Finance & Outputs Apr 15 – Mar 16 Activity Apr 15 – Sept 16
SOCIAL ACCOUNTS
Our mission: To enable and support local people through partnership working, to improve the quality of life for North Sheffield residents. www.soarcommunity.org.uk
2
Our vision North Sheffield is a place where people love to live, to work and to do business. A well regarded, welcoming and friendly place renowned for its schools, housing and public buildings and its peoples ingenuity, creativity and flair. Our objectives
1
To increase access to economic opportunities for people living in North Sheffield. See page 4.
2
To deliver health, social and lifestyle support services to individuals & families in North Sheffield. See page 6.
3
To develop, manage and support social/community assets and centres in North Sheffield. See page 10.
4
An organisation that cares for its employees and resources and is committed to continuous improvement. See page 12.
The SOAR model Our approach to the local delivery of services is informed by: • Holistic understanding of individual well-being • Community-based approach • Enabling approach • Multi-agency approach • Entrepreneurial approach
A few words from our chair, Paul Howard Over the last year, SOAR has continued to cement its reputation throughout the north of the city. With a new management information system in place, the organisation is better positioned to pinpoint areas of need; this has been key in the recent successful contract outcomes. Austerity measures continue to have a dramatic impact on the capacity of the city to address the needs of its most disadvantaged communities, and SOAR, along with other community based organisations, is playing an increasingly important role in tackling this issue. SOAR is totally committed to community cohesion and plans to incorporate this principle within its vision statement to demonstrate its importance.
The last year has seen some longstanding Board members move on with new ones arriving. The Board continues to review its practices to become more effective in providing robust challenge and scrutiny, as well as informed support. This coming year will also see exciting new developments in Longley for the Board as it takes on management responsibility of the Longley 4G Centre. Finally, as Chair I would like to express my personal thanks and those of the whole Board of Trustees to all the staff and volunteers working on behalf of SOAR for their unrivalled commitment and hard work during the last year.
Social accounts overview Ian Drayton SOAR Partnership Manager Despite everything that has happened over the past 12 months, I can see a silver lining in the gathering clouds. Community development seems to be back in demand and hence in fashion, though did it ever really go away? We have been involved in 3 pieces of significant development work, some planned and some serendipitous.
Development 01 Burngreave Library
Development 02 Longley 4G
Development 03 Community Partnerships
In September 2015 we took over the running of Burngreave Library alongside Sheffield City Council, with help from 25 volunteers who currently run the library. A Friends of Burngreave Library Group has been developed, and are responsible for the strategic direction for the development of library services and activities, and work with SOAR to secure income to sustain the library.
Longley 4G is a local charity that approached SOAR in December 2015 for some support in re-energising their community spaces on the Longley estate. We have been working with them to activate their community centre through submitting bids to develop activity and investment in the buildings, also ensuring their office accommodation is fully let.
In late 2015 we worked to develop four community partnerships in the North of Sheffield to get onto a People Keeping Well Contracting Framework. The four cover: • Burngreave: 7 partners • Firth Park/Shiregreen: 8 partners • Southey Owlerton: 8 partners • Chapelgreen: 9 partners We were successful in securing delivery of the Community Wellbeing Programme and the development of our enhanced Social Prescribing Service. The City Council see these partnerships as a key delivery mechanism for a number of services that are best delivered in neighbourhood settings by community based organisations. Over the next 3 years it is thought that up to £3m could come through the Community Partnership route.
Photos clockwise from the top: Macmillan coffee morning at Burngreave Library, Springboard Social Café at the Learning Zone and Baby & Toddler Group at Burngreave Library.
1 To increase access to economic opportunities for people living in North Sheffield.
SOAR provides accredited training and community learning opportunities across North Sheffield, as well as an established employment service that primarily works with job seekers, young people, and those with disabilities. Challenges overcome In order to make our training more accessible, we have worked with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) to provide our learners with bus passes so that they can travel to venues and access more training courses. Achieving work outcomes can be challenging, but working more closely with JobCentre Plus and community organisations has enabled us to better support clients by giving them the skills they need to gain sustainable employment. Aspirations and targets We aim to increase the visibility of SOAR’s employment services across the city by building partnerships with the business community and local employers, and develop our team’s abilities through continuous personal development. The training team will work more closely with SOAR’s health team to develop training courses for local groups, and opportunities for volunteers to build their skills and knowledge.
www.soarcommunity.org.uk
4
“Sylwia is doing really well. Nothing is too much trouble. We could do with more staff like Sylwia.” Katie, Manager Better Living
“Through the support I have received from Stephen I have been able to have the self-confidence to realise that age is not a discriminatory barrier to me finding work later in life.” Michael D’Arcy Job Club client
Case Study Job Club client, Nasreen Khan
Achievements 2015-2016
Nasreen came across the help of SOAR’s Employment Services after being out of paid employment for nearly 20 years. Having found the prospect of employment extremely challenging, Nasreen was soon able to regain her confidence whilst being supported by SOAR. Nasreen was fully supported by an Employment Advisor in finding a suitable training course with the SOAR Training Team, along with exploring employment opportunities which fitted her existing skills, previous experience and transferable skills.
Delivered a diverse range of training courses, from photography to confidence building
Focusing on her experience of bringing up a child with Autism and ADHD, Nasreen was soon to realise how this specific experience would be highly valuable within the Health & Social Care sector, and went on to gain employment as a Social Care Support Worker with Autism Plus.
“I am so happy to have a job I love and I now feel highly valued in my support role at this charity. The best thing I ever did was to walk through the doors of SOAR Community… it has empowered me to make a difference”
Learning outomes
1
83.4% learners achieved a recognised qualification
Overachieved on the Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities (NLDC) contract by 22%
We have opportunities to further grow and develop our employment services.
2
Partnership work is our strength in providing rounded support to clients.
3
We will continue to make our courses more diverse and accessible to better engage local learners.
Delivered our STEPS to Excellence course to 49 people
5 learners form our STEPS to Excellence course gained employment
“Awesome, informative, inspiring and has shown me I have potential and can use this experience to improve my life and contribute to society.” Learner STEPS to Excellence course
127 job starts with most starters working 16+ hrs p/w for more than 13 wks
2 To deliver health, social and lifestyle support services to individuals & families in North Sheffield.
SOAR delivers its Health Services from outreach locations across North Sheffield. We integrate service delivery by providing and coordinating access to a range of services with partner agencies through our Social Prescribing Service. Challenges overcome Our volunteering contracts often necessitate tight recruitment deadlines and high targets, which have led to challenges around volunteer retention and meeting individual needs and aspirations. We have developed new ways of working to ensure that each volunteer receives a positive placement experience, and that any activity developed aids client progression. Training for our volunteers now includes group planning and management, goal setting for clients, and peer review skills to support other volunteer led groups. Aspirations and targets With the successful development of the four PKW Community Partnerships and the involvement of SOAR in local Neighbourhood Care Pilots, we are now in a position to drive forward the following key areas: • Assimilate SOAR and Community Support Worker functions, ensuring that they are demand led, co-ordinated and connected. • Develop an evaluation framework that will ensure impact is collated and reported across the whole organisation.
www.soarcommunity.org.uk
6
• Develop a local supply chain that will enable community VCF organisations to successfully contract and deliver elements of the PKW investment, such as Springboard Social Cafés, Community Health Champions, etc.
Achievements 2015-2016
Impact Case Study Fab 5 ‘Ways to Wellbeing’ Course Fab 5 is a 6 week course aimed at reducing social isolation, and developing friendships and social networks for people aged 50+. The course took place at Shiregreen Neighbourhood Centre and 9 local people attended.
Successful Attendance Allowance claims: £235,778
The following is a mental wellbeing extract from our new Wellbeing Assessment report. This details the impact that the course has had on participating clients: Mental Wellbeing Category (from First Wellbeing Q’aire)
Mental Wellbeing Category (from Last Wellbeing Q’aire)
3
2 3
6 We have received 789 referrals from GPs
4
swemwbs_category*
swemwbs_category*
• Moderate = 22-23 • Low = 0-21
• High = 33+ • Moderate = 22-23 • Low = 0-21
*Shortened Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale
We have helped 2468 beneficiaries this year
“This is one of the best courses I’ve been on for years. It has been an eye opener, but it’s a chance to get involved and active.” Client, Fab 5 Course
Learning outomes
We have delivered smokefree & vaping awareness training to 344 people
We have supported 146 volunteers across 5 separate contracts
1
Commitment to community development principles has been key to SOAR developing robust and well governed PKW Community Partnerships.
2
Embracing change and finding new ways of working has enabled SOAR to secure additional investment in a time of decreasing resources.
3
Putting time and effort into developing our MI and evaluation systems is now beginning to prove the efficacy of our work.
“Danny was there for me when I needed him, he gave me the help I wanted and gave me the encouragement I needed to change. All I can say is thanks to Danny for helping me change my life.” Advocacy Client
WHO WE W
With our new management information system (Mi Clive), we are now able to report on referral patterns and client demographics, which is beginning to influence how our services are deployed across North Sheffield. The map depicts the areas in which we are currently working, who we are working with, and where the referrals are coming from.
Foxhill (sample) Clients
Service area
Referral source 9%
18% 27%
55% 27%
64%
• Health • Employment • Volunteering
• GP surgery • Self-referral • Other
Age by gender
18% 27%
27%
31-40
41-50
• Female
18%
10%
61-70
90+
• Male
Ethnicity
90.9%
9.1%
• White British
• White & Black Caribbean
Sample size Sml
8
www.soarcommunity.org.uk
Med
Lge
WORK WITH
Firth Park (sample) Clients
Employed
Service area
Referral source
9%
18%
55%
36%
55% 27%
• Training • Employment • Health
• Learning champion • Self-referral • GP surgery
Age by gender
10% 21 & under
• Female
25% 22-30
10% 31-40
18% 41-50
17% 10%
10%
51-60
71-80
• Male
Ethnicity
45.5% 27.3% 18.2%
• Pakistani • Prefer not to say
9.1%
• White British • White & Black Caribbean
www.soarcommunity.org.uk
9
3 To develop, manage and support social/community assets and centres in North Sheffield.
The Centres Team continue to work hard at maintaining SOAR’s assets and services. SOAR Works is home to a wide variety of small and medium sized enterprises and continues to provide high quality business space at affordable prices. The Learning Zone and Longley 4G host a range of learning and community events in the sessional spaces available, generating income and offering services to the local community. Challenges overcome Securing tenants for the harder to let units has been difficult, but this has been greatly helped by being able to showcase our space on our new website. We are always looking to minimise costs on building repairs and maintenance, and we have been able to manage this by anticipating problems, finding preferred contractors and building professional relationships. Aspirations and targets We envisage that SOAR’s assets will continue to be sustainable and highly regarded establishments for business purposes, leisure and learning. We’d like to welcome further tenants and virtual tenants to SOAR Works and expand upon our network of regular users across all SOAR buildings. We will also offer new and exciting activities to the local community and secure funding to develop Longley 4G Community Centre.
www.soarcommunity.org.uk
10
“We need affordable, accessible community venues where we can hold our volunteer training courses. SOAR Works have great conference facilities, it’s a modern building in the heart of the community with excellent transport links. The staff are experienced in managing training and always helpful. SOAR Works is a vital facility for the whole city.” Home-Start South Yorkshire
Learning outomes
Achievements 2015-2016
1
Having a strong and approachable centres team has provided a seamless service to tenants and users across all SOAR’s buildings.
2
Our flexible service is key to ensuring tenant and customer satisfaction, allowing us to remain a leading competitor in venue choice for businesses and community groups.
3
We will continue to build opportunities to diversify and expand our offer.
Testimonials “Operating from SOAR Works helps us show our customers and employees that our business is modern, professional and forward thinking. The staff are very helpful and professional, and the building is always maintained to a high quality standard. If SOAR continue to keep the high standard they have set themselves then they can count on our support and backing in the future.” Driver Hire Tenant
“SOAR Works continues to meet the needs of Aspire and has been one of the driving forces behind our recent expansion. The support and flexibility of the management team has created an environment which is progressive for business and compassionate for our staff and clientele.”
Over 2000 hours of sessional space usage
90%
Occupancy rates at SOAR Works over 90%
2418 delegates have used the sessional space at SOAR Works
Expanding the Centres Team and welcoming 2 new members of staff
Taking on management of Longley 4G Community Centre
Aspire Community Enterprise Tenant
Generating the highest amount to date in sessional lets over the quiet summer months
If an organisation is to be effective it is imperative that systems are in place to ensure it delivers on all contracts, regularly reviews its performance and recruits and retains good quality staff in order to deliver SOAR’s overall mission.
4
Achievements 2015-16
An organisation that cares for its employees and resources and is committed to continuous improvement.
Organisational Development
Quality Marks/Registrations
SOAR has had a very busy year implementing new ways of working and developing systems to become more efficient and smarter, such as:
Our commitment to good governance is underpinned by the following quality marks:
• Mi Clive (management & information system) continues to be developed through joint working with Sheffield Futures and School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR). • New Staff Competency Framework and Staff Charter is now in place. • A Community Cohesion plan has been produced, which has enabled us to develop a clarity of vision about cohesion and how it influences our way of working. Social Media and Marketing We have taken significant steps to enhance our online presence with: • New SOAR website • New monthly e-bulletin • Enhanced Facebook and Twitter presence These complement well established and respected printed materials such as:
www.soarcommunity.org.uk
12
• Annual Social Accounts • North East Learner • New Social Prescribing Service marketing
• Disability Confidence (renewed) • IIP (re-assessment due November 2016) • Matrix • Customer First • Sheffield Volunteer Standard Staff Training We continue to invest in staff personal and professional development with 91 training courses attended across a variety of areas, such as: • Mindfulness Based Enhancement • Motivational Interviewing • 5 Ways to Wellbeing • Frontline Worker Dementia awareness, etc.
“Its clear volunteers are well supported and the development you give them and recognition stand out.” Sheffield Volunteer Standard Assessment
Challenges overcome The continued difficult economic climate has made this year’s result a deficit of £61,000. There are a number of key contributing factors: Sheffield Working Employment contract – Delivery was due to commence August 2015, but we were not in contract until November 2015. We continued to employ staff as to do otherwise would have been poor employment practice and would set back our delivery of the next contract. This had a net cost of £24,000. Community Learning contract – Delivery was initially undertaken by our training team, however this element was drastically reduced in favour of outsourcing externally. This lead to a £17,000 deficit. The training team has now been rationalised and this loss will not reoccur. Heat & Eat contract - We received £15,000 funding in March 2015, however, the cost of employing staff to deliver the contract was defrayed in 2015-2016.
Case Study Senior Advocacy Worker, Julie Bramall
Fortunately our reserves are adequate to cover this situation without falling outside of our reserves policy. We are on target to generate a surplus for the 20162017 financial year.
SOAR is committed to continued personal and professional development of its staff. This is one staff member’s story.
Learning outomes
Describe your role and how it has developed My role is to provide information, guidance and support to anyone who is in need of some help, i.e. housing, access to services, etc. It has evolved over the years to meet the needs of clients and local community. What is it like working at SOAR? We are a supportive and friendly team with the same goals in our work and home life, which is to support each other and allow for growth and development. What have you learnt? I have learnt many new skills over the years especially when dealing with clients with mental health issues and learning difficulties. What are your hopes for the future? I hope to expand the team to meet the ever changing needs of the local community and clients. What is SOAR’s impact on the local community? I think SOAR has a positive impact on individuals and the wider community. From the Advocacy referrals alone this year we have generated £302,601 in additional income.
1
We will work to improve internal and external communications.
2
We will review all financial and contract management systems to make them fit for current purpose.
3
Ensuring our data is quality assured will help to demonstrate and prove the efficacy of our work.
“We were all impressed by the way that you put your values into action and your innovative approach. SOAR is an example of good practice and the art of the possible.” Anna Middlemiss Deputy Director of Public Health Wakefield
SOAR AT A GLANCE Our volunteers
Our staff Management Staff 6 Full time equivalent (fte)†6
Core Staff 2 Fte 2
146
82
Active Volunteers
New Volunteers Trained
1623
"The experience has opened me to a wide range of activities and opportunities that are lasting and changing my life."
Employment Staff 4 Fte 4
Training Staff 6 Fte 4.3
Centres Staff 3 Fte 2.3
Health Workers 17 Fte 14.2
Nontando Sibanda SOAR Volunteer
Individuals supported to lead healthier lives
Volunteers by gender
Staff by gender
27%
73%
Volunteers age and gender
24%
76%
Staff employed from local area
13
7 11 1 21 & under
8 3 22-30
6
1
1
31-40
41-50
10
51-60
7
3
5
2 1
2
1
61-70
71-80
81-90
90+
68% Note. Local area covers S4, S5 and S6 postcodes
FINANCE Local investment
Financial proxies
20 Evictions prevented Value (50% attribution) £70,950
£35,622 - Sheffield City Council
£52,891 - Business Sheffield
£60,048 - Business North Sheffield
£60,255 - Third sector North Sheffield
£83,441 - Third sector Sheffield
£95,322 - Business
Total = £387,580
< Source. Research briefing: immediate costs to government of loss of home (Shelter, 2012), p.6
> Source. The Department for Work and Pensions Cost-benefit Analysis framework (Working Paper 86)/ response to parliamentary questions (HC Deb 6 February 2013, vol 558, col 352W)
91 Gained employment Value (50% attribution) £456,156
£302,601 Income Maximised
Tax expenditure £86,467 Debt written off £24,461 Volunteer in kind
£15,645 - VAT
£81,934 - Business Rates
£129,764 - HMRC
Total = £227,344 TOTAL £942,304
The deficit for 2015-16 year end is -£61,000
GRAND TOTAL Combined state, client savings and tax paid
£1,169,648 We are on target to generate a surplus for the 2016-17 financial year.
< Total (including homelessness prevented) Note. Value of contracts to deliver proxy measurements = £732,432
Many thanks to SOAR staff: Sofeena Aslam Sophina Asghar Nabil Alsoufi Nicola Banks Helen Bolt Sheila Bhandal Fiona Biggs Julie Bramall Andrew Devine Sally Dickenson Hannah Downes Ian Drayton Louise Garretty Annie Grant Jenny Hare Sarah Harrison-Akers Michaela Harmston
Lisa Harman Diane Herbert Rosie Headland Marc Hill Vanessa Kirby Rebecca Lawson Marcia Layne Brendan Lenehan Amy Owen Jess McCormack Stephen Mitchell Naheen Mohammed Saira Nadeem Paul Nash Somshun Nessa Lesley Pearson Ruth Richards
Penny Stanley Nicola Thorpe Michele Ward Helen Warren Pete Walker Guy Weston Danny Wild Sally Whittaker Dawn Young
Acknowledgements: SOAR Board SOAR Enterprise Ltd Board SOAR Build Sheffield Futures Sheffield Hallam University
Plus SOARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brilliant Community Health Champions, student placements and volunteers!
Funders and Quality Marks:
SOAR Works Enterprise Centre 14 Knutton Road Sheffield S5 9NU Tel: 0114 213 4065 Email: enquiries@soarcommunity.org.uk www.soarcommunity.org.uk www.soarworks.co.uk facebook.com/soarcommunity @soarcommunity
Design by Eskimo www.eskimodesign.org