Thrive! Jan - March 2017

Supporting voluntary and community action

January/February/March 2017

In this issue: LGBT Manifesto for Bristol West of England Works Bristol’s new ‘City Office’ A local family at a campfire singalong, run by APE Project at Lawrence Weston Community Farm. One of the Farm’s young volunteers won a 2016 Voscur Award! More on p9.

Early intervention Race Equality Commission Upcoming training and events and much more...

Contents Voscur 3 Editorial 4

New Voscur members

5

International Women’s Day 2017: Take Up Space

6-7

LGBT Manifesto for the West of England

7

West of England Works

8-10

Our 2016 ‘Voscur’ award winners

11

Early intervention in Bristol

12

Bristol: powered by positive energy

13

Bristol’s new ‘City Office’

14-15 Voluntary action in Bristol - a 2016 health check 16-18 Voscur training and events 19

Commissioning - doing it differently

20-21 Top tips for recruiting and retaining student volunteers

Support Hub 22-23 Collective strength - a closer look at collaboration

Voice and Influence 24-25 What is the Sustainable Transformation Plan?

26-27 A Commission for Race Equality in Bristol 28-29 ‘Stepping Up’ for young people 30

This is me: Dan Lyus, VCS Advocate

31

Think local: Greater Brislington Neighbourhood Partnership

Key to symbols Training

Information & Resources

Event

‘Thrive!’ is also available online as a pdf at www.voscur.org/magazine.

If you require it in another format, please get in touch on 0117 909 9949.

Disclaimer: some of the views expressed in this publication are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Voscur. Publications, events and services mentioned in Thrive! are not necessarily endorsed by Voscur.

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January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

Dear Members and Friends It’s important to acknowledge

mayor and a former voluntary

Bristol City Council’s investment in

sector colleague, and an increase

social action through the Bristol

in the number of women

Impact Fund, which was launched

councillors following the Bristol

last year. Over 170 organisations

Women’s Voice 50:50 campaign.

applied for grants and Voscur supported many of them through the planning stages of their project.

I know that last year was difficult for many of us and tragic for some, so I want to start the New Year with hope and optimism, and by drawing inspiration from some of the good things that happened during 2016.

memorial event on College Green

investor in our sector’s work, we

in June last year. As we go into

know that it’s not just our sector

2017 it’s important to remember

that can overcome the city’s

Jo’s legacy – there is more that

divisions. Many people already

unites us than divides us.

work together for the benefit of Bristol, whether that’s in public service, the arts, the environment, supporting children and older people, or challenging inequality.

Just over half of all residents to harness the talents of the other

Voscurs) was a fantastic reminder

half too.

the Batook Pandya award, the Welcome Committee – a group of volunteers that is making extraordinary efforts to support refugees – shows our city at its best. Just one example of the amazing acts of kindness and compassion offered on a daily

citizens. I was privileged to have

is a crucial but relatively small

and Social Impact Awards (the

Bristol. One of the winners of

why we all need to be active been asked to speak at the Jo Cox

volunteer each year, but we need

and volunteers create for

into public life, but that’s precisely

However, just as the Council

Voscur’s annual conference

of the value that local charities

This is not an easy time to step

Let’s look forward to a 2017 where we can safely celebrate our diversity, where social justice prevails and where democracy can flourish.

Best wishes,

Bristol has around 1,600 charities and many more community groups. Many people who start work in the voluntary sector go

Wendy Stephenson

on to become political activists

Chief Executive

and take up public office. That’s because we are motivated by our values and a belief that the communities we live and work in can be fair and equal for all.

basis by people thinking globally

2016 saw the election of Mayor

and acting locally.

Marvin Rees, Bristol’s first Black

Issue 34 January / February / March 2017

www.voscur.org

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“Welcome” to our new Voscur members BrunelCare A provider of high-quality housing, care and

Member benefits

support for older people in the South West. www.brunelcare.org.uk

The Bristol Cable Redefining local journalism through challenging multimedia, community action and cooperative ownership. https://thebristolcable.org

Engage Therapeutic Services CIC Accessible, affordable psychological and holistic therapy and therapeutic support. http://www.engagetherapy.co.uk

African Caribbean Men’s Holistic Self-Help Group To support the BME community mentally, emotionally, environmentally, physically and spiritually. okera.stevenson@yahoo.com 07944 670 352

Simpact Investing profits from business services in work to support disadvantaged young people. http://simpact.solutions/

Marks Out Of Tenancy A social enterprise web app on which users can rate and review their landlord, letting agent, rental property and neighbourhood. www.marksoutoftenancy.com Welcome also to our associate members: Cleveland Pools Trust Ltd, Bristol & Bath Group Motor Neurone Disease Association, St Pauls Nursery School and Children’s Centre.

For more information on becoming a member of Voscur and the range of member benefits, visit: www.voscur.org/about/joiningonline or call us on 0117 909 9949.

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January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

International Women’s Day 2017: Take Up Space Bristol Women’s Voice is organising a city-wide event to celebrate International Women’s Day, which attracts thousands of women across the city. It is a collaboration of locally based voluntary, community and women-led organisations across Bristol who come together to bring women’s voices to the forefront of the city.

Article written

by Sian Webb, Programme and Campaigns Manager at Bristol Women’s Voice.

International Women’s Day (8 March) is a collective day of global celebration and a call for gender equality. It began in 1908, when 15,000 women who worked in sweatshops marched through New York City, demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. In 1910, an international socialist conference declared the day “International Women’s Day” and this has been celebrated by women and men throughout the world ever since.

Over the last few years, Bristol Women’s Voice has organised a city-wide celebratory day at M Shed to mark this important day. It has included a collection of different activities including spotlight speakers, creative workshops, debates, stalls, drama, comedy, music and art. Our aim is always to celebrate Bristol women’s achievements and encourage effective action for advancing and recognising local women.

IWD 2016 Workshop: Vocalise! Hosted by Bristol Women in Music, Ngaio Ania and Naomi Jeremy. Photo Credit: Wafae Hddigui, BWV Photographer

International Women’s Day in 2017 will be no different and on Saturday 4 March, we will be inviting local people to celebrate with us.

This year’s theme is “Take Up Space”.

Women are still under-represented in many spheres of life, be it in business, politics, science and technology industries or the media.

We aim to challenge that narrative, amplifying women’s voices and heralding the value that women bring to our city.

We invite those who are interested in being part of the day with us to get in touch with your ideas by 20 January. We will select ideas that are relevant to our theme/aim and will work to ensure a good mix of different activities. For previous

Issue 34 January / February / March 2017

examples, please check out last year’s programme at: goo.gl/j0Rlt0.

For those reading this after 20 January, we would be delighted if you can attend the event to show your support and would be very grateful if you can let your service users, members and staff know about the day!

If you are interested in getting involved in IWD 2017, please contact: info@bristolwomensvoice.org. uk with details of your proposed activity or idea.

For more information about the event and this year’s programme of activities, please visit: www.bristolwomensvoice.org.uk

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LGBT Manifesto for the West of England Last February, during LGBT History Month, the LGBT Manifesto for the West of England was launched.

But what has happened this past year and what lies ahead? We hear from LGBT Bristol about the impact of the manifesto and what 2017 holds in store for this important work.

Article written by Berkeley Wilde, Chair of LGBT Bristol and the West of England LGBT Manifesto Steering Group.

The LGBT Manifesto was developed by the Manifesto Steering Group, which is made up of a wide range of stakeholders including LGBT individuals and community-based organisations, as well as partners from local authorities, the local police and the NHS. Over the last year this group has been working hard to develop the LGBT Manifesto further and find ways to embed it into the lives and the work of local communities.

Why an LGBT Manifesto?

The need for a regional LGBT Manifesto came about from work carried out nationally by the National LGBT Consortium and was driven locally by Bristol City Council, LGBT Bristol and Out Bristol. The consortium of local organisations recognised how important it was to address the remaining inequalities experienced

by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans communities.

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The LGBT Manifesto Steering Group, made up of a wide range of stakeholders including LGBT individuals and community-based organisations, as well as partners from local authorities, the local police and the NHS.

Over the last year we have set up working groups to develop the work of the LGBT Manifesto on a range of topics, including mental health, sexual health, hate crime, policing, housing, domestic violence and abuse, substance misuse, education, Trans issues and resilience.

“The consortium of local organisations recognised how important it was to address the remaining inequalities experienced

by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans communities.�

As well as creating a working Manifesto for Bristol people, we

also wanted to extend the reach of the work to include the wider footprint of the West of England area, including Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

We will continue working together until February 2017, when we will host an important event as part of LGBT History Month to update our communities on the work carried out by the steering group (details on the next page).

How can I get involved?

We are asking local organisations and groups to sign up to the LGBT Manifesto and show that you support its principles in the work that you do. We also welcome

January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

input from local individuals and groups into the steering group, and working groups, that I mentioned above. A range of different knowledge and skills in the different areas can only serve to strengthen the LGBT Manifesto and make it a relevant working document across communities in the city. We encourage you to attend our event in February to find out more and get involved.

If you would like to be involved in the steering group, or working group, please contact the group’s administrator Simon Nelson, Equalities Officer, Bristol City Council, email: Simon.Nelson@ bristol.gov.uk LGBT History Month Event – Friday 3 February 2017 On Friday 3 February 2017 from 6.30pm at City Hall in Bristol we will be hosting a public event to update people and communities on the work we have undertaken over the last year on developing the LGBT Manifesto.

For more information about the LGBT Manifesto and the event please visit www.outbristol.co.uk/ lgbtmanifesto To find out more about LGBT History Month and the events taking place, please visit: www.outbristol.co.uk/ lgbthistory

West of England Works West of England Works, launched in December 2016, is an initiative that will support thousands of people in moving into employment. It is a collaboration of locally-based VCSE sector organisations working across the West of England, led by Weston College.

Bristol-based delivery partners include Southmead Development Trust, Barton Hill Settlement, The Park, West of England Centre for Inclusive Living, Carers Support Centre, Creative Youth Network, Prince’s Trust, Babbasa, and Ashley Community Housing. Partners will deliver a comprehensive package of support to people who face multiple and complex barriers to securing employment and training.

Voscur, with voluntary sector colleagues from across the West of England, was instrumental in bringing this delivery partnership together. Over 160 organisations and 140 potential participants have actively co-designed West of England Works. Voscur believes that it is the first time that such a feat has been accomplished across the sub region, and this approach bodes well for devolution!

A key feature of West of England Works is the opportunity that each participant will have to co-design their own personalised programme of support. All participants will be continuously supported throughout their programme by a Key Worker, who will provide a consistent anchor as people move towards employment.

Another important aspect of the programme will be the development of relationships that partners have with local employers

Issue 34 January / February / March 2017

and training providers so they are better able to support people into employment and/or training. The work will bridge the gap between employers and participants – helping both talk to each other.

The designers of the programme took account of the fact that people said that they were often unaware of or confused by the range of services and support available. West of England Works will address the current lack of coordinated intensive relationship-based work needed for people who are disengaged, socially excluded and furthest from education, training and the job market. It will do this by providing a unique model of supporting people on the journey from social exclusion to participation in education, training and employment.

West of England Works has been funded by the Building Better Opportunities Programme – Big Lottery has matched funds from the European Social Fund (ESF) 2014 – 2020 to provide joint investment (£5.8m) in local projects tackling the root causes of poverty, promoting social inclusion and driving local jobs and growth.

For more information, contact Wendy Stephenson: wendy@voscur.org / 0117 909 9949

www.voscur.org

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Our 2016 ‘Voscur’ award winners The 2016 ‘Voscurs’ were hosted by Sherrie Eugene-Hart and presented by Bristol Mayor, Marvin Rees, at Voscur’s Annual Conference, held at the iconic SS Great Britain. Thousands voted to see their local good causes celebrated and it was a fantastic evening. Below, we hear more from this year’s winners.

Natalie Bailey Thanks for Supporting the Sector “I was delighted to receive recognition for the work I have been part of. The award represents excellent partnership working between the individuals in the Southmead Public Health team, Southmead Development Trust and Southmead Community Association and helps to raise the profile of Southmead across the city. Receiving this award was a great morale boost not only for myself but for the VCS organisations, volunteers and residents, because none of us work alone; we all rely on one another to achieve our shared vision for Southmead. A big thank you to Voscur and all involved for making the awards event a special evening.”

Becky Gilbert, Baby Bank Network

Trustee of the Year

“I am thrilled to have won Trustee of the Year at The Voscurs 2016. It’s been a very exciting past 18 months. It has been a lot of hard work, but wonderful to watch Baby Bank grow from an idea into a successful and important local charity. Of course, I couldn’t have done this without the support, enthusiasm and dedication of our volunteers, so I am especially pleased that our team also won Volunteer Team of the Year. It is wonderful to have all of our efforts recognised, especially by a local organisation from whom we have received a lot of support ever since we began. We are all looking forward to what comes next for Baby Bank.”

The Park Community Centre Community Venue of the Year “We were completely bowled over when we heard that we had won Community Venue of the Year. We are a small team working to support our local community in Knowle. The award is a real encouragement for us and spurs us on to continue our important work in a very deprived area of Bristol. The future is exciting for us as we start to plan some important new developments on our site, including refurbishing and extending all of our sports facilities.”

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January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

“Congratulations to our Voscur winners and nominees! What an amazing evening of celebrating Bristol’s good causes, and the people that make a difference.” Wendy Stephenson, Voscur CEO

Lifeskills – Learning for Living Happy, Healthy Bristol “Our main focus at Lifeskills is to help people to live healthier, happier and more independent lives. It was a real privilege to win a Voscur as it shows that this work has been recognised and that we really are making a difference. 2016 was a huge year as we completely redeveloped our interactive safety centre. Our safety and independent living training will now reach significantly more people and we will begin looking at expanding and diversifying our services.”

Baby Bank Network Volunteer Team of the Year “We were delighted to win Volunteer Team of the Year, especially in light of the incredible work being done by organisations across the city. It’s great to receive recognition for the amazing work our 50+ volunteers do day in day out to help families in need.

“At the time of writing, we were on target to help at least one family a day in 2016. We plan to help even more this year! Watch this space.”

April Steward Young Volunteer of the Year “I was both pleased and surprised to be told that I had been nominated for this award. I have been volunteering at the farm since I was 12 and never thought much about what I am doing as I enjoy it so much.

“When I started my animal care course it was just natural for me to continue at the farm. As a result I now have much more responsibility, which I enjoy. Incredibly, over the years the farm has trusted me to help care for livestock, help in various activities and work with all ages.”

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Ashley Community Housing Batook Pandya Award for Inclusion “We were so pleased to win a Voscur. We’ve been operating in Bristol since 2008 and it’s great to get some local recognition for the work that we do. We are particularly pleased to win the Batook Pandya Award for Inclusion. Batook was such an important member of the local community, campaigning fearlessly against racial intolerance and discrimination, an inspiration to us all.

“In the coming year we hope to be recognised for our regional impact across the West of England, to secure the social investment to make major change and to grow our training provision across the region.”

The Welcome Committee Batook Pandya Award for Inclusion “The Welcome Committee created and co-produced (in partnership with Citizens UK) Bristol’s Syrian Refugee Resettlement Programme, resettling 47 refugees to date.

“Winning a Voscur marks a great achievement for us; as an entirely volunteer-run group, it is a great vote of confidence in the work that we do. Over the coming year we hope to reach our ambitions of resettling 100 Syrian refugees a year and supporting unaccompanied refugee children.”

Voscur also welcomed three new Trustees to our Board at our Annual Conference and Awards: Joanna Holmes Barton Hill Settlement

Dan Lyus WE Care and Repair

Kamaljit Poonia Ujima Radio

Joanna is returning to the

Dan has a great deal to bring

Kamaljit has extensive experience

Voscur Board, bringing with

to Voscur. He has spent six

of leading and managing work on

her a wealth of experience

years in local government/

equality and diversity in a wide

in governance from 15 years

commissioning, three years

range of organisations, including

spent working in the sector

in charities and four years in

the Civil Service, local government

and through her current role

social housing and care and

and higher education, as well as

as Chair of Locality.

support services.

engaging with communities.

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January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

Early intervention in Bristol Voscur and Bristol City Council are working together, and with other agencies, to coordinate Bristol’s approach to preventative and early intervention work. What does this work involve?

We find out more...

There is already a breadth and diversity of activity for all ages underway to support people, families and communities, before issues escalate to an acute level. Services across Bristol are dedicated to helping people early as far as they can.

Photo by Leonid Mamchenkov CC BY 2.0

Early intervention is about taking action as soon as possible to tackle problems before they become too difficult to reverse or preventing the issues from occurring in the first place. As Desmond Tutu once said, “There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.”

Police and Bristol City Council to Voscur and social housing providers.

We know, however, that providing acute services with a mix of largely uncoordinated projects at the preventative stages is not currently delivering positive outcomes for Bristol’s population.

For example, a quarter of children in Bristol still live in poverty.

Because a child or family can experience an array of problems all at once, early intervention requires a multilevel, holistic approach. For example, it may involve a community family support worker and a police officer working together to get to the root of a family’s issues, empowering the family members to find solutions and ensuring they have the best support for their particular situation.

An Early Intervention Steering Group has been established to help strengthen, coordinate and champion early intervention in the city. Early intervention covers an array of different sectors including education, health and crime. To reflect this, the Steering Group has representatives from different agencies ranging from Public Health, Avon and Somerset

The Steering Group will also be developing funding models to help bolster this important work. Early intervention requires proportionally small investments to deal with root causes, rather than the much greater costs of dealing with the after-effects. It allows us to act in a less intrusive, more cost-effective way – through a parenting programme, for

Issue 34 January / February / March 2017

“Early intervention requires proportionally small investments to deal with root causes, rather than the much greater costs of dealing with the after-effects.” example – earlier on to prevent high-cost interventions – such as prison – further down the line.

We will be running a series of early intervention events over the coming months. We very much look forward to welcoming you to these in due course.

You can find out about upcoming events at: www.voscur.org. In the meantime, if you would like more information, please get in touch with Charlotte White, Early Intervention Manager: charlotte@voscur.org

www.voscur.org

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Bristol: powered by positive energy Article written

by Michael LloydJones, Partnerships Manager at Bristol Energy.

Discount, to help some of the most vulnerable people with their fuel bills.

• Our 100% green tariff offers some of the most competitive green electricity on the market.

Bristol is a city that’s packed with positive energy, which is exactly why it’s the perfect home for Bristol Energy – a gas and electricity company that is doing things ethically, fairly and differently.

Promoting Bristol Energy in Stokes Croft

We also provide energy to local businesses and charities too.

Bristol Energy’s gas and electricity is already powering the UK’s first Modern Slavery Helpline, which is supported by Bristol-based charity Unseen. And we provide energy

to support the people we work with. Buying from a company that reinvests its profits back into the city means that the money we spend on energy goes to improving the lives of others in need, deepening the impact of our

At Bristol Energy we can keep our

to Emmaus Bristol, a charity and

rates low, and reinvest our profits

social enterprise that helps people

own work.”

back into the local community.

out of homelessness.

We’re working in partnership

This means you can pay your bill with the peace of mind that your money will help us to support your city. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

And it doesn’t stop there. Because we’re owned by Bristol City Council, we have an opportunity to do things better.

• We’re saving our customers around £200 per year on their energy bills.

• We’re working on a tariff specifically to help people living in fuel poverty.

• Our Customer Care Advisors

“Buying from a company that reinvests its profits back into the city means that the money we spend on energy goes to improving the lives of others in need, deepening the impact of our own work.”

Jessica Hodge, Emmaus Bristol

in Bristol, a charity that also supports homeless people in the city, receives a donation every time someone switches their gas and electricity to us quoting a specific code. The same goes for Linkage Bristol, an organisation that supports elderly people across Bristol. We are keen to develop even more of these partnerships across the city. It’s really easy to switch to Bristol Energy. Together,

Explaining why they chose Bristol

we can all use our energy to make

Energy, Jessica Hodge, CEO of

a positive difference.

Emmaus Bristol, said: “As a charity we make sure our money is

are trained to give fuel debt

spent in the most efficient and

advice, and we are one of the

ethical way possible. By switching

first suppliers to voluntarily

to Bristol Energy we are saving

offer the Warm Home

money, and freeing up funds

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with local charities too. Caring

You can switch in minutes online: www.bristol-energy. co.uk or you can call them free on 0808 281 2222

January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

Bristol’s new ‘City Office’ The City Office is a new initiative being established in Bristol under the guidance of Bristol Mayor, Marvin Rees. The purpose of the City Office is to mobilise representatives from every major sector in the city around key shared challenges. This new approach will not only bolster existing work, but also bring new perspectives and resources to issues that have so far proved difficult to tackle. David Relph, Director of Bristol Health Partners, who has been appointed the lead on this new work, tells us more about what it means for the city...

Article written

by David Relph, Director of Bristol Health Partners.

The key idea behind the City Office is ‘additionality’. It does not aim to replace existing networks or structures, but to add to them, giving those networks access to capability and resources that have not traditionally been available. The City Office will not co-opt or ‘own’ big challenges like homelessness – but it will be used to mobilise something new that has so far proved to be out of reach.

To test the approach in practice, the City Office will begin by focusing on two ‘starter projects’: rough sleeping and fair access to work experience for young people. These will provide working knowledge and examples on which to build as the work goes forward.

“The City Office will not co-opt or ‘own’ big challenges like homelessness – but it will be used to mobilise something new that has so far proved to be out of reach.”

It will bring together people from every major sector in the city, including politics, health, local government, business, unions, education, criminal justice, and

The approach being taken to develop these projects is to first connect with existing networks (in both of these areas) in order to find the most promising areas of ‘additionality’: how and what the City Office can contribute to add further momentum to existing work. This then becomes the focus of the project. For example, in the case of rough sleeping, we have been exploring how to enable better access to empty commercial property in the short and long term

the community, voluntary and faith sectors.

– and designing the project around this.

The initiative is being led by Bristol Mayor, Marvin Rees, who is urging local people to embrace a new approach and to think “more intentionally about how they and their organisation contribute to and benefit from delivering the overarching shared city priorities”.

Issue 34 January / February / March 2017

We are also working on the design of the City Office – what it will look like, how it will work, and how it will be accountable. We aim to have this agreed and formalised by April next year.

We are focused on using the City Office as the means to build a ‘One City Plan’. The aim here is to bring together Bristol’s Resilience Plan (launched on 12 December 2016) and top-level plans from the major institutions and networks in Bristol.

Overall, the City Office is a very ambitious project. We are building it from the ground up and learning as we go, and there are plenty of issues we still need to address. We strongly welcome any contributions from any sector – either to help along the projects we have already begun, support the design of the Office (to best benefit local communities and engage local people), or provide ideas about how to build a One City Plan. Please treat this as an open invitation to get in touch and help us shape this work.

To feed into or get further information about the City Office, email: city.office@bristol.gov.uk

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Voluntary action in Bristol – a 2016 health check

Is your glass half full or half empty? Are you well connected or beavering away in isolation? Are you looking forward to opportunities next year or do you just want to get through next week? Like most of us, it’s probably a bit of both. All of our organisations are dealing with the impact of austerity, but has this pressure meant rethinking what we do and how we do it in useful ways? To answer these questions, and to gather data to help us make the case for investing in the work of our sector, we surveyed local organisations last year. Here’s a summary of what 92 of them said about their own health and wellbeing.

60%

of local VCSE organisations have been operating for more than ten years.

Others follow a cycle of growth and decline in relation to the city’s changing aspirations and needs. The overall number is fairly steady.

££

70

hours

is the average volunteer time that organisations benefit from every week.

Volunteers remain a crucial part of the sector. Their contribution varies hugely between groups – some with one or two volunteers, some a thousand.

Income is also relatively stable overall, but where it comes from and how it’s shared is changing. More of the total income is going to larger organisations, and more is being earned through enterprise and selling services.

Fig 1: Income sources £7,000,000 £6,000,000 £5,000,000 £4,000,000 £3,000,000 £2,000,000 £1,000,000 £0

Bristol City Council Other public sector Charitable trusts, Events/fundraising Membership fees foundations, private donors

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Selling services/trading

January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

Austerity has had the double impact of reducing grant funding and increasing the level and complexity of client demand.

£

Fig 2: What organisations see as the key factors influencing their future sustainability: Competition for funding (58%)

Public policy (36%) Individual giving (29%) Regional devolution (13%)

A third

of local groups expect to use their reserves to make up for a deficit in income this year, and the overall numbers of paid staff, volunteers and trustees have all reduced slightly.

Competition for funding is seen as a key challenge for groups’ future sustainability and, although public grants are a relatively small part of the funding mix, they often provide the foundation for selling services and leveraging private donor funds.

Investing in the future and doing things differently are two key responses to these challenges.

50% 50%

of organisations regard themselves as a social enterprise. plan to increase the number or level of services they provide next year.

Three quarters are already delivering in partnership and more expect to do so in the future.

Issue 34 January / February / March 2017

For more information on Voscur’s State of the Sector Survey, contact David Whittaker on 0117 909 9949 or email: david@voscur.org

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Training & events Raise More Funds, Find More Supporters and Keep More Volunteers

Property Management for Non-Property Managers

31 January 2017, 10am - 1pm

This interactive workshop is designed to give a jargon-

This practical workshop has been designed specifically for VCSE sector organisations to understand how and where effective marketing can maximise efforts in fundraising, supporter communications, and finding and keeping volunteers.

This workshop is designed for the leadership teams of more established charities. To get the most from this session you’ll be up and running, with fundraising campaigns, a database of supporters and/or a team of volunteers.

7 February 2017, 10am - 3.30pm free, accessible introduction to and overview of the basics of managing a building. It will help you to become ‘property smart’, save money on your property costs, successfully green your workplace, understand and mitigate property risks and much more. The afternoon session will give you a chance to meet 1:1 with an experienced property professional.

Leading UK property advice charity The Ethical Property Foundation is delighted to offer this property workshop in partnership with Voscur and Simmons & Simmons as part of the National Programme for Property Education.

It is not suitable for newly established organisations, or those in the very early stages of development.

Multi-award-winning author and speaker, Bryony Thomas, will be running this handson session using the Thirteen Touchpoint Leaks™ tool from her best-selling book, ‘Watertight Marketing’. This approach has been tried and tested across thousands of UK businesses, and is now being powerfully adapted for the Third Sector.

Developing a Fundraising Strategy 8 February 2017, 9.30am - 3.30pm Having lots of fundraising ideas is great, but to

“Extremely informative and thought-provoking course, working with others in a similar situation - really helpful & brought out new ideas.”

be really successful

Past participant

you need a wellthought-out fundraising strategy in place.

This course will help you to identify where the money is and how to go about securing it. The day will introduce fundraising strategies and explain why they are useful, look at national fundraising trends and external challenges and opportunities, and help you to think through how to raise money from a variety of funding sources including donors, trusts and foundations.

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January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

Early-bird discounts available!

More information at: www.voscur.org/ events/upcoming/voscur

Signs of Safety Briefing 28 February 2017, 10am - 12pm Signs of Safety tools and methodologies are being used

Networks & Forums Getting Connected – Bristol Youth Links and Children and Young People’s Services

in social work with children and families. This briefing

25 January 2017, 10am - 12.30pm

aims to give an introduction to the “3 houses” tool and

This CYP Network meeting will focus on

the mappings that are used to focus information, as part of single assessments.

Being a Good Trustee 14 March 2017, 6pm - 9pm Governance has never been more crucial; in challenging times, a strong board is essential to survive and thrive.

services for children, young people and families in Bristol, the Bristol Youth Links re-commissioning plan, and opportunities for collaboration. This discussion will build on last year’s meeting with Bristol Mayor, Marvin Rees, and the priorities identified.

Yet many trustees are unclear of their duties and

Volunteer Organisers’ Forum

boundaries with staff. This course sets out trustee roles

26 January 2017, 1pm - 4pm

and responsibilities and suggests tools to help ensure your board leads your organisation’s impact.

Measuring the Impact of Volunteering

A great opportunity to network and share best practice around volunteer management such as volunteer recruitment, employability,

22 March 2017, 9.30am - 3.30pm

DBS checks, volunteer retention and more.

Develop and improve your volunteer programme by

Hosted by Southmead Development Trust.

learning to use simple adaptable tools and methods

Finance Forum - Managing with Less

that will demonstrate to your volunteers, your funders, your service users and the wider community the impact of volunteering. This course will equip you to

21 February 2017, 10am - 12pm

gather evidence which can be used to support funding

The theme of this session is ‘Managing with

applications, attract new volunteers and capture

Less - Preparing for the Worst Whilst Hoping

the value of volunteering within and beyond your

for the Best’. The Forum provides a chance

organisation.

to meet others with financial responsibilities

An Introduction to Social Media 23 March 2017, 10am - 1pm

and find out what is happening in the world of finance.

Trustee Network

and practical activities to introduce VCSE

15 March 2017, 6pm - 8pm

organisations to Twitter and Facebook.

Participants will reflect on their aims and reasons for using social media, look at social media in the context of their organisation’s wider communications activity, and review some of the fundamental principles of using these tools successfully.

Issue 34 January / February / March 2017

Open to all Bristol trustees, this meeting will include a presentation from Nick Mott, Deputy Head of Guidance and Practice at The Charity Commission, who will be sharing his experience around best practice in charity governance.

www.voscur.org

17

Building and social media images designed by Freepik

This workshop mixes strategic thinking

Getting ready for Bristol Impact Fund grants to start Organisations that applied for funding through the Bristol Impact Fund (VCS Grants Prospectus) will find out the result of their applications in March and grant-funded activities will begin in July. The process asked applicants to describe what policies/procedures/practices were already in place and indicate what would be put in place in future. These half-day training courses are aimed at those organisations that need to put things in place, and are open to others that also wish to develop their practice.

Save the date(s)

Equalities and Diversity – Your Policy, Practice and Monitoring

Fund It!

Wednesday 22 February 2017, 10am - 1pm

Our annual funding conference ‘Fund It!’ will be back at the beginning

This session will cover the principles of a good Equality and

of April 2017. Past speakers have

Diversity Policy as well as how you put it into practice. It will

included representatives from Big

help organisations make sure that their equalities monitoring

Lottery Fund, Children in Need,

is set up to collect and provide data that shows grant-funded

Quartet Community Foundation,

activities are reaching diverse audiences.

Social Enterprise Works, Lloyds Bank

Adult Safeguarding: Creating and Reviewing Your Policy

Foundation and Fundsurfer.

Thursday 2 March 2017, 10am - 1pm This session will provide an overview of what needs to be in an adult safeguarding policy and how you can make this a live and useful document for your organisation. Ideal for creating an adult safeguarding policy or reviewing your existing one.

Getting Your Collaboration Agreement in Place Wednesday 8 March 2017, 10am - 1pm Many organisations have submitted collaborative applications and their Memorandum of Understanding. If grant-funded, collaborations will need to develop formal collaboration agreements. This session will cover principles and the use of standard templates and will help collaborations go on to develop their formal agreements.

Getting Your Impact Monitoring in Place

Let’s Talk Good Finance Voscur is excited to be partnering with Big Society Capital to host this networking event in Bristol. It will give attendees a chance to learn about new social investment initiatives, funds and tools, as well as meeting potential social investors.

Tuesday 21 March 2017, 10am - 1pm The Bristol Impact Fund will require effective monitoring of project outcomes and their contribution to the Prospectus impacts. In some cases, there will be a need to establish processes and baselines in the early stages. This session will cover principles of good monitoring and methodologies.

18 www.voscur.org

To register your interest in either of these events please email: info@voscur. org. More information about all of our training and events at: www.voscur.org/ events/upcoming/voscur

January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

Commissioning – doing it differently The VCSE sector has heard for

Drivers include the diminishing

3) Reserved contracts – there is

years that it needs to do things

public sector resource to manage

new permission for commissioners

differently. Things like moving

regular commissioning processes

to focus specific contracts on

from outputs to outcomes to

and the growing understanding

social sector suppliers, in cases

impact measurement, diversifying

that longer-term provision allows

where that sector is obviously

revenue and self-generating

for better (value for money)

more beneficial to the extent that

income have all been expected of

outcomes. While longer contracts

there is no point in pretending

VCSE sector organisations. Many

often have built-in break clauses

otherwise. Cases need to be made

have risen to these challenges.

and a likely expectation of

and restrictions apply.

During the same period, there

greater levels of flexibility, they

have been many challenges in

nonetheless represent a significant

public service delivery and the

change in stability for services and

pressures of diminishing resources

providers. The flip side is that, for

have resulted in many changes.

unsuccessful bidders, the next

In the context of commissioning and procurement specifically, some developments represent significant changes or potential for changes which could be beneficial for VCSE sector organisations. Amongst other things these are tangible changes and developments that have the potential to make commissioning processes more accessible to community organisations.

Longer contracts There has been a noticeable shift to longer contracts in the last few years, including the following examples of imminent contracts.

• 9 years for new ROADS (recovery orientated drug and alcohol services).

• 7 years for new young people’s housing provision.

round of commissioning is a long time in the future.

Changes to procurement regulations 1) Standard selection questionnaire (formerly

4) Innovation partnerships – a completely new procedure to develop “an innovative product, service or works that cannot be met by (those) … already available on the market”. This is possible but not commonly used. It could form the basis of co-production and embody collaborative problemsolving between the VCSE sector and public sectors.

known as the pre-qualification

Obviously, changes to regulations

questionnaire) – the new process

are complex and can take some

has been developed to make it

time to filter through into practice.

simpler for smaller providers to

There is, however, some real

bid for public service contracts.

potential for change. Our sector

The standardised approach, with a

must work with our public sector

focus on self-assessment, should

colleagues to help that potential

make the first stage easier for

be realised. Imagine a day when

bidders and could lend itself to

we say commissioning and

‘passporting’ (the application of

procurement really helped to get

an assessment from one tender to

the best services and outcomes

another).

delivered by the best providers.

2) Lot management – gives procurement bodies the authority to design smaller contracts (lots), particularly in response to a market analysis that indicates many smaller providers.

Issue 34 January / February / March 2017

For more information on commissioning: www.voscur.org/ commissioning

www.voscur.org

19

VOLUNTEER BRISTOL @

Top tips for recruiting and retaining student volunteers Student volunteers are an invaluable source of time, talent, skills and creativity. They are enthusiastic and passionate about issues and causes that they get involved in and are able to make a significant contribution to the wider community, bringing diversity to your volunteer pool. UWE Bristol has a volunteering service which supports hundreds of our students to volunteer with charities and community organisations across Bristol every year. If you’d like to recruit student volunteers, read on for our top tips!

Article written

by Helen Stevens, Volunteering Team Leader at UWE Bristol.

need to consider that student

about the skills and experience the

volunteers may not be available

volunteer will need and gain from

during exam and holiday periods,

the opportunity and include this in

and when deadlines are looming.

the advert. Many students look for

UWE students tend to engage in

volunteering opportunities which

volunteering between October

link with their academic course.

and April, before exams and the summer holiday, when they may

Getting the opportunities right Student volunteers have varying time commitments, skills and interests, so providing a broad range of volunteering opportunities will help you to recruit them. Many students feel they don’t have time to volunteer, so one-off volunteering opportunities can be a good way to engage with students and introduce them to your

be away from Bristol or prioritising paid employment. A flexible

It’s really important that the role

approach is required and there

description gives students an

need to be realistic expectations

accurate idea of the work they will

of how students can be involved.

be doing. Students can be nervous

You should come to a clear

about volunteering and unsure of

agreement with students about

what’s involved, particularly if

what they can commit to. Specific student projects can be a good way to involve student volunteers, to be delivered over a specific time period that suits student timescales.

involved, they may well be inspired

Create opportunities that develop skills

to do more! On the flip side, work-

Research by the Institute for

organisation. Once they’re

based learning modules with a requirement to gain experience through volunteering or work placements are increasingly being built into academic courses, which is encouraging more students to volunteer on a regular basis.

When recruiting students you do

20 www.voscur.org

Provide clear and accurate role descriptions

Volunteering Research shows that 95% of student volunteers are motivated by a desire to improve things or help people, closely followed by developing skills (88%) and gaining work experience (83%). When you are advertising opportunities to students, think

“When you are advertising opportunities, include the skills and experience the volunteer will need and gain from the opportunity in the advert.

Many students look for volunteering opportunities which link with their academic course.” they have never done it before, so the more information that you give the better (without making it too long!). Include information on why the role is needed and the

January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

UWE volunteers engaged in local projects including mentoring older people in IT skills, craft sessions and the GreenSpace Project.

benefits to both the volunteer

help to recruit more volunteers, so

and the organisation, what skills

please keep in touch.

are required (if any), what training and support is given, whether a DBS check is required, how often they will be required to volunteer, how long they need to commit for and what the application process is.

Work with the University Volunteering Team to recruit volunteers

“It’s really important that the role description gives students an accurate idea of the work they will be doing. Students can be nervous about volunteering and unsure of what’s involved.”

You can advertise your through the university’s

Support your student volunteers

volunteering service and we can

Providing training and support is

and recognitions, or simply by

key to making student volunteers

saying thank you. At UWE students

feel confident in their role. If there

who have completed 25 hours

is a specific training programme,

or more of volunteering can put

then make sure this is detailed in

this towards their submission

the advert, or if it is training in

for a UWE Bristol Futures Award,

the role, then specify this. Ensure

recognising their extra-curricular

that students have a key point

achievements.

volunteering opportunities

then help to promote them to relevant students. In September at the beginning of each academic year we hold a Volunteering Fair, which is a great opportunity to meet students face to face and inspire them to volunteer for you!

If you are registered with UWE Volunteering you will receive an invitation to this event. You can also link in with us on social media - @UWEVolunteering!

of contact and regular meetings to discuss how things are going.

Work with them to clarify their interests and what they would like to gain from volunteering. In order

We love to hear if you have UWE

to retain volunteers they need

students volunteering with you,

to feel valued and supported.

and it can be a great opportunity

Making students feel valued can

to develop case studies that can

be achieved through rewards

Issue 34 January / February / March 2017

To find out more about connecting with UWE Volunteering to recruit student volunteers, email: volunteering@uwe.ac.uk

www.voscur.org

21

Collective strength

A closer look at collaboration VCS organisations have been encouraged for years to work together – such collaboration is often promoted as a solution to bigger contracts. Many organisations in the sector already work in successful, effective collaborations; others tell us that they struggle to do so. This article is a case study of a Bristol collaboration that, after its first year, has achieved good outcomes for service users and now shares its learning with others in the sector as part of a more sustainable future city. sexual violence at any time in their lives. It is a consortium of excellence that is leading the way in treating trauma in Bristol.

Services deliver choice and control Photo by danxoneil CC BY 2.0

to survivors, as well as the agreed outcomes (improved health and wellbeing; increased safety and perceptions of safety; improved resilience).

How does it work?

Safer Bristol awarded the grant What is it and what does it do?

Bristol Sexual Violence Support and Recovery Consortium is led

by SARSAS (Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support), in partnership with Womankind, The Green House, Barnardo’s BASE, Southmead Project and Something to Tell You. In 2014, SARSAS developed a website mapping all the specialist sexual violence services available across Avon and Somerset. SARSAS consulted with the Bristol Sexual

to this lead partner consortium.

When Safer Bristol’s recommissioning process began, SARSAS approached five other agencies to ensure all requirements for the bid would be well met and service users had choice. Together they decided to collaboratively apply for the grant to deliver Sexual Violence Recovery Services in Bristol.

These services are commissioned to support adults who have experienced sexual violence, and victims of sexual exploitation

SARSAS, as the lead organisation, is responsible for coordinating the work, distributing funds to partners and coordinating reports to the funder. Each partner has responsibility for specific activities that reflect their specialisms. For example, counselling services are offered to women by Womenkind and to men by the Green House and Southmead Project. All ways of working are described in a detailed Consortium Agreement.

aged 18–25.

What has been learned so far?

produced the survivor pathway

The collaboration’s vision is

As Rowan Miller, Director of

website – a guide for professionals

to enhance existing expertise

SARSAS, states, this collaboration is

and concerned others to services

and sexual violence services by

built on the strengths and unique

for survivors of rape, sexual abuse

working together for the benefit

nature of this sector: “empathic,

or assault.

of all survivors of any kind of

passionate, charitable; staffed

Violence Reference Group, which

22 www.voscur.org

January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

“We had already established a spirit of collaboration. We trusted each other and knew which agencies we wanted in the consortium.

We wanted to set the collaborative and equitable approach from the very first meeting. This was important as, although SARSAS is the lead organisation, we wanted to meet with partners as peers rather than sub-contractors.” Rowan Miller, Director, SARSAS

by women and men who are

example, for people with

value contributed by partners

very aware of equality issues and

complex mental health needs;

– a common advantage of VCS

fairness”. In the first year, there have been many benefits and much has been learned. Most notably, collaboration has allowed them to: • improve pathways between services, which

• add value* (other wraparound services were made available to survivors, including solution-focused therapy, and counselling for refugees and trafficked women).

collaborations. The flip side is that the cost of providing services is greater than the grant; that is, partners are partly subsidising these services. Such approaches can be good business development and are obviously

Were there any challenges?

attractive to commissioners

understanding of wait times

Partnerships take effort. This

but do raise questions about

across the system;

one was formed two years ago

has also allowed a better

• provide better options for service users; • develop a common approach with shared values; • protect the partners’ specialisms; • improve understanding that different services are needed at different times; • share measurement tools

and its track record, established

sustainability.

• Establishing pathways between

trust and ways of working were

partners – all had their

good foundations for this recent

own database, information

development. Rowan from SARSAS

management and reporting

describes the following challenges

frameworks. The consortium

and the solutions they developed

needed to develop shared

together.

systems alongside individual

• Difficult concepts such as

organisations’ systems. This is

hidden agendas, winning and power imbalance were turned into transparency,

complex and under development. * also known as Social Value in contracts.

mutual benefit and equity,

(they hope to develop a

through dialogue and shared

More information about

shared confidential database,

commitment to problem

Bristol Survivor Pathway at:

which will be developed

solving.

www.survivorpathway.org.uk

together);

• Costs and sustainability – the

Voscur’s support for the VCSE

collaboration is delivering an

sector includes a focus on

specialist services and best

ambitious programme for a

collaboration. Look out for more

practice in this sector;

relatively small grant (£115,000

on our website, www.voscur.org,

per year for 3 years). Part of

over the coming months.

• compile better evidence for

• identify unmet needs, for

its proposal was the added

Issue 34 January / February / March 2017

www.voscur.org

23

What is the Sustainable Transformation Plan?

NHS England is asking Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) to come together to develop Sustainable Transformation Plans (STPs) for the future of health services in their area. But what is an STP and how will it affect local people?

Our local grouping of CCGs is

published, despite work on the

• Improved use of technology,

Bristol, North Somerset and South

plan happening all of this year.

shared data systems and

Gloucestershire (referred to as

There will be local consultation, in

innovative IT solutions – digital

BNSSG). STPs are work in progress;

the future, when it is sufficiently

medical records and to support

they may go live from April 2017,

developed. There has been

mobile working for staff.

depending on NHS England

criticism locally and nationally

approval on their readiness. The

about the lack of consultation for

STP is more of a strategy than a

these strategic documents. You

plan, and aims of STPs are:

can see the detail at:

• To improve the health and wellbeing of local people.

• To improve the quality of local health and care services.

• To deliver financial stability

www.bristolccg.nhs.uk/library/ sustainability-and-transformationplan-documents Bristol CCG also held a VCSE Sector event on the local STP in early December. The STP continues

throughout the local health

the thinking of previous strategic

care system.

plans produced by Bristol CCG.

Not more change for the NHS! Why on earth are they doing this?

In summary our local STP themes are: • Integration – hospitals, social

According to the Kings Fund, the

care and primary care. Shared

NHS is moving its thinking away

use of buildings and staff.

from internal competition as a driver of quality and lower cost towards integrated models of care as a way of improving services.

• Standardisation and operate at scale.

• Locality delivery – care at

Also the NHS deficit cannot be

the right place and the right

addressed in isolation by each

time, multidisciplinary teams,

CCG; the thinking is to apply

cluster models, improved

collective resources to provide

capacity and capability in the

better and more cost-effective

community for independent

NHS services.

living.

So what does our local STP say?

They have only just been

24 www.voscur.org

• Early intervention and selfcare.

Plans are not yet finalised for internal governance structures, but there is speculation that there will be one structure for the new footprint.

So, what do you think will be the impact of STPs over the coming year, especially for the VCSE sector?

Well, who knows, with the history of the NHS, and we could see another major restructure in three or four years’ time.

On the plus side: • It’s a development of current NHS thinking and an attempt to fix a system that is not working.

• Things can’t really carry on as they are for the NHS, so any attempt to change things has to be positive.

• Merger of our local CCGs fits with plans for a local devolution deal, although they do not geographically match (our devolution deal covers Bristol, Bath and North

January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

Opportunities will arise for creative re-modelling of local care services.

This must include the VCSE. We are seeing positive approaches from CCGs all over the country recognising the value of the VCSE in proper funded programmes and contracts.

Photo by Trinity Care Foundation CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

East Somerset (BANES) and South Gloucestershire, but not North Somerset, and BANES is in an STP with Swindon and Wiltshire).

• A merging of our local CCGs could save money, and may mean a stronger strategic lead with a different focus.

• We may see a CCG that is more supportive and willing to invest in the self-care agenda, particularly around issues such as funding social prescribing.

• Opportunities will arise for creative re-modelling of local care services. This must include the VCSE. We are seeing positive approaches from CCGs all over the country recognising the value of the VCSE in proper funded

deficit at North Bristol Trust (Southmead Hospital)?

• Bringing together local CCGs will cost; as much as mergers

with fixing the funding crisis of the

cost in restructuring.

NHS, they’re not prepared to give

• If CCGs get bigger, any also get bigger; it is difficult

return on investment helps

for VCSE sector organisations

raise the profile and value of

to get involved with large-scale

the VCSE sector as a critical

commissioning.

• No matter how you reorganise limited resources, they’re still limited resources, e.g. how will the STP solve the funding

may be worse with a larger CCG.

run, there will be a short-term

Work on social value and social

On the minus side:

build relationships with. That

Whilst NHS England are tasking CCGs

commissioning they do will

in health and social care.

impenetrable, and difficult to

can save money in the long

programmes and contracts.

provider of early intervention

• CCGs are already seen as

them the freedom to do so. Our STP does not feel like a true local plan, not really from our local CCG but simply implementation of NHS England guidelines.

• Bristol CCG is not heavily resourced; focus on developing an STP means other agendas may stall. Plans for recommissioning IAPT services have already gone on hold, for example.

Issue 34 January / February / March 2017

For more information about STPs and the December meeting, visit: www.thecareforum.org (details under the networking tab).

www.voscur.org

25

A Commission for Race Equality in Bristol Exciting opportunities ahead for making race equality a priority in our city.

Photo by Coventry City Council CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Bristol Manifesto for Race Equality steering group was established in 2013. The group comprises a number of committed people with expertise in the field of race equality and/or wide connections with Bristol’s BME communities.

The steering group’s role has been to consult with communities and policymakers and develop the Manifesto, which was launched in March 2015. Since that time, the group has worked to ensure that the Manifesto’s key aims of tackling inequality in education, employment, criminal justice and mental health are embedded into policy and practice.

Whilst BME communities have a role in driving the Manifesto, there is an important role for city leaders in

26 www.voscur.org

transforming the way they design and deliver services. Because of the Manifesto, a Strategic Leaders’ Task Group now meets regularly to plan actions that can be taken beyond the Equality Act and its public sector equality duty* to eliminate the inequalities that persist, some of which are referenced in the Manifesto for Race Equality (view it at: goo.gl/1Mqm6i).

Next steps Although there has been much progress on race equality in Bristol, the steering group now wants to take the Manifesto for Race Equality further and form a Commission for Race Equality. A commission would have powers to scrutinise, to hold agencies to account and to insist on action where progress is not forthcoming.

Before we take this step, the Manifesto for Race Equality steering group will talk with Bristol’s BME communities to find out what they would expect from a commission, and what difference such a body could make in their lives.

A legislative base for a commission A Women’s Commission already exists in Bristol; this was initiated

by Bristol Women’s Voice. It was formalised in 2013 and is underpinned by European legislation, namely the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Public Life.

We would expect a Commission for Race Equality in Bristol to be underpinned by the International Convention of the Elimination of

January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

A commission would work with, and alongside, many of Bristol’s BME communities, public agencies, businesses and our voluntary sector to collectively address gaps, and improve practice to make Bristol a city that enables everyone to fulfil their potential without fear or prejudice.

All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), which is a United Nations convention that came into force in January 1969.

Its definition of racism is: “any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life”.

The convention is concerned with the promotion of understanding among all races. Its main articles are: • Prevention of discrimination.

• Condemnation of apartheid and racial segregation.

• Prohibition of racial incitement.

• Promotion of tolerance.

A commission in Bristol must be linked to legislation so that there can be, if needed, a legal challenge when statutory duties are not met.

Bristol could adopt the principles of the CERD to provide a legislative framework for the commission.

It would lay down a marker to Bristol City Council and other

public agencies to measure and scrutinise actions on addressing race inequality. In particular it would seek to be part of City Hall so it can operate on a strategic level in the city and influence key city-wide strategies such as the Corporate Strategy.

What difference would it make?

Although we have seen some improvements, the Manifesto identifies inequalities in education for some BME communities in Bristol, and inequality for many BME communities in mental health services and the criminal justice system – with hardly any movement away from the negative trends in recent years.

If we can strengthen what has already been achieved in Bristol and create more impetus around race equality, it would improve equality for all.

Currently many activities are taking place across the city to tackle race inequality. The role of the Commission would be to: • Work with BME communities to ensure the work we do reflects their needs.

• Research, promote and share good practice.

Issue 34 January / February / March 2017

• Support partnership working to enable innovation.

• Ensure senior leaders understand and promote race equality as a critical success factor.

• Scrutinise and hold agencies to account and insist on actions when they are not forthcoming.

A commission would work with, and alongside, many of Bristol’s BME communities, public agencies, businesses and our voluntary sector to collectively address gaps and improve practice.

Our vision is a city where equality of opportunity for BME people is truly valued politically, economically and socially. Such a city would restore hope for many, enabling them to feel understood, safe and excited about their future. Bristol can be a leading city where everyone is able to fulfil their potential without fear or prejudice. *Public Sector Equality Duty: goo.gl/ i2wPUQ

For further information please contact Ruth Pitter: ruth@voscur.org/ 0117 909 9949

www.voscur.org

27

‘Stepping Up’ for young people Stepping Up is a collaboration of Bristol VCSE sector organisations supporting vulnerable pupils through the transition from primary to secondary school. In this article, we hear about some key learning from this work.

Altanaka/Shutterstock.com

Article written by Lucy Lloyd-Price (left), Project Manager, and Frances Fox (right), Director of The Bridge Foundation.

Funded by Big Lottery’s Realising Ambition programme, the Stepping Up project has supported vulnerable children through transition from primary to secondary school for the last four and a half years.

The programme is delivered by a consortium of five Bristol VCSE sector organisations: The Bridge Foundation (project lead), Creative Youth Network, Empire Fighting Chance, Bristol Drugs Project and Hawkspring. It offers a range of 1:1 counselling, arts and sports-based group interventions. The scheme has supported over 300 pupils in Oasis Academy Brightstowe and Fairfield High School since 2012.

Transition from primary to secondary school is a challenging time for all young people and even more challenging when children are vulnerable for other personal, family or societal reasons.

Bristol University research confirms that these more vulnerable children need

28 www.voscur.org

specialised, one-to-one or small group support to help build the resilience and self-esteem needed to cope with this change. Indeed, without support many vulnerable children are at risk of low attainment, disengagement and exclusion.

This research led to the piloting of the ‘Youth in Transition project’ in 2011 (funded by Quartet Community Foundation and the Society of Merchant Venturers), which demonstrated the value of focused support at transition.

Stepping Up built on its work with Big Lottery funding.

Working together, the Project Manager and key primary school staff identify those children most in need and likely to benefit from concentrated support. A bespoke support package for each child is then put in place. Primary schools have a good picture of the child’s

needs and this process ensures that crucial information is not lost in the transition process.

Stepping Up aims to pick up on vulnerable children as early as possible and consequently support begins in Year 6 and continues into Year 7. For example, the children receiving counselling support start sessions in primary school and continue for the first two terms of secondary.

Group activities also start in Year 6 and are based in the secondary school so that young people begin to familiarise themselves with the school and teachers and make new friends. Children see the same counsellor and group tutors as they move up to secondary school, providing a seamless continuity of support.

“Above all, the support, reassurance and encouragement offered to these vulnerable students has

January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

led to increased confidence and contentment as well as significantly reducing anxiety,” said the Head of Year 7 at Oasis Brightstowe.

The project has had rigorous monitoring and evaluation from the outset, supported by the Dartington Social Research Unit.

The feedback from children, parents and school staff tells us about the value of providing support at this crucial time – when the risk of escalation is so raised – and keeping children stable is a major achievement.

• 80% reported stable or improved relationships with family and friends.

• 71% recorded a stable outcome or reduction in their levels of aggression.

• 76% showed stable or reduced levels of anxiety.

• 66% reported stable or improved cooperation with their school and others.

We have had the opportunity to reflect on the key ingredients that have made this such a successful and enriching partnership.

All of the programme partners are Bristol-grown organisations with similar values and specialist expertise in working with young people.

Effective collaboration requires good communication, time for meetings and a spirit of commitment from all partners – and the associated costs of this work need to be included in the budget. While ours was a

lead collaboration model, it was important that all the organisations had a sense of ‘ownership’ of the project from the start. For instance, partners were involved in recruiting the project manager.

Regular meetings and review days fostered the sense of teamwork and opportunities for shared learning.

“Effective collaboration requires good communication, time for meetings and a spirit of commitment from all partners.”

The collaboration brought together a rich and creative range of expertise and interventions for young people – no one organisation can do this alone.

All of the partners gained greater knowledge and trust in each other through the experience of working together over four years. A key outcome is that we now call on each other to support work with children and young people in Bristol in a much more joined-up way.

As the Big Lottery funding ends this year, the programme will be much reduced. However, the Bridge Foundation and Empire Fighting Chance will continue work in the Oasis Academy Brightstowe with a special focus on children at risk of exclusion, including support to school staff, and direct work with children and families.

Issue 34 January / February / March 2017

If you have any questions about this work, contact The Bridge Foundation on 0117 9424510 / info@bridgefoundation.org.uk

www.voscur.org

29

This is me

Dan Lyus is VCSE Sector Advocate on the Better Care Bristol Transformation Board and has just joined Voscur’s Board of Trustees.

Dan is the Director of Development of WE Care and Repair, a 30-yearold Bristol-based not for profit that makes practical changes to the homes of older people, disabled people and people on low incomes so that they can remain living safely and comfortably in the home of their choice for as long as possible.

What propelled you to become a VCSE sector advocate?

disturbed by it. It is just too easy

be, the work they do is truly ‘re-

to live your life wilfully blind to

enabling’.

I get frustrated when I witness

inequality.

good stuff not happening because people are not communicating well! I have a desire to join stuff up, make it work better and get people on the same page. I felt that all of this was at play in relation to the VCSE sector and health and I wanted to show the people in the statutory services that hold the key levers for change just what great resources they have on their doorstep and how to use them better.

What do you think is the secret to being influential?

Any spot where I have a really

Tough one! I think I still have a

good flat white coffee in my hand!

lot to learn in this area. But I

Brandon Hill Park is great too.

reckon to be influential you need other influential people listening, appreciating and wanting to work with you, and that requires being generous, likable and talking

What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Stephen R. Covey

sense. And when the people you

What makes you happy?

are trying to influence are a little

Family time, exercise, fresh air,

resistant, it pays, I find, to seek to

rolling hills and knowing that what I

subtly try and get them to have

am doing is helpful.

If you could wish one thing for the VCSE sector in Bristol it would be…?

the idea and make the decision you

That those in the sector are able to

like.

articulate the value of what they

What is your favourite spot in Bristol and why?

want without you pushing it onto them – leading them to it if you

Tell us one thing about you that people would never guess.

I don’t think that I am that much of a mystery, but I do hate questions

and don’t need to be endlessly

If you could pick one example of seeing, with your own eyes, lives changed by the VCSE sector in Bristol, what would it be?

repeated.

Yesterday I visited the re-ablement

What would make the biggest

facilities of Brunel Care and saw

difference to improving equality

first-hand the amazing quality and

For more information

in society?

dedication of the service provided

about our VCSE sector

I reckon we need all those

by them. They are getting people

advocates, visit:

in society to feel the pain of

back living in their homes and out

www.voiceandinfluence.org.

inequality, to be affected by it and

of hospital – given how disabling

uk/advocates

do in ways that are both heard, appreciated and understood

like this, so I will politely decline to answer it. That should keep whatever mystery there is going a bit longer!

a prolonged stay in hospital can

30 www.voscur.org

January / February / March 2017 Issue 34

Greater Brislington Neighbourhood Partnership There has long been a desire in and around the Hungerford Road area of Brislington for more things to happen locally. Read more about some local positive changes from the past months and plans for the future...

Residents have been working

Following a meeting with Bristol

with the Greater Brislington

Mayor, Marvin Rees, about traffic

Neighbourhood Partnership,

issues in the area, residents were

Councillors, colleagues in

supported by the Neighbourhood

Community Development and

Partnership to put together

relevant service providers (both

some proposals for the Highways

voluntary and statutory) to

Department to consider. Although

increase the delivery of activities

funding for highways schemes is

within the locality and address

limited, it is still a proactive step

their key concerns.

towards safer roads in the area.

The residents’ group has been meeting for around eighteen months and has gained new

New activities in the area: • Regular meetings of the

members during the latter half

residents group, often with

of 2016. Together with those

both councillors.

who come regularly to meetings, the group grew in confidence thanks to both peer support and support from the Neighbourhood Partnership and Community Development Team.

The group expressed an interest in running a toddlers’ group but have been struggling to drum up support. Through the Neighbourhood Partnership,

• A Friday coffee club at the community centre.

• Weekly children’s centre

• Voluntary service providers

new year.

promote the activities across

problems.

sharing information on local community services and

For more information on

opportunities for volunteering.

Neighbourhood

• Opportunities for engagement

aspirations were shared. With the

Community Centre, starting in the

beginning to self-organise, and

solutions as well as reporting

meetings.

delivered from Hungerford Road

They have actively engaged in

early 2017.

approached and the residents’

outreach programme is to be

confidence and positivity.

the area, and are now offering

at the Neighbourhood Forum

from the Well Being Fund, an

Residents have grown in

outreach session to start in

Brislington children’s centres were

possibility of funding support

Promoting activities at Hungerford Road Community Centre

Going forward Residents have realised that it’s a challenge to get people involved in community activity but that starting small is key.

Issue 34 January / February / March 2017

Partnerships visit: www.bristol.gov. uk/people-communities/ neighbourhood-partnerships For more information about getting involved in the Greater Brislington area, contact Ariaf Hussain: ariaf.hussain@bristol. gov.uk / 0117 9223218 / 07810 506923

www.voscur.org

31

Voscur Ltd. Royal Oak House Royal Oak Avenue Bristol BS1 4GB

Tel: 0117 909 9949 Fax: 0117 933 0501 Email: info@voscur.org Web: www.voscur.org

January 2017 Date

Time

Event/training

Location

16th

9.30am – 1.30pm

Manifesto for Race Equality Conference

Rose Green Centre

25th

10am – 12.30pm

Getting Connected – Bristol Youth Links and Children and Young People’s Services (a Children and Young People’s Network meeting)

Barton Hill Settlement

26th

1pm - 4pm

Volunteer Organisers’ Forum

The Greenway Centre

31st

10am – 1pm

Raise More Funds, Find More Supporters and Keep More Volunteers

Tony Benn House

February 2017 Date

Time

Event/training

Location

7th

10am – 3.30pm

Property Management for Non-Property Managers

St Werburghs Centre

8th

9.30am – 3.30pm

Developing a Fundraising Strategy

St Werburghs Centre

21st

10am – 12pm

Finance Forum

YHA Bristol

22nd

10am – 1pm

Equalities and Diversity – Your Policy, Practice and Monitoring

St Pauls Learning Centre

28th

10am – 12pm

Signs of Safety Briefing

Tony Benn House

March 2017 Date

Time

Event/training

Location

2nd

10am – 1pm

Adult Safeguarding - Creating and Reviewing Your Policy

Easton Business Centre

8th

10am – 1pm

Getting Your Collaboration Agreement in Place

St Werburghs Centre

14th

6pm – 9pm

Being a Good Trustee

Windmill Hill City Farm

15th

6pm – 8pm

Trustee Network

Central Bristol

21st

10am – 1pm

Getting Your Impact Monitoring in Place

The GreenHouse

22nd

9.30am – 3.30pm

Measuring the Impact of Volunteering

The Gatehouse Centre

23rd

10am – 1pm

An Introduction to Social Media

Knowle West Media Centre

Keep up to date with Voscur online:

f l i x /voscur

/voscur

/voscur

/voscur

Voscur is a registered charity and a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. Company no. 3918210. Charity no. 1148403.

Printed on 100% recycled paper using vegetable-based inks