Voscur magazine Thrive! Jan 2012

Supporting Voluntary & Community Action

January / February / March 2012

Inside this issue: New – Trustees network New – membership offer for small groups Free access to GRANTnet Governance code updated NAVCA commissioning guide reviewed BOOST your organisation with a skilled volunteer Winter/spring training programme New guidance for joint working Assembly and Network news Sign up for a young apprentice

On Site Bristol Electrical Apprentice Martina Waberseck of Montpelier, Bristol on her way to Bronze Medal at the National SkillELECTRIC final.

Photography by Roger V Moody

Trustee Network Wednesday 7 March 2012 (6.30pm-8.30pm) This new network gives you the opportunity to meet with other trustees, directors, and management committee members in an informal and friendly environment.

Charity HR will talk about The Board as Employers, covering the basics of employing staff, policies and procedures and contracts of employment.

The best support often comes from others facing similar challenges - come along and tell us how this network can meet your needs.

To book contact Voscur on 0117 909 9949

New small groups offer Free Voscur membership for groups with an income of under £10,000 per year.

Benefits include: free or discounted places on training courses, free quarterly magazine, weekly e-bulletins, free access to GRANTnet, discounted job adverts, promotion of events and news on the Voscur website diary, and online notice-board.

To find out about membership fees for your group and to join Voscur see below: www.voscur.org/about/joiningonline

Welcome

Contents 4 Editorial 5

New Members

6

Voscur News

22

Consultation on priorities for BME voice launched

New Voscur Board members elected

7

23

Voscur Website News Website improvements and sign up for GRANTnet

8-9

Support Hub: Finance and Governance Finance resources and code of good governance updated

10

Support Hub: Commissioning NAVCA guide for Trustees reviewed

11

Black and Minority Ethnic Voice and Influence

Support Hub: Baseline Standards Use the standards to improve your performance

12-13 Support Hub: BOOST Skilled volunteers support VCS organisations

14-15 Support Hub: Training and learning Introducing new training courses

16-17 Support Hub: Training and learning programme

Child Poverty Strategy National and local strategies to tackle child poverty

24

Backing Young Bristol Sign up for a young apprentice

25

Children and Young People’s Organisations: NAVCA Training Business skills for people from local development organisations who support groups working with children and young people

26-27 Neighbourhood Planning Local groups take back the power

28-29 Community First Fund and Community Organisers Government supports communities

30-31 Member Profile: Crisis Centre Ministries The impact of the Secret millionaire

32 Diary

Winter – spring courses

18-19 The Compact: Collaboration New guidance for joint working

20-21 Voice and Influence Assembly and network news

Keep up to date with Voscur online:

www.facebook.com/voscur

twitter.com/voscur

Thrive! is available on disc. Please contact the office if you would like to receive your Thrive! this way. The newsletter is also available online as a pdf at www.voscur.org/magazine

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

Issue 15 January / Febuary / March 2012

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3

Editorial

Dear members and friends 2011 has been a big year for

• moving offices to Royal Oak

Voscur – in February, Voscur’s

House, which means that our

board signed a contract with

office is more central and

Bristol City Council to deliver

that we are close to Quartet

infrastructure support services.

Community Foundation and

When this contract was designed,

Volunteer Bristol;

it described sector needs, and

• developing and launching a

envisaged the provision of support

range of new services under

for the growth of a sector which

the banner of the

would be responding to a range of

Support Hub;

opportunities.

The reality of the political and economic climate means that the sector needs that were identified three years ago have changed enormously. Support for growth is an important part of our new service but we are also now often asked to respond to crisis situations triggered by a reduction in funding.

Our aim is to reach a position where we are working through the Support Hub and Voice and Influence initiatives to help groups improve their performance, develop strong relationships and work together to achieve change.

• completing a comprehensive consultation on a new Voluntary Sector Assembly; and supporting a number of Network meetings • working in partnership with Bristol City Council, the Legacy Commission and the Bristol Race Forum to set up the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Voice and Influence Steering Group which has commissioned a piece of work to look at how BME people can be more influential

through as an organisation over the past year have been challenging for the Voscur staff team and board. However, we can look back on some big

year brings, and assure you of our continued support for Bristol’s Voluntary and Community Sector.

Wendy Stephenson Chief Executive Voscur

in Bristol; and • developing and securing funding for a project with the University of Bristol that will measure the economic impact of the sector over the next

The changes that we have been

Wendy Stephenson Chief Executive

Equalities Article

two years.

The most significant achievement is that we have provided direct support to around 150 organisations.

achievements in 2011 that

In 2012 we look forward as a

included:

stronger and enthusiastic team

Key to symbols

Training Information & Resources Event

to the challenges that the new

4 www.voscur.org

January / Febuary / March 2012 Issue 15

New Members

New Voscur Members Action First Plus

have conditions such as autism and

A legal aid firm of solicitors

02920257319

Down’s syndrome.

specialising in public law and

actionfirstplus@mail.com Delivers grass-roots services to assist vulnerable individuals and marginalised groups.

Bristol Indian Association 0117 9397290 santokhsandhu@talktalk.net The Association is for people

African Voices Forum

over 65 to socialise and

07862729407

exercise together.

africanvoicesforum@yahoo.co.uk www.africanvoicesforum.org The Forum supports AfricanCaribbean community organisations.

Association of Filipinos in Bristol (AFB)

Filipino community.

Avon Counselling and Psychotherapy Service 0117 9304447 lin@phonecoop.coop www.acps-bristol.org.uk The Service provides counselling and psychotherapy to adults.

www.developecs.org.uk DEVELOP provides services for the

Keynsham & District Dial-a-Ride

0117 9397290 santokhsandhu@talktalk.net The Gurdwara arranges wedding ceremonies and classes.

admin@keynshamdialaride.co.uk

0117 9603326

www.keynshamdialaride.co.uk

thejunctionproject@yahoo.com

A door-to-door service for people who might not be able to walk far.

The Project provides accommodation and support for adults affected by alcohol or

North Somerset People First

substance misuse.

01934 426086

World Stage Festival

katemaconachie.nspf@yahoo. co.uk

01278 684060

learning disability.

help to families with children who

Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Bristol

The Junction Project

run by and for people with a

A national charity offering practical

prevent cruelty and promote

01225 395321

bibic

www.bibic.org.uk

bristoldogsandcatshome.org.uk

headoffice@developecs.org.uk

A self-advocacy organisation

hayley.scurr@bibic.org.uk

www.rspca-

kindness to animals.

Wiltshire and B&NES.

The Association supports the local

info@rspca-bristol.org.uk

01249 654089

info@

associationoffilipinosinbristol.org

01179 714197

The organisation aims to

voluntary and community sector in

www.

RSPCA Bristol & District Branch

Develop Enhancing Community Support

0117 9095904 associationoffilipinosinbristol.org

human rights.

Pierce Glynn Solicitors

0117 9249 976 becky@worldstagefestival.com www.worldstagefestival.com The organisation runs a new festival of international performing arts in Bristol in July.

0117 317 8133 Bristol@pierceglynn.co.uk www.pierceglynn.co.uk

Issue 15  January / Febuary / March 2012

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5

Voscur News

Taking up new challenges in 2012 including a current voluntary role with the Prince’s Trust.

Deana Stone has managed Hartcliffe and Withywood Teenage Parents’ Project for 13 years.

During this time, she also set up local community organisations, such as an after-school club and Tenants’ Association.

Max Beseke, Chair of Voscur, welcomes new Board Members at the AGM

Hen Wilkinson is Chief Executive

Voscur’s new board members –

A board member’s role

of Community Resolve which

elected at our November Annual

encompasses both governance

works to deflect conflict in

General Meeting can feel smug

and management. The Board

communities. She is a Visiting

at the start of 2012. They have

works to ensure the organisation

Fellow at the University of the

already ticked off a worthy New

remains true to its objectives

West of England.

Year’s Resolution: to contribute to

and purpose. It plans the

the continuing development and

future strategic direction of

support of Bristol’s voluntary and

the organisation. Responsibility

community sector. Only another

for monitoring the finances

49 resolutions to tackle before the

also lies with the Board. Equally

year’s out…

importantly, it provides support

Anyone involved with the

That’s enough about the role;

whether as paid staff member,

now let’s introduce our new

volunteer, or funder, knows the

Board Members.

forward to join a board. There are countless reasons behind this action: maybe you were cajoled?

Perhaps you were inquisitive about what goes on behind the scenes of a particular organisation? Or

Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol, works at Emmaus Bristol which supports homeless people.

He brings 20 years’ experience of a range of roles at trustee and

to the Chief Executive.

voluntary and community sector,

weighty commitment of stepping

Richard Pendlebury, a Deputy

senior management level.

Our new members join Max Beseke, Abdullahi Farrah, Frances Fox, Joanna Holmes, Paul Hazelden

Narinder Kaur already juggles a

(who was re-elected this year), and

paid role as Co-ordinator of the

Anna Smith.

Sikh Resource and Community

Welcome and thank you in

Development Centre with being

advance for all your hard work!

a non Executive Director of NHS Bristol.

you have been a service user

Phil Parry works as an

for many years and want to give

independent consultant in

something back? Whatever the

Bristol’s voluntary and community

reason, voluntary and community

sector. He has particularly been

sector organisations could

involved with organisations

not survive without volunteer

working with young people,

management committees.

6 www.voscur.org

See pages 8 & 9 for information on the Code of Good Governance

January / Febuary / March 2012 Issue 15

Voscur Website News

Web News If you follow Voscur on the web

Once submitted, a member of

you’ll have noticed that the

the Voscur staff will make sure

GRANTnet, by making an

Voscur website has a fresh new

everything is OK (we’ll contact

appointment to attend a

look, making it easy to navigate

you if there is a problem) and in

GRANTnet assisted search

and find the information you’re

less than 24 hours it will be up

session at the Voscur office.

looking for.

on the site. Every Wednesday we

You will be supported to run a

add the latest items uploaded by

search by a member of staff.

As well as updating Voscur.org we’ve launched a portal to the new Support Hub service at www.supporthub.org.uk with all our latest training and funding material in one handy place, and information on how and when the Support Hub can help your organisation. There are also details of our bursaries and information from organisations who are delivering the Support Hub

members to the Ebulletin which goes out to 1500+ subscribers every week (so post before Tuesday 5.00 pm if you want in this week).

Voscur is now offering free access to GRANTnet – a service you can run in your own time from your own computer.

• If you need help to use

You will need to be a member of Voscur to access any of the above as you will be asked to supply your email address and membership number. If you are not a member but would like to use the GRANTnet facility then please contact us and we can provide you with information on how to join. Membership bursaries are available for groups with low

service with us.

incomes.

We’ve been working hard on

Voscur is offering members one to

Accessibility as well and aim to

one GRANTnet assisted sessions on

achieve W3C AAA compliance

Voscur is pleased to be able to

Friday mornings. Please contact

as we continue to develop and

offer a free GRANTnet facility to

the office or speak to Lucy or

improve the sites.

our members. GRANTnet is an easy

Charlene if you wish to book an

to use system that enables you

appointment. 0117 909 9949.

At www.voscur.org, all the old favourites for promoting your events, your services and jobs are still in place. You’ll need to set up an account to take advantage of these areas, it’s a simple

to search for potential funders.

Groups can identify the area of activity that they are seeking funding for. GRANTnet has an extensive database of funders.

process very similar to creating an

There are a number of ways in

account on Facebook or Amazon.

which you can access GRANTnet,

The link to Create New Account is

and they are all free:

on the homepage.

• Using your own computer via the Voscur website

Once you have an account and are logged in you can go to the jobs,

• Using an external computer via the Voscur website

noticeboard, or events pages and choose to add your content.

or

Issue 15 January / Febuary / March 2012

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7

Support Hub: Finance and Governance

Good Governance ‘A Code for the Voluntary and Community Sector’ your organisation runs effectively

4. exercising effective control;

and follows good practice. The

5. behaving with integrity;

Principle two: an effective board will ensure delivery of organisational purpose

private and public sectors have

6. being open and accountable.

• ensuring organisational

Governance is about ensuring that

their own governance codes; there is also a code for the Voluntary and Community Sector, including charities.

Good Governance: a Code for the Voluntary and Community Sector has been written by the sector, for the sector. It is a practical and easy-to-use guide to help charities to develop good practice.

individuals and a team;

purposes remain relevant

It explains why each principle is important, and gives examples of how to apply them in practice.

• developing and agreeing a long

Good governance is essential for

• agreeing operational plans and

term strategy

the success of any organisation

budgets

and is now more important than

• monitoring progress and

ever. Board members play a

spending against plan and

vital role in serving their causes

budget

and communities. They bring

• evaluating results, assessing

passion and commitment as

outcomes and impact

An independent Steering Group

well as skills and experience to

including representatives from

the organisations they lead. An

ACEVO, the Institute of Chartered

effective board will provide good

Secretaries and Administrators

governance and leadership by:

(ICSA), NCVO and the Small

• reviewing and/or amending the plan and budget as appropriate.

Principle three: an effective board will work effectively both as individuals and a team

Code, with support from the

Principle one: an effective board will understand their role

Charity Commission. A new version

• their legal duties

for smaller organisations has

• their stewardship of assets

been produced: www.charity-

• the provisions of the governing

Charities Coalition (SCC) is responsible for developing the

commission.gov.uk/Library/

• the external environment

small_orgs.pdf (November 2011)

• the total structure of the

principles describing how an effective board provides good governance and leadership: 1. understanding their role; 2. ensuring delivery of organisational purpose; 3. working effectively both as

8 www.voscur.org

• finding and recruiting new board members to meet the

document

guidance/good_governance_

The Code is based on six key

and valid

• providing suitable induction for new board members • providing all board members

• setting and safeguarding the vision, values and reputation of • overseeing the work of the organisation • managing and supporting staff and volunteers where

in relation to skills, experience and diversity

organisation and in terms of:

the organisation

organisation’s changing needs

with opportunities for training and development according to their needs • periodically reviewing their performance both as individuals and as a team.

applicable.

January / Febuary / March 2012 Issue 15

Support Hub: Finance and Governance Principle four: an effective board will exercise effective control

• safeguard and promote the organisation’s reputation • act according to high ethical standards

• the organisation understands and complies with all legal and

• identify, understand and

regulatory requirements that

manage conflicts of interest

apply to it

and loyalty

• the organisation continues to

• maintain independence of decision making

have good internal financial and management controls

• deliver impact that best meets

which the organisation is exposed and has systems to manage those risks • delegation to committees,

Principle six: an effective board will be open and accountable • open communications,

staff and volunteers (as

informing people about the

applicable) works effectively

organisation and its work

and the use of delegated

• appropriate consultation on significant changes to

authority is properly supervised.

the organisation’s services

Principle five: an effective board will behave with integrity

others with an interest in the organisation’s work • handling complaints constructively, impartially and effectively • considering the organisation’s responsibilities to the wider community, e.g. its environmental impact.

the needs of beneficiaries.

• it regularly identifies and reviews the major risks to

beneficiaries, service users and

or policies • listening and responding to the

For the full version of the Good Governance Code please see: www.supporthub.org.uk/sites/ supporthub.org.uk/files/Good %20Governance%202010.pdf or for the Good Governance Code website: www. goodgovernancecode.org.uk

views of supporters, funders,

Resources to help improve your funding and financial stability Is your organisation fully aware

such as ‘Financial Procedures’

of the financial procedures it

and ‘How to Write a

should have in place? Managing

Fundraising Strategy.’

financial affairs can be a daunting prospect for organisations particularly in the current climate which presents additional challenges for generating income.

The Support Hub website has a range of resources for groups to help improve your funding and financial stability. We have produced a number of fact sheets

You can also find tools to assess whether your organisation

Finance Forum in February will be looking at VAT and Charities with an expert from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) – see diary page 32 for details

is ready for commissioning, or health check your organisation’s financial procedures.

The site includes a range of useful links to agencies and other resources. For more information please see: www.supporthub.org.uk

Issue 15 January / Febuary / March 2012

Support Hub Training Tips for More Successful Fundraising, Costing Your Project, and Developing a Fundraising Strategy – see pages 16 and 17 for details

www.voscur.org

9

Support Hub: Commissioning

New NAVCA guide, At Your Bidding – useful commissioning information for trustees A recent guide – NAVCA’s At Your Bidding – for charity trustees should help with improved understanding of commissioning. Mark Hubbard (Compact Liaison Officer), who works with commissioners and the VCS, reviews the guide for The Support Hub and adds Bristol context.

I was pleased to see this guide, which is aimed at the trustees of smaller charities and those new to public service delivery. It is a useful summary of commissioning for trustees, which covers • implications and impact of commissioning • the differences between ‘grant funding’ and competitive tendering/ commissioning processes • issues for trustees to consider • how to become ‘contract ready’ • managing risks, and • many signposts to useful resources.

It provides a good mixture of guidance, challenges (what the authors think trustees need to consider), hints and tips and useful links. Generally, I think this is a very useful guide and it should help Bristol trustees better understand and consider their organisational responses to commissioning. There are, however, a few things to bear

10 www.voscur.org

in mind about the guide. It is ...

• an introduction and it is not possible to include all details about commissioning and procurement.

• about commissioning in general and, of course, cannot include specifics about commissioning in Bristol.

• not about decommissioning – this is an important aspect and the guide would have been improved with this information.

• in a rapidly changing policy landscape, especially the new Localism Act, the Health and Social Care Bill, and the Open Public Services White Paper; things are changing fast.

The other main point I would make is that the guide is rather limited in how it presents VCS roles in commissioning. There is a focus on the tender/procurement/ purchasing part and little mention of the different roles that VCS organisations can have throughout the commissioning cycle (analyse-plan-do-review*).

It almost promotes a passive role of VCS; rather than the active, collaborative engagement that is forming in Bristol’s commissioning developments. In my opinion, the VCS should not be seen (or see itself) as a passive player simply waiting for contract opportunities;

Bristol’s VCS and commissioners should be working collaboratively to develop commissioning plans that are informed by the VCS’s excellent understanding of community needs and what works. When those are built into early stages (analyse-plan), the contracting/procurement (do stage) will present better opportunities for the VCS. There are several other points (for example, about consortia, TUPE) that I believe are relevant to Bristol VCS organisations but missing or not emphasised in the guide. I have provided a detailed commentary on a pdf version of the Guide so that Bristol trustees can see how the guide can help them, especially in the light of commissioning developments in Bristol.

*For more information, see article in Thrive Sept 2010 issue: http://issuu. com/voscur/docs/commissioingprocurement-sept-nov2010 To see the guide and more detailed commentary on it: www.bristolcompact.org.uk/ news/at-your-bidding

January / Febuary / March 2012 Issue 15

Support Hub: Commissioning

Bristol City Council’s Baseline Standards finalised After a period of consulting with Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations, Bristol City Council has released its revised Baseline Standards for the sector.

The purpose of the revised standards is “to safeguard the City Council’s investment in the VCS and ensure that all Bristol City Council funded organisations are well managed and provide good quality services.”

It is important that Baseline Standards are seen as central to a healthy and sustainable organisation. Organisations will need to be able to demonstrate that policies and procedures are an ‘active’ part of the running of the organisation and are reviewed regularly.

The standards cover the following areas and include suggested ways for organisations to meet the standards.

Baseline Standard 1: Governance Baseline Standard 2: Financial Management Baseline Standard 3: Equalities Baseline Standard 4: Employment Baseline Standard 5: Insurance Baseline Standard 6: Service User Involvement and Participation

Baseline Standard 8: Information Sharing Baseline Standard 9: Health, Safety & Wellbeing Baseline Standard 10: Safeguarding Baseline Standard 11: Monitoring and Evaluation Baseline Standard 12: Environmental management and sustainability In November 2011, the revised Baseline Standards were approved

by Bristol City Council’s Enabling Commissioning Board. There is a plan for the standards to be reflected in the standardised Pre Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) and apply to all public, private and VCS organisations that have contracts or funding agreements with Bristol City Council.

Achievement and active implementation of these standards will demonstrate to funders, investors, service users and members alike, that your organisation is well run.

To read and download a copy of the baseline standards from the Support Hub website follow this link: www.supporthub.org.uk/sites/ supporthub.org.uk/files/BCCBaseline-Standards-sept2011.pdf

Baseline Standard 7: Complaints

Issue 15 January / Febuary / March 2012

We know that it is a challenge for some organisations to meet the Equalities standard, that is, to ensure that their Equalities practice is up to date and their collection of Equalities data reflects current requirements.

The Support Hub’s Equalities training will help your organisation to get it right.

Equalities Monitoring – Getting it Right Monday, 30 January 2012, 9:30am-1:00pm Many organisations have concerns about asking their service users for equalities information. Organisations need this information in order to understand who they are reaching and how to reach a wider audience.

Updating your Equality and Diversity Policy Tuesday 13 March 2012, 9:30am-3:30pm The Equality Act 2010 brought in new legislation and this means organisations need to be clear about how that impacts on their service. This course will help you to review your Equality and Diversity Policy.

See pages 16 & 17 for more courses and booking information.

www.voscur.org

11

Support Hub: BOOST

Do you need a bit of a Boost! for the New Year?

Jennifer Stevenson, Boost! PR volunteer: “I’ve never worked for a charity before and I’m really enthused by the nature of the work.”

Lesley Willmott, Clinical Manager, KWADS – Supporting Drug & Alcohol Affected Families: “It’s been wonderful! We have really made a lot of progress in such a short time, whereas before we weren’t sure what to do.”

“So Regina, tell me, how did you

The aim of the programme is

year. The staff at KWADS has an

get on with that radio interview?

for the volunteer to make a big

interest in and some creative ideas

I want to hear all about it.” So

difference to an area of work

around media work, but they

begins another eventful day for

in a short space of time, usually

often find themselves too busy to

Jennifer (Jenny) Stevenson as a

over a few weeks or months, and

take them forward.

Boost! PR volunteer at KWADS,

to give other staff or volunteers

where she has been volunteering

at the organisation the skills

for just over a month. As a

and confidence to carry on with

journalist and editor with many

that work in the longer term. In

years’ experience, she is finding

return, they gain the reward of

that her media skills are highly

helping to make an impact for

valuable to a busy charity such

the voluntary organisation and

as KWADS.

utilising or developing their hard-

The Boost! programme, which is being run by Volunteer Bristol for The Support Hub matches volunteers with specialist professional skills with voluntary

Jenny describes her current situation as juggling “job hunting and trying to use my professional skills and also perhaps stretching them into new areas.” She wants to keep these skills alive whilst

won specialist skills. Volunteers need to have at least two years of work experience and want to work with the organisation to increase its capacity in the chosen area.

also being able help a group doing worthwhile work. It was important for her to have current work that she was happy with that she can then refer to when looking for paid employment. “For a small organisation I think the main

organisations who are small, in

Jenny’s role involves helping the

thing is having someone whose

crisis, or who work with vulnerable

organisation with PR, Media and

focus is Media & PR because

people. A Boost! volunteer may

Communications. Her tasks range

they are unlikely to be able to

have a background in fundraising,

from writing media releases,

afford to have someone to do

business planning, finance,

training and supporting staff in

this”, she says.

photography or many other

undertaking radio and television

professional work fields which can

interviews, communicating

be important to a voluntary or

changes in organisational focus,

community organisation.

to developing a PR plan for the

12 www.voscur.org

KWADS is a small charity, based in Knowle West, but who support the whole of Bristol. Their aim

January / Febuary / March 2012 Issue 15

Support Hub: BOOST Photos courtesy: Christina Meyer-King – www.christaimages.com

Jennifer Stevenson, Boost! PR volunteer at her desk

Jenny discussing radio interviewing techniques with Regina from KWADS

is to help families affected by

group, and we had some nice

drug and alcohol abuse. With a

coverage for this.”

dedicated team of seven staff, and supported by the work of volunteers, they were keen to have someone to assist with media work. Lesley Willmott, Clinical Manager at KWADS, co-ordinates Jenny’s work and has been pleased to see how the charity’s work is being more widely communicated. She explains “Families and carers are often hidden, as drug and alcohol users are usually stigmatised, but helping the supporters can also mean more help for the user. It takes a long time for people to seek help themselves and some may have lived with a problem for many years and are at the end of their tether. Jenny wrote a media release timed to coincide

For organisations or individuals interested in the Boost! programme there are some steps to go through to make sure that the organisation is eligible and that the volunteer can support them in the required way. So that as many organisations as possible can be helped, only one Boost! volunteer can be placed with an organisation each year.

Some preparation and flexibility is needed on both sides, but the rewards can be significant for both too. Jenny has found the organisation very welcoming and is enjoying keeping her skills alive, whilst Lesley says that she wouldn’t hesitate to host another Boost! volunteer.

with Alcohol Awareness week (14-20 Nov), where we could communicate clearly how the charity was assisting our client

Issue 15 January / Febuary / March 2012

Could your organisation do with a Boost! or perhaps you think you might like to become a Boost! volunteer? If so, please contact Anja Dalton, Boost! Project Coordinator at Volunteer Bristol.

0117 989 7734 | 07963 831882 | boost@volunteerbristol.org.uk | www.volunteerbristol.org.uk

www.voscur.org

13

Support Hub: Training and learning

It’s the New Year – time for some training!

Training for new groups Bristol has a thriving voluntary and community sector, with over 1000 organisations already in existence and new ones springing to life.

What about support for these infant organisations?

An organisation’s early days are a vital stage requiring a range of skills and effective leadership. You will need to look at vision, policies, fundraising, marketing, finances and legal structures. Getting it right from the start is the way to make organisations grow and

During the training you will:

develop with good health.

• Get new ideas to develop

“Kick Start your Organisation”, a new 6 session course, starting 31

Fundraising courses for you, whatever your needs.

Funding sources for the

your group

voluntary and community

• Find out how to provide

January, is aimed at new groups or

evidence to funders, investors

sector are becoming scarcer.

groups that have been running for

and volunteers of the need for

New and innovative ways to

some time but need to focus on

your services

raise funds is a must for most

what next.

It will help you get going and give you all you need to have in place to make sure your ideas are put into action.

It has been developed so that groups can work in line with Bristol City Council’s (BCC) baseline standards (see page 11). Meeting these standards will help with future funding and commissioning opportunities.

• Make a clear plan of practical

organisations today. The Support

next steps for your group

Hub fundraising courses will take

• Network with other groups at a similar stage • Learn about quality standards for organisations • Find out how you can get further support

you through all the stages of fundraising to help you focus your attention on what works best for you.

Courses include • Tips for Successful Fundraising

Run by skilled development

• Commissioning and Outcomes

workers, with over 20 years’

• Prove it – convincing funders

experience of working in the

your project is needed

sector – don’t risk missing out

• Costing your Project

on this course!

• Ten steps to the perfect tender • Developing a Fundraising strategy

14 www.voscur.org

January / Febuary / March 2012 Issue 15

Support Hub: Training and learning Support Hub Marketing Courses.

When Bristol City Council carried out a sector needs analysis in 2009-10, a significant number of organisations identified marketing support as a need. Two years on and organisations are still coming to the Support Hub to ask for help to promote their organisations.

In response, we are running two marketing courses: Marketing on a Shoestring and Developing a Marketing strategy. See pages 16 & 17.

Free places on courses We have a number of free places on all of our courses and have developed new criteria in response to need.

Since February 2011, the Support Hub has delivered training courses to over 200 people. Here’s what some participants had to say: From “Making the Most of the Media” July 2011 • Fantastic quality training, very knowledgeable and balanced approach to training • The trainer was excellent, she involved everyone and shared her expertise, wit and warmth in a very encouraging and

Full Voscur members can get a

informative manner.

free place, provided you meet 2 of the following criteria: • You are a new group (less than 2 years old) • Have a turnover of less than £50,000 per year • Are providing services for people/ groups in areas of deprivation or for equalities communities.

If you qualify for a free place on a course, call us on 0117 909 9949.

From “How to deal with difficult issues in volunteer management” July 2011 • Excellent training and Excellent trainers • Interactive and enjoyable training that I would recommend • Excellent training that provides useful information.

From “Handling Disciplinaries and Grievances” May 2011 • I really got a lot out of this training. It has given me the knowledge that I can take and use in my role • Excellent session, very informative and comprehensive.

HR is so hard to get a handle on.

To find out more and how to book see page 16.

Issue 15 January / Febuary / March 2012

www.voscur.org

15

Support Hub: Training and learning programme

Support Hub Training Courses Prove it! – Convincing funders your project is needed FULL

Commissioning and Outcomes

Wednesday 11 January 2012, 9:30am-3:30pm

Outcomes and commissioning go hand in hand. In order to understand how your organisation can engage in commissioning, you will need to understand outcomes.

This course is aimed at people with some understanding of income generation, fundraising or tendering.

This basic course will equip you with the skills and resources you can use to prove to funders there is a need for your new or existing project.

Ten Steps to the Perfect Tender Tuesday 24 January 2012, 9:30am-3:30pm This session will help you focus on Bristol City Council’s pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) and invitation to tender, as well as highlighting the steps your organisation needs to take to make a successful proposal.

Equalities Monitoring – Getting it Right Monday 30 January 2012, 9:30am-1:00pm Many organisations have concerns about asking their service users for equalities information. Organisations need this information in order to understand who they are reaching and how to reach a wider audience.

Kick Start your Organisation 6 evening sessions starting Tuesday 31 January 2012 Are you a group of people with an idea for an organisation but don’t know where to start?

Or Has your group been running for some time and needs to focus on what next?

This six week course will help you to get your group running or make it more active. It is aimed at new groups and those that have been running for less than two years.

Thursday 2 February 2012, 9:30am-3:30pm

Tips for more successful Fundraising Thursday 23 February 2012, 9:30am-3:30pm This intermediate course will help you develop your fundraising skills. You will need some experience of fundraising but want to know more about writing successful funding applications.

Costing your Project Tuesday 6 March 2012, 9:30am-3:30pm This course will give you an introduction to the theory and methods of Full Cost Recovery (FCR) to ensure projects are costed effectively. This is for anyone who needs to know more about how to cost projects, unit costs and FCR.

Updating your Equality and Diversity Policy Tuesday 13 March 2012, 9:30am-3:30pm The Equality Act 2010 brought in new legislation and this means organisations need to be clear about how that impacts on their service. This course will help you to review your Equality and Diversity Policy.

Developing a Fundraising Strategy Wednesday 21 March 2012, 9:30am-3:30pm This course will help experienced fundraisers focus on developing a fundraising strategy for your organisation and action plan for future development.

To book onto any of these courses or to find out more please go to www.supporthub.org.uk/training-hub.

To book over the phone or find out if you can get a free place call us on 0117 909 9949.

16 www.voscur.org

January / Febuary / March 2012 Issue 15

Support Hub: Training and learning programme Don’t miss out! In response to your requests, we are running new marketing courses in 2012.

Marketing on a Shoestring Tuesday 28 February 2012, 9:30am-4.00pm This Workshop will cover: • The basics of marketing • Key messages • Developing a useful brand • Enhancing and maintaining a positive organisational image • Using free media to promote your organisation • Getting the right message across to the right people • Producing effective marketing materials

Developing a Marketing Strategy (2 day course) 27 & 28 March 2012 9:30am-4.00pm This event will cover: • Setting marketing objectives • The importance of branding • Developing Unique Selling Points (USPs) • Matching the message to the medium • Developing key marketing messages • Development of a marketing strategy • Communicating effectively with target audiences • Action planning

Sayer Vincent, consultants and auditors, is offering Voscur Full Members the opportunity to access their current courses and seminars. Sayer Vincent was established over 25 years ago specifically to work with charities and social enterprises and are committed to the charity and not-for-profit sector.

Voscur is pleased to offer these events half price.

You will need to make sure you are a Full member and use your membership number when you book.

For further information and to book please visit: www.sayervincent.co.uk

Upcoming courses: Trustee Responsibilities Thursday 26 January 2012, 9:30am-12:30pm This session is ideal as an induction for new trustees or a refresher for existing trustees, explaining the responsibilities and duties of charity trustees.

Venue: Orchard Street Business Centre, Central Bristol Costs: A limited number of reduced fee places available to Voscur Full Members at £37.50 plus VAT, please provide your membership number in the notes section of the booking form.

Preventing fraud with good controls Wednesday 29 February 2012, 9:30am-12:30pm This session will look at effective controls to prevent fraud, ways to detect fraud and then response plans if you do suspect fraud.

Venue: Orchard Street Business Centre, Central Bristol Costs: A limited number of reduced fee places available to Voscur Full Members at £37.50 plus VAT, please provide your membership number in the notes section of the booking form.

Issue 15 January / Febuary / March 2012

www.voscur.org

17

Bristol Compact

Working together to work better together With diminishing resources, there are increasing pressures for the VCS to work collaboratively. Mark Hubbard (Compact Liaison Officer) who works with public sector commissioners and VCS groups, reports on the positive development of tools to support Bristol collaborations.

Context

the need to support the

contracts. This means that

The reduction in funds available

provider market* in developing

many VCS organisations will

for public service delivery is

collaborative working. The

need to work collaboratively

leading to increased pressure

following examples illustrate

if they are to continue to

on commissioners and service

the shift.

deliver BYL services. BYL

providers. That pressure,

• Big Lottery’s Improving

commissioners and Voscur held a ‘speed-networking’ event and

alongside some assumptions

Futures and Improving

that are commonly attached

Financial Confidence

to collaborative working such

programmes – these new

as, collaborative working offers

funds made it necessary for

better value for money and

a VCS collaboration to have

improved integration of services,

endorsement and involvement

is leading to fewer and larger

of the local authority. There

contracts. There is also an

was, therefore, a need for

assumption that, in managing

some facilitation of Bristol’s

fewer contracts, the resources

response, so that the sector

needed in contract management

could collaborate and make

will be lessened.

strategic proposals through a

The drivers for collaboration are

fair and open process. These

coming from several sources

activities were facilitated by an

(including Big Lottery as well as

independent project team**

the state) and consequently,

and resulted in proposals

it is likely that more funders

being submitted by VCS-led

will require collaborations and

collaborations.

partnerships.

• Bristol Youth Links (BYL) – this commissioning process

Recent developments

will result in more integrated

There have been several recent

services to meet children and

activities in Bristol that indicate

young people’s needs. The

a significant shift in thinking-

c. 70 current grants/contracts

commissioners now recognise

will change to 9 larger

18 www.voscur.org

published a list of organisations so that VCS organisations interested in collaborating were able to introduce themselves.

This process is ongoing.

• Flexible Support Fund – Bristol City Council (BCC) has received funds from Jobcentre Plus to establish a project that will support jobseekers to return to the labour market. BCC’s innovative proposal outlined the delivery by a VCS-led collaboration, instead of delivery by the local authority.

A similar project team (BCC and Voscur) has formed to work with the VCS to facilitate the rapid formation of a VCS collaboration to take advantage of this £400,000 opportunity.

The service should be in place Feb/Mar 2012.

January / Febuary / March 2012 Issue 15

Bristol Compact

Supporting collaborations

providers will not need to develop

At the same time as those

their own agreements. It has

facilitation activities, BCC’s

been approved by BCC’s legal

Enabling Commissioning

advisors and it is recommended

Board*** has established

that providers take their own

several ‘workstreams’, one of

legal advice after being awarded

which is focusing on Market

a contract. The provision of

Development. It is working on a

this template and the timing of

set of tools (based on the learning

legal advice will mean that VCS

from the above activities) for

organisations will not need to

commissioners so that they can

spend resources on the

support and develop the market

paperwork until they know they

in forming collaborations.

have a contract.

In addition the Enabling

Another important aspect of the

Commissioning Framework will

template is that it includes Bristol

offer guidance and templates

Compact principles: full-cost

Mark Hubbard

for the VCS to use in its

recovery, payment in advance,

(Compact Liaison Officer)

collaborations. The documents

proportionate monitoring and

mark@voscur.org

include descriptions of the

evaluation, and fairness in

0117 909 9949

different forms of collaborations

decommissioning. This should set

* Provider market – range of

(listed in the information box) and,

the scene: that lead organisations

organisations/groups/companies

importantly, guidance on BCC’s

are expected to act with decency

that may wish to deliver services

procurement/commissioning

and fairness, and that smaller VCS

requirements from them. These

organisations should experience

should enable VCS organisations

fairness in their collaborations.

to take decisions about which

From a Compact perspective,

form of collaboration is most

Joint Commissioning Team,

these are very positive steps

appropriate.

Homelessness Policy and

that will help address some of

Bristol Compact.

The Consortium Agreement

the concerns and issues that VCS

template will be very useful to

organisations have reported about

Bristol’s VCS. It is intended to be

working collaboratively.

Different forms of collaborative arrangements • Lead partner consortium • Non-lead partner consortium • Sub-contracting • Special purpose vehicle • Merging • Partnership

More information www.bristolcompact.org.uk/ vcse/collaborating

** Bristol City Council (BCC) Strategic Commissioning and Procurement Service, CYPS’

*** responsible for the development and implementation of the Enabling

used in Lead partner consortium,

Commissioning Framework,

Non-lead partner consortium

BCC’s standardisation of

and Partnership arrangements.

commissioning processes.

The Enabling Commissioning

www.bristol.gov.uk/

Framework has provided this

commissioning

template so that individual

Issue 15 January / Febuary / March 2012

www.voscur.org

19

Voice and Influence

Voice and Influence – representing the views of the voluntary and community sector Consultation ended in October on

advocate for the voluntary and

process to identify and support

the proposals for a new voluntary

community sector through clear

VCS Advocates has begun. VCS

and community sector (VCS)

communication channels showing

Advocates’ nominations are

Assembly to ensure that the VCS

how the views from the sector are

currently being identified for

in Bristol has a ‘strong voice’ and

represented.

the following decision making

can ‘influence decisions’. The consultation responses have been considered and proposals adapted to reflect the feedback.

Voice and Influence activities will: • Provide a place for the VCS to network, offer mutual support, to raise and discuss issues • Influence decisions on issues of importance to the VCS • Enable clear and structured

partnerships:

Partnership – working through

• Children & Young People’s

co-operative and inclusive

Outcomes Board

partnerships. We will aim to minimise duplication, to promote unity and to encourage and

Attainment and

facilitate co-operation between

Progression Board • Children & Families Early

voluntary and community

Intervention Standing Group

organisations.

Respect – working on the basis of mutual respect and demand that respect in return for and from its membership. Particpants are

the views from the VCS to be

expected to be open and honest.

• Promote good communication, networking and support for and with the VCS • Support VCS capacity building

• North Area Partnership Executive Group • South Area Partnership Executive Group

ways for consultation and represented

• Children and Young People’s

• Central and East Area Partnership

Compact – working in line with the

• Executive Group

Compact, respecting the Compact

• Health and Wellbeing Board

Codes and championing its use.

• Health and Social Care working group

Find out more about Voice and Influence

• Safer Bristol Partnership

Visit

• Commissioning Group

www.voiceandinfluence.org.uk

• Reducing Re-offending board

and Influence:

Advocates for the voluntary community sector

For full details about the

Equality and Inclusion – creative

Voice and Influence will seek to

reference for these partnerships

positive action will be undertaken

ensure that the knowledge and

and the nomination process visit

to encourage the involvement of

expertise from the voluntary

www.voiceandinfluence.org.uk

groups within the VCS who are

and community sector in Bristol

marginalised or excluded.

is engaged at decision making

Advocate – active participants will

partnerships. A nomination

to engage with decision makers • Build awareness of VCS in the public and private sector These values will underpin Voice

20 www.voscur.org

• Community Safety Joint

VCS Advocate roles, terms of

January / Febuary / March 2012 Issue 15

Voice and Influence Updates from Voice and Influence Network meetings

the new ‘Assets of Community

Bristol City Council’s Adult Social Care Consultation underway

Value’ legislation were also

Bristol City Council is now

discussed. For more details and

carrying out two exercises. One

notes and resources from the

to consider residential services,

Neighbourhoods and Communities

At the November meeting we

and one to plan the future of Day

Network meeting visit www.

looked at parts of the Localism Act

Opportunities. Both consultations

voscur.org/111130networkmeeting

will run until 29th February 2012.

V&I Neighbourhoods and Communities Network

An evaluation of Bristol’s Neighbourhood Partnerships and

and what it might mean for the in November 2011 with many

V&I Health and Social Care network

of the powers due to come into

In December the H&SC Network

effect in spring 2012.

discussed concerns around Bristol

VCS. The Act received royal assent

A directly elected mayor for Bristol?

Bristol is one of 13 cities that will hold referendums in May 2013 to

issues raised included: • The risks for small voluntary organisations from spot contracts (as opposed to block purchasing).

• Concerns about how VCS

The N&C Network meeting

organisations will be able to

discussed the government

market the services that they

consultation on what powers

provide to people who have

directly elected mayors could

personalised budgets.

comments that were submitted as part of the government consultation: • Elected mayors may need

www.citizenspace.com/bristol

implications for VCS groups. The

having a leader of council to a

have. These are some of the

available to complete at:

City Council H&SC funding and the

decide whether to change from directly elected mayor.

A consultation questionnaire is

Voice and Influence event dates for your diary Localism Act briefing sessions

A number of participants from

in partnership with Bristol

VCS organisations will form a

City Council

working group to take these forward and develop better links

January (to be confirmed)

between Bristol City Council

for more details see

to have authority to address

Health and Social Care

www.voiceandinfluence.org.uk

issues outside of the Bristol

department and the voluntary

City Council boundaries (issues

and community sector.

Children and Young

such as transport and economic policy were highlighted).

• Elected mayors should have powers to decide the cycle for election of councillors.

• Whatever powers elected mayors have, it should mean

For more details, notes and resources from the Health and Social Care Network meeting resources

Peoples Network Wednesday 22 February 2012, 10am-12, The Southville Centre Neighbourhoods and

available at www.voscur.

Communities Network

org/111209networkmeeting

Thursday 15 March 2012, 5:30-

more not less decision making

8pm, Easton Community Centre

for neighbourhoods.

Issue 15 January / Febuary / March 2012

www.voscur.org

21

Black and Minority Ethnic Voice and Influence

Improving Voice and Influence for Bristol’s Black and Minority Ethnic Communities Numerous decisions are made

V&I structures. It is keen to

voice and influence of Bristol’s BME

everyday at national and local

ensure that new structures

communities in order to develop

levels which have a profound

will have the confidence of

and foster a political climate in

impact on people’s lives. For

BME communities, be valued,

which BME communities are

Bristol’s wide and diverse Black

respected and represent a wide

represented at all decision-making

and Minority Ethnic (BME)

range of BME voices. The steering

levels within institutions, and a

communities, developing more

group is pleased to have engaged

climate in which a broad range of

effective ways in which voices

‘Skyers-Poorman Consulting’ to

voices can be heard and acted on.

can be heard will improve how

carry out consultation towards

The consultation, which began

services are planned, designed

achieving this.

in October, 2010, runs until the

and delivered to meet needs.

end of January 2012. We have

For further information and for

Statutory organisations have a

updates on the BME V&I initiative

legal duty to involve residents and

please go to our website:

community groups in decisions

www.voscur.org/VCSAssembly/

about priorities and service

BMEVoice

delivery. Voscur as Bristol’s lead

voices are integral to informing the new VCS Assembly structures and its decision making.

range of organisations and individuals by means of telephone interviews, face-to-face interviews, attendance at group meetings, on-line, visits to local shops,

infrastructure organisation is committed to ensuring that BME

been consulting with a diverse

BME voice and influence – get your voice heard

barbers, markets and a range of other ways that suit individuals and organisations.

It is important that all voices are

Skyers-Poorman Research and

heard, and in particular, those

Consulting have been appointed

voices that often go unheard.

to undertake a consultation

and Voscur are accountable to,

So, please do get in contact with

with Bristol’s BME communities

either of us and let’s talk. We are

and responsive to the needs of

under the banner ‘BME Voice

flexible so let us know how you

BME communities.

and Influence.’

would like to be engaged. You can

The BME Voice & Influence

The initiative responds to a shared

(V&I) steering group was jointly

desire of BME led organisations

Telephone: 07956 572 983 or

established by Voscur and BCC as

in Bristol, the wider VCS, and

Email: sophia@skyers-morris.co.uk

a result of a public event in June

the public sector generally, to

2011; it recognises the need to

develop new and innovative

improve engagement, equality

ways of engaging. This is

and service delivery through

underpinned by the specific

effective and appropriate BME

purpose of strengthening the

It is essential that organisations such as Bristol City Council (BCC)

22 www.voscur.org

contact us by:

Sophia Skyers and Janet Poorman Skyers-Poorman Research and Consulting

January / Febuary / March 2012 Issue 15

Child Poverty Strategy

Tackling Child Poverty in Bristol The Child Poverty Act 2010 sets

Poverty Act. These mainly affect

both a risk to aspirations for

targets to be met by 2020. The

the relationship between the

the city and need for ‘common

Government must focus on four

Government and the proposed

purpose’ in addressing its causes

different measures of poverty,

Social Mobility and Child

and effects. Ending child poverty

including relative income poverty.

Poverty Commission, and the

requires action from central

Children are said to be living in

requirements on the Government

and local government working

relative income poverty if their

to report annually on its progress

in partnership with voluntary

household’s income is less than 60

in reducing child poverty.

and community services, as

per cent of the average national income. In Bristol this figure is approximately 27% of the total children and young people.

Moving from the national to the local picture: the Bristol Child Poverty Strategy 2011-

well as the private sector, to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged families.

2020 recently concluded its

Youth unemployment is another

Income measures do not give

consultation period. Voscur

key concern, particularly with

the full story about the causes

circulated the draft strategy to

numbers rising quickly. A number

and consequences of childhood

voluntary and community sector

of actions are being implemented,

disadvantage. The national

members for comment. This

such as a £250 million pilot to

strategy sets out a new set of

was followed by a Children and

give employers power over skills

indicators, including, but not

Young Peoples network meeting

training, incentive payments

limited to, the income targets

in October which included

to employ young apprentices

set out in the Act.

discussion on the priorities in

and wage subsidies to employ

the strategy. These priorities

unemployed young people –

themselves arose from the needs

see the article on page 24 on

assessment carried out over the

“Backing Young Bristol”.

Tackling poverty is about more than just raising family income.

It is about supporting parents into work; strengthening families so that they can support their children; and ensuring that all children have access to high quality early years education and schooling.

summer and autumn 2010. The needs assessment has also been used for the Children and Young People’s Plan and for the Bristol Safeguarding Children Board plan.

It will regularly be updated – so you can continue to inform the

The Government published its

needs assessment at http://

UK-wide child poverty strategy in

bristolchildren.wordpress.com

April 2011, “A New Approach to

where you can view the draft

Child Poverty: Tackling the Causes

strategy as well.

of Disadvantage and Transforming Families’ Lives”

For details of the national Child Poverty Strategy go to www.education.gov.uk/ publications/standard/ publicationDetail/Page1/ CM%208061

The Bristol Partnership identified child poverty as one of its

In May 2011, the Government

two key priorities in 2011. This

announced proposed

acknowledges that the level of

amendments to the Child

child poverty in Bristol presents

Issue 15 January / Febuary / March 2012

www.voscur.org

23

Backing Young Bristol

Backing Young Bristol: Help Bristol Partnership Tackle Youth Unemployment Bristol Partnership’s Executive Board is asking all partners to join the Partnership’s campaign ‘Backing Young Bristol’ to reduce unemployment amongst young people.

The campaign aims to increase the number of employers offering young people training and employment opportunities, and to promote youth employment, increasing awareness and publicising success stories.

Young people and employment With unemployment levels rising, the challenge facing a young person in getting that vital initial work experience and finding

includes an important group of customers.

What can you do?

Your organisation can play a

You can start now in supporting Bristol Partnership’s campaign

key role by:

employment is increasing. This

• Offering apprenticeship, work

early experience of working life

experience and employment

is critically important in helping a

opportunities to unemployed

Employ a young person as

young person develop the right

young people

an apprentice and help to

skills for employment, and start

• Encouraging your organisation’s

increase the number of young

to shape a career for themselves.

suppliers, sub-contractors,

people in the City starting an

Prolonged periods without

partners and networks to do

apprenticeship this year to 2,000.

employment and training at this

the same

For more information contact

time of life is known to have a

• Raising awareness of the

Mark Howard

long term damaging impact on

challenges facing young

a person’s future employment

mark.howard@apprenticeships.

people, the rewards and

prospects and income levels.

gov.uk or George Elliot

benefits of training and

george.elliot@apprenticeships.

Young people are the city’s future.

employing a young person,

gov.uk or go to

Employing and training a young

and publicise success stories

www.apprenticeships.org.uk

person helps to develop a skilled

Go to www.bristolpartnership.org

Offer a young person a work

or contact Karen King

placement

workforce to meet your future business needs and helps to make your workplace more productive. It also brings in new ideas, energy and enthusiasm to your organisation and ensures that your workforce

24 www.voscur.org

karen.king@bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2016 for more information about Backing Young Bristol and how you can get involved.

For more information contact Chris Mitchell chris.mitchell@bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2719

January / Febuary / March 2012 Issue 15

Working in partnership with NAVCA – Voscur is pleased to promote this free training opportunity.

Every business matters – Wednesday 8 February 2012 9:30am-4pm, Bristol A training and information day designed to help you develop your business skills to use with groups and organisations working with children, young people and families.

NAVCA is offering 15 free places for a business skills training and information day.

This training and information day is for development workers in local support and development organisations who are working to support groups working with children, young people and families.

The day will cover a range of topics exploring business skills and looking at how you could adapt these to support the groups and organisations you work with in your local community.

The course will look at: • Branding

• Competition

• Marketing

• Pricing

• Entrepreneurship

• Business planning

Time: 9.30-4pm

Date: Wednesday 8 February 2012

Venue: The Terrace Room, Barton Hill Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, Barton Hill, Bristol, BS5 0AX. (http://www.bartonhillsettlement.org.uk)

Please email events@navca.org.uk for more information.

Neighbourhood Planning

Local groups take back the power The government’s Localism Act includes proposals for Neighbourhood Plans (NP) where local residents and/or local businesses can come together to draw up proposals. The government announced a number of Neighbourhood Planning ‘Front Runner’ pilot schemes in Bristol. These are in Bedminster (Myrtle Triangle BS3), Redcliffe (Redcliffe Futures), and Lockleaze (Lockleaze Voice Neighbourhood Planning Forum).

We asked Ben Barker from the

land owners for much of the site,

site. Buildings would also bring in

BS3 Planning Group to explain

would normally be looking for

some revenue to offset securing

how one of the ‘Front Runner’

short-term financial return from

most of the site as an open green

Neighbourhood Planning projects

the sale of surplus land.

space. An alternative to housing

is going.

Name: Myrtle Triangle BS3 Location: Land around Myrtle Street, off North Street, Bedminster.

The BS3 Planning group, and

What is the Myrtle Triangle?

The Myrtle Triangle is near Myrtle Street in the Greater Bedminster Community Partnership. Some of it is privately owned, but most, an area about the size of College Green, belongs to Bristol City Council (BCC). Currently, it

spoken with would like to see a park rather than, say, flats or a car

The BS3 Planning Group is also

park. However, a park would not

working with the University

generate profits, so this option will

of Bristol and have four

not come from developers, nor

civil engineering students

be particularly attractive to BCC.

looking at possible alternative

Ideas for the space are beginning

energy sources that might be

to emerge from the BS3 Planning

incorporated into any plans.

Group’s discussions, these initial ideas include:

older people.

• Improve walking routes to the

people’s home, but a final decision has not been made.

Normally, speculating developers might be buzzing around looking for potentially profitable sites that might be coming up for redevelopment. The Council, as

26 www.voscur.org

option with a local GP partnership.

Who else has been involved in the site?

• keep existing trees on the site

The Council may close the older

the groups are also discussing this

people who’ve been leafleted, and

contains Hayleigh, a home for

What are the future plans the site?

might be a Wellbeing Centre and

How would local people like the site to be developed?

North Street shops • Create a space for children to play.

How effective will the Neighbourhood Planning powers be?

As a ‘Front Runner’ project we’re testing the proposals in the Localism Act and have been following its rules – although the

The discussions have considered

rules and guidance have not been

whether there should be new or

finalised. The effectiveness of

existing buildings as part of the

this legislation and the reality of

plan. Some new houses along

its claim to transfer ‘downwards’

the edge of the site would give

remain uncertain. But, the BS3

some passive surveillance for

Planning group and local people

what is otherwise a secluded

would be pressing for a new

January / Febuary / March 2012 Issue 15

Neighbourhood Planning

Ben Barker, BS3 planning group

Hayleigh

Find out more Details of the Neighbourhood Planning proposals can be found in the Plain English Guide to the Localism Act on the Department for Communities and Local Government website: Myrtle Street

www.communities.gov.uk/ documents/localgovernment/

park on this site, even if the

To find out more about the

Localism Bill didn’t exist. The

Myrtle Triangle BS3 project

pdf/1923416.pdf

Neighbourhood Planning powers

contact Ben Barker

Frequently asked questions

may help us deliver one, but it’s

(BS3 Planning Group).

about Neighbourhood Planning

too soon to say.

benbarker@blueyonder.co.uk

on the Planning Advisory service

0117 963 3652

website: www.pas.gov.uk/pas/ core/page.do?pageId=1240896

Bristol’s other ‘Front Runner’ Neighbourhood Planning projects are:

Bristol Neighbourhood

Redcliffe

Lockleaze

The Neighbourhood Planning

The Redcliffe Futures group

Lockleaze Voice Neighbourhood

Network (NPN) is a network of

is leading the project. The site

Planning Forum is leading this

voluntary groups within the

incorporates the land along

project.

Bristol area, working together

Redcliffe Way and is adjacent to a number of significant historic buildings including

The Lockleaze site is focused around Gainsborough Square.

Planning Network

to help themselves and each other get better involvement in how their neighbourhoods are

St Mary Redcliffe church and

developed, through the planning

Chatterton’s House.

system: www.bristolnpn.net

Issue 15 January / Febuary / March 2012

www.voscur.org

27

Community First Fund and Community Organisers

Community First – Neighbourhood Match Fund The Office for Civil Society (OCS)

amount of in-kind donations (this

Partnership panels already have

launched the Community First

means donations of cash, services,

the involvement of local people

Neighbourhood Match Fund

free products or volunteer time).

including councillors, they

in October which will provide

The total funding allocated to

have the processes required

small grants for community-led

each ward is the total to be

to deliver small grant funding

projects, in targeted communities

spent over a 4 year period. The

and monitoring, and the

in Bristol. Di Robinson, Bristol

intention is that the fund will

Neighbourhood Partnerships

City Council’s Service Director for

work at a neighbourhood level by

also already have neighbourhood

Neighbourhoods and Communities

the creation of Community First

priority plans.

writes about this funding and how

Panels in each of the areas. The

decisions about how it is spent will

panels will need to bring people

be made.

together to decide how funds

The Community First Fund has been allocated to wards with significant levels of deprivation and low social capital (as assessed by government teams).

Bristol City Council have agreed this approach with CDF, as well as discussing this with voluntary

should be used strategically in their local area to meet identified needs. The Panels are also required to: • have an active web presence

community sector partners locally who agreed it made sense to use the existing structures.

The Council is currently waiting for some feedback from CDF

The funding programme is

through a community website

regarding when the work can

being managed nationally by

or a blog

start and if any other groups

the Community Development

• match funds with their time,

in the areas have shown an

Foundation (CDF) but decisions

money or other resources on

interest so we can make those

about how it is spent will be made

a 1:1 basis

connections. Once next steps are

locally in each area.

• create a neighbourhood

The wards in Bristol included in this programme are as follows:

confirmed, the Council will use

plan which seeks to improve

our Neighbourhood Partnership

the quality of life in the

networks and those of VCS

neighbourhoods, including

partners to advertise the funds

Ashley £50,865

everyone’s voice in shaping

in those areas.

Avonmouth £33,910

the future.

Bishopsworth £33,910 Easton £33,910 Henbury £33,910 Hillfields £33,910 Lawrence Hill

£33,910

St George West

£33,910

Whitchurch Park

£50,865

Bristol City Council has been

the Community First Fund

approached to support the

please contact:

development of these panels,

CommunityFirst@cdf.org.uk

as local authority involvement is a requirement as well as the involvement of local councillors.

The council has decided to

The money awarded is a matched

initially register the existing

fund programme, which means

Neighbourhood Partnership

that every £1 provided in funding

Wellbeing Panels as Community

must be matched by a similar

First Panels. The Neighbourhood

28 www.voscur.org

For further information about

For information regarding progress in your specific area, or for more information about Wellbeing Funds and Neighbourhood Partnerships please use the website at www. myneighbourhoodbristol.com

January / Febuary / March 2012 Issue 15

Community First Fund and Community Organisers

Bristol’s Community Organisers hit the streets Bristol has 4

The Bristol Community Organisers are:

of the first of the 47 people

Name: Rebecca Cant

recruited to

Area: Barton Hill

be trained as

For more details visit: cocollaborative.org.uk/users/rebecca-cant

Community Organisers as part of the

Name: Steve Crozier

government funded programme.

Area: Easton

The recruits will be trained from

For more details visit: cocollaborative.org.uk/users/steve-crozier

now until 2015 and they will be based in local groups (in Bristol this is Barton Hill Settlement), bringing people together around various local issues. It is hoped that the Organisers will be involved in assisting communities to take

Name: Richard Parkes Area: Southmead For more details visit: cocollaborative.org.uk/users/richard-parkes Name: Leo Singer Area: St Pauls

advantage of the Community

Find out more: Locality has launched a website where you can find out

First Fund.

more about the community organisers. Visit: cocollaborative.org.uk

Barton Hill Settlement is hosting the Bristol Community Organisers

Issue 15  January / Febuary / March 2012

www.voscur.org

29

Member Profile: Crisis Centre Ministries

The Secret Millionaire Experience Lots of people in Bristol watched the ‘Secret Millionaire’ when the programme visited the city. Crisis Centre Ministries was fortunate to be chosen as one of the three charities. We have been asked to describe the impact it had on us, and to provide an update on what’s happened since then.

Setting the scene

area which could seat 14 people if

generous, and gave us £100,000

We are a Christian charity which,

they were friendly. It worked, but

for the new building, plus another

since 1984, has tried to help

a lot of the time we had to serve

£25,000 for other purposes.

anyone in Bristol with ‘life-

the food in takeaway trays as there

disrupting’ problems such as

was no place to sit. This seriously

The New Building

homelessness, addiction and

limited the help we could offer.

To cut a long story short, we

mental health issues. Amongst other things, we run the Wild Goose, a drop-in centre for homeless people. We think the Wild Goose is the oldest project of its kind in the country. That’s something to be proud of!

raised the remaining money and

The Secret Millionaire

bought the ex-pub. Renovation

For several years, we had been

and conversion cost more than

looking for a suitable building

initially estimated (surprise!), and

which could provide the Wild

the whole project was completed

Goose with the space it needed.

for almost exactly £500,000.

Finally, in 2009 we found it – a pub

Dawn’s gift helped us with the

in Stapleton Road. We liked the

fundraising, and the publicity from

For all this time, we have been

idea of using an ex-pub to help

the programme must have played

providing free and cheap food

alcoholics. We had no money in the

a significant part, too. The Wild

to people with life-disrupting

bank, but prayed and decided to

Goose moved in November 2010,

problems – not just those

go ahead and try to buy it.

and the offices moved into the

sleeping rough, but anyone without a proper home, without access to cooking facilities, or money for food.

Then a TV production company

space upstairs in April 2011.

asked if they could do a little

The new building is wonderful:

filming for a programme on

the new kitchen is a reasonable

volunteering. Not wishing to

size, and the dining area can seat

The aim is to help people move

sound too blasé about it, this

40 people comfortably, with

on; we do it by love, unconditional

is something we are fairly used

comfortable chairs at the ends for

acceptance and really good, tasty

to: the BBC and ITV have both

those who are not eating. We have

food. We also do lots more – see

recorded items on our premises

space for outside people to come

the box opposite for some details.

on several occasions, as well as

in and provide additional services,

For some time, with the help of

numerous smaller production

ranging from a health clinic to a

around 250 regular volunteers,

companies.

library. Our clients can come and

we have been serving around 300

So they came and filmed for

meals most days at the Wild Goose,

a week, then told us who they

out of a small building in St Pauls –

were. Dawn Gibbins, the ‘Secret

We are now regularly serving

a kitchen which was crowded with

Millionaire,’ was wonderfully

over 400 meals in a day, but the

eat at tables, and then sit and chat afterwards.

three people in it, and a dining

30 www.voscur.org

January / Febuary / March 2012 Issue 15

Member Profile: Crisis Centre Ministries

point of having better facilities

in the Congregational Church

is not to serve more food – it is

next door, the LITE Course (see

to enable us to care for people

the box) has moved back on

more effectively. We can always

site, and we have just started to

do more, and we can always do

use the same space overnight

better, but feedback from the folk

(currently two nights a week) to

who use our service says the move

open a Ladies’ Night Shelter as a

has been a great success. Last

partial replacement for the one

year, we served around 90,000 hot

the Council have just closed. The

meals and helped 247 people into

challenges continue …

supported accommodation.

A year on, and we are able to help

For more information, please visit www.crisis-centre.org.uk.

more people than ever before.

With the support of the people

Issue 15 January / Febuary / March 2012

Other projects include: • The LITE Course (‘Lifeskills and Initial Training for Employment’) – this teaches people how to keep their accommodation, and how to get and keep a job; and • The East Bristol Foodbank – this provides food parcels to people in food poverty, with referrals from the statutory services and other charities.

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

Training and Events Diary — January / February / March 2012 January 2012 Date 11th

Time 9:30am-3:30pm

24th

9:30am-3:30pm

Event Prove it! Convincing funders your project is needed Ten steps to the perfect tender

30th

9:30am-1:00pm

Equalities Monitoring – Getting it right

31st

6:30pm-9:30pm

Kick Start your organisation

(6 week course)

Location St Pauls Learning Centre, Grosvenor Road, St Pauls, Bristol, BS2 8XJ Malcolm X Centre, 141 City Road, St Pauls, Bristol, BS2 8YH Easton Business Centre, Felix Road, Easton, Bristol, BS5 0HE St Werburghs Centre, Horley Road, Bristol, BS2 9TJ

February 2012 Date 2nd

Time 9:30am-3:30pm

Event Commissioning and Outcomes

22nd

10:00am-12:00pm

Children and Young People’s Network

23rd

9:30am-3:30pm

Meeting- Safeguarding Children and Young People Tips for more successful fundraising

28th

9:30am-3:30pm

Marketing on a Shoestring

29th

10:00am-12:30pm

VAT and Charities – Finance Forum

Location St Werburghs Centre, Horley Road, Bristol, BS2 9TJ The Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1QG @Symes, Symes District Centre, Peterson Avenue, Bristol, BS13 0BE The Gatehouse Centre, Hareclive Road, Bristol, BS13 9JN Room 209, Crescent Centre, Temple Back, Bristol, BS1 6EZ

March 2012 Date 1st 6th

Time To be confirmed 9:30am-3:30pm

Event Assembly event Costing your project

7th

6:30pm-8:30pm

13th

9:30am-3:30pm

15th

5:30pm-8:00pm

21st

9:30am-3:30pm

NEW – Trustee Network including ‘The Board as Employers’ session delivered by Charity HR. Updating your equality and diversity policy Neighbourhoods and Communities Network Developing a Fundraising Strategy

27th & 28th

9:30am-3:30pm

Developing a Marketing Strategy

Location To be confirmed Barton Hill Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, Lawrence Hill, Bristol, BS5 0AX To be confirmed

Greenway Centre, Doncaster Road, Southmead, Bristol, BS10 5PY Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Road, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6AW The Green House, Hereford Street, Bristol, BS3 4NA To be confirmed

For details of all the above training and events visit: www.voscur.org Company limited by Guarantee registered in England no. 3918210 Printed on 100% recycled paper using vegetable based inks