February 2015 >

April 2015

LVSC News April - round up of news and events.

Welcome to LVSC News - April 2015

Dear Colleague,

With only 35 days to go to the General Election, LVSC is keen to inform the sector on the key priority areas for London and for Londoners. Our wonderful volunteer Tom Owen has coordinated our Election Central, which gives some clear policy messages and shares views and manifestos from our sector. Thanks to Tom and the team for creating this very valuable resource. Follow this link to Election Central.

As the new financial year begins, so does our LVSC membership renewal. LVSC is delighted to announce that membership to LVSC for this year will be FREE. With the increasing pressures on the voluntary and community sector, we are keen to ensure our members are supported more than ever. We know that sometimes the barrier to getting this support lies with expensive membership fees.

Late last year LVSC surveyed our stakeholders and has now come up with a membership package to suit your organisation. We're keen to make this as easy as possible for you to sign up, so please visit our membership page where you can download a membership form. We are very pleased to welcome you and know that you will find our range of services and events a huge benefit as you continue to deliver your excellent services to your beneficiaries. If you need any additional information, please contact .

Finally I'm delighted to share with you an opportunity for you to help us raise funds for LVSC/United Way London. LVSC Trustee Gregory Donovan has volunteered to run the London Marathon this year and is asking for your help to raise funds so that LVSC can continue to develop innovative ways to support the sector. Please support Gregory, and LVSC, by going to virgin giving. If there are any other brave souls out there willing to take on the challenge and become part of Team Donovan then please do get in touch.

We also have another volunteer, this time a former member of LVSC staff who is compiling a list of fun (and not so fun!) 50 things to do at 50. More info on this shortly………watch this space…..

May I wish you all a wonderful Easter Break

Warm regards,

Eithne

Eithne Rynne
CEO

Policy Pick of the Month

Lisa Greensill LVSC Head of Policy and Sector Support's pick of the month news items.

The Battleground for London - Election 2015

With only weeks to go until the General Election, the think tank Centre for London have been looking at how the vote could go in London with its blog 'Is London Really a Labour City'

The Londonist takes up some of the findings and looks at where the key battlegrounds for seats may be on 7 May 2015

LVSC now has dedicated Election pages where we are collecting news, views and manifestos from across the sector - visit LVSC's Election Central.

The Budget and its effect on Charities

The 18 March saw George Osborne delivering his last budget before the General Election. Reaction from the sector has been fairly subdued with key commentators picking up on the absence of any mention of the long promised sustainability fund and increased support for a handful of charities including those who support veterans and 'blood bikes'.

Neil Cleeveley, Chief Executive of NAVCA, said;

"Our recent members' survey raised real concerns about the state of funding for local charities and community groups. This budget won't change that. "I am shocked that there's no mention of the long promised Local Sustainability Fund. Successive ministers have promised it, so we have to know if it's been ditched or if it's just got stuck in the system. OCS needs to clear this up now."

"Finally, it's good that LIBOR fines are being used to help some terrific charities. However, I feel uneasy that a government decides what charity they want to help instead of having an open fund for all charities." http://www.navca.org.uk/news/view-article/navca-budget-2015-response

A round up of news and views from the sector can be found at NCVO.

LVSC's Policy Manager Nehal Depani outlines the impact of the 2015 budget for employment and skills voluntary organisations.

NACVA Members believe financial position of local VCS will get worse this year

NAVCA's latest quarterly survey, which took place in January and has been run every three months since July 2012, shows NAVCA members are more pessimistic about the financial prospects of local groups than they have been for two years - 81% of respondents said they thought the financial position of their local voluntary sector would get worse over the coming year.

Other findings from the survey include:

10% of respondents thought that their finances would improve over the next 12 months, with 43% optimistic and 24% pessimistic
More NAVCA members are planning to extend services (29%) than reduce services (24%) despite the financial climate they face
Local councils are still important to the success of NAVCA members, with 50% saying they will have a positive effect on them. Likewise, 40% say the local NHS will have a positive effect
Increased workload remains a major concern for members

Follow this link for more analysis and the full report

1 in 7 charities finding survival a challenge

A report by ACEVO and the Charities Aid Foundation shows that one in seven charities is finding survival a challenge. The report, Social Landscape, was compiled using responses from 572 charity chief executives.

Some 15 per cent said their organisation was "struggling to survive" with the figure rising to 21 per cent for smaller charities.
A third of charities said they dipped into reserves to cover income shortfalls during the past year.
78% of charities had seen an increase in demand for services in the last year and 83 per cent anticipated a further rise over the next twelve months

Read findings from the Social Landscape report

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LVSC Election 2015 roundup of news, views and manifestos from across the sector - visit LVSC's Election Central.	Nehal Depani, Policy and Project Manager (Employment & Skills)	PEACe HR Services 2015. Download our service (PDF)

Latest Health Events

Are you concerned about changes to the way in which your services are funded? Then the Health Commissioning Masterclass - London & the South East will help you to understand the new funding landscape. Full day event on Friday 29th May- VAI Conference Room - N1 9JP

Three key reasons to come to LVSC's health event exploring co-production between the sectors in shaping and delivering new models of primary and community care are:

To get an understanding of the complexities of the current health and care system and the need for change;
Taking part in exploring and shaping the role of the VCS and patients bodies in the new models of care
Hearing from key speakers from the NHS, GLA and UCLP

Whole Systems Change co-producing new models of health and care in London' is in the afternoon on the 16th April at Amnesty's Human Rights Action Centre.

For further information on both these events, contact

Good Practice Case Studies - Co-production and Innovation in Health and Care

The case studies featured in this new LVSC / Regional Voices report show the effectiveness of co-production and collaboration between the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE), policy makers, hospitals and commissioners. They also demonstrate that co-production can increase patient outcomes through preventative approaches to tackling health and care needs; improve health and care by using innovative approaches; and save the NHS money.

The report will inform LVSC's future work in relation to the NHS Five Year Forward View and the recent London Health Commission Better Health for London report.

For more information contact

Better Health for London

On 15 October 2014, the London Health Commission published its Better Health for London report to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. Better Health for London proposes tough measures to combat the threats posed by tobacco, alcohol, obesity, lack of exercise and pollution, which harm millions of people. Together the proposals amount to the biggest public health drive in the world. It contains over 60 recommendations and sets out 10 ambitions for the City with targets.

View the recommendations and read the Mayor's response

Additional information on the LVSC website

LVSC's health inequalities event report (PDF)
Workshop presentation and note (MS PPT)

Introducing our new Employment and Skills Policy and Project Manager - Nehal Depani

It's a pleasure to introduce myself as the new Employment and Skills Manager at LVSC. My last role was as Policy Officer at Compact Voice, where I worked on a range of issues related to government relationships with the voluntary sector. Before that, I trained and practised as a lawyer focusing on public law (government decisions), including work on human rights.

I am looking forward to working closely with voluntary organisations involved in skills and employment - please feel free to drop me a line at Nehal@lvsc.org.uk or follow @Nehal_LVSC

Building Better Opportunities and the ESF programme

Big Lottery is hoping to launch the programme in June 2015, although it is still possible that this will be shifted back to September 2015. In the meantime, LVSC will be holding a number of roadshows around London to highlight the opportunities for voluntary sector organisations who wish to bid for ESF funding. We'll also be organising generic and specialist training for potential bidders - to find out more, sign up to our employment and skills bulletin (/subscribe.aspx), check the VCS Assist blog or follow @Nehal_LVSC

Safer Future Communities update

LVSC is sorry to announce that Andrea Farley Moore has left at the end of March. Although only with LVSC a few short months, Andrea made a tremendous impact on our SFC programme. We wish Andrea all the very best in her new role.

Andrea says "I am moving on from LVSC at the end of March. I will be going to work with the Community Rehabilitation Company on the Women Offender and Domestic abuse portfolios. I have enjoyed my time with LVSC and particularly the chance to meet many of you and learn about the challenges you face as criminal justice providers within the voluntary sector. Until the post is filled please contact lisa@lvsc.org.uk "

LVSC is currently awaiting confirmation from MOPAC about funding for 2015/16

PEACe

Looking for information on employer responsibilities? Reviewing your current staff handbook? Needing guidance on HR policies and procedures?

PEACE has template policies, model procedures and guidance documents produced in partnership with Russell-Cooke Solicitors covering the employment basics through to the complex HR issues encountered by the voluntary and community sector. Visit the PEACe website.

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London for Allbuilding the capacity of London's voluntary and community sector	Join voluntary sector HR professionals and get the latest legal advice and practical tools - booking here	VCS Assist is a programme of free organisational support for London's VCS employment and skills providers.

London for All is a London Councils' funded project designed to build the capacity of London's voluntary and community sector. As a partnership project, led by LVSC, it offers: insight and learning from a collective 200 years' experience: and the practical applications of that knowledge. London for All can strengthen your organisation's knowledge and skills, work more effectively and efficiently, deliver more accessible services to support service users better.

April 2015 - Update

We have a new courses on offer to London's voluntary and community groups.

The featured course for this month is a 'building relationships with business' training day on Thursday April 23rd. We want to help groups understand the new context in which businesses operate. Increased levels of scrutiny and a desire to become engaged with the communities in which they operate, mean that the days of businesses simply handing over cheques to charities are over. Your local businesses now relationships of greater depth with a direct involvement. Find out more and register.

Managing Difficult Conversations at Work - April 20th
Trans Awareness Workshop - April 27th
Train the Trainer - May 5th
Managing Technology Change for Small Organisations (Webinar) - May 6th
Managing Sickness Absence - May 27th

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Get the latest news and updates from LVSC. Follow us on Twitter	Happy People have partnered with LVSC to offer 40+ exciting and informative soft skills courses at affordable prices	Keegan & Pennykid (Insurance Brokers) Ltd provide independent general insurance and financial services advice to voluntary organisations

Leaders Summit - developing a framework for partnership working

Tuesday 14th April
LVSC has been awarded Programme Development Funding by the Big Lottery Fund to ensure there is widespread awareness amongst voluntary community and social enterprise VCSE organisations of the forthcoming Big Lottery ESF programme.

Whole Systems Change - co-producing new models of health and care in London

Thursday 16th April
Take part in LVSC's exciting new event which will explore co-production between the voluntary & community sector (VCS), local communities, patient bodies and the statutory and academic sectors.

Managing Difficult Conversations at Work

Monday 20th April
Most of us dislike confrontation; we sometimes avoid it which can often lead to even more difficulty, misunderstandings and possible conflict. In the current climate of recession and continued economic uncertainty, we may find ourselves working with reduced budgets, constant organisational change and ongoing performance issues, as people try to make sense of all this.

Future of voluntary sector infrastructure in London

Monday 20 April 2015
A London for All joint event with LVSC, Greater London Volunteering and London Funders.

Building Relationships with Business Training Day

Thursday 23rd April 2015
Our course aims to help you understand the new context in which businesses operate. This course is currently full - but please register and we will notify you if spaces become available.

Understanding Social Impact: what can you do?

Wednesday 20th May 2015
Commissioners and funders are increasingly asking us to demonstrate the social value of the work we do, but it can be hard to know where to start- especially when we are busy delivering our work.

Managing Sickness Abscence

Wednesday 27th May 2015
Course aimed at trustees, directors, managers and team leaders and supervisors.

Health Commissioning Masterclass

Friday 29th May 2015
The events aim to build the commercial skills of charities and social enterprises in London and the South East so you can be more successful in bidding for and delivering public service contracts.

Managing Misconduct

Wednesday 24th June 2015
The training will reflect the ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures.

LVSC Management and Personal Development Courses - April 2015

Happy People - the personal development division of Happy delivers LVSC's management and personal development courses. To make any bookings, you can call the team at Happy on 020 7375 7300. Below is the list of training for March.

Effective Minute Taking 1 day 7 and 24th April From £95
Introduction to Health and Safety 1 day 30 April from £95 1 day
Assertiveness mixed gender 1 day 5th May from £95 1 day

*Prices denote the lowest rate (for charities with 15 staff or under). For larger charities please visit the website for a correct rate.

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London Cancer Pathway Board looking for Patient Representatives

Have you been affected by cancer as a patient and/or carer? Would you like to be part of a group that helps to improve healthcare services?

London Cancer, part of University College London Partners is the integrated cancer system serving north east and central London and west Essex. It supports partner organisations in primary (GPs and clinical commissioning groups), community and hospital services .The board is looking for patient representatives with a time commitment of four meetings per year at the London Cancer Officers in Tottenham Court Road, London. Contact Kellie Thomas, Macmillan Patient Experience and User Involvement Project Manager at .

What are the alternatives to prison?

Date: Tuesday 21 April
Event considers radical alternatives to imprisonment. Participants will discuss opportunities for developing policy and practice so that imprisonment is no longer required.

National Multiple Needs Summit

Date: Wednesday 22 April London (£50)
This event will see individuals with lived experience; service providers, commissioners and policy makers collaborate across sectors to find new ways to support an estimated 60,000 people with complex problems.

Witness Seminars - London Council of Social Service 1970

The Voluntary Action History Society would like to invite you to a seminar by Gaynor Humphreys and Jenny Harrow about their experiences of working for the London Council of Social Service in the 1970s later to become LVSC. Speakers reflect on their earlier activities in the voluntary sector in the light of their later experience and current understanding.

Date: Wednesday 20th May 2015, 5.30 at Institute of Historical Research, Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU

NCVO / Russell-Cooke HR Conference 2015 on Monday 27 April in London

Join voluntary sector HR professionals and get the latest legal advice and practical tools to help you deal with tricky HR issues and create a robust HR strategy that will ensure your organisation thrives.

Hear from award winning keynote speakers Sarah Trota, winner of Personnel Today 'UK HR Director of the year 2013' and Angela O'Connor, whose HR experience spans over 30 years including winning numerous awards throughout her career.

Fundraise at the Brandenburg Choral Festival - (with no financial commitment or event organisation)

The Brandenburg Choral Festival is offering small to medium sized charities the unique opportunity to raise funds by selling tickets to choral concerts. With over 100 concerts a year including classical, jazz, gospel and a cappella and lovely central London venues, you charity can raise funds by selling tickets to a concert you choose and retaining in most cases 50% of the value of the tickets you sell. Tickets for most concerts are priced at £18. Call or email Claudia Jenkins, Development Officer - Brandenburg Choral Festival&nbsEmail: Phone: 07973 564533 / 01372 209817

Federation of City Farms Community Gardens - job vacancy

FCFCG is pleased to be recruiting for a Resources Development Coordinator based in London. Closing date: 22 April.

House of St Barnabas - mentors needed - training provided

The House of St Barnabas is a charity which supports those who have been affected by homelessness back into lasting employment. Our voluntary mentors work with graduates from our Employment Preparation Programme to support them on their journey into employment and independence.

Mind at Work: Two New Job Opportunities at Hillingdon Mind

Hillingdon Mind has recently been awarded Big Lottery Funding for a new and exciting "Mind at Work" project seeking to appoint an Employment Support Co-ordinator & Employment Outreach Worker.

LEAP looking for Programme Manager

The LEAP is looking for a Programme Manager - Statutory & Public Funding for more information, including job description and person specification, please email Bethany Proud

London Learning Foundation - seeking 3 experienced trustees

London Learning Foundation (LLF) is a new Charity, set up by the London Learning Consortium (LLC) . The charity is looking for trustees with experience within other Third Sector organisations; senior management experience; or fundraising and corporate giving.

Ministry Experience Scheme - Southwark - 3 positions

Currently recruiting three young adults (18-30 yrs) to be Pastoral Assistants for a diverse team of churches in SE London. Post offers fresh expressions; theological learning; community engagement; support from the parish and diocesan team; accommodation and living allowance.More information.

Lords report says digital skills will make or break the UK

Baroness Morgan, Chair of the Digital Skills Committee highlights the impact of changing technology on the labour market, with an estimated 35% of UK jobs at risk of being automated over the next 20 years.

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