA the Mayor will continue to assess the need for support for major international festivals.

Champion the role of culture in the built environment
London’s unique built environment is the focus of this last priority. It consists of layer upon layer of different architectural styles that reach back into antiquity and forward to the contemporary.

Raise the profile of the heritage sector in London and get more Londoners interested, particularly in the smaller venues and community-led organisations outside the centre.

GLA will work with organisations like English Heritage, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Heritage of London Trust and MLA London to champion the importance of built and cultural heritage in London and discuss with key agencies about the needs of the West End Theatres – some of the finest and most important heritage sites in London – and the particular challenges they face in terms of modernisation.

The report spoke of its recognition of the new needs created by London’s growing population and opportunities for exciting new architecture. The Mayor’s report, Planning for a Better London, published in July 2008, outlined his spatial strategy for the city and made reference to the importance of culture.

Improve government support for culture in London's Cultural Metropolis
It has the highest concentration of arts and cultural organisations, and its creative and cultural industries make the largest contribution of any region to the national economy

Despite the major contribution London makes to the UK’s cultural life and economy, it still does not receive the level of funding required from central government to meet the increasing needs and the growth of its population.

GLA has been given statutory responsibility for ensuring that the capital acts as a gateway to encourage visitors to visit other parts of our country. Improving London’s services and infrastructure is therefore in the wider UK interest. To this effect the Mayors office will make the case to central government for a fairer share for the capital. We need a funding level that enables us to maintain important national institutions in the centre, but also ensures high-quality, local facilities and cultural programmes for the majority of Londoners. Under-funding London, has a negative impact on people living in the outer boroughs in particular and although the capital receives the lion’s share of government support, most of this money is required to fund the major national institutions in the centre. The GLA is also looking to improve London’s relationships with other parts of the UK particularly as the whole country gears up for the 2012 Games. It will for an instance, develop plans for a cultural season in London in 2011 which will explore and celebrate contemporary Britain, working collaboratively with other regions and create partnerships between cultural institutions.

The Mayor's Priorities for Culture 2009-2012' is available online (www.london.gov.uk), or as a pdf from the GLA press office (email communitydesk@london.gov.uk). If you would like to feed back any comments on this document, please send them to culturalstrategy@london.gov.uk by Friday 30 January 2009.

Responses will feed into the development of a more detailed Culture Strategy, which is a statutory requirement of the Greater London Authority Act 1999. The Culture Strategy will set out our new priorities, draw on research to identify areas in need of improvement and outline our policies. A draft strategy will go out for public consultation in 2009.

BNRRN Policy E-Bulletin 14th Jan 09

2009-01-14T12:53:00.000Z

Policy Updates & Briefing

The Queen's Speech 2008

The Queen's Speech 2008 (3rd Dec 08) has outlined 14 Bills for the coming year in Parliament. As well as dealing with the current economic downturn, the focus of the new session of Parliamentary business will be welfare reform and crime reduction. The Bills include:
• Banking Bill
• Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill
• Welfare Reform Bill
• Policing and Crime Bill
• Coroners & Justice Bill
• Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Bill
• Equality Bill
• Child Poverty Bill
• Health Bill
• Children, Skills and Learning Bill
• Marine and Coastal Access Bill
• Political Parties and Elections Bill
• Business Rates Supplement Bill
• Saving Gateway Accounts Bill

Economic Inactivity and Worklessness in Lambeth

The Borough of Lambeth suffers from higher levels of economic inactivity and worklessness. London's employment rate hovers around 69% and the working age benefit claim rate at 14.7%. In Lambeth employment rates are at 66.7% (July 06 – June 07), the working age benefit claim rate in May 2007 was 17.2 % (18.0% May 2006) which is higher than the London average (but has shown some reduction within a 12 month period).

Lambeth Startegic Partnership; Lambeth First, has put together its Employment and Skills Plan with the intention of bringing into a single action plan, the main activities in Lambeth focused on getting people back into work, its target being achievement of a 70% employment rate by 2012.

The Employment and Skills Board remain the custodians of the Employment and Skills Plan to tackle economic inactivity and worklessness, and will oversee the strategic development, delivery and monitoring of the activities to achieve the priorities defined by the Lambeth First Executive.

Lambeth Economic Development Strategy 2007-2012 – Employment and Skills Objectives

The Strategic objective 2 of the current Lambeth economic development strategy focuses on the following;

1. Promotion of a city strategy model of employment service provision – linking employers across the South London subregion with streamlined and co-ordinated employment services and appropriate, relevant training.
2. Support more people into work –Working with partners to significantly increase the numbers of people entering employment through employer partnerships and local job-search support programmes.
3. Remove barriers to employment for disadvantaged groups - Ensuring that the London Development Agency’s Childcare Affordability Programme has maximum impact in Lambeth in order to reduce the affordability gap and improve pathways to employment for parents. Work with employers on effective equal opportunities, with initiatives such as “Diversity Works” and tackle issues such as race and racial discrimination. Establish a local Task Force in January 2008 to take responsibility for issues relating to labour market achievements for the most disadvantaged, including disabled people, young people and women.
4. Improve in-work support and Workforce Development - Significantly increase the number of Apprenticeships and Train to Gain options in Lambeth within 18 months from October 2007.
5. A new University leadership model - Develop a model to strengthen the school-to-university pipeline to enable more Lambeth residents to enter higher education and promote Lambeth as a learning borough.
6. Increase adult learning through neighbourhood centres - Open up the world of learning, careers and employment.

BNRRN is running an Engagement Project in Lambeth which has involved linking local organisations and initiatives with Lambeth Strategic Partnership priorities. BNRRN is supporting and working in partnership with three organisations (Hyde Plus, Nile Community Organisation and Kurdish Cultural Centre) in their activities around the worklessness and economic activity agenda, and the activities include Employment partnerships, pathways to employment and Training. The local organisations include

“Fair Rules for Strong Communities”
The Prime Minister has set out the Government’s ‘fair rules’ agenda (Dec 08), outlining a wide range of policy initiatives designed to support strong communities.
The “Fair Rules for Strong Communities” contains a comprehensive series of reforms covering welfare, crime and policing, children and young people, business rules, immigration and communities. It is aimed at bringing people together and steering the country through the global economic downturn.

Under Welfare reform the government plans
• A new ‘one strike’ rule for benefit cheats.
• A tiered system for those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
• A requirement that from October 2010 lone parents with a youngest child aged seven or over will no longer be entitled to Income Support solely on the grounds of being a lone parent.
• Piloting Voice Risk Analysis technology to help assess whether a benefit claimant is providing misleading information.

Crime and policing
• A tougher community payback scheme.
• A new Victims Commissioner to give victims and witnesses a stronger voice in the justice system, protecting their interests and ensuring fair treatment
• Steps to support people who do the right thing, including a £5m Community Crime Fighters programme to train 3,600 members of the public who are already active in their communities and want to do more to make them safer
• Ensuring that public sector workers and other authority figures are empowered and supported in upholding fair rules.

Children and young people
• Supporting young people to play by the rules by increasing funding for out of school community facilities and activities
• More Family Intervention Projects
• A joined-up ‘Youth Crime Action Plan’ to deal with that small minority of young people who break the rules.

Businesses and town centres
• Reclassifying lap dancing clubs as ‘sex establishments’ to allow councils to take into account a wider range of local concerns
• Considering proposals to create a new code for alcohol retailers
• Working with local authorities to make it easier for local people to register their concerns about irresponsible and illegal alcohol sales
• Ensuring that local communities and their authorities have sufficient powers to prevent the
• A new push to ensure that credit card companies treat customers fairly in these difficult economic times.
Immigration
• A new requirement that from April 2009, migrants contribute directly towards a new fund that will help local service providers deal with the short-term pressures of migration
• Reforms to the immigration system, including a new selective points-based system to ensure Britain attracts economic migrants who have the skills our economy needs – and no more
• Enforcing strict penalties against immigrants or their employers if they break the rules.

Empowerment
• Ensuring people have a fair say in determining the rules by placing duties on all local authorities to promote democratic understanding and participation and respond to petitions, and extending the recently introduced ‘duty to involve’ to a wider range of agencies in local communities.
• Enhancing the ability of community representatives to hold councils to account, ensuring swift and fair redress for poor services
• Giving people a greater say over their local police, including the introduction of directly elected policing representatives.

The plans around empowernment suggest that on the part of councils, an active 'reaching out' to local communities including BAMER groups, is expected. BAMER communitites will be able to take advantage of enhanced and supported democratic conditions fostered by governments plans around empowerment to engage in more effective dialogue with statutory bodies about the needs of the community. Empowerment plans will also enable stronger and better relationships to be built with local Police.

Further information available at
http://www.number10.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/fair-rules-for-strong-communities.pdf

Responses to the Cohesion Guidance for Funders Consultation

Communities and Local Government (CLG) consulted on the draft ‘Cohesion
Guidance for Funders’, from February to May 2008. CLG has now produced a summary of the ninety-eight responses received from the consultation.

The responses reflected the fact that the ‘Cohesion Guidance for Funders’, proved to be a controversial document particularly for the voluntary and community sector in its recommendations on the subject of “single group funding”.

Of the 98 responses received, two thirds were from the third sector. Half of the total number of responses came from third sector organisations supporting a specific client group with a large proportion of those groups were defined by ethnicity.

A Cross-section of Responses •
The consultation revealed limited support for the proposed guidance for funders.

• They wanted the guidance should apply to mainstream groups as to single groups, and for the emphasis on decisions being based on the local context.

• Many respondents were critical of the tone of the guidance which they considered appeared to: promote cohesion at the expense of equality, misrepresent single groups and reinforce negative stereotypes, make selective use of the evidence base and case studies, rely on theories and concepts perceived to be flawed or poorly explained, be inconsistent and incompatible with other relevant government policies, the legislative framework and Compact Codes, and challenge the independence of the third sector.

• Some respondents felt that single groups still had a role to play particularly as the society was still quite a way off from the ‘mainstreaming’ ideal.

• Many organisations said that the guidance could be used by funders to justify cutting funding to single groups, reducing access to services and thereby increasing inequality and hampering cohesion. And some felt that funders were already using the draft guidance to justify cutting funding to single groups.

• There was concern about monitoring its application and ensuring accountability and transparency around all funding decisions

• While some funders were confident that they had the right information and resources to enable them to make effective decisions, most third sector respondents thought that they did not. It was felt that funders lacked understanding of local community needs and capacity.

• Some respondents felt that the government was on a level challenging the sector’s independence.

The consultation responses contained over a hundred good practice examples of projects balancing bridging activity with meeting diverse needs.

Further information available from
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/cohesionfundersconsultation

'Cultural Metropolis – The Mayor's Priorities for Culture 2009-2012'
The Mayor of London has outlined his plans to enhance Londoners' experience of arts and culture in the capital.
London's cultural and creative sector’s contribution to the economy is very significant. In 2002 the creative industries added £21 billion to London's output and by 2005, 12 per cent of all London workers - 554,000 people - were creatively employed. Over 15 million overseas tourists come to London each year - five million more than go to Paris or New York - together with ten million domestic visitors and 150 million day trippers. Seven out of ten say that London’s cultural offer influenced their decision to visit.
The Key Priorities contained in the plan are:

Maintaining London’s position as a world centre of cultural excellence
Under this theme the mayor plan highlights the key cultural assets of London which include theatres and museums and the industries that surround these, the over 200 festivals staged in London each year; specifying that for London to keep their top position on the world stage, these would need to be maintained with a good level of public funding despite the current financial climate.
A new £1.4 million LDA fund, the ‘2012 London Cultural Skills Fund’ will be introduced to provide grants of up to £50,000 for not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations in London to build their capacity and capitalise on the opportunities presented by the Olympics. The fund will be administered by Arts Council England’s London office.
Also mention is the £175,000 grant given by the LDA towards a new home for the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, which will form part of the wider regeneration plans in this important historic area.

World-class culture for 2012 and beyond
In the plan culture is noted as ‘playing a major part in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games’. The Mayors plan highlights the ‘Cultural Olympiad’, (which consists of the opening, closing and medal ceremonies, as well as ten major cultural projects, all of which are to be delivered in the run-up to 2012 by LOCOG, in collaboration with major cultural institutions), as providing an opportunity for arts and cultural organisations, and the creative industries, to respond to the Olympic values and develop the themes of excellence and youth engagement in their work. The Cultural Olympiad was launched on 26 September 2008 with the nationwide events programme ‘Open Weekend’.
£40 million has been earmarked by LOCOG and its partners for the ten main Cultural Olympiad projects and plans are being made to bring in more through sponsorship.
For London, the Games will create an opportunity to celebrate the cities identity and to explore the relationship with the rest of the world and so to that effect, the GLA is planning to collaborate on major new partnership events across the city each year including ‘The Story of London’, a pan-London season of events to be held in June 2009, which will celebrate the past, present and future of London and its many communities.
To help coordinate activities up to and during the Games, the GLA have begun to develop a grid tool to map events in London.
In 2012 a world-class Olympic Park (which will be the largest urban park in Europe in 150 years) will be created. The creative team, based at the Olympic Delivery Authority, will coordinate the design and public art strategy for the site, and develop ideas for visitor attractions with input from different agencies including the Mayor’s Office. GLA will also help shape the Legacy Masterplan for the site.

Strengthen arts and music education for young people
The Mayor has launched a youth strategy in which music will play a key role in engaging young people in positive activities. GLA also supports the government’s 'Find Your Talent' initiative in Tower Hamlets, as well as efforts to spread the lessons of this to other boroughs. GLA aims to nurture the next generation of great artists and musicians, as well as the audiences of the future with the ultimate objective of encouraging a culture of popular participation in the arts at all levels.

To tackle the problem of the lack of affordable instruments which Is a major barrier for youth, GLA has initiated with Time Out magazine a musical instrument amnesty called ‘No Strings Attached’, inviting all Londoners to pledge their old musical instruments. These will be redistributed to music education providers in London.
The Mayor will also be looking at other disciplines that face similar challenges, such as dance, drawing and craft, the teaching of classics, and new media and digital technology.

Increase access and participation
The mayor’s aim under this theme is to enable greater access to enjoy and contribute to the rich mix of culture on offer in London through strategies for lowering of tickets, free screening, strategies for removing and reducing physical and sensory barriers that reduce access for disabled and older people as well as those with very young children. the idea of a culture Pass is being explored. Also considered are the problems of transportation example cost, congestion and parking. The issue of public safety is also considered.
There is also a focus on improving local cultural services and the London Cultural Improvement Group is mentioned in its role of bringing together 32 boroughs plus regional agencies and has initiated a series of reviews on local cultural services.
Improve provision in outer boroughs
This focus is to make cultural provision 60 per cent of Londoners who live in the outer boroughs who experience limited provision because London’s cultural institutions and events are mostly in the centre of London.
The plan speaks of the need to challenge the perception that there is enough support for culture in the suburbs. in light of this GLA plans to review the extent of cultural provision in London and call on national funders to re-examine their current levels of support.

The GLA currently funds a number of major public events in the city, but want to ensure this benefits as many Londoners as possible. To this effect the GLA has given funding to the London Jazz Festival so that organisers can hold events in outer London boroughs for the first time. The Mayor is also looking at how the annual Mayor’s Thames Festival can be extended outwards along the river in 2009 to enable even more people to participate.

Develop pathways for new talent
This priority speaks about the need to recruit talented people to the cultural and creative sectors. It picks up on the issue of discrimination and its wider social-economic factors. Though there is a focus of discrimination against non-whites. White people from working-class, low-income backgrounds face many of the same barriers as non-white people in the sector.
Under this priority, the Mayor has begun to discuss with relevant agencies and organisations how we can assist the professional development of recruits to the sector, through support networks, and the facilitation of bursaries and skills training.

Create a lively public realm
The GLA will continue to run an events programme aiming at making London an exciting and friendly place for people to visit. The Mayor has pledged his support for the main religious and cultural celebrations that take place in Trafalgar Square. We will also continue to back culturally significant events in the rest of the city, such as the Notting Hill Carnival in Kensington, the London Mela in Ealing and the Carnaval Del Pueblo in Peckham. Bugetary pressures are mentioned as resulting in a need for some changes and to pursue the angle of working better with local boroughs and to coordinate a city‑wide approach, especially in the run-up to 2012.
The increasing number of events held in Trafalgar Square and the pressures on its physical infrastructure means that the GLA will be undertaking a review of the events programme for the square to ensure that only the highest quality cultural and community events take place there. Where possible, we will work with organisations to move certain events to other central locations.

Support grassroots culture
This priority speaks about funding and support to the thousands of small voluntary and community organisations including independent clubs and societies, arts and music venues, choirs, bands, markets, festivals, studios and artists’ networks (a significant proportion of BAMER groups fall into this category and will therefore have expectations around this priority and will need to keenly watch out for developments).

The Mayors office proposes, working with the regional funding agencies to minimise the effects and provide support and advice to these grassrppt voluntary and community organisations, and work to find ways to reduce the red tape that hampers the activities of many smaller organisations.

Where appropriate, the Mayor will balance the considerations of important new transport developments with London’s arts and cultural landscape and seek to find a workable compromise. For example, the legendary Astoria Theatre will now be re-sited by developers to make way for the new Crossrail line.

Promote London
The focus under this priority is tourism and what brings tourists to London amidst the tougher global tourism market competition, the The Mayor’s Tourism Action Plan for London will be published in 2009 and will set out the opportunities and challenges facing London in the coming years. The GLA will be working with ‘Visit London’ to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the 2012 Olympic Games with an estimated tourist spend between 2-3 billion pounds. The GLA will also seek to attract major sporting and cultural events to make full use of the Olympic venues. The GLA Is also working to establish a coherent look and feel for London during the Games period, and will work with partners to develop quality public events, the use of interactive technology for navigation, appropriate signage, volunteer helpers and language services, and distinctive, eye-catching street dressing.

Develop targeted support for the creative industries
Commercial creative industries comes under this priority. The Industries make a large contribution to London’s economy and the GLA plans to work with the London Development Authority to maintain and strengthen London’s position as a centre for creativity and business. The Mayor will take steps to ensure that creative businesses have access to high quality advice and support so that they can plan effectively particularly for the anticipated downturn, which will create a reduced exchange rate for London’s creative goods and services.

In October the Mayor hosted a film industry summit jointly with Film London also announcing new, streamlined regulations to make it easier to shoot films in London through more effective management of road closures. He also awarded an extra £100,000 to the London Borough Film Fund Challenge, a scheme that gives young people training to make their first short film and thereby gain a foothold in the sector. In the future, the mayor will look at ways to cut red tape for film-makers, disseminate advice on environmentally-friendly film production and explore the state of independent cinemas in London, also engaging with other creative industry sectors, such as publishing, live music, design and architecture, to understand the particular challenges they face and the type of support we can provide.
The previous administration initiated the ‘Kulture to Couture’ scheme, which promoted emerging Black British fashion designers and the present Mayor Is hoping to expand this scheme to include people from all backgrounds and to bring it closer to the fashion industry through a stronger association with London Fashion Week. Work is planned with the creative industrial sectors to deliver the GLA’s will be collaborating with leading figures in publishing and literacy and public reading projects as part of the annual World Book Day.

International promotion is important for many creative businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises and through the LDA the Mayor will continue to assess the need for support for major international festivals.

Champion the role of culture in the built environment
London’s unique built environment is the focus of this last priority. It consists of layer upon layer of different architectural styles that reach back into antiquity and forward to the contemporary.

Raise the profile of the heritage sector in London and get more Londoners interested, particularly in the smaller venues and community-led organisations outside the centre.

GLA will work with organisations like English Heritage, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Heritage of London Trust and MLA London to champion the importance of built and cultural heritage in London and discuss with key agencies about the needs of the West End Theatres – some of the finest and most important heritage sites in London – and the particular challenges they face in terms of modernisation.

The report spoke of its recognition of the new needs created by London’s growing population and opportunities for exciting new architecture. The Mayor’s report, Planning for a Better London, published in July 2008, outlined his spatial strategy for the city and made reference to the importance of culture.

Improve government support for culture in London's Cultural Metropolis
It has the highest concentration of arts and cultural organisations, and its creative and cultural industries make the largest contribution of any region to the national economy

Despite the major contribution London makes to the UK’s cultural life and economy, it still does not receive the level of funding required from central government to meet the increasing needs and the growth of its population.

GLA has been given statutory responsibility for ensuring that the capital acts as a gateway to encourage visitors to visit other parts of our country. Improving London’s services and infrastructure is therefore in the wider UK interest. To this effect the Mayors office will make the case to central government for a fairer share for the capital. We need a funding level that enables us to maintain important national institutions in the centre, but also ensures high-quality, local facilities and cultural programmes for the majority of Londoners. Under-funding London, has a negative impact on people living in the outer boroughs in particular and although the capital receives the lion’s share of government support, most of this money is required to fund the major national institutions in the centre. The GLA is also looking to improve London’s relationships with other parts of the UK particularly as the whole country gears up for the 2012 Games. It will for an instance, develop plans for a cultural season in London in 2011 which will explore and celebrate contemporary Britain, working collaboratively with other regions and create partnerships between cultural institutions.

The Mayor's Priorities for Culture 2009-2012' is available online (www.london.gov.uk), or as a pdf from the GLA press office (email communitydesk@london.gov.uk). If you would like to feed back any comments on this document, please send them to culturalstrategy@london.gov.uk by Friday 30 January 2009.

Responses will feed into the development of a more detailed Culture Strategy, which is a statutory requirement of the Greater London Authority Act 1999. The Culture Strategy will set out our new priorities, draw on research to identify areas in need of improvement and outline our policies. A draft strategy will go out for public consultation in 2009.

News & Information Roundup

Government Pledges support the Voluntary and Community Sector through the recession
The Government has pledged to release an action plan setting out how it will support the sector through the recession. The commitment was made after a meeting between third sector minister Kevin Brennan and representatives of 25 sector bodies in November 08, including the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (Acevo) and the Charities Aid Foundation.

There was no immediate response to the 16 proposals put forward by chief executives body Acevo before the meeting, including a request for a new £500m scheme to help charities stay solvent. The meeting discussed reforming Gift Aid, setting up a social investment bank and extending the 10-year deadline for balancing the books in pension schemes.

The meeting also discussed ways the sector could help itself, such as developing toolkits, increasing collaboration, reducing overheads with IT and using mediation to minimise the fallout of redundancies.

Brennan said: "It is clear that the Government can also play an important role to support the sector. We have discussed some very constructive and realistic proposals today, which I will consider carefully."

Communities and Local Government (London) (CLG) £11m to help London councils unlock their housing markets
London councils have secured nearly £11m as part of £101m allocated to help local authorities in England maintain the building of the family and first-time buyer homes still desperately needed.

The 2008-09 Housing and Planning Delivery Grant (HPDG) will provide for the first-time additional direct funding top up for councils to ensure that new homes are built where families need them. The Government has already announced a series of measures to alleviate the current challenges in the housing market and support the vital delivery of more homes over the long-term.

This new incentive will ensure that councils are able to be responsive (given the current economic climate) deliver good-quality homes quickly, properly identifying land for homes to help hard-working families and give the house-building industry greater certainty around development proposals.

Allocations to London councils under the 2008/09 HPDG are as follows:
Barking & Dagenham - £145,483
Barnet - £336,563
Bexley - £93,469
Brent - £544,131
Bromley - £83,132
Camden - £128,995
City of London - £92,267
Croydon - £138,926
Ealing - £128,995
Enfield - £118,658
Greenwich - £889,212
Hackney - £347,003
Hammersmith & Fuham - £129,867
Haringey - £142,474
Harrow - £128,995
Havering - £684,199
Hillingdon - £139,333
Hounslow - £476,973
Islington - £456,923
Kensington & Chelsea - £81,275
Kingston-upon-Thames - £118,658
Lambeth - £161,908
Lewisham - £108,906
Merton - £118,658
Newham - £216,670
Redbridge - £1,391,132
Richmond-upon-Thames - £336,563
Southwark - £608,000
Sutton - £139,333
Tower Hamlets - £1,683,359
Waltham Forest - £155,055
Wandsworth - £457,121
Westminster - £193,968

In order to be eligible, local authorities must show progress on: continuing to provide suitable land for development over future years, particularly as the housing market recovers from current economic challenges; providing the local plans necessary to deliver the needed homes; carrying out a strategic assessment of their housing market.
A £1billion package of support was recently announced that will help first-time buyers in England facing difficulties entering the market; support vulnerable households at risk from repossession; and deliver more affordable homes sooner; while also helping the house-building industry. A further £410m will be made available over the subsequent two years of the Housing and Planning Delivery Grant (HPDG) scheme.

The National Equality Partnership
The National Equality Partnership is working on:
 Education initiatives run by and for ‘minorities within minorities’, to target the more excluded groups;
 Equality audit peer learning project, to be launched in the new year;
 Bespoke and open training and learning events;
 One-to-one support to umbrella organisations;
 Support to pan-equality networks and partnerships;
 Development of its resources and contacts databases in equality, diversity and human rights.

If you are interested in the above initiatives and/or have any ideas that you would like to discuss with the National Equality Partnership on how to advance equality and diversity in your sector, please do not hesitate to contact them. If you would like to know more about the National Equality Partnership, please visit: www.improvingsupport.org.uk/equality

New ‘European Council on Refugees and Exiles’ (ECRE) website
The European Council on Refugees and Exiles has launched a new website.
Visit the new ECRE website

European Year Against Poverty
It has been confirmed that 2010 will be the European Year Against Poverty and Social Exclusion. A variety of national and European-wide activities are currently being planned. The European Anti Poverty Network have produced plans to ensure 2010 really makes a difference to people living in poverty.
See: www.eapn.eu/content/view/65/34/lang,en/

Events

Training- Free Training for Black Asian Minority Ethnic and Refugee Groups in Lambeth and Enfield on Policy Engagement
Date: Tuesday 27 January (Lambeth) and 29th January (Enfield) 2009, Time: 10.30am – 2pm

BNRRN is currently running an engagement project, and as part of this project, is holding training sessions on Policy and Engagement in Lambeth on the 27th of January and in Enfield on the 29th of January.

Lambeth Venue: Kennington Park Community Centre, 8 Harleyford Street, Oval London SE11 5SY

Enfield Venue: O’bay Community Centre Housing Office, Broad House, 205 Fore Street, Upper Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield N18 2TZ

Refreshment and Lunch will be provided. All staff, trustees and volunteers are welcome.

For Further information please contact Abul Helal on 020 8981 3003 or email abul@bnrrn.org.uk

Increasing BME and women’s representation on Local Strategic Partnerships

The ‘Black Training and Enterprise Group’ is working in partnership with the
‘Urban Forum’, ‘Women’s Resource Centre’, Black Regeneration and Neighbourhood Renewal Network and Oxfam, to deliver a series of one day workshops for BME groups and women’s groups.

These workshops will examine how Local Strategic Partnerships address BME and women’s issues, and develop the skills of BME groups and women’s groups to influence the way that local policies are developed. The workshops will also share good practice on how some Local Strategic Partnerships are successfully increasing representation from women and BME communities.

The workshops will provide intensive training and support to small groups of up to 12 participants. The workshops are FREE for participants and include lunch.

The workshops will take place in:

Islington Tuesday 20 January 2009
Hackney 3rd February 2009 (date to be confirmed)
Who are these workshops for?

Anyone working for a BME, refugee or faith group or women’s organisation (staff,trustees or volunteers). The workshops will be most relevant for organizations, which are based in the boroughs of Islington and Hackney.
Places are limited to 12 people per workshop, so early booking is recommended.
For more information contact Angeline Clarke on Tel: 020 7843 6113
E-MAIL: angeline@bteg.co.uk

Working for Equality 2009
‘HEAR’, London’s equalities and human rights network and ‘Capacitybuilders’, invite you to: Working for Equality 2009, an information and networking event for agencies supporting equality organisations.

Date: 12 February 2009 (am)
Venue: Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, London, SE1 9NH.

This free event will inform, discuss and consult on a number of significant new developments. You will have the chance to debate, learn from and problem solve with others through interactive workshops.

This event is for all whether from: an organisation that specialises in supporting equalities organisations; a mainstream support organisation such as a CVS; the public sector; or a funding agency. Other interested organisations and individuals are also welcome. Further information and details of how to book available at http://www.rota.org.uk/pages/events/external.htm

Find out how you can become a Local Councillor

Do you have an interest in local issues? Have you got the skills and commitment to make changes and champion issues in your area?
Local councillors play a vital role in their communities and more women are being encouraged to get involved, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds to.
Find out more about how you can get involved at a free event. Hear from Baroness Uddin, Chair of the government’s Taskforce and other public figures about how they got involved in public life and what it means to them.
Dates left for London are 3 February 2009 Venue Trades Union Congress (TUC) Congress House, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS. For more information visit www.equalities,gov.uk or to register please go to: www.livegroup.co.uk/BAME or: telephone 020 8481 3375
Email: BAME@livegroup.co.uk

Get Funding!

Youth Sector Development Fund (YSDF) and Tackling Knife Crime: Imminent Deadline
The third round of the Youth Sector Development Fund (YSDF) focuses on smaller third sector organisations with a turnover of under £1 million, with a proven track record in successfully delivering innovative positive activities and support for young people (13 -19) in England, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.

Approximately 25 organisations, will be supported through the Fund. Between £400,000
and £600,000 is available per organisation from April 2009 to March 2011.
In addition, the YSDF is administering a £0.5 million fund on behalf of the Home Office, which offers additional support for the areas and communities most affected by knife crime.

The Home Office is offering four opportunities for third sector organisations in the Tackling Knives Action Programme (TKAP) Police Force areas to receive approximately £100,000 in funding, plus business support. Funding will be specifically to support organisations working with young people (particularly teenage boys 13-19), who are significantly at risk of being involved in knife and gang crime. The TKAP areas are: Essex, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Metropolitan (London), Nottinghamshire, South Wales, Thames Valley, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Bedfordshire, Northumbria and South Yorkshire.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest for YSDF funding is 23 January 2009.
Applicants in the TKAP areas must submit their bids by 5 March 2009.

The Britannia Building Society Foundation Funds for Charities
The Foundation offers grants and donations between £1,000 and £25,000 to registered charities and schools working within education, particularly numeracy and/or financial literacy.
The Foundation welcomes applications from:
Registered Charities and Schools: Any registered charity or school working within their key priorities and operating in an area where the Building Society has a high density of members.
National Charities: Any national charity working within our key priorities that can ring fence their activities to a local community where the Building Society has a high density of members.
Note: The Foundation will consider capital expenditure and salary costs.
More information is available from www.britannia.co.uk/membership/community/britannia_foundation

Beatrice Laing Trust

The Trust Gives around £1 million per year to registered charities, mainly in small grants of up to £5,000, for the relief of poverty in its broadest sense, and the advancement of the evangelical Christian faith. The majority of grants are between £1,000 and £5,000 and are either small annual grants towards the core costs of national organisations working with the Trust's priority groups, or small capital grants to local organisations working to relieve poverty in their local communities.

Larger grants are generally up to about £30,000 given mainly to larger national organisations.

Apply by letter to the Trust correspondent. Apply at any time. The Trustees meet twice a year to consider applications for grants over £5,000. Decisions on grants of £5,000 and below are made on a monthly basis.

Contact Beatrice Laing Trust, c/o Laing Family Trusts 33 Bunns Lane Mill Hill London NW7 2DX Telephone: 020 8238 8890

Vacancies, Volunteering & Training

Training- Free Training for Black Asian Minority Ethnic and Refugee Groups in Lambeth on Policy Engagement

Date: Tuesday 27 January 2009, Time: 10.30am – 2pm (Lambeth)
BNRRN is currently running the engagement project, and as part of this project, is providing training sessions on Policy and Engagement in Enfield on the 27th of January and in Lambeth on the 29th of January.

Lambeth Venue: Kennington Park Community Centre, 8 Harleyford Street, Oval London SE11 5SY

Enfield Venue: O’bay Community Centre Housing Office, Broad House, 205 Fore Street, Upper Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield N18 2TZ

Refreshment and Lunch will be provided. All staff, trustees and volunteers are welcome.

For Further information please contact Abul Helal or Gloria Oham on 020 8981 3003 or email abul@bnrrn.org.uk

Jobs - Notre Dame Refugee Centre(NDRC): Director (maternity cover)
Salary £1,650 per month, 21 hours p/w, ideal start early March, 7 months minimum duration

Closing date for applications: Friday 6th February 5pm, Interview dates: 19 + 20 February

NDRC helps and supports refugees, mostly from francophone Africa with a wide range of services, including counselling, health and immigration surgeries delivered through the drop-in centre open every Mondays and Thursdays, whilst the advice service runs four days a week. The overall programme of work is delivered by a team of four part-time staff and 35 volunteers.

They wish to appoint a dynamic, experienced and self-motivated individual, who will have overall responsibility for managing the service, developing and supporting new initiatives and for implementing NDRC’s fundraising plan. Experience of working with disadvantaged groups is essential, along with excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills. A track record of success in raising funds from the general public, trusts, foundations and institutional donors is a requirement.

Please request an application pack by email at recruitment@notredamerc.org.uk, or by phone on 020 7440 2660.

Jobs-Islington Refugee Forum: Development Outreach Worker

Part time: 17.5 hrs per week. Salary: NJC Scale 6

Closing date: 5pm Monday 19th January 2009, Interviews: Tuesday 27th January 2009 (afternoon)

The Refugee Forum is recruiting a Development Outreach Worker in order to bring together refugee/migrant community organisations to promote dialogue and partnership with other service providers and statutory bodies. Key areas of responsibility are to provide outreach to refugee/migrant community organisations, administration and communication, Policy support and development.

For application packs please email Colette Joyce at info@islingtonrefugeeforum.org

Jobs-AFRUCA is recruiting a Family Outreach Officer
Closing Date: 5pm, Monday 9 February 2009, Interviews: Week beginning 23 February 2009
You will be at the forefront of AFRUCA’s efforts at to help stem the tide of African children being removed from their families and taken into care by local authorities across the country. You will work with African parents to improve their knowledge of child protection and the indicators of child abuse so they can better protect their children.

For further inquiries and a job pack including an application form, job description and person specification call on 0207 7042261 or email info@afruca.org, or write to: AFRUCA, Unit 3D/F Leroy House, 436 Essex Road, London N1 3QP

Training -GRANTfinder Fundraising for Beginners
Are you new to fundraising? Feeling out of your depth? then GRANTfinder's new Fundraising for Beginners course ‘Training investment’ could help. There is an introductory rate of £75 plus VAT per person (which includes lunch and light refreshments during the day and covers the costs of course material).

Next training dates: Wednesday, 21 January 2009
The practical one-day training courses are held in the training room at the GRANTfinder offices in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

The courses are designed specifically for people in the not-for-profit sector who are new to fundraising. (It is not necessary to be a GRANTfinder subscriber.) They aim to provide the tools necessary to understand the various sources of funding, with a view to writing winning applications and maximising your organisation’s chance of grants success.

Interested in finding out more? Contact the Training Department on: Tel: (01909) 501200

Training - Free one-day ”Leadership Training for Social Entrepreneurs"
Wednesday 11th February 2009, 9.45am-4.45pm
School for Social Entrepreneurs, 18 Victoria Park Square, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PF

• Are you trying to start or grow an organisation that benefits your community?
• Would you like to hear from people who have been there and done it?
• Would you benefit from a day of leadership training to learn about social entrepreneurship and social enterprise?
If so, then this training could be for you. The School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) supports individuals - social entrepreneurs - who strive to improve people's lives and affect change in their communities. They are running this event for people to sample SSE's approach and to provide leadership skills training for social and community entrepreneurs.
SSE works with a diverse range of individuals and organsiations. They particularly welcome people to this event from black and minority ethnic groups. If you would like to attend this event please e-mail: dorota.luksza@sse.org.uk, or telephone: 020 8981 0300

Member Profile & Member Notices

Nile Community Organisation

Nile community organisation is based in Lambeth. The organization was set up eight months ago to meet the needs of local community particularly for people from Sudan and also people of North East African origin. It currently has between 80-90 members. They currently provide activities for children and young people including Christmas/Eid parties and outings to cinemas etc and there is a particular focus on women and also children to enable them integrate and have an active social life.
Though Nile operates out of Lambeth it attracts members from across London and beyond. For more information and to become a member please contact Elmahi on 07956551738.

BNRRN E-Bulletin 4th Dec 08

2008-12-04T10:32:00.000Z

POLICY UPDATES & BRIEFING

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) Communities in London Borough of Enfield particularly hard hit by the shift to commissioning approach

BAMER Communities in the London Borough of Enfield have been particularly hard hit by the switch from Grant based funding to the commissioning regime which came into effect in October 2007 says Ade Adeshina who is Enfield Strategic Partnership Board BME Representative, and Chief Executive of O”-Bay Community Trust. In October 2007 Enfield Council announced its decision to fully implement the commissioning approach to funding local initiatives, resulting in a cut of funding to a significant portion of BME frontline Voluntary and Community groups who had previously had a grant funding relationship with the council.

The borough of Enfield has had over six BME youth deaths incidents within a short period and this heightens the local BME community’s fears of funding cuts to local BAMER organisations. A number of BAMER groups in Enfield have formed an alliance; the Council for Enfield Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (CEBAME) which is in dialogue with Enfield Council. It has made a presentation to Enfield Strategic Partnership Management group, and has also had a meeting with the Greater London Authority (GLA), to raise its concerns. The Mayor of London has appointed a member of his team to work with CEBAME. They have also held a consultation which aims at better informing the Mayor of London of the situation in Enfield.

In a letter dated 1st November 2008 Ade Adeshina the Enfield Strategic Partnership Board BME Representative & Chief Executive of O”-Bay Community Trust stated that the BAMER voluntary and community organisations, “recognise the importance of Local and Regional decision making process and would very much like to be included.” He added however that BAMER organisations “have not as of yet been resourced, supported, and empowered to engage, to be involved or to be included in the Borough decision making process. A change is needed so that the Enfield Community Empowerment Network (ECEN), Enfield Strategic Partnership (ESP), Greater London Authority (GLA) and our BME organisations can co-operate cohesively to build a better future for local residents in Enfield.”

He continued that ‘while BME groups are trying their best to attend some meetings - their focus and energy these days are more channelled into seeking external resources and support to ensure the survival of their organisations, so as to enable the continuation of the provision of services as frontline organisations to BAMER communities, beneficiaries, local residents and our members.

BAMER community groups take on a full work load in representing and engaging on strategic partnerships, providing double value for their funding, and thus their double role is threatened by any cut in resources for their frontline services.
He said that London Borough of Enfield and The Enfield Strategic Partnership Board have so far not displayed a recognition of the need for resourcing BAMER Voluntary and Community Sector groups to enable them in addition to carrying out their frontline duties, perform the crucial function of representing their communities and ensuring effective BME group’s involvements and inclusion in the Borough and regional Decision-Making Process.

The next Enfield Local Strategic Partnership meeting (December 08) will discuss the issues raised by BAMER organisations in the borough. An update of the situation will be included in subsequent BNRRN newsletter. Please visit www.cebame.org.uk for more information on Council for Enfield Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (CEBAME). See CEBAME’s website for more information http://www.cebame.org.uk/ or contact Ade Adeshina by visiting www.o-bay.org for details.

Participatory Budgeting: A national strategy; giving more people a say in local spending

Every year public money (whether raised through council taxes, income tax, parking charges, the licensing of local businesses or many other ways) is spent on local services to benefit local people for instance investment in libraries, public parks, health centres, invested on traffic improvement etc. Participatory Budgeting is a way of enabling local people decide how specific pots of such public money should be spent. Participatory budgeting fits with governments wider and repeating theme of ‘participatory democracy’, in which local people are fully involved and consulted in making local decisions.

With participatory budgeting, the pot of money is allocated to the community and they are facilitated through the process in which they discuss, vote and finally prioritise how the money should be best spent.

Government wants Participatory Budgeting to be used in every local authority by 2012

A Participatory Budgeting Unit has been set up and it has developed a number of publications and resources in order to issue consistent advice to local authorities. The publication “Participatory Budgeting: Values, Principles and Standards’, in particular highlights the key standards such as accessibility, transparency, inclusiveness and ensuring proper deliberation.

How Participatory Budgeting fits in with other government initiatives-
The concept and principle of Participatory Budgeting has already been applied throughout England in such areas as Neighbourhood Renewal Funding and New Deal for Communities also with local area committees. Participatory Budgeting is being highlighted as a useful mechanism for fulfilling the ‘statutory duty to involve’ which comes into effect from April 1st 2009. Communities could also potentially use ‘call to action’ to encourage councils to use Participatory Budgeting (The government white paper ‘Communities in Control’ talks about government plans to introduce the ‘call to action’).

The key elements of the national strategy-
The current national strategy on Participatory Budgeting contains the following four elements:
• Promoting awareness
• Creating opportunities
• Providing guidance and support
• Learning from evaluation and research
Regular evaluation is planned by the Participatory Budgeting Unit which will also assist in national performance indicators around Participatory Budgeting. The Participatory Budgeting Unit is very keen to hear from organisations or individuals that are interested in promoting participatory budgets in their areas. They can be contacted at:

Participatory Budgeting Unit
c/o Church Action on Poverty
Central Buildings
Oldham St
Manchester M1 1JT
UK
Office Tel: 0161 236 9321
Also visit: http://www.participatorybudgeting.org.uk/

Transforming Places; changing lives: a framework for regeneration
Introduction-
This framework for regeneration is set out to shape the way regeneration will be carried out in the future in England. The new approach and direction is as a result of the learning that has been achieved so far of what works for local communities, the aim being to provide value-for-money regeneration investment.

The case for regeneration has already been made and it was reiterated in the framework, that in a current competitive world it could hardly be afforded for communities to fall behind, be left out of rising levels of prosperity and success or for people to have their talents wasted because of lack of skills, information or access to work. The implication is that there is need for a redoubling of efforts to regenerate those parts of the country that are still having challenges of deprivation and worklessness and improving the effectiveness of support to local areas.

The framework contains a renewed focus on regeneration from tackling the core issue of economic challenges to increased social mobility.

The regeneration measures proposed are-
• To ensure that regeneration investment is co-ordinated and prioritised in the right places, with all sectors (public, private, and third sector organizations) working together in the same places towards a common vision
• devolving of power with decisions about where to invest made as locally as possible, so as to align investment behind local and regional regeneration priorities
• focus regeneration investment on tackling the underlying economic challenges that hold back deprived areas, in particular supporting people to get a job and get on in the labour market and boosting levels of enterprise in those areas.
The framework sets out proposed new expectations of local government; sub-regional partnerships and central government. It is aimed at developing a shared vision between community and neighbourhood organisations; local government and other members of the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP); sub-regional partnerships; Regional Development Agencies; the new Homes and Communities Agency; Urban Regeneration Companies; Urban Development Corporations as well as the private sector, the third sector and Central Government departments (including their delivery agencies and non-departmental public bodies).

There are four chapters to the framework-
•Chapter one sets out what should be different about regeneration in the future. It talks about the nature of deprivation in England and considers what holds places back from reaching their potential.

•Chapter two makes the case for future regeneration to be defined by the outcomes it achieves, rather than the process it follows. This signals a move away from output measures towards the underlying sustainable outcomes.

•Chapter three sets out proposals for a common approach to targeting any investment for regeneration.

•Chapter four sets out proposals for how these changes might impact on the way different agencies work if they were implemented in full.

Transforming Places; changing lives: a framework for regeneration was produced as a draft for consultation and included a series of consultation questions (the consultation period ended on 31 October 2008).

For more on the framework see Urban forum’s briefing:
http://www.urbanforum.org.uk/pdf_files/draft%20framework%20for%20regeneration%20briefing%202008%2010.pdf

NEWS & INFORMATION ROUNDUP

Do you know you can become a councillor
The website http://www.beacouncillor.org.uk/howto/ has useful information on a range of issues including ‘Why be a councillor?’, ‘What do councillors do?’, ‘Could I be a councillor?’

Equalities Body consults on future plans
The former Commission for Race Equality (CRE), now The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched a consultation to seek views on the development of their new strategic plan. A series of events and an online consultation are requesting your views on a 3-year plan to be published in April, as well as an equality scheme and new grants programme.
http://equalityhumanrights.dialoguebydesign.net/default.asp

Awards for All England to close
Awards for All England which is the lottery grants scheme for community groups, will close in its existing form in March. The Big Lottery Fund announced that ‘Awards for All England’ will close, but groups will still have access to equivalent levels of lottery funding through programmes run by the four providers that administer the current scheme. These are Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Sport England and the Big Lottery Fund and they will handle applications individually through existing or new programmes.

The scheme, which has been running for seven years, offers grants of between £300 and £10,000 to small groups and community organisations. The Big Lottery Fund said that the total amount of money available would remain the same and that the new system coming in would make the application forms shorter. Groups whose work fall into more than one category will now have the opportunity to apply to more than one provider. However there have been questions about the transparency of how the decision to implement the new structure was made

See http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/DailyBulletin/859132/Awards-England-close/AB1E8BCC240F6CA7CB10A80A79992277/?DCMP=EMC-DailyBulletin

Office spaces for 80 charities in London from Can Mezzanine
Office spaces designed specifically for small charities is to open in the centre of London
The 36,000-square-foot refurbished building in the Old Street area will offer space for up to 80 charities when it opens in the spring. It will double the office space operated by the social landlord Can Mezzanine and brings the total number of organisations it provides with low-level rents to about 200. See http://www.can-online.org.uk/pages/mezzanine.html

New code to avoid trustee conflict
Trustees should prevent potential board conflicts becoming personal by introducing a code of conduct when things are going well, according to a new Charity Trustee Networks guidance document.

‘Codes of Conduct for Trustees’, which was launched on 19 November by third sector minister Kevin Brennan, says small charities need only "some basic ground rules for behaviour". The guidance can be downloaded free from CTN's website http://www.trusteenet.org.uk/resources and it contains three sample codes of conduct, as well as advice on drawing up and using a code.

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks update
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) has updated its guidance on CRB checks which provide important protection, for people who use social care services. You are required by law to get checks from the CRB if you are:
Applying for registration, the ‘responsible individual’, or a member of staff working in a social care service regulated and inspected by CSCI.
The guidance includes information and advice on:
• The different levels of CRB check and when they are needed
• When staff can begin work before their full CRB check arrives
• When previous CRB checks can be accepted
• The new independent safeguarding authority (ISA)

See http://www.csci.org.uk/professional

EVENTS

How Faiths Work
London Civic Forum’s ‘Your Voice, Your City’ programme and ‘Faiths Forum for London’ are holding the ‘How London Works’ event focusing specifically on faiths groups and the public sector.

Date: 9 December 2008
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Venue: Indian YMCA, 41 Fitzroy Square, London. W1T 6AQ

How Faiths Work is the first event in the series to focus exclusively on the way in which organisations from ‘faiths’ equality strand work, and how they can influence policy in London.

This event will bring together London’s funding and governance bodies and faiths-based organisations to promote and facilitate increased dialogue and understanding around regional, sub-regional and local policy development. This event will also see the London launch of the new framework for interfaith dialogue, ‘Face-to-Face and Side-by-Side.’

There is no cost to attend this event. To book a place, please download the booking from by clicking on the following link:
http://www.londoncivicforum.org.uk/page.asp?n=90&dm_i=JD,AGW,1CMPT,CQC,1 to the booking form (please scroll to the bottom of the webpage) or call 020 8709 9770.

Once completed, please email the booking form to Natalie (natalie@londoncivicforum.org.uk ). Places are limited, so please book early.

‘The Big Thinking’ London event
You are invited to the ‘Big Thinking’, dynamic and interactive event giving you the opportunity to have your say on Lottery funding in London.

The Big Thinking event is part of the consultation on the Big Lottery Fund’s (BIG) strategy for 2009 – 2015. It is where you get the opportunity to say what you think and help Big Lottery Fund decide where Lottery money can make the biggest difference in the capital.

You will join a mixed audience drawn from across the city to discuss key funding issues, share your ideas and answer some of the key questions identified as important in shaping the way forward for BIG. There will also be an opportunity to view examples of where funding has already made a difference in London.

The main focus of the day will be on public participation and interaction in the proceedings. A team of expert facilitators will be on hand to work with the attendees and capture their input in real time.

When and where
Wednesday 21 January 2009
9.30am – 4.00pm
Central London venue (exact address details will be sent to you nearer the date)

Places to this free event are limited, so please email events.lon@biglotteryfund.org.uk by Friday 9 January 2009 to request your place.

If you are unable to attend why not fill in an online questionnaire at
http://www.pauleyonline.co.uk/link.php?URL=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5iaWctdGhpbmtpbmcub3JnLnVrL2NvbnN1bHRhdGlvbnN1cnZleS5hc3B4&Name=&EncryptedMemberID=MTM3MTA1&CampaignID=634&CampaignStatisticsID=685&Demo=0&Email=bolaji@bnrrn.org.uk

Alive and Kicking: Creating successful strategies
Date: Thursday 11th December, London
Time: 10.00am - 4.10pm
Venue: Royal Horticultural Halls & Conference Centre, 80 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PE

This NCVO event is for everyone involved in strategic decisions, whether you’re new to the topic of strategic planning or a seasoned strategist. The day features eight hands-on workshops, and plenary sessions exploring strategy development in uncertain times and the future of the voluntary sector. There will be a host of ideas to help your organisation become more on-mission, innovative and sustainable. Book now by going to: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/aliveandkicking

For more information contact Kate Damiral, Communications Officer Strategy and Impact, National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Direct line: 020 7520 2540, Freephone HelpDesk: 0800 2 798 798

Understanding the Nature & Dynamics of Race & Institutional Racism,
A one-day (2 Dates) Programme featuring, Analysis, Discussion, Support & Networking
First date: 12 December 2008
Time: 10.00 – 4.30 pm
Venue: Shanti Centre, W6

Second date: 12 February 2009
Time: 10.00 – 4.30 pm
Venue: Jagonari Centre, E1

The Programme objectives are to
Enable individuals to understand the nature & dynamics of institutional racism, its effects on them, their work & their institutions;
Provide a critical analysis of existing institutional responses & approaches;
Enable individuals to specify demands, needs &aspirations of Black, Asian and White people into service requirements; Connect individuals to anti-racist network & provide ongoing mentoring support for their own strategies for change & intervention.

Who is it for?
The event is for those working in mainstream agencies; generic services or community groups who want to bring about tangible and sustainable change to programmes designed to deliver equality of services and outcomes.

The day is designed to promote and negotiate professional and personal commitment to making practical interventions within participants’ own contexts which have discriminatory practices and approaches in governance, service planning or delivery.
A post-session strategy is included and participants will be invited to negotiate future professional or personal support if required to carry out their intervention; and link in with networks for on-going support.

Costs£55 statutory bodies, £30 grant aided organizations, £10 Self-supporting (non-funded) groups. *Tea/Coffee and Lunch provided.
Places are limited!

GET FUNDING!

Interested in Joining TAHA to make a Consortium Bid?
The Asian Health Agency (TAHA) is looking to develop a Consortium bid. £7.5 Million Empowerment Fund. Do you want to Join or support their Consortium bid?

Date: Meeting on 10 December 2008
Subject: Developing a Consortium Bid under Empowerment Fund Bid
Venue: to be confirmed
Time: 2:00 - 4:30pm

The £7.5 million Empowerment Fund will run from 2009-2012 & will provide grants of either £250,000 or £500,000 over 3 years to between 20-25 organisations. It aims to provide strategic & stable funding for third sector organisations promoting community empowerment. Applications are invited under the following themes to deliver the goals for empowering communities:

•Community voices and leadership
•Community development
•Community and social media
•Community involvement in planning
•Improving communication between citizens and councillors.
•Social enterprises and social entrepreneurship
•Helping small organisations to work together

The deadline for applications is 6 January 2009. Contact: Balraj Purewal on leadership@taha.org.uk

Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Mental Health Foundation
The Foundation are inviting applications from groups of voluntary and statutory organisations across the UK, to work with them in developing new ways of protecting and promoting the mental health and well-being of 16 to 25 year olds. They expect to select up to four partnerships to work with from September 2009 – December 2013, with one focusing on improving support for Black and Minority Ethnic Young People.

Each of the pilots will be awarded up to £800,000 from September 2009 - April 2013. The foundation will also provide additional support to assist with planning and implementing the work, developing the partnerships, and documenting and sharing the learning. The deadline for applications is 18 December 2008.

For more details or to apply to become a ‘Right Here’ pilot site: www.right-here.org.uk and don’t hesitate to contact info@right-here.org.uk; 0207 803 1181 if you cannot find the information you require on the website.

Grassroots Grants
This is a £130 million programme that aims to invest in a thriving community sector.
It is funded by Office of the Third Sector (OTS) and delivered by the Community Development Foundation (CDF).

The programme, which will run from 2008-2011 is divided into two parts: an £80 million small grants fund for community organisations; and a £50 million endowments programme to enable local funders to generate additional donations on a matched basis and invest them in endowments, thereby building their capacity to provide long-term funding for frontline community organisations.

Local community groups should apply directly to their Local Funder, whose contact details can be found by going here http://www.cdf.org.uk/bfora/systems/xmlviewer/default.asp?arg=DS_CDF_TECHART_23/_page.xsl/27&xsl_argx=3

VACANCIES, VOLUNTEERING & TRAINING

Head of Policy-Vacancy: £32,119 - £42,602
(NJC salary scale PO2 - PO5, point 35 – 47), 5% pension
Race on the Agenda (ROTA) is a social policy think-tank focusing on issues affecting Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities and the Third Sector that serves them.

They are recruiting to this post which offers the opportunity to lead on the organisation’s policy and research programme working with the experienced and passionate policy team. Current policy priorities include crime and antisocial behaviour, health inequalities, community cohesion and regional governance. You will need demonstrable in-depth knowledge of social policy priorities for the BAME sector and communities. You will also need demonstrable experience of staff and project management as well as experience of fundraising and writing clear and concise reports.

Closing Date for applications: Tuesday 6th January 2009 10:00 am (by post or email). Successful candidates will be notified on Friday 9th January 2009 to attend an interview on Tuesday 13th January 2009. Successful candidate need to start as soon as possible.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
For further information and an application pack email Saifur Valli Saifur@rota.org.uk or ring 020 7729 1310. You can also download the application pack from www.rota.org.uk

Community Engagement Officer -Vacancy
TAHA is a leading national Agency specialising in the provision of health and social care and capacity building support services primarily to Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. They are seeking a community engagement officer.

Salary: £30662 - £31511 p.a. incl. ILW
(Part-time or full-time)
You will take responsibility for devising & delivering skills development, training & other support activity to increase BME community engagement within mainstream voluntary & statutory bodies’ governance arrangements and planning mechanisms & address barriers which disempower BMEs from engaging civic life, governance and leadership roles.

TAHA requires someone to make an immediate impact! Applicants must have proven knowledge and experience of community development & empowerment, sustainable capacity building training activities, regional voluntary and statutory sector structures, governance and planning mechanisms. Excellent communication skills & ability to engage & empower individuals & groups from diverse BME communities essential.

Job Sharers welcomed

Deadline for applications: 19 December 2008. For an application pack email: leadership@taha.org.uk

Would you be interested in doing research and working with Faith Based Regeneration Network (FbRN)? (Note this is not a job advertisement)
FbRN is applying for two research posts and is looking for potential researchers in the following areas:
• Strengthening civil society
• Promoting active citizenship, equalities and community empowerment.

There are two possibilities, both in association with Goldsmiths College, University of London, both full-time:
• A PhD studentship - fees and a maintenance allowance would be paid.
• A Knowledge Transfer Partnership - a two year post paid at full remuneration at standard rates of pay

Candidates for either post need to have, a good honours degree (minimum 2:1), preferably in a relevant social science, work experience in a relevant third sector organisation, a demonstrated interest in research in the field of faith and civil society, active citizenship, equalities or community empowerment.

Closing date: 16th December 2008

Please see the website for more information www.fbrn.org.uk

Preparing Your Children's Service Tenders
An extra date has been added to the programme of training courses on 'Successful Commissioning: Preparing Your Children's Service Tenders' in London.
Location: London Date: 3-4 February 2009

How to book
Book your place now by clicking on the link
http://www.vcsengage.org.uk/training%20and%20events/s2a_training.aspx
or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and they will make the booking for you.

Range of Free training for VCS organisations
The majority of places on this course are free. Free places are available for certain voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations. To find out if your organisation is eligible for free training places, please contact vcstraining@ncb.org.uk or telephone 020 7843 6084.

How to book
Please book your place online by visiting www.vcsengage.org.uk or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and we will make the booking for you.

Is your organisation commission-ready?
Following the successful VCS Engage programme, NCB are now offering a new series of training courses to support voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations.
This two-day training course will enable you to enter the new commissioning process with confidence, equipped with the tools to understand what commissioners want and how you can deliver within the Every Child Matters (ECM) framework.

The training will help participants to:
•Identify the key skills, characteristics and standards that organisations need to demonstrate when responding to Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs), Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and commission tenders.
•Identify the evidence they will need to support their application within local commissioning arrangements.
•Provide a checklist for writing a successful commissioning tender.

There are a number of reserved free places for voluntary and community sector organisations on each course. To find out if your organisation is eligible for free training places, please contact vcstraining@ncb.org.uk or telephone 020 7843 6084.

How to book
Please book your place online by visiting www.vcsengage.org.uk or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and we will make the booking for you.

Community Leaders Development Programme
The Community Leaders Development Programme aims to provide individuals from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee communities who live in London, with a flexible and tailored range of leadership development opportunities.

This project has two elements: a programme of outreach, taster sessions and entry level training; and a range of longer support options to provide more intensive structured personal and professional development.

The programme is funded by the LDA Opportunities Fund Round 2 and is run by London Voluntary Service Council in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Race on the Agenda, MODA and Charitytraining.com.

So:
•Are you a Londoner active in a voluntary or community organisation?
•Are you interested in developing your community leadership skills through a new training opportunity?
•Are you interested in receiving one-to-one mentoring support?
•Would you like practical help to produce a business or operational plan and fundraising strategy for your group?

If you play a leadership role within a voluntary sector/community groups, as a volunteer, trustee, or member of staff and have answered yes to these questions then contact Karin at LVSC on 020 7700 8110 or email Karin@lvsc.org.uk to find out how to access valuable free-of-charge mentoring and training opportunities.

Priority for this scheme will be given to first-time managers, new directors and Management Committee members wishing to help develop skills to benefit new or small voluntary and community groups.

BTEC Professional Certificate in Voluntary Sector Management
This Level 4 BTEC Vocational qualification is being delivered by LVSC and charitytraining.com to meet the needs of sector professionals in London. Accredited by EdExel, the certificate will provide tools to support organisational capacity development and efficiency improvements.

The qualification included the following units:
•Leadership and management
•Charity finance and accounting
•Fundraising and marketing
•Operational planning and service delivery
•Quality management in the sector
•HR planning and management
•Working with volunteers
•Charity management work-based project

The course consists of 6 days working shops with work-based assignments over 10-12 months. A limited number of bursaries are available for individuals identifying as BAMER. For further information please telephone 0207 700 8112

Leadership Training for Social Entrepreneurs
•Are you trying to start or grow an organisation that benefits your community?
•Would you like to hear from people who have been there and done it?
•Would you benefit from a day of leadership training to learn about social entrepreneurship and social enterprise?

This one day training session provides an introduction to social enterprise and how it relates to other types of social organisations including charities, and to the characteristics that make social entrepreneurs successful. You will also hear from social entrepreneurs who have successfully set up organisations, and have the opportunity to ask them about their experiences. For more information please contact the School for Social Entrepreneurs on 0208 981 0300 or email dorota.luksza@sse.org.uk

MEMBER PROFILE AND MEMBER NOTICES

O”-Bay Community Trust
Based in Enfield, O”-Bay Community Trust has been in existence since 1990 and was initially founded on a national basis to support its members. O”-Bay is a BME lead organisation, providing generic services to services users in Enfield.

O"-Bay provides confidential and impartial advice, information, signposting/referral and guidance on issues relating to education and welfare rights. It also provides immigration services to vulnerable women, men, youth, adults and children subject to immigration control including action to prevent child labour and so on. It also implement schemes to promote healthy living and ways to help the environment.
O”-Bay organises multicultural events and activities with the local community, plus share the celebration of BAME cultural heritage events amongst networking partners.
It runs weekend supplementary classes for children aged 8 to 15 in English, French, Maths, Science and ICT.

O”-Bay runs successful projects reaching youths in Enfield using music, drama and dance development workshops and talent showcase, as well as youth health promotions such as safe sex projects. It runs workshops on the effects of illegal drug use, teenage pregnancy as well as promotes employment opportunities available to young people.

For unemployed local residents, there is access to O”-Bay’s PC Refurbishment, IT training, ESOL lessons, workshops on interview techniques, CV writing and so on. They also offer advocacy on immigration matters and support the creation and development of new and existing community enterprises.

O"-Bay Community Trust is a member of the British Nigerian Association and the British West African Association. Visit www.o-bay.org for more information.

Resources

2008-12-04T10:29:00.000Z

Jargon buster (from Camden Community Empowerment Network)

http://www.camdencen.org.uk/jargonbuster.htm

BNRRN Project Updates

2008-12-04T10:28:00.000Z

BNRRN AGM
BNRRN held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 18th of November. The AGM provided members with an opportunity to learn more about the new projects BNRRN is delivering as well as suggesting new areas of work which will better support them at a grassroots level. Chaired by Florence Davies (Interim BNRRN Chair) the half-day event consisted of presentations from BNRRN staff as well as an overview of the last year from BNRRN Chief Executive, Bolaji Bank-Anthony. The morning ended with lunch and an opportunity for members to network.

Questions & Answers

2008-12-04T10:25:00.000Z

‘What are the ways of raising funds for my local organisation?’
The most popular method for many community groups has been to apply for grants particularly from councils, to fund small to medium community initiatives. However in most Local Councils, there has been a general move away from the grant approach to a commissioning approach to funding local Voluntary and Community Sector organisations.

Commissioning can be defined as:
‘…the process of specifying, securing and monitoring services to meet individuals’ needs at a strategic level. This applies to all services, whether they are provided by the local authority or by the private or voluntary sectors.’ (Audit Commission 2004)

The needs of the user (be these individuals, families or other groups) is first identified and defined. The council will next come up with the types of services it believes can address those needs. The next step is to develop a detailed “service specification” for the service/s that have been identified to address the highlighted needs. The process of selecting a delivery organisation then begins.
The selection process may involve competitive tendering (that is where a number of organisations competitively bid to win a contract), but a number of other options may be employed to identify the most appropriate provider.

There are opportunities as well as challenges of the commissioning approach particularly for small and medium voluntary sector organisations that might lack capacity and tendering skills. There are still grants available from a range of sources like Trusts, local councils, private organisations, however the commissioning approach is here to stay and it is a good idea for community groups to some to grips with the commissioning process.

Councils for Voluntary Services (CVS) are able to provide training and support , look for your local CVS by going to http://webdb.navca.org.uk/home.aspx

How does London work?

2008-12-04T10:24:00.000Z

http://www.directory.londoncouncils.gov.uk/directory/councilstructures/

MEMBER PROFILE AND MEMBER NOTICES

2008-12-04T10:21:00.000Z

O”-Bay Community Trust
Based in Enfield, O”-Bay Community Trust has been in existence since 1990 and was initially founded on a national basis to support its members. O”-Bay is a BME lead organisation, providing generic services to services users in.

O"-Bay provides confidential and impartial advice, information, signposting/referral and guidance on issues relating to education and welfare rights. It also provides immigration services to vulnerable women, men, youth, adults and children subject to immigration control including action to prevent child labour and so on. It also implement schemes to promote healthy living and ways to help the environment.
O”-Bay organises multicultural events and activities with the local community, plus share the celebration of BAME cultural heritage events amongst networking partners.
It runs weekend supplementary classes for children aged 8 to 15 in English, French, Maths, Science and ICT.

O”-Bay runs successful projects reaching youths in Enfield using music, drama and dance development workshops and talent showcase, as well as youth health promotions such as safe sex projects. It runs workshops on the effects of illegal drug use, teenage pregnancy as well as promotes employment opportunities available to young people.

For unemployed local residents, there is access to O”-Bay’s PC Refurbishment, IT training, ESOL lessons, workshops on interview techniques, CV writing and so on. They also offer advocacy on immigration matters and support the creation and development of new and existing community enterprises.

O"-Bay Community Trust is a member of the British Nigerian Association and the British West African Association. Visit www.o-bay.org for more information.

VACANCIES, VOLUNTEERING & TRAINING

2008-12-04T10:18:00.000Z

Head of Policy-Vacancy: £32,119 - £42,602
(NJC salary scale PO2 - PO5, point 35 – 47), 5% pension
Race on the Agenda (ROTA) is a social policy think-tank focusing on issues affecting Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities and the Third Sector that serves them.

They are recruiting to this post which offers the opportunity to lead on the organisation’s policy and research programme working with the experienced and passionate policy team. Current policy priorities include crime and antisocial behaviour, health inequalities, community cohesion and regional governance. You will need demonstrable in-depth knowledge of social policy priorities for the BAME sector and communities. You will also need demonstrable experience of staff and project management as well as experience of fundraising and writing clear and concise reports.

Closing Date for applications: Tuesday 6th January 2009 10:00 am (by post or email). Successful candidates will be notified on Friday 9th January 2009 to attend an interview on Tuesday 13th January 2009. Successful candidate need to start as soon as possible.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
For further information and an application pack email Saifur Valli Saifur@rota.org.uk or ring 020 7729 1310. You can also download the application pack from www.rota.org.uk

Community Engagement Officer -Vacancy
TAHA is a leading national Agency specialising in the provision of health and social care and capacity building support services primarily to Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. They are seeking a community engagement officer.

Salary: £30662 - £31511 p.a. incl. ILW
(Part-time or full-time)
You will take responsibility for devising & delivering skills development, training & other support activity to increase BME community engagement within mainstream voluntary & statutory bodies’ governance arrangements and planning mechanisms & address barriers which disempower BMEs from engaging civic life, governance and leadership roles.

TAHA requires someone to make an immediate impact! Applicants must have proven knowledge and experience of community development & empowerment, sustainable capacity building training activities, regional voluntary and statutory sector structures, governance and planning mechanisms. Excellent communication skills & ability to engage & empower individuals & groups from diverse BME communities essential.

Job Sharers welcomed

Deadline for applications: 19 December 2008. For an application pack email: leadership@taha.org.uk

Would you be interested in doing research and working with Faith Based Regeneration Network (FbRN)? (Note this is not a job advertisement)
FbRN is applying for two research posts and is looking for potential researchers in the following areas:
• Strengthening civil society
• Promoting active citizenship, equalities and community empowerment.

There are two possibilities, both in association with Goldsmiths College, University of London, both full-time:
• A PhD studentship - fees and a maintenance allowance would be paid.
• A Knowledge Transfer Partnership - a two year post paid at full remuneration at standard rates of pay

Candidates for either post need to have, a good honours degree (minimum 2:1), preferably in a relevant social science, work experience in a relevant third sector organisation, a demonstrated interest in research in the field of faith and civil society, active citizenship, equalities or community empowerment.

Closing date: 16th December 2008

Please see the website for more information www.fbrn.org.uk

Preparing Your Children's Service Tenders
An extra date has been added to the programme of training courses on 'Successful Commissioning: Preparing Your Children's Service Tenders' in London.
Location: London Date: 3-4 February 2009

How to book
Book your place now by clicking on the link
http://www.vcsengage.org.uk/training%20and%20events/s2a_training.aspx
or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and they will make the booking for you.

Range of Free training for VCS organisations
The majority of places on this course are free. Free places are available for certain voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations. To find out if your organisation is eligible for free training places, please contact vcstraining@ncb.org.uk or telephone 020 7843 6084.

How to book
Please book your place online by visiting www.vcsengage.org.uk or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and we will make the booking for you.

Is your organisation commission-ready?
Following the successful VCS Engage programme, NCB are now offering a new series of training courses to support voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations.
This two-day training course will enable you to enter the new commissioning process with confidence, equipped with the tools to understand what commissioners want and how you can deliver within the Every Child Matters (ECM) framework.

The training will help participants to:
•Identify the key skills, characteristics and standards that organisations need to demonstrate when responding to Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs), Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and commission tenders.
•Identify the evidence they will need to support their application within local commissioning arrangements.
•Provide a checklist for writing a successful commissioning tender.

There are a number of reserved free places for voluntary and community sector organisations on each course. To find out if your organisation is eligible for free training places, please contact vcstraining@ncb.org.uk or telephone 020 7843 6084.

How to book
Please book your place online by visiting www.vcsengage.org.uk or email vcstraining@ncb.org.uk
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the NCB Training Team on 0207 843 6084 and we will make the booking for you.

Community Leaders Development Programme
The Community Leaders Development Programme aims to provide individuals from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee communities who live in London, with a flexible and tailored range of leadership development opportunities.

This project has two elements: a programme of outreach, taster sessions and entry level training; and a range of longer support options to provide more intensive structured personal and professional development.

The programme is funded by the LDA Opportunities Fund Round 2 and is run by London Voluntary Service Council in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Race on the Agenda, MODA and Charitytraining.com.

So:
•Are you a Londoner active in a voluntary or community organisation?
•Are you interested in developing your community leadership skills through a new training opportunity?
•Are you interested in receiving one-to-one mentoring support?
•Would you like practical help to produce a business or operational plan and fundraising strategy for your group?

If you play a leadership role within a voluntary sector/community groups, as a volunteer, trustee, or member of staff and have answered yes to these questions then contact Karin at LVSC on 020 7700 8110 or email Karin@lvsc.org.uk to find out how to access valuable free-of-charge mentoring and training opportunities.

Priority for this scheme will be given to first-time managers, new directors and Management Committee members wishing to help develop skills to benefit new or small voluntary and community groups.

BTEC Professional Certificate in Voluntary Sector Management
This Level 4 BTEC Vocational qualification is being delivered by LVSC and charitytraining.com to meet the needs of sector professionals in London. Accredited by EdExel, the certificate will provide tools to support organisational capacity development and efficiency improvements.

The qualification included the following units:
•Leadership and management
•Charity finance and accounting
•Fundraising and marketing
•Operational planning and service delivery
•Quality management in the sector
•HR planning and management
•Working with volunteers
•Charity management work-based project

The course consists of 6 days working shops with work-based assignments over 10-12 months. A limited number of bursaries are available for individuals identifying as BAMER. For further information please telephone 0207 700 8112

Leadership Training for Social Entrepreneurs
•Are you trying to start or grow an organisation that benefits your community?
•Would you like to hear from people who have been there and done it?
•Would you benefit from a day of leadership training to learn about social entrepreneurship and social enterprise?

This one day training session provides an introduction to social enterprise and how it relates to other types of social organisations including charities, and to the characteristics that make social entrepreneurs successful. You will also hear from social entrepreneurs who have successfully set up organisations, and have the opportunity to ask them about their experiences. For more information please contact the School for Social Entrepreneurs on 0208 981 0300 or email dorota.luksza@sse.org.uk

GET FUNDING!

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Interested in Joining TAHA to make a Consortium Bid?
The Asian Health Agency (TAHA) is looking to develop a Consortium bid. £7.5 Million Empowerment Fund. Do you want to Join or support their Consortium bid?

Date: Meeting on 10 December 2008
Subject: Developing a Consortium Bid under Empowerment Fund Bid
Venue: to be confirmed
Time: 2:00 - 4:30pm

The £7.5 million Empowerment Fund will run from 2009-2012 & will provide grants of either £250,000 or £500,000 over 3 years to between 20-25 organisations. It aims to provide strategic & stable funding for third sector organisations promoting community empowerment. Applications are invited under the following themes to deliver the goals for empowering communities:

•Community voices and leadership
•Community development
•Community and social media
•Community involvement in planning
•Improving communication between citizens and councillors.
•Social enterprises and social entrepreneurship
•Helping small organisations to work together

The deadline for applications is 6 January 2009. Contact: Balraj Purewal on leadership@taha.org.uk

Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Mental Health Foundation
The Foundation are inviting applications from groups of voluntary and statutory organisations across the UK, to work with them in developing new ways of protecting and promoting the mental health and well-being of 16 to 25 year olds. They expect to select up to four partnerships to work with from September 2009 – December 2013, with one focusing on improving support for Black and Minority Ethnic Young People.

Each of the pilots will be awarded up to £800,000 from September 2009 - April 2013. The foundation will also provide additional support to assist with planning and implementing the work, developing the partnerships, and documenting and sharing the learning. The deadline for applications is 18 December 2008.

For more details or to apply to become a ‘Right Here’ pilot site: www.right-here.org.uk and don’t hesitate to contact info@right-here.org.uk; 0207 803 1181 if you cannot find the information you require on the website.

Grassroots Grants
This is a £130 million programme that aims to invest in a thriving community sector.
It is funded by Office of the Third Sector (OTS) and delivered by the Community Development Foundation (CDF).

The programme, which will run from 2008-2011 is divided into two parts: an £80 million small grants fund for community organisations; and a £50 million endowments programme to enable local funders to generate additional donations on a matched basis and invest them in endowments, thereby building their capacity to provide long-term funding for frontline community organisations.

Local community groups should apply directly to their Local Funder, whose contact details can be found by going here http://www.cdf.org.uk/bfora/systems/xmlviewer/default.asp?arg=DS_CDF_TECHART_23/_page.xsl/27&xsl_argx=3

EVENTS

2008-12-04T10:14:00.000Z

How Faiths Work
London Civic Forum’s ‘Your Voice, Your City’ programme and ‘Faiths Forum for London’ are holding the ‘How London Works’ event focusing specifically on faiths groups and the public sector.

Date: 9 December 2008
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Venue: Indian YMCA, 41 Fitzroy Square, London. W1T 6AQ

How Faiths Work is the first event in the series to focus exclusively on the way in which organisations from ‘faiths’ equality strand work, and how they can influence policy in London.

This event will bring together London’s funding and governance bodies and faiths-based organisations to promote and facilitate increased dialogue and understanding around regional, sub-regional and local policy development. This event will also see the London launch of the new framework for interfaith dialogue, ‘Face-to-Face and Side-by-Side.’

There is no cost to attend this event. To book a place, please download the booking from by clicking on the following link:
http://www.londoncivicforum.org.uk/page.asp?n=90&dm_i=JD,AGW,1CMPT,CQC,1 to the booking form (please scroll to the bottom of the webpage) or call 020 8709 9770.

Once completed, please email the booking form to Natalie (natalie@londoncivicforum.org.uk ). Places are limited, so please book early.

‘The Big Thinking’ London event
You are invited to the ‘Big Thinking’, dynamic and interactive event giving you the opportunity to have your say on Lottery funding in London.

The Big Thinking event is part of the consultation on the Big Lottery Fund’s (BIG) strategy for 2009 – 2015. It is where you get the opportunity to say what you think and help Big Lottery Fund decide where Lottery money can make the biggest difference in the capital.

You will join a mixed audience drawn from across the city to discuss key funding issues, share your ideas and answer some of the key questions identified as important in shaping the way forward for BIG. There will also be an opportunity to view examples of where funding has already made a difference in London.

The main focus of the day will be on public participation and interaction in the proceedings. A team of expert facilitators will be on hand to work with the attendees and capture their input in real time.

When and where
Wednesday 21 January 2009
9.30am – 4.00pm
Central London venue (exact address details will be sent to you nearer the date)

Places to this free event are limited, so please email events.lon@biglotteryfund.org.uk by Friday 9 January 2009 to request your place.

If you are unable to attend why not fill in an online questionnaire at
http://www.pauleyonline.co.uk/link.php?URL=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5iaWctdGhpbmtpbmcub3JnLnVrL2NvbnN1bHRhdGlvbnN1cnZleS5hc3B4&Name=&EncryptedMemberID=MTM3MTA1&CampaignID=634&CampaignStatisticsID=685&Demo=0&Email=bolaji@bnrrn.org.uk

Alive and Kicking: Creating successful strategies
Date: Thursday 11th December, London
Time: 10.00am - 4.10pm
Venue: Royal Horticultural Halls & Conference Centre, 80 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PE

This NCVO event is for everyone involved in strategic decisions, whether you’re new to the topic of strategic planning or a seasoned strategist. The day features eight hands-on workshops, and plenary sessions exploring strategy development in uncertain times and the future of the voluntary sector. There will be a host of ideas to help your organisation become more on-mission, innovative and sustainable. Book now by going to: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/aliveandkicking

For more information contact Kate Damiral, Communications Officer Strategy and Impact, National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Direct line: 020 7520 2540, Freephone HelpDesk: 0800 2 798 798

Understanding the Nature & Dynamics of Race & Institutional Racism,
A one-day (2 Dates) Programme featuring, Analysis, Discussion, Support & Networking
First date: 12 December 2008
Time: 10.00 – 4.30 pm
Venue: Shanti Centre, W6

Second date: 12 February 2009
Time: 10.00 – 4.30 pm
Venue: Jagonari Centre, E1

The Programme objectives are to
Enable individuals to understand the nature & dynamics of institutional racism, its effects on them, their work & their institutions;
Provide a critical analysis of existing institutional responses & approaches;
Enable individuals to specify demands, needs &aspirations of Black, Asian and White people into service requirements; Connect individuals to anti-racist network & provide ongoing mentoring support for their own strategies for change & intervention.

Who is it for?
The event is for those working in mainstream agencies; generic services or community groups who want to bring about tangible and sustainable change to programmes designed to deliver equality of services and outcomes.

The day is designed to promote and negotiate professional and personal commitment to making practical interventions within participants’ own contexts which have discriminatory practices and approaches in governance, service planning or delivery.
A post-session strategy is included and participants will be invited to negotiate future professional or personal support if required to carry out their intervention; and link in with networks for on-going support.

Costs£55 statutory bodies, £30 grant aided organizations, £10 Self-supporting (non-funded) groups. *Tea/Coffee and Lunch provided.
Places are limited!

NEWS & INFORMATION ROUNDUP

2008-12-04T10:12:00.000Z

Do you know you can become a councillor
The website http://www.beacouncillor.org.uk/howto/ has useful information on a range of issues including ‘Why be a councillor?’, ‘What do councillors do?’, ‘Could I be a councillor?’

Equalities Body consults on future plans
The former Commission for Race Equality (CRE), now The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched a consultation to seek views on the development of their new strategic plan. A series of events and an online consultation are requesting your views on a 3-year plan to be published in April, as well as an equality scheme and new grants programme.
http://equalityhumanrights.dialoguebydesign.net/default.asp

Awards for All England to close
Awards for All England which is the lottery grants scheme for community groups, will close in its existing form in March. The Big Lottery Fund announced that ‘Awards for All England’ will close, but groups will still have access to equivalent levels of lottery funding through programmes run by the four providers that administer the current scheme. These are Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Sport England and the Big Lottery Fund and they will handle applications individually through existing or new programmes.

The scheme, which has been running for seven years, offers grants of between £300 and £10,000 to small groups and community organisations. The Big Lottery Fund said that the total amount of money available would remain the same and that the new system coming in would make the application forms shorter. Groups whose work fall into more than one category will now have the opportunity to apply to more than one provider. However there have been questions about the transparency of how the decision to implement the new structure was made

See http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/DailyBulletin/859132/Awards-England-close/AB1E8BCC240F6CA7CB10A80A79992277/?DCMP=EMC-DailyBulletin

Office spaces for 80 charities in London from Can Mezzanine
A new office space designed specifically for small charities is to open in the centre of London.
The 36,000-square-foot refurbished building in the Old Street area will offer space for up to 80 charities when it opens in the spring. It will double the office space operated by the social landlord Can Mezzanine and brings the total number of organisations it provides with low-level rents to about 200. See http://www.can-online.org.uk/pages/mezzanine.html

New code to avoid trustee conflict
Trustees should prevent potential board conflicts becoming personal by introducing a code of conduct when things are going well, according to a new Charity Trustee Networks guidance document.

‘Codes of Conduct for Trustees’, which was launched on 19 November by third sector minister Kevin Brennan, says small charities need only "some basic ground rules for behaviour". The guidance can be downloaded free from CTN's website http://www.trusteenet.org.uk/resources and it contains three sample codes of conduct, as well as advice on drawing up and using a code.

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks update
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) has updated its guidance on CRB checks which provide important protection, for people who use social care services. You are required by law to get checks from the CRB if you are:
Applying for registration, the ‘responsible individual’, or a member of staff working in a social care service regulated and inspected by CSCI.
The guidance includes information and advice on:
• The different levels of CRB check and when they are needed
• When staff can begin work before their full CRB check arrives
• When previous CRB checks can be accepted
• The new independent safeguarding authority (ISA)

See http://www.csci.org.uk/professional

POLICY UPDATES & BRIEFING

2008-12-04T10:10:00.000Z

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) Communities in London Borough of Enfield particularly hard hit by the shift to commissioning approach

BAMER Communities in the London Borough of Enfield have been particularly hard hit by the switch from Grant based funding to the commissioning regime which came into effect in October 2007 says Ade Adeshina who is Enfield Strategic Partnership Board BME Representative, and Chief Executive of O”-Bay Community Trust. In October 2007 Enfield Council announced its decision to fully implement the commissioning approach to funding local initiatives, resulting in a cut of funding to a significant portion of BME frontline Voluntary and Community groups who had previously had a grant funding relationship with the council.

The borough of Enfield has had over six BME youth deaths incidents within a short period and this heightens the local BME community’s fears of funding cuts to local BAMER organisations. A number of BAMER groups in Enfield have formed an alliance; the Council for Enfield Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (CEBAME) which is in dialogue with Enfield Council. It has made a presentation to Enfield Strategic Partnership Management group, and has also had a meeting with the Greater London Authority (GLA), to raise its concerns. The Mayor of London has appointed a member of his team to work with CEBAME. They have also held a consultation which aims at better informing the Mayor of London of the situation in Enfield.

In a letter dated 1st November 2008 Ade Adeshina the Enfield Strategic Partnership Board BME Representative & Chief Executive of O”-Bay Community Trust stated that the BAMER voluntary and community organisations, “recognise the importance of Local and Regional decision making process and would very much like to be included.” He added however that BAMER organisations “have not as of yet been resourced, supported, and empowered to engage, to be involved or to be included in the Borough decision making process. A change is needed so that the Enfield Community Empowerment Network (ECEN), Enfield Strategic Partnership (ESP), Greater London Authority (GLA) and our BME organisations can co-operate cohesively to build a better future for local residents in Enfield.”

He continued that ‘while BME groups are trying their best to attend some meetings - their focus and energy these days are more channelled into seeking external resources and support to ensure the survival of their organisations, so as to enable the continuation of the provision of services as frontline organisations to BAMER communities, beneficiaries, local residents and our members.

BAMER community groups take on a full work load in representing and engaging on strategic partnerships, providing double value for their funding, and thus their double role is threatened by any cut in resources for their frontline services.
He said that London Borough of Enfield and The Enfield Strategic Partnership Board have so far not displayed a recognition of the need for resourcing BAMER Voluntary and Community Sector groups to enable them in addition to carrying out their frontline duties, perform the crucial function of representing their communities and ensuring effective BME group’s involvements and inclusion in the Borough and regional Decision-Making Process.

The next Enfield Local Strategic Partnership meeting (December 08) will discuss the issues raised by BAMER organisations in the borough. An update of the situation will be included in subsequent BNRRN newsletter. Please visit www.cebame.org.uk for more information on Council for Enfield Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (CEBAME). See CEBAME’s website for more information http://www.cebame.org.uk/ or contact Ade Adeshina by visiting www.o-bay.org for details.

Participatory Budgeting: A national strategy; giving more people a say in local spending

Every year public money (whether raised through council taxes, income tax, parking charges, the licensing of local businesses or many other ways) is spent on local services to benefit local people for instance investment in libraries, public parks, health centres, invested on traffic improvement etc. Participatory Budgeting is a way of enabling local people decide how specific pots of such public money should be spent. Participatory budgeting fits with governments wider and repeating theme of ‘participatory democracy’, in which local people are fully involved and consulted in making local decisions.

With participatory budgeting, the pot of money is allocated to the community and they are facilitated through the process in which they discuss, vote and finally prioritise how the money should be best spent.

Government wants Participatory Budgeting to be used in every local authority by 2012

A Participatory Budgeting Unit has been set up and it has developed a number of publications and resources in order to issue consistent advice to local authorities. The publication “Participatory Budgeting: Values, Principles and Standards’, in particular highlights the key standards such as accessibility, transparency, inclusiveness and ensuring proper deliberation.

How Participatory Budgeting fits in with other government initiatives-
The concept and principle of Participatory Budgeting has already been applied throughout England in such areas as Neighbourhood Renewal Funding and New Deal for Communities also with local area committees. Participatory Budgeting is being highlighted as a useful mechanism for fulfilling the ‘statutory duty to involve’ which comes into effect from April 1st 2009. Communities could also potentially use ‘call to action’ to encourage councils to use Participatory Budgeting (The government white paper ‘Communities in Control’ talks about government plans to introduce the ‘call to action’).

The key elements of the national strategy-
The current national strategy on Participatory Budgeting contains the following four elements:
• Promoting awareness
• Creating opportunities
• Providing guidance and support
• Learning from evaluation and research
Regular evaluation is planned by the Participatory Budgeting Unit which will also assist in national performance indicators around Participatory Budgeting. The Participatory Budgeting Unit is very keen to hear from organisations or individuals that are interested in promoting participatory budgets in their areas. They can be contacted at:

Participatory Budgeting Unit
c/o Church Action on Poverty
Central Buildings
Oldham St
Manchester M1 1JT
UK
Office Tel: 0161 236 9321
Also visit: http://www.participatorybudgeting.org.uk/

Transforming Places; changing lives: a framework for regeneration
Introduction-
The framework for regeneration is set out to shape the way regeneration will be carried out in the future in England. The new approach and direction is as a result of the learning that has been achieved so far of what works for local communities, the aim being to provide value-for-money regeneration investment.

The case for regeneration has already been made and it was reiterated in the framework, that in a current competitive world it could hardly be afforded for communities to fall behind, be left out of rising levels of prosperity and success or for people to have their talents wasted because of lack of skills, information or access to work. The implication is that there is need for a redoubling of efforts to regenerate those parts of the country that are still having challenges of deprivation and worklessness and improving the effectiveness of support to local areas.

The framework contains a renewed focus on regeneration from tackling the core issue of economic challenges to increased social mobility.

The regeneration measures proposed are-
• To ensure that regeneration investment is co-ordinated and prioritised in the right places, with all sectors (public, private, and third sector organizations) working together in the same places towards a common vision
• devolving of power with decisions about where to invest made as locally as possible, so as to align investment behind local and regional regeneration priorities
• focus regeneration investment on tackling the underlying economic challenges that hold back deprived areas, in particular supporting people to get a job and get on in the labour market and boosting levels of enterprise in those areas.
The framework sets out proposed new expectations of local government; sub-regional partnerships and central government. It is aimed at developing a shared vision between community and neighbourhood organisations; local government and other members of the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP); sub-regional partnerships; Regional Development Agencies; the new Homes and Communities Agency; Urban Regeneration Companies; Urban Development Corporations as well as the private sector, the third sector and Central Government departments (including their delivery agencies and non-departmental public bodies).

There are four chapters to the framework-
•Chapter one sets out what should be different about regeneration in the future. It talks about the nature of deprivation in England and considers what holds places back from reaching their potential.

•Chapter two makes the case for future regeneration to be defined by the outcomes it achieves, rather than the process it follows. This signals a move away from output measures towards the underlying sustainable outcomes.

•Chapter three sets out proposals for a common approach to targeting any investment for regeneration.

•Chapter four sets out proposals for how these changes might impact on the way different agencies work if they were implemented in full.

Transforming Places; changing lives: a framework for regeneration was produced as a draft for consultation and included a series of consultation questions (the consultation period ended on 31 October 2008).

For more on the framework see Urban forum’s briefing:
http://www.urbanforum.org.uk/pdf_files/draft%20framework%20for%20regeneration%20briefing%202008%2010.pdf

Member Profile

2008-10-30T18:52:00.000Z

BNRRN
Black Neighbourhood Renewal and Regeneration Network, (BNRRN) which is an infrastructure organisation working with BAMER organisations across London. BNRRN is currently running the project ‘Routes to Engagement’. Funded by London Councils and Big Lottery Fund, the project aims to increase the number of BAMER organisations representing their communities on decision making bodies and partnerships (both locally and nationally) and also BAMER organisations engaging in regeneration initiatives.

Visit the website www.bnrrn.org.uk or ring 0208 9813003 for more information on working with BNRRN.