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LVSC News October 2015
LVSC News update for October 2015 A round up of general sector news with updates of health, employment & skills, HR, criminal justice and capacity bulding news. Plus latest training/events programme and some job vacancies.
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| Policy Viewpoint | LVSC News & Updates | London for All | LVSC Events & Training | Events & Notices |
Welcome to LVSC News - October 2015Dear Colleague, I was delighted to see so many of you at our annual conference last month which we held in partnership with Greater London Volunteering. Unfortunately for many the event was oversubscribed, so for those unable to attend here is an opportunity to watch our keynote speaker Rosie Ferguson and to hear our panel's views on the challenges facing civil society organisations in the coming few years. Catch up on a live recording via our new Vimeo site. Feedback demonstrated that this event had a huge impact and delegates asked for similar events to be held throughout the year. LVSC will commit to ensuring there are more opportunities for learning, sharing and cross-sector relationship building. The first of these will be our LVSC members' networking event on 10th December where we will welcome our new members to the network. The event will give you an opportunity to find out more about LVSC, meet the staff and some of the fantastic colleagues who work with us to provide you with the wide range of training opportunities we offer. We are also inviting a number of London Funders; have a well-known member of London's third sector under wraps as our star guest speaker; and the event will finish with a pre-Christmas networking drink! To 'trigger' an invitation to this event you will need to be an LVSC member, so now is the time to join. Full details are on our membership page. Over the next few weeks we will be putting together a draft manifesto for the Mayoral Elections, which we will send to you for your input. We want to share with candidates as many of the sector's priorities as possible, so please do send us your comments and thoughts. We plan to launch the manifesto at the members networking event on the 10th December. LVSC will be hosting a Mayoral Hustings in February 2016 and again more details to follow shortly. Warm regards, Eithne Rynne
Policy Viewpoint - October 2015Lisa Greensill LVSC Head of Policy and Sector Support's shares her pick of VCS news this month. Regional Infrastructure…going, going….Last week brought the sad news that yet another of our regional partners, Involve Yorkshire and Humber, has been forced to announce its imminent closure. At a time when a great deal of work is being done into the support that the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector needs in London by London Funders and City Bridge Trust, and with sector leaders such as Stuart Etherington celebrating those infrastructure organisations that have embraced change, changed their business model, or merged with others to better meet the needs of their users. London Fairness CommissionIt also feels as if there has never been a time when we are being asked more: the London Fairness Commission is holding another event to gauge the thoughts of our BAME communities on whether London is fair and what we can do to make it fairer - it is on 21 November at Coin Street Community Builders, and on the 9 November there will be two opportunities for voluntary sector organisations and grassroots community sector activists to participate in Open Space events at the Museum of London. More information on all of these events can be found on the Commission's website London Communities Commission - call for evidenceAcross in Paddington the newly launched London Communities Commission has issued a call for written and oral evidence. The Commission emerged from a Summit held on the 18 June 2015, attended by 75 community organisations, policy makers, businesses, funders, thinkers and place shapers, which sought to clarify how the community sector should define shared aims and goals and develop ownership of the way forward in these times of austerity across all sectors. The Commission has a number of commissioners from across all sectors, including our CEO Eithne, and we encourage everyone to participate in these conversations. The 'biggest transfer of power to local government' in living memory plannedMeanwhile, at the Tory Party Conference, a new policy has been announced that may have a significant effect on the charitable sector. In his speech George Osborne announced the "Biggest transfer of power to local government" in living memory with the devolution of £26bn of business rates and the abolition of the uniform rate. NCVO provide an excellent analysis of what this could mean for our sector, the two biggest issues being poorer areas are likely to end up with a lower income than before and that there have been no announcement regarding the retention of rate relief for charities - more detail will be forthcoming in the Comprehensive Spending Review in November. Creation of Community Capital Fund...Finally, NAVCA, NCVO, CFG, Locality and other sector bodies have written to the Prime Minister asking him to make it easier for community groups to take over local assets and for smaller organisations to bid for government tenders. The letter calls upon the Prime Minister to create a Community Capital Fund which would help charities and community groups take over community assets. The letter argues this will:
The letter also calls for the community assets of local authorities, estimated to be worth £250bn in England alone, be safeguarded.
LVSC News and UpdatesVSC Assist - Employment and Skills NewsUpdate on the European Social Fund in LondonBig Lottery Fund has launched its programmes for common mental health issues (five projects), refugees (four projects) and complex needs (two projects): the deadline for all projects is 30 November. Although nothing is confirmed, it is likely SFA will launch soon, with DWP following later in the autumn. Organisations bidding for SFA and DWP projects should be prepared for short procurement timescales. If you are still looking for partners, have a look at our Expression of Interest form, soon to be re-launched as a searchable database. London Assembly - 'A Helping Hand' report publishedLondon Assembly report on the role of the third sector in employment and skills London Assembly has published "A Helping Hand" exploring the role of VCSE organisations in employment and skills in London. The report, which draws on evidence given by LVSC, makes a number of welcome suggestions, including reforms to outcomes based payment models and greater sharing of good practice. We want to hear what you think - tweet thoughts to @nehal_LVSC Local welfare safety net inquiryA reminder that the Work and Pensions Committee has launched another inquiry [], this time into local welfare safety nets and their interaction with the national benefits system. This is a key area for many Londoners - if you have evidence to contribute, you can do so before 30 October 2015. Pay and Equality in LondonWhat does the "National Living Wage", announced in the summer 2015 budget, mean in practice? The Resolution Foundation is producing a series of reports analysing who will stand to gain and what the impact for employers will be. Trust for London and Centre for London have looked at the NLW in the capital - and concluded that it could be set significantly higher. The Equality Trust's new research shows how London is a special case when it comes to equality. Unsurprisingly, there is higher pay across the board when compared to other regions, but also the largest pay gap between the top and bottom 1%. LVSC research project - we need your inputLVSC will be carrying out a research project to draw the attention of policymakers to the issues that affect VCS employment and skills providers and their beneficiaries. We want your input on what the project should focus on - if you have any ideas please contact Nehal Bradley-Depani on 020 7832 5816 or Health NewsNew Vanguards for LondonFour new hospital vanguards for London, all with the involvement of UCL Partners, have been announced. The new vanguards are designed to spread excellence in hospital services and management across multiple geographies. The trusts will receive financial and practical support, and learning from their experience will be used by other areas in coming years. The hospitals are Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust which will explore the opportunities and risks associated with running an extended network of eye services; The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust which is considering options including buddying, merging specific office functions and other innovative models such as joint clinical and corporate ventures; The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital which will explore formal ways of collaborating more closely as well as the possibility of delivering exemplar orthopaedic services on a franchise model across England; and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and the Christie NHS Foundation Trust, UCLH (University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) has formed a joint Cancer Vanguard that will aim to enhance and expand the existing cancer networks, such as London Cancer and Manchester Cancer, to give patients earlier diagnosis and reduce variations in the quality and cost of care. The VCSE Review engagement process and consultationIn November 2014, the Department of Health, Public Health England, and NHS England initiated a review of their investment in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. The group overseeing the review has representatives from the VCSE and public sector including Regional Voices. Their purpose is to gather views and evidence to make recommendations about two key elements:
This is a joint funding programme across the partners, administered by the Department of Health. Approximately £22 million is available for the whole programme annually. There are three main schemes within the programme: the Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development Fund (IESD); the Health and Social Care Volunteering Fund (HSCVF); the Health and Care Voluntary Sector Strategic Partners Programme. Visit the website to comment on blogs or contribute your own. PEACe - Legal UpdateConfident your policies and procedures are legal and in line with good practice?Staying up to date with changes to employment law can sometimes be tricky, not to mention time consuming. The PEACe staff handbook and manager's toolkit has been designed to help you keep on top of these changes with a full suite of all the HR policies, approved by Russell-Cooke, customised to the specific needs of your organisation and updated twice a year with changes to the law. Alongside the handbook, you'll receive a copy of the manager's toolkit, our step-by-step guide to implementing the HR polices, including guidance and standard letters. The handbook and toolkit were developed by the voluntary sector, for the voluntary sector, so you won't find complicated jargon or hidden costs. Contact PEACe on 0207 832 5880 or email to find out more and get your policies up to date for 2016. NCVO members receive 10% discount. Safer Future Communities - updateThis week is National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which LVSC has been involved with through its work hosting the London Victims and Witnesses Alliance. There have been a variety of events and policy announcements to mark the week - more information on www.stophateuk.org or by using the Twitter hash tag #NHCAW. Safer Future Communities has had a busy month connecting with partners; meeting new ones to expand our network; and attending conferences as both delegate and speaker. Just this week we have attended the Criminal Justice Alliance quarterly members' meeting; the London Reducing Reoffending Board; a conference at the National Theatre on the arts in criminal justice; and presented on the role of the VCS in tackling VAWG at a Public Policy Exchange event. Dates for the forthcoming MOPAC Police and Crime Committee are Thursday 22nd October and Thursday 12th November - they are webcast if you can't make it to City Hall in person. Sara is always keen to hear from SFC members (or potential members) with queries, questions or requests to meet. You can contact her via email: sara@lvsc.org.uk.
Other LVSC News - round upMembers' Networking Day - December 10thAdvanced notice for you of LVSC's pre-Christmas networking event, from 4 - 6pm at our offices c\o VAI, 200a Pentonville Road, London N1 9JP. The event will give you an opportunity to find out more about LVSC, meet the staff, trustees and our training providers and suppliers. We are also inviting a number of London Funders; an expert from our sector to talk about the up-coming priorities for London; and enjoy a pre-Christmas networking drink. So to our members old and new - please put the date in your diary (10th December 4 - 6pm). Further information on how to book on to the event will follow soon. LVSC Case Studies - online and in audioWe thought it would be a good idea to share with you some of the impact LVSC's projects and networks have had on shaping and supporting the service delivery of our members. So we proudly present our Pathways Series - five case studies written with five London organisations for you to read online or listen to the recorded interviews. With our grateful thanks for their patience and encouragement to:
And also a big thanks to , Network Development & Partnership Support Officer and our former volunteer Tom Owen for their great interviewing skills. Volunteer with LVSCLVSC is looking for a volunteer to provide a wide range of support to our busy team. Who will you be supporting? What will you be doing? Well - we asked Tom Owen to write up some of the things he's been involved in over the last 9 months to give you an idea. Read more on our website.
London For AllLondon 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. Introducing Matt ScottI am the new Policy & Projects Manager for Sector Support at LVSC, taking over from Tim Brogden, who worked with LVSC from 2004. I have worked in the Voluntary and Community Sector since the early 1990s, including spells at Bexley Voluntary Service Council, Voluntary Action Lewisham and Croydon Voluntary Action. From 2008-2011 I was director of the Community Sector Coalition and more recently I completed a PhD on the role of community development in relation to the modernising local government agenda, which led to a teaching role at London Metropolitan University and Goldsmiths College, University of London. I am really looking forward to supporting the delivery of the London for All partnership and playing an active role in linking policy, research and capacity building to ensure the Voluntary and Community Sector across London exerts a strong, strategic influence on decision making that impact on its work. To this end I hope to meet and work with a wide range of networks, groups and individuals - feel free to get in touch via phone 020 7832 5830 or email London for All Events
London for All - more opportunitiesLVSC Events & TrainingManaging Poor Performance through CapabilityDate: 28 October,10am - 1pm Gender Recognition Act TrainingDate: 4th November,10am - 1pm Information Session for Stepping Stones FundDate: 29th October 2015, 2 - 4pm LVSC is inviting all interested charities and social enterprises in the Greater London area to the information sessions about the Stepping Stones Fund, a 1m social investment readiness grant programme of City Bridge Trust and UBS. Building Relationships with Business MasterclassDate: 2nd December,10am - 4.30pm LVSC Happy TrainingLVSC September & October Courses Here's what's coming up on our LVSC Course Programme over the next 2 months. From management to report writing courses there's something for everyone.
How to Book:to book any of these courses, please click on the name of the course and this will direct you to the booking page. Or you can call us on 020 7375 7300 and we will be able to book you over the phone.
Notices & EventsInspiring Trusteeship - GLV Governance Conference 2015Date: Monday 16 November 2015, 9.30am - 4pm Keeping it Local - Supporting Independent Community GroupsThe Association for Research in the Voluntary and Community Sector is holding its annual conference on 19 November. The keynote speaker is Kate Pahl from the University of Sheffield and workshops are looking at:
Funding - Wandle Community GrantsApplications are now open for Wandle Community Grants that provide funding up to £8,500 for projects that benefit communities and the Wandle residents living in them in the boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, Wandsworth, Merton, Croydon, Sutton, Kingston, Lewisham, Bromley. The Community Development Foundation (CDF) have been appointed as the grant administrators - for more information, and to apply, please visit the Community Development Foundation. Trustees' Week - 2 - 8 NovemberTrustees' Week is an annual event to showcase the great work that trustees do and highlight opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved and make a difference. Trustees' Week is being officially launched at the NCVO / BWB Trustee Conference on 2 November 2015. Jobs and TrusteeshipsThe Renewal ProgrammeBased in Newham, The Renewal Programme is recruiting trustees to join their board. More information and application forms are available on the website . Administrator - Mitcham CABWe are an exciting Money Advice Service Digital Advice Project (MASDAP) providing first point of specialist Debt Advice to callers from England and Wales. We need a dynamic administrator to support and enhance our Money Advice Service Team based at our Mitcham CAB office. The ability, flexibility and willingness to learn and expand on your skills are paramount. Communications Officer - National AIDS Trust (NAT)NAT is the UK's leading charity dedicated to transforming society's response to HIV. It provides fresh thinking, expertise and practical resources. It champions the rights of people living with HIV and campaign for change. The application pack documents are available on the website. Network & Projects Co-ordinator - London FundersWe are looking for a Networks and Projects Co-ordinator who will work closely with the Director to manage all London Funders' activities. This role is a full-time position (35 hour), based at London Funders office, Monday to Friday. This is a busy and varied role in a small charity includes project management, office administration, event planning and other work ranging from handling membership enquiries, production of our E-bulletin, executive assistant support to the Director and undertaking ad hoc projects. Healthwatch Merton Seek Community NavigatorThe Community Navigator will deliver a high-quality trusted service which will help people to access local activities, services and support in order to improve health and wellbeing within Merton. The post-holder will play a vital role in supporting Merton Clinical Commissioning Group's "Whole Merton" vision to build a more supportive, inclusive and resilient community and will develop strong relationships and connections between a range of statutory and voluntary services in the borough. |
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