Thrive! Jan/Feb/Mar 2015

Supporting voluntary and community action

January / February / March 2015

In this issue: Celebrating the sector at Voscur’s AGM and ‘The Voscurs’ The future’s bright: the future’s volunteering…

Gear up for green: Bristol as the new Green Capital 2015 New organisations changing lives Upcoming training And more…

Meera Pandya gives a stirring speech in her father’s memory as she presents the new Batook Pandya Award for Inclusion at Voscur’s AGM in October.

ice v r e ws e N

5 01 2 for

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2 www.voscur.org

January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

Contents Voscur

Voice and Influence

3 Contents

20

The Future of Bristol’s Local Libraries

4 Editorial

21

Residents Shaping the World Around Them

6-7

Voscur’s AGM and Conference

22-23 National Wake-up on Wellbeing

8-9

The Voscurs 2014 – Bristol’s Voluntary Sector Awards

24

Shape Local Community Health Services for Children and Young People

25

Voluntary and Community Sector Advocates

10-11 Bristol BME Voice: Knowledge and Share

Volunteer Bristol

Contributions

12-13 The Future’s Bright for Volunteering in Bristol 14

The Boost! Programme: Making Development Possible

Support Hub 16-17 Support Hub Events and Training

26

Green Volunteering

27

The LEP Next Steps

28

Another great Compact Week for Bristol

29

Bristol Compact: Helping Things Get Better

30-31 UNISON – Committed to Achieving Equality in our Workplaces, in our Union and Across Society

18-19 New Perspectives, New Solutions

Keep up to date with Voscur online:

www.facebook.com/voscur

twitter.com/voscur

www.linkedin.com/company/voscur

www.youtube.com/voscur

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.

Issue 27 January / February / March 2015

www.voscur.org

3

Dear Members and Colleagues, Agreement with Bristol City Council for its core services.

2003: Voscur plays its part in delivering the Government’s Neighbourhood Renewal agenda including facilitating VCS representation on the Bristol Partnership board and sub groups.

Voscur starts delivering training to the sector.

I am delighted to introduce Thrive! at the start of Voscur’s twentieth year.

Over the last two decades, Voscur has grown from an organisation focused on urban regeneration, to a charity whose objectives are to represent, develop and support the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS).

Voscur over the years 1995: Voluntary Organisations Standing Conference on Urban Regeneration (VOSCUR) is established and facilitates geographical networks.

2000: Equalities Network is established. VOSCUR is incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee.

2001: VOSCUR registers as a Council for Voluntary Service with the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA).

2002: VOSCUR changes its name to Voscur and signs a Service Level

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2005: Voscur leads the Bristol ChangeUp Consortium, bringing together key infrastructure agencies to develop and implement joined-up support services to front-line voluntary sector organisations.

2008: Voscur is accredited with NAVCA’s Quality Award, delivering excellence and making a difference across five standards of infrastructure functions. Voscur is funded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission to deliver Equalities projects in Bristol.

2011: Voscur is awarded the Bristol City Council Infrastructure Support Service Project contract, securing the delivery of capacitybuilding support and voice and influence services.

2013: After partnership working, Voscur and Volunteer Bristol join forces and merge.

It’s been an eventful and varied 19 years!

Above all, Voscur unites organisations and individuals across the city to promote a strong, resilient and influential

voluntary sector and we look forward to continuing the journey with you.

With best wishes for 2015.

Richard Pendlebury MBE DL Chair, Voscur Board of Trustees

Dedication Stephen Hewitt (1957-2014) – Dedicated and Passionate Advocate for the Voluntary Sector.

The Voscur team would like to pay tribute to Stephen Hewitt, who sadly passed away on 24 October 2014.

We will miss his forthright approach, his warmth and his generosity with the time he gave to his work – working ultimately to improve the lives of people and local communities.

We extend our sympathy to Stephen’s family and friends.

Key to symbols Equalities Article Training Information & Resources Event

January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

Fun� it !

What's on your fundraising horizon for 2015?

Take a day out to decide what your funding might look like for the next few years ...

kshops:* r o W

» New local funds » Collaboration » Crowdfunding » Online fundraising » Commissioning

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Clear, useful, up to date info.

Good expertise.

Great networking.^

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nisations:* a g r O

9.30 - 4.00 | Wednesday 11 February 2015 | Bristol Watershed £65 (or £115 for two) if you book by 31 January. £80 in February. www.voscur.org/fundit2015 #fundit15 * to be confirmed

‘Thriving, Vibrant and Buzzing’ — Voscur’s AGM and Conference Voscur’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and conference started with a reminder from Wendy Stephenson (Voscur’s Chief Executive) of the critical importance of an independent voluntary sector infrastructure organisation during these challenging times. She said: “Independent comment, critique and challenge is vital as we see more cuts to public services, more contracts, fewer grants and increased use and potential misuse of volunteers.”

The AGM and conference took

Network, and Stacy Yelland, Up

was delighted to introduce

place on 22 October at the

Our Street/Easton & Lawrence

Stephen Williams, Under Secretary

Pavilion of Bristol County Cricket

Hill Neighbourhood Partnership.

of State for Communities and

Ground, and was attended by

Retiring board members were

Local Government and MP, Bristol

more than 100 delegates.

Anna Smith, Survive; Rita Gupta,

West, as its keynote speaker.

Artivists; and Nura Aabe,

He recounted a traumatic early

Autism Independence.

history of bullying and prejudice

In the first half of the day the formal AGM included votes and the appointment of new trustees

The afternoon conference

to Voscur’s board – Sandy

focused on the theme of

Hore-Ruthven, Creative Youth

Equality and Diversity. Voscur

due to his sexuality, which spurred him on to enter politics, to tackle prejudice and discrimination.

The Equalities Panel

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January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

The Voscurs award winners

Alison Comley, Strategic Director

The day finished on a

Batook Pandya MBE, director

of Neighbourhoods, Bristol City

celebratory high with

of SARI.

Council, reflected on her personal

Voscur’s Social Impact

journey to a senior role in the City

Awards – ‘The Voscurs’.

Council, and explained that part of the reason she wanted to work for a Local Authority was her strong belief in social justice.

The Voscurs are awarded to both individuals and organisations in the community, voluntary and social enterprise sectors for going

In a lively panel discussion,

the extra mile. There were 52

Stephen and Alison were joined

nominations for seven awards,

by Alex Raikes, Stand Against

including the new Batook Pandya

Racism and Inequality (SARI),

Award for Inclusion, in memory of

and Laura Welti, Bristol Disability

A big thank you to our sponsors: UNISON (main sponsor) The Nudge Group Creative Youth Network Brewin Dolphin They were supported by Volunteer Bristol, Bristol 2015 and SARI. To see the winners from The Voscurs, turn to pages 8 and 9

Equality Forum, to discuss ‘What Does Equality and Diversity mean

“Voscur’s AGM was a thriving, vibrant and buzzing hotbed of

for Bristol in 2015?’.

the best of the voluntary and community sector in Bristol.

They answered various questions surrounding equalities. Topics included free school meals, hate-crime and transport for

It was great to see so many organisations, both large and small, coming together to recognise and celebrate the quality work that has been undertaken this year, despite the difficult financial climate people are working in.”

the elderly.

Issue 27 January / February / March 2015

Alison Comley

www.voscur.org

7

The Voscurs 2014 – Bristol’s Voluntary Sector Awards Every year The Voscurs celebrate those who have shown outstanding commitment to the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors in Bristol. Here are the winners: Trustee of the Year Award went

Trustee of the Year Award

to Brenda Purnell of HHEAG and Food for All. This award is for a trustee (or management committee member) from an organisation who has gone the extra mile in their trusteeship.

The award was sponsored by the Nudge Group.

Young Volunteer of the Year (16- to 25-year-olds) Award

Young Volunteer of the Year Award (16- to 25-year-olds).

The award for Young Volunteer of the Year went to Naomi Porter, “a long-term reliable and invaluable volunteer” for 1625 Independent People. This award was sponsored

by Creative Youth Network.

Volunteer Team of the Year Award

Volunteer Team of the Year. The award for a Volunteer Team that has gone above and beyond what might normally be expected through its dedication and/ or impact went to Nacoa (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics). This award was supported by Volunteer Bristol.

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January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

The ‘Thanks For Supporting The Sector’ Award

The ‘Thanks For Supporting The Sector’ Award. This award is for an individual or department within the public or private sector. It was awarded to Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Pook, of Avon and Somerset Police. This award was sponsored by UNISON.

Community Venue of the Year Award

Community Venue of the Year Award. The award for the best community-run, publicly accessible space in Bristol in 2013/2014 went to Zion Community Art Space, a not-for-profit social enterprise in Bedminster Down. This award was sponsored by Brewin Dolphin Ltd.

Happy, Healthy Bristol Award

Happy, Healthy Bristol Award.

This award celebrates an organisation or group that by its actions has improved the health and wellbeing of a group of people in the city. The award went to LifeSkills. The award was supported by Bristol 2015 Ltd.

Batook Pandya Award for Inclusion

Batook Pandya Award for Inclusion. In memory of Batook Pandya MBE, director of SARI (Stand Against Racism & Inequality), this new award is for an organisation or group that recognises, promotes and celebrates diversity and inclusion.

The award was given to Salaam Shalom and supported by SARI.

Issue 27 January / February / March 2015

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Bristol BME Voice: Knowledge and Share Bristol BME Voice embarked on

Knowledge and Share programme

Meaningful conversations took

a series of activities last year to

that enabled us to bring together

place with George Ferguson,

progress Race Equality in Bristol.

members of BME-led organisations

Bristol Mayor; Sue Mountstevens,

Among these were partnerships

with strategic leaders. This enabled

Police and Crime Commissioner

to draft Batook’s Blueprint

us to discuss issues of relevance

(PCC); Judith Brown, director

‘the Bristol Manifesto for Race

and develop clear actions that

of operations for the Clinical

Equality’; providing support to the

would have a positive long-term

Commissioning Group (CCG);

BME Diversity group that feeds in

impact on Race Equality in Bristol.

and Malachy McReynolds, West

to the work of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP); and working with Bristol City Council’s BME staff group on issues related to Commissioning and the Compact. We were pleased to be

Although it may not be obvious, decision makers do want to speak to communities, while communities have much they want decision makers to address.

Yet establishing a process where

of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) executive board member. Actions were set for decision makers with a threemonth target to fulfil these.

mutual discussions can evolve

What has been achieved so far?

often takes time and resources,

On commissioning, the Mayor

and requires clarity about what

has agreed to examine the

both parties want to achieve.

impact of the disadvantages

The Knowledge and Share

that small and local groups

Further to the ‘Feeling Bristolian’

programme comprised a course

experience when big national

conference that took place in

of four sessions between

agencies siphon off their local

February 2014, there was a call

September and December 2014.

knowledge and experience,

The process has been important

without any interest in

because discrimination on the

sub-contracting them to

grounds of Race and other

deliver services.

BME VCS to participate in

protected characteristic groups

The PCC agreed to pursue

decision making.

continues to affect the quality of

actions to improve progress on

life for some of our communities.

addressing institutional racism

BME VCS groups to influence

Strengthening the sector to

and increasing BME representation

policy makers.

challenge decision makers and

in the police workforce.

nominated for a National Compact award for our efforts and due to the support from the partner agencies that have worked with us on Race Equality in Bristol.

for Bristol BME Voice to focus on some key themes that would: • Develop the ability of the

• Allow an informed voice for

Therefore, in addition to the work mentioned above, we developed a

10 www.voscur.org

working with them to create positive change strengthens our voice and power.

Actions for the CCG included revisiting some health services

January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

Sue Mountstevens, Police and Crime Commissioner (pictured above, fourth from right), is involved with the BME Voice

that could result in a negative

looked at the acquired skills

These sessions have been

impact on BME communities.

to reach solutions often

invaluable to participants in order

by consensus, and how

to increase their skills to achieve an

relationships can be maintained

effective voice and influence. They

during the agreement process.

have also enabled opportunities

Increasing skills development within the sector Another outcome of the programme has been enhanced skills development for participants by way of a series of training sessions in preparation for conversations with decision

• ‘Finding your power –

among BME groups to network

interviewing and interrogation’

and consider collaboration in a

– Involved how we extract

range of areas.

information from those who set policy to get to the heart of our

Manifesto for Race Equality

concerns. It looked at the ability

The Manifesto for Race Equality

to interrogate – yes, respectful

is a call to action for agencies to

interrogation is a skill, which

reduce race inequality. Further to

for leadership’ – Raising

uses our ability to cut through

consultation with communities and

awareness of the lack of

waffle to bring swift and

agencies, we are set to launch the

BME representation in senior

meaningful responses.

Manifesto at the BME Community

makers. These were: • ‘Meeting your aspirations

positions in many public

• ‘Strengthening your contacts

sector agencies. Participants

and building your case’ –

were challenged about how

Covered collaboration to

they could feel comfortable

create initiatives that bring

with, exert or enhance their

actions for our communities

leadership skills.

through focusing on clear

• ‘Achieving change through

goals and plans.

Fair and Awards ceremony taking place on 10 March 2015.

For more information contact Ruth Pitter: ruth@voscur.org

presentation and negotiation’

Issue 27 January / February / March 2015

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11

The Future’s Bright for Volunteering in Bristol Volunteering is alive and well in

and governance support now

develop the ways it communicates

Bristol and continues to make

available provides strong

with supporters. Optimising social

an essential contribution to our

foundations. These foundations

media paves the way for the

communities. Volunteer rates

can enable it to restructure and

centre to offer exciting new types

are high throughout the country

develop a range of effective

of volunteering opportunities

and have recently increased.

volunteering support services to

to address new trends in

The Community Life Survey,

match the 21st-century needs of

volunteering. The average number

commissioned by the Cabinet

both potential volunteers and of

of hours spent volunteering

Office, states that in 2012-13 44%

VCS organisations in Bristol.

per volunteer declined by 30%

of adults volunteered formally at least once a year and 29% did so at least once a month. Looking back over the past decade, rates of volunteering have remained remarkably stable, ranging from 39% at its lowest to 44% at its highest. To some extent, these figures mask fundamental changes which have taken place within the landscape of the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS), and to remain relevant Volunteer Bristol and its volunteer

Sian Bunn joined Volunteer Bristol’s small staff team in September as Volunteer Development Manager, with a remit to drive forward the establishment of new services.

The centre relies heavily upon an outstanding team of volunteers, which has recently been enlarged to meet the challenges of service development. The centre celebrated its thirtieth anniversary last year, and it is

between 1997 and 2007 (Helping Out, 2007), and there is evidence that there is a trend towards more episodic volunteering (The UK Civil Society Almanac 2009). Remote volunteering on your home PC or ‘temporary’ volunteers for very short-term assignments, such as a charitable collection day, are two examples of approaches that chime well with this new style of volunteering.

worth remembering that a Bristol

Volunteer Bristol will continue

volunteer centre has been

to offer encouragement and

Merging with Voscur provided

around longer than both

guidance to help organisations

Volunteer Bristol with a unique

Facebook and the national ‘Do

provide good volunteer

opportunity to review and

It’ volunteering website, both

management. Well-managed,

update the services it offers

of which are now key to the

interesting volunteering

to individuals and to voluntary

volunteer recruitment process.

opportunities are vital if you

centre need to evolve.

and community sector (VCS) organisations. Being part of the Voscur ‘family’, the management

12 www.voscur.org

Improved technology makes it feasible for Volunteer Bristol to

wish to retain your volunteers.

However, the volunteer centre recognises that not all VCS

January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

Celebrating 30 weeks of volunteering

organisations have the capacity

and environmentally responsible

the recession and public sector

to manage volunteers and so,

manner’. This is an area the

cuts, but it has provided a unique

to help with this, the centre can

volunteer centre will be exploring

opportunity to reshape services

provide a volunteer recruitment

during 2015, as well as seeking to

to meet the evolving needs of the

and management service.

develop effective relationships

voluntary and community sector.

with public and community sector

A reinvigorated Volunteer Bristol

partners. Above all, Volunteer

is now looking forward to the

Bristol is conscious of the need

challenges ahead.

Corporate Social Responsibility, another facet of volunteering, is becoming increasingly high profile. In August 2013 the Institute of Directors stated: ‘Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is now an integral part

for a customer-led approach to service delivery and it welcomes comment and feedback from Voscur members.

of most businesses, with many

Volunteer Bristol’s merge with

organisations keen to highlight

Voscur was to some extent a

how they’re acting in a socially

response to the challenges of

Issue 27 January / February / March 2015

For more information contact Sian Bunn: manager@ volunteerbristol.org.uk

www.voscur.org

13

The Boost! Programme: Making Development Possible The Boost! programme is part of Voscur’s Support Hub service. It places professionally skilled volunteers with community voluntary sector organisations to help with a specific piece of development work for up to six months. Examples of the types of areas supported are: HR, Marketing, Business Planning, Finance and Database Development. Over the last few years, Boost! has had many success stories where organisations have effectively engaged with a volunteer and found that the volunteer’s input has had a far-reaching impact. Here’s one of those success stories:

Case study: South West Advice Training (SWAT) has been delivering training courses for over 10 years to professionals who advise members

worked with staff to create a business plan which has meant

Registering with the

South West Advice Training

Boost! programme

now has:

If you are interested in registering with the Boost! programme either as an organisation or as a volunteer, please visit:

• Effective systems for

of the public on aspects of

leadership and for consultation

social welfare law, from benefit

of partner agencies

entitlements to debt issues, housing law, employment law and immigration. The organisation wanted some objective input to enable it to think about the ways

• Key individuals in place for decision making • Improved systems for internal communications • A workload that is more

that it could change in order to

structured, including project

keep up with its market. It wanted

plans and work plans for staff

to promote itself better, reach a broader range of organisations

www.volunteerbristol.org.uk/ organisations/boost Email: boost@volunteerbristol. org.uk Phone: 0117 989 7734

• Improved attendance on its courses.

and expand geographically.

The Boost! programme matched SWAT with Katie Sage, a marketing expert. Katie has over 18 years’ experience working both in the UK and globally. After initial meetings with SWAT, Katie identified that the current business plan needed updating before marketing could

“Katie was so patient … she had a lot of experience … Our very long-established, complex arrangements for doing things required a lot of understanding … Katie came from outside (the voluntary sector) and yet she was able to do it … A year on we are still thanking her.”

Andy King, SWAT

take place. Over six months, she

14 www.voscur.org

January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

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Support Hub Events and Training Recruiting Volunteers Tuesday 20 January 2015, 9:30am-3:30pm This session will cover volunteer motivation, barriers to volunteering, recruitment techniques and processes, developing adverts for volunteer roles and action planning.

Mind the Gap: Negotiation skills Wednesday 21 January 2015, 12pm-2pm How good are your negotiation skills? Do you get what you need from meetings and conversations?

Would you like to be more effective?

Preparing Your Accounts for your End-of-Year Report Thursday 5 February 2015, 9:30am-3:30pm This course is designed to identify key areas associated with the production of statutory accounts for those who have so far had limited exposure to this specialist area.

Mind the Gap: Introducing your organisation to Twitter Tuesday 10 February 2015, 12pm-2pm

This lunchtime workshop will help you to discover the practical meaning of negotiation, how you can trade during discussions, and simple ways to practise your skills.

Do you feel the whole world is tweeting and you are being left behind? Are you nervous about giving it a try? Come and find out what it’s all about. You don’t need a smartphone for this session, but if you have one please bring it with you.

Being a Good Trustee

Preparing for Media Interviews

Thursday 22 January 2015, 6pm-9pm

Tuesday 17 February 2015, 9:30am-12:30pm

Governance has never been more crucial. In challenging times a strong board is essential to survive and thrive, yet many trustees are unclear of their duties and boundaries with staff. This course clearly sets out trustee roles and responsibilities, and suggests tools to help ensure your board leads your organisation’s impact.

This course is designed for anyone whose role includes speaking to the press and representing their organisation to the wider world directly via media interviews. This course will cover how to prepare for a media interview, getting your message across, dealing with difficult questions and hostile interviewers, and how to handle your nerves.

Finance Forum: Insurance for VCS organisations

Trustee Network

Wednesday 28 January 2015, 10:30am-12:30pm

The Trustee Network is open to any trustees, from the brand new to the very experienced. As well as a short presentation on a relevant topic, Trustee Network meetings offer a chance to meet other trustees and share good practice.

A chance to meet others with financial responsibilities and find out what is happening in the world of finance.

Tuesday 3 March 2015, 6pm-8pm

Early-bird rates available!

To book your place or to find out more, please go to: www.supporthub.org.uk/training-hub Alternatively, you can call us on: 0117 909 9949.

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January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

Being an Even Better Trustee

Good Practice in Social Media

Thursday 5 March 2015, 6pm-9pm

Thursday 19 March 2015, 9:30am-1pm

Focused on governance, managing risk, effective meetings and how to make the most of the skills in your trustee team, this course is designed to support your development beyond the basics of being on a board.

This interactive workshop will encourage you to reflect on the kinds of things you share – updates, chit-chat, sales pitches – and help you avoid some of the common pitfalls. As well as providing some guidance principles, you will be given examples of how enjoyable and productive using social media can be.

Mind the Gap: Monitoring and Evaluation Tuesday 10 March 2015, 12pm-2pm What’s the point of monitoring and evaluation?

Are you doing it just because your funders ask for it?

Are you asking the right questions?

This lunchtime session will help you to plan and carry out really effective monitoring and evaluation. It will help you to identify how you can use the results to improve your services and to attract new funding.

If possible, bring an example of how you currently monitor and evaluate your work.

Leadership Skills for Managers and Supervisors Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 March 2015, 9:30am-3:30pm Managing people can be one of the most stressful parts of a manager’s role, especially in these changing times. This two-day leadership course will provide you with a practical overview of the key skills and aptitudes required to manage successfully and to help reduce the pressure in your work life.

Safeguarding and Whistleblowing

Developing a Fundraising Strategy

Tuesday 31 March, 9:30am-1pm

Wednesday 18 March 2015, 9:30am-3:30pm

This training will cover the types of issues that may arise in your organisation, how to develop an internal whistle-blowing system, sharing concerns and escalating them to the right people, how your organisation can be assisted with the whistleblowing process, and developing relationships with BCC staff to help steer your organisation.

Not sure where to go next with fundraising, or feeling like it is a lot of work for little gain? If so, this course is for you. It introduces fundraising strategies and explains why they are useful, looks at external challenges and opportunities and starts to think about a variety of funding sources.

Issue 27 January / February / March 2015

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17

New Perspectives, New Solutions We all know Bristol has a thriving voluntary and community sector, but how do people who are new to running a community organisation, social enterprise or campaign group learn their trade?

Voscur offers a six-session course for new and emerging groups, covering planning, funding,

There is always more to learn when it comes to setting up an organisation.

marketing and more. The course, Kick Start, provides knowledge, tools and opportunities to refine

at their first Kick Start session

of a group come along to each

ideas, while working alongside

full of motivation to build really

of the six training sessions, but

like-minded people.

strong foundations for their

this group managed to involve

organisation. Darren had stated at

a total of eight people in the

the outset that he was unsure if

course, each attending one or

the course would benefit him, but

two sessions. In the true spirit

after the first session he quickly

of a co-operative, they shared

changed his mind about the

the learning. Since that time, the

benefits of the course and

organisation has been through

the positive impact it would

changes and is now flourishing

have on his organisation. Cherelle

as TIGER: Teaching Individuals

found the information from

Gender Equality and Respect.

the session leaders helpful and

You can discover more at

inspirational. After six sessions

www.tigerbristol.co.uk

One group which graduated from the Kick Start programme is Aspiration Creation Elevation (ACE). Its mission is “to inspire positive change through engagement in creative activities, building relationships, then raising social, economic and ethical knowledge as well as life aspirations”. This new Community Interest Company offers young people the chance to get involved in creating music with the help and support of professional musicians and music mentors.

Cherelle Grant and Darren LynchBurton, founders of ACE, arrived

18 www.voscur.org

they had a detailed action plan, Voscur membership and access to networks across the voluntary sector.

Among the last cohort, Kick Start worked with a range of new groups, from those aiming to support families of Czech and

The Equalities Collective joined

Slovak origin, to those supporting

Voscur’s Kick Start programme

children in care.

last year. Usually two members

January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

Attendees from our 2014 Autumn course: The-Society, Buzz Lockleaze, Stonozka, Paper Artistic Development CIC, Freedom Fields and Lamplight

Places on Kick Start are in demand. If you’re interested, apply early. You will: • Get new ideas about how to develop your group • Find out how to convince funders, investors and volunteers of the need for your project • Make a clear plan of practical next steps for your group • Network with other groups at a similar stage to you

What will the course cover?

1. The need and purpose of your group 2. Different structures for organisations and how they should be managed 3. Funding, finance and how to get money 4. Developing policies and procedures 5. Marketing and publicity 6. Action planning and where else you can get support.

• Find out how the VCS will best support you.

Issue 27 January / February / March 2015

Interested? Don’t hesitate! Email or pick up the phone to find out more.

Contact Frances@voscur.org If you have an idea which could change lives locally, contact Voscur.

For more information, call 0117 909 9949

www.voscur.org

19

The Future of Bristol’s Local Libraries Bristol City Council have launched a city-wide consultation to allow the people of Bristol to have their say on the future of the city’s libraries.

Photo by CCAC Library CC by 2.0

This is the first time everyone in the city has had a chance to talk about libraries and how they can become more relevant. The aim is to get everyone involved in helping to develop an improved flexible, modern space for communities to learn and socialise in. At this stage no proposals or decisions have been made.

A dedicated website has been launched (see end of article) and more than seventy meetings have already been held.

In particular, the library service wants to reach people who don’t use libraries to find out why, and they also want to discover what people need in their local communities that their library or library building can assist with.

20 www.voscur.org

In the future Bristol needs a vibrant and sustainable network of libraries, which will better respond to the needs of more of its citizens – particularly those who experience more challenges and have less access to opportunities.

While savings have to be made, it is important that this opportunity is not dominated by discussions about money.

To take part in the consultation, each library has cards and suggestion boxes, surveys and information sheets on their library service. There is a wealth of information online including an online survey. The initial consultation closes on 2 February 2015.

The feedback gathered from this consultation will be used to shape the council’s proposals, which are set to be discussed at Cabinet in March 2015, when a second consultation will begin until May 2015. The final plan is expected to be agreed in June 2015.

To find out more visit www. bristolfuturelibraries. co.uk and the Facebook page Bristol Libraries for the Future and Twitter: @BrLibraryFuture.

There is also a website to capture ideas from the public and allow people to work collaboratively to develop and rate suggestions: www.bristol. gov.uk/libraryideas

January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

Residents Shaping the World Around Them The Stockwood, Hengrove & Whitchurch Neighbourhood Partnership has funded a public art programme from devolved s106 funds for the Hengrove ward in South Bristol. A significant part of this funding has contributed to the Future Perfect project, a three-year project where governance has gone beyond the norm to include the wider Hengrove community.

The programme’s theme is

design a flexible public display

Nils Norman has been invited

‘Future’, which means a future

structure – the Archive of Ideas

to propose a way of bringing

that embraces extraordinary

– to communicate the art

together the large number

possibilities and dreams. It was

programme to local residents.

of small green spaces in the

developed in consultation with

The art steering group helped

neighbourhood to provide a

local residents.

draw up the brief, select the

focal point for residents. This

artist and respond to the initial

has resulted in resources for the

design proposal.

community centre; simple play

Future Perfect wanted to involve local people at all levels.

spaces across schools and small

An art steering group has been overseeing the programme, consisting of residents, parents, councillors and local groups’ representatives. The programme has offered participation to individuals and groups in Hengrove through workshops, trips and talks.

Residents were invited to contribute to discussions and explore possibilities for the art

The aim was to develop a greater understanding of the complexities, challenges and excitement that come with commissioning artists. The Archive of Ideas has proved to be a great catalyst for conversation.

programme. Opportunities to

areas of parkland; and a section of patterned path to improve access to Hengrove Park.

David Thorpe has been invited to contribute to the physical fabric of Hengrove by providing a long-term legacy for the area.

His proposal is for a community orchard planted according to the floor plan of a cathedral, which will provide fruit and a meetingplace for the community.

partner with various Hengrove organisations and institutions,

In addition, the artists Nils Norman

including schools and colleges,

and David Thorpe have been

were also explored.

involved, with their work coming

The artist/designer Martino

to fruition at the end of 2014.

Gamper was commissioned to

Issue 27 January / February / March 2015

For further information on the project: www.futureperfectbristol.org

www.voscur.org

21

National Wakeup on Wellbeing Lord Gus O’Donnell, former Cabinet Secretary, came to Bristol to announce the establishment of the ‘What Works Centre for Wellbeing’ at the end of October last year. With £3.5 million kick-start government funding the centre aims to collect good practice ‘what works’ on improving the nation’s wellbeing. Additionally it establishes best practice in measuring the impact of policies on people’s happiness.

For many years the Voluntary

influential credibility – the centre

satisfaction (up 0.06 points

and Community Sector (VCS)

will be pushing the cause of

on the previous year)

has been advocating the

replacing GDP* with wellbeing

importance of wellbeing. Working

indicators as the touchstone of

that what one does in life is

to redress the impact of social

government expenditure.

worthwhile (up 0.05 points

exclusion, isolation, low selfesteem, depression and poverty is a key issue for a significant part of the VCS.

1

The work was started two years ago by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which published the first data on national wellbeing

Recently there’s been a national

as part of its Integrated Household

wake-up on wellbeing. We have a

Survey. Wellbeing is currently

health and wellbeing board, and a

assessed on:

statutory duty in the Health and Social Care Act 2012 to promote wellbeing. We also have a wealth of research on the importance of wellbeing and happiness and its impact.

Although a centre looking at ‘what works for wellbeing’ may not seem important, this is a significant milestone. Having the patronage of Lord Gus O’Donnell – an establishment figure with

22 www.voscur.org

1. How satisfied are you with your life nowadays?

2. To what extent do you feel the things you do in your life are worthwhile?

3. How happy did you

• 7.7 out of 10 for feeling

on the previous year) • 7.4 out of 10 for happiness yesterday (up 0.09 points on the previous year) • 2.9 out of 10 for anxiety yesterday (down 0.10 points on the previous year) The relatively low levels of anxiety are at odds with other national data. For example, the Children’s Commission reported on poverty in September 2014 that more than half of parents who responded to its survey admitted

feel yesterday?

4. How anxious did you feel yesterday?

they had cut back on clothing, food or heating to meet schoolrelated costs, and 25% had

Results from last year show: • 7.5 points out of 10 for life

borrowed money to pay school bills. Hardly the environment

January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

to make families feel full of life

“The ONS recently reassessed the

The increasing use of wellbeing

satisfaction and to reduce anxiety.

level of the UK’s GDP upwards

as a measurement of

by including things like illegal

government spending may

drugs and prostitution. But

challenge us in unexpected ways,

they don’t measure things like

especially regarding our priorities.

volunteering, which we know have

Smoking and drinking are bad

a tremendously positive impact

for health, but research in 2010

on wellbeing.

concluded social connectivity had

The ONS recognises that asking about anxiety may not get an accurate picture of wellbeing.

Cognitive testing has suggested that the word ‘anxious’ may be interpreted by some people

a greater impact on longevity

as representing severe mental

“So you could have a society

distress, while ‘stress’ or ‘worry’

where everyone gave up

are more commonly used to

volunteering and took up crack

describe daily emotions.

dealing and prostitution, and that

Wellbeing as a concept of

society would have a much higher

measuring the ‘state of the

GDP growth rate. That’s crazy.”

nation’ looks here to stay. Nice

There may be some issues around accurate measurement of wellbeing, but the use of GDP has

Using wellbeing indicators at a

come under increased criticism

national level will fit with efforts

as a touchstone as ‘value for

at a local level. Our Bristol Health

money’ government spending.

and Wellbeing Strategy has 10

Lord O’Donnell pointed out back

priorities but does not include

in October that Government has

issues such as the living wage and

tended to use GDP to assess the

low-income households, although

success of the country when it

they’re a factor in good health

was a “blunt tool”. He said:

and life satisfaction.

Issue 27 January / February / March 2015

than either smoking or drinking (within moderation).*2

to see senior government thinking has finally caught up with VCS wisdom.

*1 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a monetary measurement of economic value added to society. *2 Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review Julianne Holt-Lunstad Timothy B. Smith J. Bradley Layton Published: July 27, 2010. PLOS Medicine

www.voscur.org

23

Shape Local Community Health Services for Children and Young People Local community health services for children and young people are going to be recommissioned, with the aim of having better, more integrated provision. This is a great opportunity to help shape the design and delivery of these crucial services.

These services include: health

the service design process. For

visiting; school nursing; child and

more ways to be involved and

adolescent mental health services

the notes from this meeting, visit

• Service Model Co-creation:

(CAMHS); speech and language

www.voiceandinfluence.org.uk/

Nov 2014 – March 2015

therapy; and a range of other

cyp_meetings

services for vulnerable children and young people. In a survey of parents and carers by Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group (Bristol CCG), 96% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that children’s health and education services, in particular, should work closely together.

• Engagement phase: April – July 2014

• Service Model formal

At present the Community Children’s Health Partnership (CCHP), part of North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), provides all of the children’s community health services for Bristol and South Gloucestershire, in partnership with Barnardo’s. In 2014, the

consultation: Sept – Nov 2015 • Finalise and approve Service Model: Dec 2015 • Procurement process: Jan – Sept 2016 • Start of new contract: April 2017

commissioning organisations

To keep informed and have your

At a recent Children and Young

worked together to seek the

say, visit Bristol CCG’s website

People’s Network meeting,

views on the current children’s

and social media or get in touch

information about the process

community health services of

with Voscur.

and timescales was provided

children and young people;

for the VCS by the Children and

parents and carers; and health,

Maternity Commissioning Manager

education and social care

for Bristol CCG. We also discussed

professionals. They aim to use

how VCS organisations can get

this feedback to improve

involved in the co-creation of

services, remove boundaries

the service model, following the

and make services more

initial engagement phase with

integrated. Young people (14-

service users and community

25 years) will also be involved in

health professionals.

writing the service specification

There are many ways of contributing to the process, such as supporting the engagement of

through a Young People’s Reference Group, run by Bristol CCG and Young Healthwatch.

children and young people and

The estimated timescales for the

providing specialist expertise into

recommissioning process are:

24 www.voscur.org

Contact details: www.bristolccg.nhs. uk/get-involved twitter.com/Bristol_CCG @ bristol_CCG www.facebook.com/ NHSbristolccg Email: brccg. childrenscommunityhealth@ nhs.net Tel: 0117 900 2662

January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

Voluntary and Community Sector Advocates Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) advocates do fantastic work ensuring that the VCS is involved in decision making on a broad range of issues. They ensure the voice of the sector is heard and are instrumental in influencing

services at both strategic and operational levels.

The key elements of the role involve advocating for the sector, engaging and communicating with the wider sector, and

attending partnership boards, network meetings, VCS Advocates meetings and assembly meetings.

Current advocates (January 2015), their corresponding boards and contact details are as follows:

Children and Young People’s Network Advocates Name

Board

Contact details

Christine Townsend (Integrate Bristol)

Bristol Safeguarding Children Board

christineifb@gmail.com

Dom Wood (1625 Independent People)

Bristol Children and Families Board.

Bristol Safeguarding Children Board (interim cover)

dom.wood@1625ip.co.uk

Alistair Dale (Youth Moves)

Raising the Participation Strategy Group (interim cover)

alistair.dale@youthmoves.org.uk

Frances Fox

Children and Young People’s Attainment and Progression Board (Changing in 2015)

frances.fox@bridgefoundation.org.uk

Judith Davis (Creative Youth Network)

North Area Partnership Executive Board (CYP)

judith.davis@creativeyouthnetwork.org.uk

Vicki Morris (Knowle West Health Park)

South Area Partnership Executive Board (CYP)

Vmorris@knowlewesthealthpark.co.uk

Fiona Castle (Imayla)

Central & East Area Partnership Executive Board (CYP)

Fiona@imayla.co.uk

Health and Social Care Network Advocates Name

Board

Contact details

Peter Walker (Addiction Recovery Agency)

Bristol Health and Wellbeing Board

peterwalker@addictionrecovery.org.uk

Tim Lloyd-Yeates (Alive!)

Older People’s Partnership Board

tim@aliveactivities.org

Being recruited

Provider Forum

Neighbourhoods and Communities Network Advocates Name

Board

Contact details

Alex Raikes (SARI)

Safer Bristol Partnership

asstdirector@sariweb.org.uk

Graham England (Addiction Recovery Agency)

Reducing Re-offending Board

grahamengland@addictionrecovery.org.uk

Pete Levy (The Restore Trust)

Restorative Bristol Board

pete.levy@therestoretrust.org

Fuad Mahamed (Ashley Community Housing)

Community Learning Partnership Board

fuad.mahamed@ashleyhousing.com

Sarah Renshaw (Local Learning Ltd.)

Community Learning Partnership Board

srenshaw@eastonlearningcentre.co.uk

Further information about the boards, current VCS Advocates and video reports is available on the Voscur Voice and Influence website at www.voiceandinfluence.org.uk/advocates

Issue 27 January / February / March 2015

www.voscur.org

25

Green Volunteering It is important to us at Bristol 2015 Ltd that activities planned for the European Green Capital year are inclusive and accessible. It is also important to us that individuals and organisations are able to add their events to the planner and personalise the brand.

This will ensure that 2015 is an active and exciting year for everyone.

The winners of the 2014 Green Volunteer Awards, which were held on Wednesday 12 November last year, at Paintworks.

Winners: Volunteers for Nature and Biodiversity Award – The Good Gym Volunteers for Food Award – Incredible Edible Volunteers for Sustainable Transport Award – Playing Out Green Volunteer Coordinator of the Year Award – Sophie Edwards, Bristol Water There will be a Neighbourhood Arts Programme of 14 individual arts projects from the tip of Avonmouth to the toe of Dundry View. They will be driven by communities and created with professional artists to inspire Bristol to become a healthier, happier city.

There are lots of opportunities for everyone to get involved.

‘Welcome hosts’ will be around the city during events and throughout the year. They will help locals and visitors with information, knowledge about the Green Capital year and specific events for the month.

The Bristol 2015 Ltd volunteer programme will be working with Bristol businesses and other groups

26 www.voscur.org

Green Volunteer Leader of the Year Award – John Bowen, Growing Support Young Green Volunteers Award – Alex Rhodes The Bristol Award (Lifetime) – Richard Bland

providing assistance, whether it be clearing land, digging holes for trees, or finding event stewards.

Bristol 2015 Ltd will work in partnership with Voscur to develop a capacity-building training programme for green organisations, to help them cultivate their skills when working with volunteers.

Volunteers will play a key role in 2015 and there will be lots of emphasis on the impact of their involvement. Cities of Service will

be continuing the volunteer focus in 2016. This Mayoral initiative is funded by the Cabinet and NESTA and hopes to engage more of the community in volunteering beyond 2015.

If you have an idea or you would just like to be involved, then we would love to hear from you. volunteers@bristol2015.co.uk nap@bristol2015.co.uk www.bristol2015.co.uk/ get-involved/

January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

The LEP Next Steps More than 120 organisations from across the West of England area gathered in central Bristol to hear the latest news in relation to the emergence of new funding. These funds will potentially enable voluntary and community sector organisations across the four unitary authorities to tackle social and economic exclusion, and support those furthest from the labour market back into work.

The Partnership will work closely

The new fund, totalling £6 million over the next five years, will be provided through the European Social Fund (ESF) and matched by the Big Lottery Fund.

with the West of England LEP to make sure that the sector has a good understanding of the priorities and strategic need identified by the LEP. This support will be matched

The event was organised by

and Social Enterprise (VCSE)

with further funding and in-kind

Voscur in partnership with The

sector groups have undertaken

assistance to enable the

West of England Civil Society

to get this far.

Partnership to reach out to

Partnership, which is comprised of Quartet Community Foundation (QCF), Voluntary Action North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CVS, plus West of England Rural Network, The Care Forum, Wesport and Social Enterprise Works.

The event was opened by James Durie, Executive Director for Business West and a member of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) board. James assured the delegates of the LEP’s commitment to working with the sector to tackle economic and social exclusion. Chris Head from the West of England Rural Network followed by detailing the work the Voluntary, Community

Antony Corfield from the LEP, and Sam Magne from Big Lottery, detailed the criteria and process for using the new funding opportunity. Delegates then broke up into small groups to discuss opportunities and challenges in relation to accessing this support.

community groups through a series of events, briefings and discussions. These will enable the Partnership to communicate the opportunity to the VCSE of being directly involved in ESF delivery.

The outcome of the work will then be used to inform the LEP and the VCSE sector across

The West of England Civil Society

the West of England in order

Partnership European Social

to maximise the opportunities

Fund Project has been awarded a

presented by ESF and Big Lottery

grant of £10,000 from Big Lottery

funding support.

Fund. The grant will support the Partnership to work with the wider VCSE sector across the West of England to raise awareness, identify training needs and map evidence of employment and social need.

Issue 27 January / February / March 2015

For more information, visit: www.voscur.org or contact Paul Hassan on 0117 909 9949 or email paul@voscur.org

www.voscur.org

27

Another great Compact Week for Bristol Four fantastic Bristol initiatives were recognised for their sterling leadership skills during November’s National Compact Awards 2014. We round up the winners here.

Compact Week is the annual celebration of excellence in relationships between the public and voluntary and community sectors (VCS). Each year, as part

“To have five Bristol projects shortlisted for national awards is brilliant. This shows that there is some great work happening in difficult times. Work that ultimately makes a difference to Bristol people in their communities.”

Mark Hubbard

of national Compact Week, nominations are invited for six National Compact Awards.

Five nominations were submitted for work from Bristol from the last year. All five were shortlisted and Mark Hubbard, Bristol’s Compact Liaison Officer, won the Leadership Award: • Advancing Equality Award – Bristol BME Voice for its work to promote the inclusion of

partnership working.

• Impact Award – Voscur and

together for the benefit

Bristol Compact for their joint

of our service users and

work in using the Compact to

the people of Bristol.”

advocate on behalf of Bristol

• Innovation Award – Bristol

VCS organisations. This work

Clinical Commissioning Group’s

has achieved substantial

provider market development

changes in operations and

in its Modernising Mental Health

policy in the city.

commissioning process.

• Leadership Award – The

Black and Minority Ethnic people

work of Mark Hubbard in

and communities in Bristol’s

influencing commissioning

public agencies and among

and procurement policy and

organisations working with

practice at Bristol City Council.

those communities.

According to the nomination

• Partnership Award – Avon

by Carol Metters MBE, Missing

& Somerset Police & Crime

Link: “Mark is well respected

Commissioner for its Voluntary,

by both commissioners and

Community and Social

VCS organisations and, for

Enterprise Sector Charter. This

five years, has helped to

builds on the region’s local

forge constructive, improved

Compacts and enshrines the

relationships. This really sets

PCC’s commitment to good

the scene for how we should

28 www.voscur.org

all be working well

The Awards were hosted by Rob Wilson, Minister for Civil Society, in London on 5 November.

Several representatives from Bristol attended.

For more information, visit: www. bristolcompact.org.uk or contact Mark Hubbard on 0117 909 9949 or email mark@voscur.org

January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

Helping Things Get Better The Bristol Compact is useful for mediating between VCS organisations and the public sector. Sometimes things go wrong and advocacy can get things back on track.

Mark Hubbard, Compact Liaison Officer, describes a recent advocacy case.

Relationships are important

Example: Decommissioning

changes on service users,

for effective working together

of a service

workforce and provider.

and are often complex, have

A VCS organisation was asked by

developed over time and include assumptions. Common reasons for difficulties arising are: • Neglect – little or no time spent

its commissioner to adjust funds needed to deliver its contract. This request was not unexpected after funds from the previous year were

• Bristol Compact – effective management of change, good communication and working together to identify solutions.

With advice, the organisation

discussing and understanding

reduced from £370k to £350k.

different perspectives; failure

This year, the provider expected a

to meet monitoring deadlines;

similar situation but was surprised

no feedback given to reports

by the reduction to £150k.

and results.

Over several months, the

honest and proactive. Specific

provider tried to redesign

actions were agreed and have

services and its organisational

resulted in restoring contract

structure to accommodate such

funds to £250k, preventing

a loss of income. It then sought

redundancies and closure, services

advice from Bristol Compact as

continuing and a new strategic

it felt that the scale of reduction

commissioning process. Happy

and the process were unfair

customers all round:

• Conflict – disagreements can fester, turn into punitive actions and outright conflict.

Difficulties are often exacerbated by a breakdown of communication, making positive resolution unlikely.

VCS organisations and commissioners regularly approach Bristol Compact for advice when relationships have gone wrong.

wrote to the commissioner raising these concerns, requesting a three-way meeting with Bristol Compact. The discussions were

and unreasonable.

A review of papers indicated that

“We can’t thank you enough

the reduction in funds appeared

for your expert intervention

not to have followed due process,

and support”

The Bristol Compact is used in

which should have applied:

a brokerage role to advocate

• Best Value Statutory Guidance

for improved communication

– direct consultation with

and relationships. The means of

affected service users prior to

“You’ve really helped us

achieving this is simple: listening

the funding decision; at least

discuss this and come up

to both parties, helping to share

three months’ notice.

with great solutions”

perspectives and working together to find solutions.

• Decommissioning Policy – assessment of impact of the

Issue 27 January / February / March 2015

www.voscur.org

29

UNISON – Committed to Achieving Equality in our Workplaces, in our Union and Across Society UNISON and Voscur are working closely together on a shared agenda of equalities and fairness. After UNISON’s support of Voscur’s Annual Conference, Vicky Boroughs (South West Women’s and Equalities Officer) describes the union’s approach to inclusion.

In common with many Bristol

• Fair Representation – Means

information via a newsletter

Voluntary and Community Sector

being representative of part-

or are part of a network

organisations, equality and

time and full-time workers,

or may meet regularly as a

challenging discrimination are

manual and non-manual

group to support each other

at the heart of UNISON in our

workers, different occupations,

and campaign on issues that

workplaces and union branches.

skills, income, age, race,

concern them.

It is one of our founding

sexuality, gender identity

principles, informs our priorities

and disability. This is not an

A good place to start

and is firmly embedded in our

exhaustive list – it is about the

Self-organised groups may be the

organising, negotiating and

principle of inclusion.

first point of contact with the

• Positive Action – In all our

union for members and potential

committed to achieving equality

regional structures and

members. Because prejudice and

in our workplaces, in our union

committees there are reserved

discrimination are deep-rooted in

and across society.

seats for equalities members,

our society, self-organised group

low paid and young members

members have traditionally been

(under 27). These positive steps

less visible in trade unions and

ensure that not only are their

under-represented in democratic

views properly represented and

structures. Our self-organisation

heard, but equality is firmly

has several advantages:

campaigning work. UNISON is

UNISON has a number of Positive Action Strategies enshrined in our rules in order to achieve equality and challenge discrimination throughout UNISON’s structures and in everything we do, including: • Proportionality – Means that

embedded in everything we do.

• Self-Organisation – Our union is unique in the focus on support for members from equalities

our structures, delegations

groups (Black members;

and activities at branch,

Disabled members; LGBT

regional and national level

members; Women members)

should represent women and

to come together and inform

men in fair proportion to their

the wider union’s policies and

membership numbers.

direction. In branches this may mean members receive

30 www.voscur.org

• Helps the union to identify and challenge discrimination and build equality.

• Provides a way for members to get involved in the union, developing skills, expertise and confidence.

• Offers an alternative pathway into trade union activism through identity politics.

January / February / March 2015 Issue 27

Examples of UNISON’s Equalities Successes in Bristol • Recent work with disabled members in several community organisations to ensure that appropriate and workable adjustments are made to allow them to do their jobs without compromise.

• Living Wage at Bristol City Council – our negotiators have helped to lift many council employees out of work poverty.

• Ethical Care Charter – our campaign for fair terms and conditions for workers in the care sector, including travel time and an end to zero-hour contracts.

• Bristol Pride – sponsored by UNISON and supported by members from Bristol branches.

Issue 27 January / February / March 2015

Interested?

For more information about Self Organisation and Self Organised Groups in the South West, contact: Regional Women’s & Equalities Officer, Vicky Boroughs, 01823 285314, v.boroughs@unison.co.uk

UNISON in Bristol Many employees of Bristol VCS organisations are members of UNISON. These are included in several branches across the city. For example, Bristol Branch has 5,000 members from Bristol City Council and from 280 community organisations – to find out more, visit www.bristolunison.co.uk

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

Voscur Training and Events January 2015 Date

Time

Event/training

Location

20th

9:30am-3:30pm

Recruiting Volunteers

The Gatehouse Centre

21st

12pm-2pm

Mind the Gap: Negotiation Skills

Royal Oak House

22nd

6pm-9pm

Being a Good Trustee

Barton Hill Settlement

28th

10:30am-12:30pm

Finance Forum: Insurance for VCS organisations

Royal Oak House

29th

1pm-3:30pm

Health and Social Care Network Meeting

St Werburghs Community Centre

February 2015 Date

Time

Event/training

Location

4th

10am -12pm

Children and Young People's Network Meeting

Barton Hill Settlement

5th

9:30am-3:30pm

Preparing Your Accounts for your End-of-Year Report

St Werburghs Centre

10th

12pm-2pm

Mind the Gap: Introducing your organisation to Twitter

Royal Oak House

11th

9:30am-4pm

Fund It!

The Watershed

17th

9:30am-12:30pm

Preparing for Media Interviews

The GreenHouse

March 2015 Date

Time

Event/training

Location

3rd

6pm-8pm

Trustee Network

To be confirmed

5th

6pm-9pm

Being an Even Better Trustee

Barton Hill Settlement

10th

12pm-2pm

Mind the Gap: Monitoring and Evaluation

Royal Oak House

10th

1pm-6:30pm

BME Fair and Awards

Trinity Centre

12th

9am-2pm

City Devolution and Communities

The Bristol Pavillion

18th

9:30am-3:30pm

Developing a Fundraising Strategy

The Gatehouse Centre

19th

9:30am-1pm

Good Practice in Social Media

Knowle West Media Centre

24th-25th

9:30am-3:30pm

Leadership Skills for Managers and Supervisors

St Werburghs Centre

26th

9:30am-12:30pm

Commissioning and the VCS: Two Years On

The Bristol Pavillion

31st

9:30am-1pm

Safeguarding and Whistleblowing

The Southville Centre

For details of all the above training and events, visit: www.voscur.org/training-and-events

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