Thrive feb mar 2010

Supporting Voluntary & Community Action February & March 2010 Inside Voscur’s Magazine Women Who Make a Difference Awards 2010 LGBT Month Apprenticeships can help your Organisation Tender Support Available Commissioning Concerns Neighbourhood Committees Demystified Image: Women Who Make a Difference Award Winners 2009 Building Better Partnerships in Criminal Justice Communities Act for Sustainibility Skilling Up your Staff Training and Learning

Shape a life. Be a foster carer. TACT is a well respected fostering and adoption agency. TACT will offer you excellent training with 24hr support and a break from caring when you need it. TACT pay between £322 & £574 per week per child as well as additional allowances for birthdays, festivals and holidays. Although fostering can be challenging it can also be very rewarding. If you believe you have the capacity and commitment to support vulnerable children and young people between 10-16 years old, then we would like to hear from you. To make a difference give us a ring now on: 0117 927 7725 or email e.graham@tactcare.org.uk www.tactcare.org.uk Charity no. 1018963

Welcome Contents 4 Editorial 22-25 Equalities pages LGBT month and timeline 5-6 Voscur News International Women’s Day 20:20 Week Tender Support 26-27 Children and Young People Free Home Internet Access 7 New Voscur members 28-29 How to – Funding 8-9 Safeguarding the Sector Commissioning Concerns Results of Recession Impact Survey 30 Voluntary Values 10 Sector News European Social Fund Free business support Third Sector Select Committee 31 Green ICT Powering the Voluntary Sector 11 Member profile C.L.A.S.S. 32-33 Have Your Say Neighbourhood Committees 12 The Compact Refreshed and Simplified 34 Neighbourhood Committees in Action 13 Have Your Say – Vox Pops Young Rangers become film makers Your Vision for Bristol in 10 years? 35 Constitution Corner 14-15 Apprenticeships Is your managment committee 16-17 Voscur Training and Learning operating legally? Skilling Up Your Staff 36 Diary 18-19 Voscur Spring Training and Learning 20 Volunteering Bristol Employer Supported Volunteering 21 Green Pages Communities Act for Sustainibility Why not advertise? Thrive! is available on disc. Please contact the Special discounts for Voscur members. office if you would like to receive your Thrive! Deadlines for April/May edition of Thrive!: Tuesday 2 March for ads and Wednesday 24 March for this way. The newsletter is also available online flyers. Details of prices at www.voscur.org/magazine or as a pdf at www.voscur.org/magazine phone Polly Stewart on 0117 909 9949 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 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 3

Editorial Dear members and friends I know that next year is going • Learning Curve to update our to be tough for all of us, but skills audit and deliver free I want to open this edition of training on skilling up your Thrive! with some good news, staff team. and assure you of our support • South West Forum to promote during the coming year. the value of local voluntary and community sector organisations We are constantly working to in delivering projects funded by ensure that our members benefit the European Social Fund. from a range of support services, • Black Development Agency so we are pleased to announce to deliver our sustaining the that this year we will be working in Sector project. Wendy Stephenson partnership with: • Volunteering Bristol to provide • National Association for a training programme and concerns into this committee. Voluntary and Community action learning sets for We will also be working with Action (NAVCA), to deliver its volunteer managers. the Compact steering group to tender support project locally. • Connecting Bristol to help provide information and training This means that organisations groups reduce their ICT carbon for commissioners and voluntary preparing for delivering public footprint (and save money in sector organisations. service contracts and who the process). As ever, please get in touch if you are new or inexperienced in I encourage you to read the would like to discuss any of the writing tender submissions, will magazine to find out the range items featured in the magazine. be able to get some help. The of support on offer and to make Best wishes project aims to help to level the sure that you are signed up to unequal playing field that exists Wendy Stephenson our e-bulletins and regularly for organisations that do not Chief Executive, Voscur check our website. have specialised bid writers. • The National Apprenticeship As you will see from articles Service – to encourage within the magazine, Voscur Voluntary, Community and members are concerned about Key to symbols Social Enterprise organisations the ‘commissioning agenda’ and to give an opportunity to an what it means. The Council’s Equalities Article apprentice. We have a wealth Third Sector Commissioning of skills, knowledge and Select Committee is looking into Training experience in the sector and how the Council has been/will a range of career paths, from be commissioning services from administration to fundraising the voluntary, community and Resources or specialist work within young social enterprise sector. Voscur people’s or environmental will shortly be surveying the Event organisations for example. sector so that we can feed our 4 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

Voscur News 20:20 Week – Learning from Voscur Members 20:20 week – from 20 to 28 March plan visit: bristolpartnership.org/ them ‘smarter’ ways of working sees the launch of Bristol’s 20:20 vision-for-bristol that statutory partners could Plan – the new Sustainable City learn from. As part of the Bristol Partnership’s Strategy and vision for Bristol for 20:20 week Voscur is looking for the next ten years. A series of Voluntary, Community and Social events is being planned to take Enterprise organisations in Bristol place in 20:20 week that highlights who would like to invite a leading some of the work of different Bristol Partnership member For more information partners that will help Bristol meet (including the Bristol City Council please contact its vision of being one of the top Leader and Chief Executive) Matthew Symonds: 20 cities in Europe by 2020. To into their organisation to show matthew@voscur.org find out more about the 20:20 Voscur and NAVCA Partnership will most likely benefit from the project. Delivers Local Support The project is not intended for organisations who are already Would you like one to one that have prepared for delivering fairly experienced and successful help with writing an excellent public service contracts and are at winning tenders. Neither is it tender submission? Are you a new or inexperienced in writing intended for organisations who local charity, community group tender submissions. They may be want to speculatively tender or social enterprise? About to preparing a render submission for on the off chance of winning a tender for a contract to deliver the first time. or they may have tender. It is also not for general a local public service? New or some experience of submitting organisational development inexperienced in writing tender tenders but have not been support to prepare for tendering submissions? successful to date. It aims to and contracting. support organisations that do not NAVCA’s tender support project have specialised or experienced (*) Defined as having an annual provides one to one support bid writers. income between £100,000 – £1 to increase your ability to win million in the ‘The state and the contracts to deliver public The Support is for organisations voluntary sector: recent trends in services. One day of consultancy who are already in a position to government funding and public is available and can be used for take on contracts for service service delivery’. NCVO 2009. single or partnership bids. delivery. According to research (*) medium-sized organisations Voscur is working in partnership Who is the Tender Support are the most dependant on with NAVCA to deliver this project for? government sources of funding support locally. The project is targetted at and thus at most risk from the To find out more visit: voluntary, community and social trend towards more contracting. www.voscur.org/tendersupport enterprise sector organsiations We therefore expect that they Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 5

Voscur News Building Better Partnerships in Criminal Justice Over 50 people attended a meeting in January to consider how to deliver better ‘joined up’ work between vcse and statutory partnership working across criminal justice. Voscur, working with Clinks (the organisation that supports voluntary organisations that work with offenders and their families) held this event for voluntary and community sector and statutory organisations working in the criminal justice field. The four speakers, Alex Raikes Left to right: Alex Raikes (Support Against Racist Incidents), Sarah Minns (Novas Scarman), Pete Anderson (Safer Bristol), Marilyn Harrison (Avon and Somerset Probation) and Lesley Frazer (Clinks) (Support Against Racist Incidents), Sarah Minns (Novas-Scarman), Several key recommendations Pete Anderson (Safer Bristol) emerged from the morning, and Marilyn Harrison (Avon and notably the need for an up- Somerset Probation Service) to-date directory of vcse and gave their perspectives on what statutory agencies working is driving closer working in this in criminal justice in Greater sector and why it is important. Bristol, an information sharing Discussion groups then considered event for service providers and how partners can work together Criminal Justice those commissioning criminal to deliver better criminal justice Forum justice services and some events services in Greater Bristol across focussed on specific issues such Thursday 15 April, the following themes: as women and victims services. 10am-1pm. • Black minority ethnic services There was wide support for (venue and details to be within criminal justice establishing a regular criminal confirmed) • Criminal justice and women’s justice forum. Voscur and For full details and to see notes services Clinks are working with vcse and films of all the key speakers • Victim support services and statutory partners to hold at the January meeting visit: • Working across the 8 offender a second meeting. See box for www.voscur.org/networks/ pathways details. assemblies 6 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

New Voscur Members Who’s Joined Voscur Recently? Bristol Child Contact distributor, manufacturer and to create a community based on Centre Ltd: Provides a safe retailer of natural and organic understanding and mutual respect. meeting place for children vegetarian products to the trade. To find out more contact: separated from one or other To find out more visit: Tomoko Harris Tel: 01934 625428 parent, with that absent parent. www.essential-trading.co.uk Email: tomoko@bridgeofpeace. To find out more contact Tel: 0117 943 0800 co.uk Michael Jones: 0117 962 5487 Email: spikemj@blueyonder.co.uk African Caribbean Chamber of Deki CIC: A not-for-profit Commerce & Enterprise (ACCCE): organisation that provides interest Bristol Sickle Cell and Provides a range of services and free micro loans for borrowers in Thalassaemia Centre: Provides formal representation for African & the developing world, wanting to information and advice, support Caribbean businesses in the UK. set up or expand their business. and training to parents, carers, To find out more visit: To find out more visit: health care professionals, social www.accce.co.uk www.deki.org.uk services, teaching staff Tel: 0117 924 5773 and housing departments. The Bright Light Cooperative Ltd: To find out more visit: Brushstrokes: A small Community Designs and provides innovative www.oscarbristol.co.uk Art Group for people who have and inspiring ecological education Tel: 0117 951 2200 suffered strokes or TIAs (mini through the arts strokes) and who live in BS9 To find out more Tel: Daniel Balla South and West Association of or BS10. 07855 740072 Email: Traction Kiting (SWATK): Provides To find out more visit: www. daniel@thebrightlight.org.uk a safe, managed environment for greenwaycommunitypractice.nhs. people to take part in Kite Sports. Senior Sambistas: Promote uk Tel: Marion Baynes To find out more visit: 0117 9598939 x252 the social benefits of music and www.swatk.com dance. A group of dancers, singers Email: swatkrew@gmail.com Ninami Ltd T/A International and percussionists who take live Centre of Professional Education percussion instruments into care Missing Link: Provides a wide “Step Up” is training company that homes, day centres and sheltered range specialist Mental Health, teaches professional IT skills to all, housing. Domestic & Sexual Abuse housing from beginners onwards. Ofsted To find out more contact: Pauline and support services to women in registered. Marshall tel: 07912 603944. Email: Bristol and South Gloucestershire. To find out more visit: pauline.marshall@talktalk.net To find out more visit: www.stepup-edu.com www.missinglinkhousing.co.uk Tel: 0117 9154520 Christ Church Clifton Tel: 0117 925 1811 To find out more visit: Bridge of Peace: Brings www.christchurchclifton.org.uk Essential Trading Co-operative people from diverse groups Tel: 0117 973 6524 Ltd: A Workers Co-operative and communities together to that operates as a wholesaler, celebrate and work co-operatively Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 7

Safeguarding the Sector Voscur’s ‘Recession Impact’ Survey Over the past 6 months, said they are finding it difficult arrears amongst clients increase member groups have been to recruit volunteers (particularly dramatically. We are increasingly completing our survey outlining board members). being approached by people who their experiences of surviving in are homeless but have very low Despite the recession, groups the economic downturn. Below support needs and then we are remain committed to allocating are some key points. having to turn these people away.” resources for staff and volunteer training. However, when asked “Statutory help for many of Funding if organisations felt their boards our clients has been reduced or 72.2% told us that their funding had enough people, skills, and removed, so it is much harder had been reduced or cut. Reasons resources for effective decision to help people move on from given were: fewer grants or making and strategic direction in the streets.” donations, harder to fundraise or the current climate, most groups “Our referrals went up by 81% generate income, (for example were not sure whether their last year, but our resources didn’t clients cannot afford to pay for boards had the relevant skills. increase at all.” services), and a more competitive funding climate. The impact Additional impacts “Unease within staff team about of this has been reduced staff jobs; worries for the future.” Most groups said that the hours, supplementing funds from economic downturn had affected “Our building – unsure if can reserves or charging for previously other aspects of their work. keep it” free services. 22% reported that increased Staff demand from clients was putting Commissioning a greater strain on their service. Asked if commissioning could 63% of groups said the recession 13% reported a decrease in the have a positive effect on making had had an impact on staff take up of services or having to their organisation more financially numbers. 25% said staff had reduce service fees in order to sound, one third stated it could been laid off or hours reduced; ensure clients could afford them. be positive, a quarter stated some were working unpaid. A Observations included: negative, while 13% felt it could few mention difficulties filling “[We’re] now being approached be both; 20.5% were unsure. staff positions because financial by people with more chaotic Issues included: constraints mean they are unable lifestyles including active drug to offer competitive salaries. “Positive – but we will close if users and people with higher don’t win the tender” Volunteers and Boards levels of mental health problems. We are doing more work with “Tends to favour big organisations 20% have noticed an increase in with long track records / unfair clients around debt management people coming forward who want competition” and have seen the level of to volunteer, yet another 20% 8 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

Safeguarding the Sector and retention of volunteers. Volunteering Bristol can also provide one-to-one sessions for groups on volunteering. Support around how to run your organisation (governance) and human resources (HR) is a necessity – Voscur runs a series of training courses each term on Funding Advice Sessions are carried out by Voscur’s Funding Adviser, Eva Pollard governance and is able to signpost “Negative – entices groups into applications; Eva Pollard, our organisations to free HR support – mission drift.” funding advice worker runs we urge groups to get in touch. one-to-one sessions for groups Help with IT is on some groups’ As well as feeling it was difficult and is available to proof read wish list. Members are able to to keep abreast of commissioning applications for Voscur members. contact our IT development processes some felt the process Voscur has also established a worker Sean Kenny for advice on itself was a big challenge. service with Social Enterprise IT issues. Income generation Works for groups to access Consistent support in the current intensive business support. Nearly 50% were considering climate was mentioned. Please do generating income through 100% of survey respondents get in touch with Ruth Pitter, (who training and consultancy work, a stated they would consider is providing recession support third were considering maximising partnership working – Voscur for groups) if you require help, or the use of their premises, and is currently providing £1,000 further information. around a quarter were thinking bursaries for groups who wish of providing new or increased to explore this. Voscur has also products and services. increased the number of bursaries for groups who cannot afford What can Voscur offer? training fees and now offer bursaries for placing job adverts Funding advice and business on our website. For more information planning are high on the list see our website: of groups’ support needs. Our The ability to attract more www.voscur.org/ funding advice workshops and volunteers was highlighted. recessionsupport or contact training sessions have been Voscur is working with Ruth Pitter on support@voscur. popular. Groups want help with Volunteering Bristol to provide org Tel: 0117 909 9949 writing and proof reading funding training on the recruitment Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 9

Sector News Would you like some free support? Need to review your options? Would you like to explore your next steps with a business adviser? If you are an existing Bristol office with an experienced to reach out by telling your sister organisation, have an adopted business adviser. We will help you organisations in those areas. constitution or legal structure to review your organisational Delivery in some areas outside and employ at least one full needs and offer you advice Bristol may be through remote time equivalent member and access to a wide range of means or through clinics. of staff there is a door of tools and resources. You will As the current contract ends soon, opportunity open for you get a report from the meeting please get in touch as soon as between now and the end of to support your ongoing possible. Please contact: March 2010. development. This offer is available to any not-for-private Sam Anders Through a contract with Business profit organisation in Bristol, the sam@socialenterpriseworks.org Link, Social Enterprise Works can West of England, Gloucestershire offer you two hours of free Tel: 0117 9070080 and Wiltshire, so please help us face-to-face support at our Visit: socialenterpriseworks.org Select Committee on Third Sector Commissioning Voluntary and Community for good examples from NHS Sector organisations are Bristol, Safer Bristol, Children welcome to attend and and Young People’s Services contribute to the Council’s and Strategic Housing. National Select Committee on Third examples of good practice from Sector commissioning, which Birmingham and Croydon (both is chaired by Councillor Helen beacon councils) will also be Holland. considered. The Committee will receive At the time of going to press, the reports on the Council’s Enabling February meeting date has not yet Commissioning programme, the been set, but Voscur will publish it third sector strategy and the on our website when it is available. Bristol Compact. It will be looking 10 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

Member profile Celebrating 25 Years of Learning Learners ‘doing it for themselves’ is the ethos of this adult learning group, called C.L.A.S.S., which has just celebrated 25 years of non-stop learning. number of local primary schools on WW2 and school games in the 1930’s. We have worked with the City Museum, English Heritage, local media, researchers, artists, writers and performers and C.L.A.S.S members themselves have written three publications – Miners Memories, History and South Street School and Southville – People and Places. C.L.A.S.S. has been a consistent feature in the local adult learning world. It enables its members The anniversary was marked by The range of topics covered in to develop new skills in research a reception at the Grant Bradley the time C.L.A.S.S. has been going and presentations, offers a Gallery attended by past and is huge. A few examples include friendly meeting point for those present learners, tutors, guests Festivals of the World, Lost Firms interested in local history and and the Director of Education of Bristol, History of Radio, Dance, much more. Those who attend from the Workers’ Educational Creative Writing, Nurturing Nature, say that the chance to keep on Association (WEA) which fund the Highways and Byways of Bristol, learning is a tonic, a real stimulant project. C.L.A.S.S. also mounted Street Markets and Traders to that helps develop confidence, an exhibition in Bedminster Library name but a few. Visiting speakers, skills, knowledge and friendships. showing the wide range of work demonstrations and field trips Why not give it a try? New from the last 25 years. linked to the theme enhances the members are welcome from termly programme. Set up in 1984, C.L.A.S.S. aims throughout the city and the to support and encourage adult As well as researching topics, Southville Centre is fully accessible. learning. It meets weekly at the C.L.A.S.S. works collaboratively Contact Lucy Fieldhouse, C.L.A.S.S. Southville Centre on Tuesdays with a diverse range of Tutor on 07527 059269 or email from 10am – 12noon. Members organisations. We took part last lucy.fieldhouse@blueyonder.co.uk select a learning theme; research year in a 100 strong Feral Sound it and present findings back to Choir run by the Arnolfini. We their peers. A WEA tutor supports have worked closely with what the group. was the Industrial Museum on World War 2 (WW2) memories and CLASS has run workshops in a Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 11

The Compact Compact Refresh On 16 December 2009, the refreshed national Compact document was launched. Developed following months of consultation, the new Compact is leaner, more focused and reflects the changing operating environment for the partnership between government and the voluntary sector. You can download the Compact • Public bodies should make To help achieve this Voscur will and Introductory Guide from the payments to third sector continue to be involved in the Voscur website (www.voscur. organisations within 10 days of Compact Steering Group and org/compact). You can also an invoice being received. influence the Bristol Partnership’s order free hard copies, available • Compact principles should ‘Thriving Third Sector Strategy’ from 12 January 2010, from the apply to the distribution of Group to ensure a joined up Commission for the Compact, EU funding. approach to refreshing our Tel: 0121 237 5905 or • Third sector organisations local Compact. info@thecompact.org.uk should be actively involved in policy development rather than The new version of the just consultation exercises. agreement, which sets out how public and third sector Some commitments have “It’s vital that we refresh local organisations should treat each remained the same, such as Compacts all over England and other, is 22 pages long, 12-week consultation periods, 3 reassert their importance. In compared with more than 160 year funding and 3 month notice some areas they have been in the old version and its five periods at the end of funding. signed by the council and the codes of practice. PCT but the promises made have Local Impact then been forgotten. In other The old codes of practice have Voscur believes that it is areas they have framed the been removed and the document important that the Bristol local sector’s involvement in the has been broken down into Compact is updated to more Local Strategic Partnership and three areas covering policy accurately reflect the current the Local Area Agreement and development, resource allocation environment that the voluntary helped to drive improvements and equality. sector is operating within. Voscur in consultation and funding The new agreement says: would also like to ensure that a practices. We must use the new revised local compact is used to Compact to bring relationships • Any organisation remind the public sector of their in the worst areas up to the level subcontracting public service commitment to the sector. of the best.” delivery contracts to third sector groups should abide by Kevin Curley – NAVCA the Compact’s principles. 12 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

Have Your Say – Vox Pops Your Vision for Bristol in 2020? In March, the Bristol Partnership will launch ‘the 20:20 plan’ Bristol’s Sustainable City Strategy, setting out their vision for what Bristol will be like in 2020. During January, we asked three Voscur members what their vision would be for Bristol in ten years time. Bristol would be a city which In 10 years time I would love Sustainable energy should be we can all get around easily to live in Bristol, indeed in at the heart of what Bristol and cheaply, but especially a Britain or even a world, has achieved by 2020, with a young people. We would that did not need groups to sea change in the way we all actually be a cycling city which campaign for the equal rights, think and act on energy. We is safe and straightforward to treatment and respect for need to be making drastic cycle around (apart from the minority communities. To live cuts in carbon emissions, hills obviously!) Young people in an inclusive society where reducing reliance on fossil make a huge contribution to difference was celebrated and fuels and ending the misery our communities, so in 10 respected would be a dream of unhealthy cold homes years time we would hope come true. Of course I would suffered by tens of thousands that even more young people be without a job but what of Bristolians every winter. would be volunteering their reward! Our hope is that in the next time, supporting charities and 3 years we see an area of Sarah Louise Minter changing our world for the Bristol on a fast-track to these Development Worker at better. goals, as a test-bed for radical the Bristol Lesbian, Gay and new energy saving and low Georgina Seymour Bisexual Forum carbon interventions and an Senior Youth Volunteer incubator for the businesses, Development Manager, services, skills and community Young Bristol initiatives that can then grow to transform the whole city by 2020. Simon Roberts Chief Executive, Centre for Sustainable Energy Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 13

Apprenticeships Apprenticeships Can Help Solve Your Training needs Creating and maintaining a skilled workforce is a challenge faced by many voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in Bristol. Apprenticeships are an important to completion. The National way of helping to resolve that Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching problem. By providing skills Service enables employers to development that is specifically advertise their vacancies online tailored to meet the needs of at apprenticeships.org.uk, as well the job, they can equip both new as giving them the opportunity employees and existing staff of finding high calibre candidates with exactly the right knowledge who match their criteria. and expertise to make a real Apprenticeships can help support difference to the organisation’s the recruitment process, with effectiveness. new recruits welcoming the Apprenticeships are designed to opportunity of following a be flexible, with the majority of structured route into a career. training taking place ‘on the job’ Young people are increasingly Kerry Gardiner, an apprentice at and the rest taking place at local attracted by the promise of a Gloucester Cathederal colleges or training provider. If nationally recognised qualification in-house training fits better with that gives them the chance of of apprentices staying with an employer’s needs, this can also furthering their career in an their employers after they have be arranged. industry of their choice whilst completed the Apprenticeship earning at the same time. Such is programme. As well as representing a great the popularity of the opportunity There are two levels of return on investment, many to ‘earn and learn’ that Apprenticeship available – an employers are not aware that in Apprenticeships are becoming Apprenticeship at Level 2 which is most cases funding is available more and more popular with equivalent to five GSCES (A to C) to help with training costs young people who may otherwise and an Advanced Apprenticeship for apprentices – 100% if the have chosen a more traditional or Level 3, which is equivalent to apprentice is aged 16 to 18. route through college and 2 A-levels. Both of these combine A new dedicated Employer university. work-based qualifications such as Services team within the National Apprentices gain a mix of NVQs with key skills and, where Apprenticeship Service (NAS) theoretical and practical skills, relevant, a technical certificate. means that managing the process which make them very well Some apprentices even go on is even easier, with support being rounded employees. They also to study foundation degrees or provided from first enquiry tend to be loyal, with the majority degree courses to improve their 14 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

Apprenticeships skills and career prospects still In addition to the practical For further further. benefits of introducing information about apprentices to the workplace, Training providers provide Apprenticeships visit: many employers report a practical support and guidance to www.apprenticeships.org.uk real sense of satisfaction in apprentices and their employers playing such a vital role in the throughout the programme. development of the younger They work with organisations members of their team, enjoying to decide which programme watching them progress and is right for them and what develop. funding is available. They then agree a training plan with the apprentice and manage training and evaluation – ensuring that national quality standards are met. Training providers can also Apprenticeship Week and the help recruit apprentices or help support existing employees into Apprenticeship Awards the programme. Apprenticeship Week takes place between 1-5 February. For full information on the events in the region and how to get involved, please visit: www.apprenticeships.org.uk/About-Us/ Apprenticeship-Week-2010.aspx Apprenticeship Awards each category will be crowned the To find out more about national winner. The Apprenticeship Awards how your organisation celebrate the success of Finalists will receive publicity can take part in this apprentices who have made a real and recognition, as well as an scheme and what support is difference to their own future and invitation to the glittering National available, come along to: the organisation they work for. Apprenticeship Awards ceremony Apprenticeships in Voluntary, They also recognise the hard work which will be held on Thursday Community and Social of employers who are successfully 15 July in central London. Enterprise Organisations tackling skills shortages to build an event organised by Voscur, their future workforce through the National Apprenticeships Apprenticeships. Scheme, the City of Bristol Find out more and apply The national Awards competition College and Bristol City Council online now at: integrates the winners from on 25 March 2010 the regional judging panels, www.apprenticeships. To find out more visit: plus the winners of the National org.uk/Awards.aspx www.voscur.org or phone Employer Service (NES) Workforce Deadline for entries is Friday 0117 909 9949 Development Awards 2010, who 26 February 2010. then proceed through to the final stage where one winner from Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 15

Voscur Training Skilling up your Staff Looking at the skills of staff, management committee and volunteers is an important part of organisational development. It is also something that many organisations in the voluntary, community and social enterprise (vcse) sector feel they need support with which is why Voscur has developed an updated skills audit toolkit in association with Ladder for Learning at the Learning Curve. What is a skills audit? • identify skills that staff have move on to other jobs. However, A skills audit (also called Training that you didn’t know about don’t promise anything you can’t Needs Analysis or TNA) is a • improve staff morale, deliver and make sure it’s not just process an organisation carries motivation and performance a paper exercise. out to assess individual staff, • feed into further career How do you carry out a management committee and opportunities skills audit? volunteers’ learning needs. • have a more effective team A skills audit can take place once a Skills audits help to find out The best approach to a skills year and can be done as part of an about all the knowledge and audit is to identify a lead person, appraisal process, supervision or skills your staff or volunteers and have a briefing with line managers whichever process you feel most board members have, not just and have a meeting with all staff, comfortable with. those needed for their current volunteers and management committee to explain the process. What happens once the skills role in the organisation. It also audit has been completed? provides the organisation with If the skills audit process starts information about training and without a full and positive • Carry out the training that development needs. explanation of the likely has been identified (there is benefits to individuals and the help to find suitable training Why do a skills audit? organisation, it may lead to a lack in this pack) When you do a skills audit, the • Review how the process of commitment to the process information can help to: has worked among staff or to a feeling of • develop individual and stress and lowered self-esteem • Do it again – It is a organisational learning plans – the opposite of what was continuous process that • inform your annual training intended. needs to be reviewed as per budget and prioritise individual organisational changes and training If people don’t know why staff development needs • set other budgets they are doing it then they • show that the organisation may not be enthusiastic Sophie Bayley is considering its staff and is about it. Workforce Development committed to helping staff, Issues you need to consider Co-ordinator. Voscur volunteers and management Carrying out a skills audit is useful Sophieb@voscur.org committee do their job more even though staff members may 0117 909 9949 effectively 16 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

Voscur Training If you would like to find out more about the new skills audit developed by Voscur and the Learning Curve, then you could attend our free session Skilling Up your Staff on 16 March 2010 (10am-1pm at the Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Bristol, BS3 1QG) to book on, go to www.voscur.org/ training You can find out about other Skills Audits by visiting National Council for Voluntary Organisations: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/tna Skills Third Sector: www.skills- thirdsector.org.uk/training_ needs_analysis Ladder 4 Learning: www. ladderforlearning.org.uk Image: Daniel Bonatto Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 17

Voscur Spring Training Welcome to Voscur Learning This term we have lots of new courses, some free and some low cost as well as our early bird scheme to help you pay for our courses. The early bird scheme means that full members pay 10% off the cost of our courses if they book at least 1 month before the event (this does not cover our volunteer managers’ courses). If you would like to book onto any of Voscur recognises that you may need courses the training go to www.voscur.org tailored for your organisation. We can run in house where you will find more information or courses on many topics. Contact Sophie Bayley on phone the Voscur office on: 0117 909 9949 0117 909 9949 for details. Taking Minutes of meetings Introduction to Communications NEW NEW Tuesday 9 February, 9:30am-4:30pm and the Media CREATE Centre, Smeaton Road, Thursday 4 March, 9:30am-4:30pm Bristol, BS1 6XN St Werburghs Centre, Horley Road, By the end of this new course, run in association St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2 9TJ with the Directory of Social change, participants How many voluntary sector organisations will be equipped with the knowledge and take their communications activities seriously understanding to ensure that they can take and have the people with the skills to make it accurate minutes, appropriate to the situation, happen? Inspired by Voscur’s AGM and member with confidence. feedback, this day workshop is designed to help your organisation find its voice. Trainer: Paul Ticher – Directory of Social Change Trainer: Douglas Brown – Independent PR Consultant Recruitment of Volunteers LOW COST Friday 12 February, 9:30am-3:30pm Retention and support of LOW COST Volunteers at @ Symes Community Building, Peterson Avenue, Hartcliffe, Bristol, BS13 0BE Tuesday 9 March, 9:30am-3:30pm This session is for those people who manage Black Development Agency, 5 Russell Town volunteers and would like to know more Avenue, Redfield, Bristol BS5 9LT about recruiting them effectively. It will cover This session is for volunteer managers who volunteer motivation; barriers to volunteering; would like to know more about supporting recruitment techniques and processes; and retaining volunteers. Among other things, developing adverts for volunteer roles and this session will cover the importance of action planning. induction; other ways of supporting volunteers; supervision; why people stop volunteering; Trainers: Jenny Idle – Volunteering Bristol recognition and action planning. and Sophie Bayley – Voscur Trainer: Jenny Idle – Volunteering Bristol and Sophie Bayley – Voscur 18 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

Voscur Spring Training Identifying and Managing Risk Trainers: Eva Pollard – Voscur and Sarah NEW – FREE Effectively McMahon, Dave Tuffery – Bristol City Council Thursday 11 March, 9:30am-3:30pm Volunteers and the Law LOW COST The Park, Daventry Road, Knowle, Tuesday 23 March, 9:30am-1pm Bristol, BS4 1QD Windmill Hill City Farm, Phillip Street, The current difficult economic climate is having Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4EA an impact on voluntary and community sector This new course is for anyone who manages organisations. This one day course is about volunteers and would like to know more about how your organisation can review all aspects legal implications. It will be run by Voscur and of its work to identify and manage all areas of Volunteering Bristol as part of the Volunteer potential or known risk. It is about risk in the Management project. wider organisational sense. It will cover Charity Commission guidance and requirements in Trainers: Jenny Idle – Volunteering Bristol and relation to risk. Sophie Bayley – Voscur Trainer: Caroline Cook – Phoenix Associates How to deal with difficult issues in volunteer management Skilling up your Staff NEW – FREE Thursday 1 April, 9:30am-1pm Tuesday 16 March, 9.30am-1pm The Greenway Centre, Doncaster Road, The Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Southmead, Bristol, BS10 5PY Southville, Bristol, BS3 9QG This session will cover: This free session run by Voscur and the Learning Defining the problem and problem solving; Curve will give you ideas, hints and tips on Effective communication; How to avoid how to develop the skills of your paid and problems, and Setting boundaries. unpaid staff. The session will demonstrate various training needs assessment tools and Trainer: Sophie Bayley – Voscur and Jenny Idle look at practical ways of meeting training and – Volunteering Bristol development needs. Trustee Series 1 Trainers: Jaclyn Cross – Learning Curve and – Why am I on the committee? Sophie Bayley - Voscur Wednesday 21 April, 6:30pm-9:30pm Prove it! – Convincing Funders Barton Hill Settlement, 41-43 Ducie Road, NEW your Project is Needed Bristol, BS5 0AX Thursday 18 March, 9:30am-1:30pm This course will give anyone who has the role of Barton Hill Settlement, 41–43 Ducie Road, a trustee a basic overview of their legal duties Bristol, BS5 0AX and responsibilities and is ideal if you have just become a trustee or just want to brush up on Working with Bristol City Council’s research team, your skills. this course is for anyone involved in submitting funding applications for their organisation. It Trainers: Graham Partridge – Avon and Bristol will introduce you to some of the tools and local Law Centre and Sophie Bayley – Voscur statistics available to convince funders of the need for your project. Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 19

Volunteering Bristol Employer Supported Volunteering – Volunteering England responds to needs of front Find out about volunteering in your local community and line charities through innovative pilot project major volunteers fair: Whilst cash is still king, increasingly many charities value A new series of local the support of employee volunteers drop-in sessions 3 and 10 February, 10 and 17 Recently, employers have offered Volunteering Bristol has long March – The Beacon Centre, their employees the opportunity recognised the requirements Russell Town Avenue, Bristol, to take part in one-off team of the volunteer-involving BS5 9JH challenge events for voluntary organisations for on-going organisations. However, many volunteer commitment as 22 and 23 March – The charities are looking to move being the most effective Gatehouse Centre. Hareclive toward longer term, more support for their organisations Road. Bristol. BS13 9JN sustainable skills-based Employer and their service users rather Following on from the successful Supported Volunteering (ESV) than one-off activities. Volunteer Recruitment Fair which transfer skills like ICT, We still receive enquiries from last autumn, we will be holding business development and businesses looking for team another Recruitment Fair on financial planning to the voluntary days or one-day volunteering 4 March at the Park Centre and community sector. opportunities for staff, so if in Daventry Road, Knowle. The skills-based ESV movement your organisation has projects The day will give local people has the potential to free up that could be undertaken by the opportunity to meet significant cash resources – if groups, please contact the representatives from support such as financial planning Volunteer Centre. organisations seeking volunteers can be brought in through in the local area and will run from volunteers, then money can be Training programme 11am until 3pm. freed up for other areas. The for Volunteer Managers continues As with the drop-in sessions, movement is likely to continue entry is free and there is no to grow as businesses and Volunteering Bristol is continuing need to book. other employers recognise the its programme of low cost personal and professional staff support for Volunteer Managers. development benefits such as Additional support services improved motivation and morale. to volunteer managers and their volunteers, as well as new Volunteering Bristol is following Contact volunteers seeking supported a skills-based ESV pilot scheme Tel: 0117 989 7733 roles will be set up during run by the Volunteer Centre in February and March under the Email: Exeter so that we can develop our guidance of newly appointed info@bristolvolunteers.org.uk own scheme to help voluntary Volunteer Support Advisor, organisations obtain specialist Address: Royal Oak House, Piers Cardiff. support from business sponsored Royal Oak Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4GB volunteers. 20 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

Sustainable Communities Act – Green Pages Bristol Ideas Make Sustainable Communities Act shortlist Last year over 300 suggestions were submitted by members of the public in Bristol to help make our communities more sustainable. 2. Support the employment of waste combined with greater young people and people with reuse and recycling. learning difficulties, specifically 6. Place a tax on the purchase of In June, Voscur facilitated a panel within local authorities plastic bags. of Bristol residents to consider by amending the Local each suggestion and recommend Government and Housing Act. to the Bristol City Council cabinet 3. Help achieve and maintain which ones they would like to go diversity and vitality in forward to the national shortlist shopping centres by changes Fewer plastic bags to be compiled by the Local to the Planning Use Classes Government Association (LGA). Order and General Permitted Development Order Bristol City Council’s 4. Government to extend cabinet supported eight Business Rate relief to provide recommendations, of these, the same relief to urban Post seven have been supported by Offices as rural (in England). the LGA and will form a list to be recommended to the Secretary of State who will make a final decision before Easter on which should become law. To find out more about More visible Post Offices The six Bristol suggestions that the Bristol Sustainable could become law are: Communities Act 5. Reduce commercial and 1. Encourage car clubs through industrial waste by making recommendations and exemption from congestion local authorities responsible Sustainable Communities Act charges and free road fund for its collection and disposal. Panel visit: licences. This would ensure that local www.voscur.org/haveyoursay/ authorities are responsible for sustainablecommunities both domestic and commercial To find out more about the waste in their area, which Sustainable Communities would allow for a more joined- Act visit: tiny.cc/sca up approach, which would Encouraging car sharing hopefully mean a reduction in Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 21

Equalities LGBT History Month Whitehead; a national campaign subsequently led to picketeing of their stores. 1976: Lesbian and Gay Christian www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk Movement founded. 1982: Terry Higgins dies of Aids The theme of February’s Lesbian, leading to the myth that Queen aged 37. His friends establish Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Victoria refused to accept that a trust in his name focused on (LGBT) History Month is Lesbianism existed. raising funds for research and ‘Education and Young People.’ awareness of the illness – then 1941: Transsexuality was first used called Gay-Related Immune Voscur has prepared a timeline in reference to homosexuality and Deficiency (GRID). that charts the political history bisexuality. of LGBT discrimination, campaign 1984: Gay Times magazine begins and change. 1948: Alfred Kinsey publishes publication. ‘Sexual Behaviour in the Human The history shows the continued 1988: Section 28, preventing the Male.’ It states that 4% of men battle for LGBT equality; despite ‘promotion’ of homosexuality identify as exclusively progress having been made by local authorities, comes into homosexual and 37% had challenges still remain. It is force restricting awareness-raising enjoyed at least one homosexual hoped that the Equality Bill to be or discussion of LGBT issues in experience in their lives. implemented this autumn will help schools. to increase wider LGBT awareness 1953: Kinsey publishes ‘Sexual Behaviour in the Human Female’. 1989: Stonewall Group established and acceptance, and strengthen It states that 2% of women to oppose Section 28 and other LGBT equality. identify as exclusively lesbian and blocks to equality for lesbians Timeline 13% had enjoyed at least one and gay men. Founder members lesbian experience in their lives. include the actors, Ian McKellen 1290: First mention in English and Michael Cashman. common law of a punishment 1956: The Sexual Offences for homosexuality. Act becomes law, leading to a 1994: Parliament reduces gay clampdown by police on gay male age of consent to 18 (after 1533: Henry VIII introduces an Act activity in the UK for several a proposal to equalise it to 16 in bringing male-male sexual activity decades. line with heterosexual consent was punishable by hanging. defeated). 1967: The Sexual Offences Act in 1869: First published use of England and Wales decriminalises 1994: The Bristol Lesbian, Gay and the term ‘homosexuality’ homosexual acts between two Bisexual Forum is established to (Homosexualitat) in a pamphlet by men over 21 years of age,‘in challenge the discrimination that Karoly Maria Kertbeny, a German- private.’ lesbian, gay and bisexual people Hungarian campaigner. experience in the city. 1972: Gay News, UK’s first gay 1885: Labouchere Amendment newspaper, founded. 1995: Gay Times goes on sale in to the Criminal Law Amendment John Menzies newsagents for the Act criminalises homosexuality. No 1975: British Home Stores first time. reference is made to Lesbianism sacks openly gay trainee Tony 22 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

Equalities 1999: The Sex Discrimination 2002: The Adoption and Children 2009: Former Wales 2nd Lions (Gender Reassignment) Act 2002 grants equal rights to rugby captain, Gareth Thomas, Regulations extends the Sex same sex couples applying for reveals he is gay. He says ‘It’s Discrimination Act to make it adoption. (Legislation passed in pretty hard being the only unlawful to discriminate on Scotland in 2009) international rugby player grounds of gender reassignment, prepared to break the taboo’. 2003: Repeal of Section 28 – but but only in the areas of no guidance from government employment and vocational about how schools can educate training. children about gay relationships. 1999: A bomb explodes in the 2003: Employment Equality Admiral Duncan, a gay pub in (Sexual Orientation) Regulations Soho, the third in a series of becomes law making it illegal bombs targeted at minority to discriminate against lesbians, communities by a lone gay men and bisexuals in the Wendy Stephenson at the launch of the extremist. Three people die and mythbusting booklet, ‘Lesbian, Gay and workplace. Bisexual people’, available from Bristol City several are injured. Council’s Equalities Team 2004: the Civil Partnership 1999: House of Lords rules that Act is passed giving same- same sex partners should be sex couples the same rights treated as family and have the and responsibilities as married right to succeed a tenancy. heterosexual couples. 1999: The Law Commission 2005: the Government amends proposes that partners of same- For more information the Equality Bill, including a clause sex couples should be able to on LGBT history, services to make it illegal to discriminate claim damages in fatal accident and the equalities bill: against lesbians and gay men cases. www.voscur.org/ in the provision of goods and equalities 1999: Angela Mason receives services – from NHS care through an OBE for services to the gay to hotels and restaurants. Useful contacts: community and appears in the 2008: Parliament passes EACH: www.eachaction.org.uk Observer’s 300 most powerful the Human Fertilisation and people in the UK. LGB Forum Bristol: Embryology Act giving better legal www.bristol-lgb-forum.org.uk 2000: The Government lifts the recognition to same-sex parents. Stonewall: ban on lesbian and gay men 2009: The Equality Bill is www.stonewall.org.uk serving in the armed forces. introduced to Parliament with Terence Higgins Trust: 2001: The Age of consent is important implications for sexual www.tht.org.uk reduced to 16. orientation equality. Equality Bill: 2001: EACH (Educational Action 2009: A poll by Populus reports www.equalities.gov.uk/ Challenging Homophobia) that 61% of those surveyed equality_bill.aspx established to challenge support allowing same-sex couples homophobia in Bristol, and goes to marry. A Fairer Future (Equality Bill): on to gain national recognition www.voscur.org/equalities for their work. Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 23

Equalities International Women’s Day 2010 To mark this year’s event, on Saturday 6 March, Voscur looks at some of the history, symbols, themes and achievements of the campaign for women’s equality. History The International Women’s Bristol Day date was moved to March 8 On 8 March 1857, women working International Women’s day in in 1913. in clothing and textile factories Bristol will focus on the stories of in New York City staged a protest The United Nations (UN) drew women across the city as makers against inhumane working global attention to women’s of history, or we say HERstory. conditions and low wages. Two concerns in 1975 by calling for an A full day of events has been years later these women formed International Women’s Year. It also organised by the Bristol Women’s their first labour union to try and convened the first conference on Forum and Bristol City Council’s protect themselves and gain some women in Mexico City that year. Equalities and Communities basic rights in the workplace. The UN General Assembly then Cohesion team to take place at On 8 March 1908, a rally in New invited member states to proclaim the Council House on Saturday York City demanded shorter work 8 March as the UN Day for 6 March 2010 to give more hours, better pay, voting rights Women’s Rights and International women a chance to attend. and an end to child labour. They Peace in 1977. The day aimed to The free, citywide event invites adopted the slogan “Bread and help nations worldwide eliminate women across Bristol to join in Roses”, with bread symbolizing discrimination against women. It on a day of storytelling, fun and economic security and roses a also focused on helping women building a better future for all better quality of life. gain full and equal participation in women in Bristol. global development. International In 1910 in Copenhagen, the Men’s Day is celebrated on 19 Community groups involved Socialist International conference November each year. include Single Parent Action proposed a Women’s Day to Network, Bangladesh Association honour the movement for Symbols Youth Service, Silai for Skills, Bristol women’s rights and to assist The International Women’s Day Feminist Network, along with in achieving universal suffrage logo is in purple and white and others and individual women. for women. This resulted in features the symbol of Venus, Katy Ladbrook, a member of the International Women’s Day being which is also the symbol of Bristol Feminist Network said: marked for the first time in being female. Europe (19 March 1911) where “International Women’s Day more than one million women UN Theme still plays an important role in and men attended rallies. In focusing our attention on global addition to the right to vote The theme of this years gender discrimination. Men and and to hold public office, they International Women’s day on 8 women in the UK live in such demanded the right to work, to March is ‘Combating Poverty and relative privilege and we need to vocational training and to an end Social Exclusion. remember the struggle of women to discrimination at work. and girls in the majority world. In 24 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

Equalities Bristol we will be celebrating the a whole host of activities for Women Who Make strength and determination shown you to get involved in including a Difference by women, often in the face of playback theatre, storytelling, awards 2010 terrible oppression. There is a long dance, discussion groups, an way to go before women truly exhibition from local Bristol artists, The event will also host the have opportunities equal to men, information stalls, and lots of ‘Women Who Make a Difference’ but we honour the achievements opportunity to network with other awards recognising achievements made. women from across Bristol. A free of many women in Bristol who creche is available (please note have inspired and motivated The event starts at 10am and others in the communities where this will need to be booked workshops will run throughout they work and live. in advance). the day until 4pm. There will be For more information Women Who Make a Difference Award about IWD please contact: This award is given in of the International Women’s Shagufta Kasour on recognition of the invaluable Day Celebrations to be held on 0117 922 2358, contributions women are Saturday 6 March 2010, 12:00 shagufta.kasour@bristol.gov.uk making to improving and noon at the Council House. or Fiona Watson on sustaining our communities. For further details and for a 0117 922 2329 / 922 2658 If there is a woman in your nomination form please contact: Websites: community – she could be your Fiona Watson Voscur: partner, mother, sister, daughter, Tel: 0117 922 2329 or Email: voscur.org/Womens-Day-2010 friend, neighbour, colleague – fiona.watson@bristol.gov.uk who has inspired you, or been a International Women’s day: role model and who has made a All Nominations to be received internationalwomensday.com difference in your life, please put by Monday 11 February 2010 Bristol City Council: her forward. We look forward to receiving www.bristol.gov.uk The Awards Ceremony will be part your nominations! Bristol Women’s Forum: www.bccforums.org.uk/women Fawcett Society: www.fawcettsociety.org.uk Bristol Feminist Network: bristolfeministnetwork.com United Nations: un.org/en/globalissues/women Unesco: www.unesco.org Women Watch: un.org/womenwatch/feature/ Women’s Forum members receive a Women who Make a Difference award 2009, from iwd/history Jan Ormondroyd, Chief Executive, Bristol City Council Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 25

Children and Young People Becta offers Free Home Access to Internet Image: Peter Becta heads the national drive ensure that more children in The local programme will be to inspire and lead the effective England have access to technology targeted at all families with and innovative use of technology at home to support learning. children and young people aged throughout learning. It works The programme will benefit over 7 to 18 who are in full-time, mainly with the DCSF (Department 270,000 households by March state-maintained education for Children Schools and Families) 2011 and initially the programme in Bristol. and BIS (Business innovation and will target learners aged 7 -18 Look out for more information Skills), supporting them to raise years inclusive. The Home Access about how to apply for the Home educational achievement, narrow project aims to provide computers Access package on Bristol City the gap between rich and poor, and broadband internet access to Council’s website at www.bristol. improve the skills of the whole families so that all children have an gov.uk and follow the link to population throughout their equal opportunity to learn Education and Learning, and working lives, and strengthen at home. At the moment more then click on ‘Free computers the Further and Higher than one million children across for families’. Also visit the Becta education systems. the country do not have a website at www.becta.org.uk. computer at home and 35 per How Home Access Works cent of families have no access Home Access is the government to the internet. programme which will help to 26 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

Children and Young People Bristol Children and Young People’s Workforce Strategy The Joint Children and Young central part of the Every Child in order to prevent problems People’s Network meeting on Matters agenda. from occurring in the first place. 9 December 2009 focused on It is an effective way of The Children’s Workforce engaging the voluntary and supporting children and families Development Council (CWDC) community sector in the local with additional needs and helping is charged with implementing Children’s Workforce strategy. to secure real improvements in integrated working by closely Bristol City Council presented the their life outcomes. More details collaborating with the Department strategy and welcomed comments are available at: for Children, Schools and Families and ideas from members. The www.cwdcouncil.org.uk (DCSF), local and regional presentation and discussion can organisations across England and be viewed at www.voscur.org/ with the children’s private, faith, children. The final document community and third will need to be approved by the sector workforce. Children’s Trust by April 2010. Multi-agency working is about Anyone who works with babies, different services joining forces children, young people or their families, whether through paid employment or voluntary work, is a member of the children and young people’s workforce. Integrated working is where everyone supporting children and young people, work together effectively to put the child at the centre, meet their needs and improve their lives. At an operational level, it is facilitated by adopting common service delivery models, tools and processes, including training. Integrated working is at the centre of making a real difference to the lives of children, young people, and their families. It is a From Building Brighter Futures: Next Steps for the Children’s Workforce. DCSF 2008 Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 27

How to – Funding Commissioning Concerns The commissioning agenda has been identified as a major area of concern for the local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (vcse). The work that Voscur staff have • Legal issues in entering Decision Support Tools to aid been doing with member groups contracts with public commissioners with this. in the areas of fundraising, sector bodies Myth: The organisation which training and recession support has • VAT implications submits the cheapest quote will highlighted a lack of knowledge Collaborating with other groups always win the contract. about commissioning processes, and tendering as consortia Fact: Tenders to deliver public coupled with uncertainty about service contracts are scored by when commissioning of front-line Training and learning events will both Price and Quality. Those services will take place by various be publicised through Voscur which commission public services Bristol City Council departments. networks including our website to support vulnerable people are This has contributed to an and e-bulletin. usually weighted at 40% Price and atmosphere of uncertainty and In the meantime, to reassure 60% Quality. suspicion. Voscur members that Myth: Large national voluntary In partnership with local City commissioning can offer organisations will win contracts Council and NHS commissioners, opportunities for better service to deliver services locally because Voscur will be organising a number delivery and more sustainable they have more time and skills to of learning and information events funding, here are some write tenders. in the 2010-2011 financial year common myths dispelled, and Fact: Local knowledge is valued relating to commissioning and the 8 principles of intelligent by commissioners. Tenders which procurement. These will cover all commissioning which the public demonstrate an understanding levels of understanding of the sector should be applying. and experience of working with issues including: 4 Common Myths local communities will score higher • The Commissioning Cycle and on this point. Myth: Contracts to deliver public opportunities for the vcse to services are replacing traditional Myth: The Council will decide what participate in identifying needs grant funding. services it wants to commission and designing services Fact: Intelligent commissioning without taking into account what • European Union procurement involves awarding both grants the users of those services want. rules and processes for and contracts. Commissioners Fact: Commissioning services advertising and awarding must make a decision as to from the VCSE has the potential contracts which funding mechanism is best to deliver better outcomes • Writing and submitting tenders suited to deliver the objective of for both service users and • Challenging public body the funding. The National Audit local communities. Outcomes- decisions Office has produced based commissioning specifies what outcomes need to be 28 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

How to – Funding achieved, but not how they should be achieved. This can • Put outcomes for users at the heart of the strategic Directory of allow organisations the flexibility to design new and innovative planning process • Map the fullest practical range Social Change forms of service provision. of providers vouchers Commissioners should utilise the • Consider investing in the specialist knowledge of the local capacity of the provider base, It’s that time of year again when vcse when deciding what services particularly those working with voluntary and community sector they wish to commission. hard-to-reach groups organisations have to spend up • Ensure long term contracts their budgets. Organisations might 8 Principles and risk sharing, wherever like to buy a voucher from the of Intelligent appropriate, as ways of Directory of Social Change which Commissioning achieving efficiency and they can redeem over the coming In July 2007 a report “Hearts and effectiveness year. Vouchers can be spent Minds: commissioning from the • Ensure contracting processes on any DSC product or service voluntary sector” published by are transparent and fair, including publications, training the Audit Commission, outlined involving a broad range of courses, events and Charity Centre 8 principles of “intelligent providers; and consider room hire. commissioning” that the public sub-contracting and consortia Purchase a voucher to whatever sector should use when engaging bidding where appropriate value you require (£10 to £10,000), the VCSE to deliver public services. • Seek feedback from designate an organisation to use service users, communities it (it can be yours or another) and These are to: and providers to review you have twelve months from the • Understand the needs of effectiveness of the date of purchase to redeem those using the service commissioning process in the value. and other communities by meeting local needs consulting with third sector Complete an online order form To download a free copy of the at www.dsc.org.uk/services/ organisations, among other report, go to http://bit.ly/2Pv3VS dscvouchers or call consultees, to access their specialist knowledge 08450 77 7707 for more • Consult potential provider information. organisations well in advance of commissioning services, when setting priority outcomes Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 29

Voluntary Values European Social Fund Voscur is working in partnership with South West Forum to support the engagement of smaller voluntary and community sector organisations with the European Social Fund (ESF) ESF aims to help people fulfil their Sub-Contractors will be publicising the next round potential by giving them better Providers sub-contract a of ESF funding in late spring/early skills and better job prospects. significant amount of delivery summer 2010. to one or more frontline ESF in Delivery organisations. To be a sub- Co-Financing Organisations Skills, Employment contractor, an organisation must (CFO) – ESF projects are designed and Worklessness be a legal entity engaged in skills and financed through three Forum training or employment support. government organisations, which Are you a voluntary, community Opportunities for local VCO’s are attached to different priorities or social enterprise organisation are much greater at the sub- (see Fig1) below. working in the field of skills, contracting level than as a direct provider. employment or worklessness? Providers Voscur, in partnership with South A provider is the lead organisation ESF from 2010 West Forum’s Voluntary Value in the delivery of an ESF project, The second half of the current project invites you to a meeting and the body that is legally programme runs from 2010 to to help you to understand and accountable to the CFO. The 2013, and begins with a refresh of work with the European Social majority of providers are large the ESF regional Framework, and Fund (ESF) agenda. There will agencies, many from the public the Co-Financing Plans for DWP, also be a wider discussion on sector – although a number are LSC and NOMS. Focus is expected related issues in Bristol and the also from the third sector. The to be given to ‘green jobs’, level 3 West of England. commissioning structure of ESF and 4 training (A-level equivalent is generally not designed for local JobCentre plus and the and above) and economic frontline delivery bodies to access Learning and Skills Council will recovery. ESF as a provider – opportunities be represented and City of are greater at the sub- LSC responsibility for ESF will be Bristol College will talk about contractor level. administered by the Skills Funding sub-contracting to local Agency from April 2010, and DWP voluntary and community sector organisations. Priority Area Co-Financing Organisation 4 February 11am-1pm at Barton Hill Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, Priority 1 Extending Employment Department of Work and Pensions Opportunities (DWP) and National Offender Barton Hill, Bristol, BS5 0AX Management Service (NOMS) To book visit www.voscur.org/ Priority 2 Developing a Skilled and Adaptable Learning and Skills Council (LSC) skillsemploymentworklessness Workforce forum or tel: 0117 909 9949 Fig 1 30 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

Green ICT 2000 Tonnes of CO2 powering the Voluntary Sector Green Addict, the new Connecting At the end of 2009, we surveyed website), we can calculate just Bristol website, brings together 40 member organisations on these organisations annual energy all the work being done in Bristol their IT use to identify their use is 216591Kwh costing them around Green ICT. It’s also the Carbon Footprint and what they £18,626, producing 116 tonnes of showcase for the live web version were doing to improve their CO2 emission per year. of the Green ICT Solutions environmental impact. With just the Voscur members Database, featured in the last The organisations we surveyed (a large proportion of the total issue of Thrive – a comprehensive employed a total of 332 paid staff Voluntary and Community sector list of procedures and projects using a total of 328 Desktop PCs in Bristol) employing 5800 staff organisations can undertake to and 78 laptops, and on top of between, them we can calculate reduce costs, improve efficiency this 21 servers, 78 printers and 70 that’s a massive £325,969 a year and limit the size of their carbon mobile phones were in use. spent on powering their IT which is footprint. 2,035 tonnes of CO2. We were pleased at what had The new Website has a uniquely been implemented so far although In 2010 we are committed to innovative navigation system, much still needed to be done. reducing this figure, while using with everything you need to get Some organisations had already the Green Addict database to involved, learn and plan on one big adopted awareness policies, simultaneously improve efficiency page. If you want help planning and were dramatically reducing and services. Go to the website your Green ICT Strategy, Voscur printing and paper use. However, and join up, use the Carbon can offer one-to-one support to using the Carbon Trusts method calculators to measure your own work out the best way forward for the industrial sectors in Bristol organisation’s impact or contact and help your organisation as part of their Bristol ICT Carbon Voscur to get help and get implement and monitor your plan. Footprint report (available on our involved. Sean Kenny ICT Worker – Voscur seank@voscur.org Green Addict: www.greenaddict.eu Jargon Buster – Kwh – Kilowatt- hour is a unit of electric energy equal to 1,000 watts operating for one hour. Example: one kilowatt hour would operate a 100 watt light bulb for ten hours. Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 31

Have Your Say Ready, steady go! Bristol’s new Neighbourhood Committees go live Through February and March the first meetings of the new Neighbourhood Committees (NC) will be held in Bristol. Each NC (consisting of the elected councillors from each of the 14 Neighbourhood Partnership areas) will meet to decide how to use their NP’s share of the £13 million of council resources (devolved budgets and staff time) that are being devolved to neighbourhoods. How will the new relevant views expressed by the What will Neighbourhood Neighbourhood Committee Neighbourhood Partnership (NP) Committees be making structure affect Voluntary, when it takes a decision”. decisions about? Community and Social Who can be involved in the Neighbourhood committees Enterprise (VCSE) sector Neighbourhood Committees? will have influence over staff organisations? resources for: Each NP will have a steering group The NC will be making decisions that will include a minimum of 1 • Community safety about a number of services young people’s representative, 1 • Street cleansing that VCSE sector organisations Equalities Forum representative • Parks and green spaces and have an interest in (visit: www. and 4 (2 ward NP) or 6 (3 ward NP) grounds maintenance voscur.org/haveyoursay/ representatives from each ward. • Community engagement, neighbourhoodpartnerships These representatives could be neighbourhood renewal and and click on ‘Devolving Power from ‘Residents or local voluntary community cohesion to Neighbourhoods’ for details group’. of what is devolved to NC). The Neighbourhood committees decisions made by NC may also be You don’t need to be on the NP will make decision making on of interest to local VCSE groups steering group to get involved budgets for: who might be campaigning with your NC/NP. Each ward in • Wellbeing budgets (existing NP for a specific local issue to be a NP will have at least 4 Forum budgets – £10,000 per ward) addressed. meetings (public meetings) a year • Environmental projects (some will be joint meetings with How can VCSE sector • Mini recycling and maintenance the police), in addition the NC and organisations influence the NC? programmes NP meetings (4 per NP each year) • Highway Maintenances According to the council rules the will be public and Members of the • Minor traffic schemes councillors on the NC are the only public may submit statements elected accountable people who that relate to issues that are on The details of how the £13million+ can make decisions on devolved the agenda for the meeting. of devolved spending has council budgets and services. been divided up between the However, the terms of reference 14 NP areas is on the Voscur for the NC states clearly that website visit: www.voscur.org/ “The Neighbourhood Committee brispartnership/np#NPTOR should take into account any 32 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

Have Your Say Dates of Neighbourhood Committee and Neighbourhood Partnership Meetings Neighbourhood Partnership meetings are open to any resident or local group to attend. East Bristol North Bristol South Bristol NP Brislington East and Brislington West Avonmouth and Kingsweston* Bedminster and Southville (Greater (Brislington Community Partnership) Bedminster Community Partnership) Type OM/Neighbourhood Management OM/NP/NC OM/NP/NC Committee Date/Time Monday 15 February, 7pm Tuesday 16 February, 7pm Monday 1 March, 7pm Venue Wicklea Centre, Wicklea Road, Bristol Conference Centre, Windmill Hill City Farm, Phillip Street, Bristol BS4 4HU The Wylands, Lower High Street, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4EA Shirehampton, Bristol, BS11 0DA Contacts Lorna Heaysman on 0117 377 2653 or Sam Parker on 0117 922 3029 or Ben Barker, GBCP secretary on Email: lorna.heaysman@bristol.gov.uk Email: sam.parker@bristol.gov.uk 0117 903 6441 or Email: benbarker@ blueyonder.co.uk or Lorna Heaysman on 0117 377 2653 or Email: lornaheaysman@bristol.gov.uk NP Frome Vale, Eastville and Hillfields* Bishopston, Cotham and Redland Bishopsworth, Hartcliffe and Neighbourhood Partnership* Whitchurch Park* Type OM/NP/NC OM/NP/NC OM/NP/NC Date/Time Thursday 18 February, 7pm Thursday 4 March, 7pm Monday 22 February, 7pm Venue Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Bristol, Cotham School, Cotham Lawn Road, Wansdyke Primary School, School BS16 2QQ Cotham, Bristol, BS6 6DT Close, Whitchurch, Bristol, BS14 0DU Contacts Jo Holmes on 0117 903 6898 or Email: Jo Holmes on 0117 903 6898 or Email: Heather Williams on 0117 903 8044 or johanna.holmes@bristol.gov.uk johanna.holmes@bristol.gov.uk Email: heather.williams@hwcp.org.uk NP St George East and St George West* Cabot, Clifton and Clifton East* Filwood, Knowle and Windmill Hill* Type OM/NP/NC OM/NP/NC OM/NP/NC Date/Time Tuesday 9 February, 7pm Tuesday 2 March, 7pm Tuesday 9 March, 6pm Venue Meadowvale Community Centre, The Pavilion, 1 Hannover Quay, Knowle West Media Centre, Leinster Meadow Vale, Speedwell, Bristol, Harbourside, Bristol, BS15JE Avenue, Knowle West, Bristol, BS4 1NL BS5 7RF Contacts Abdul Razak Dahir on 0117 903 6409 0117 922 3218 or Email: Valerie Talbot on 0117 908 4247 or or Email: abdulrazak.dahir@bristol. ariaf.hussain@bristol.gov.uk Email: valerie.talbot@bristol.gov.uk for gov.uk more details NP Inner City Neighbourhood Partnership Henbury and Southmead* Hengrove and Stockwood* (Ashley, Easton and Lawrence Hill)* Type OM/NP/NC OM/NP/NC OM/NP/NC Date/Time Wednesday 24 February, 6.30pm Tuesday 2 February, 7pm Tuesday 16 February, 7pm Venue Circomedia, St Paul's Church, New Brunswick United Reformed Christ the Servant, Corner of Portland Square, Bristol, BS2 8SJ Church, Wigton Crescent, Southmead, Stockwood and Materman Road, Bristol BS10 6DY Stockwood, Bristol Contacts Penny Germon on 0117 903 9879 Mohamed Ismail on 0117 903 6420 or 0117 922 3218 or Email: ariaf.hussain@ or Email: innercity@ Email: mohamed.ismail@bristol.gov.uk bristol.gov.uk for more details neighbourhoodpartnership.co.uk NP Henleaze, Stoke Bishop and Westbury on Trym* Key to meetings: Type OM/NP/NC NC = Neighbourhood Date/Time Wednesday 10 February, 7pm Committee Venue Westbury-on-Trym Village Hall, NP = Neighbourhood Eastfield Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Partnership Bristol, BS9 4AG SG = Steering group meeting Contacts Sam Parker 922 3029 or Email: sam. OM = Open Meeting parker@bristol.gov.uk * Meetings dates, times and venues may be subject to change, we advise checking Bristol City Council website before the event. Visit the council online diary: www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Council-Democracy/Elected-Representatives/committee-meeting- finder.en Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 33

Neighbourhood Partnerships in Action Upper Horfield Young Rangers turn Film-makers Scott Jacobs-Lange (centre) with the Young Rangers Young tenants of Bristol ideas to redevelop Poets Park, Community Housing Foundation and have also held a graffiti in Upper Horfield successfully workshop in the ABC Park at bid for £1000 of funding Emerson Square. To find out about the from their Neighbourhood Upper Horfield Young Scott Jacobs-Lange, project Partnership to produce a film Rangers please contact worker with the Young Rangers highlighting how violence Scott Jacobs-Lange at Bristol said “We wanted to provide affects young people. Community Housing Foundation young people in the area with on 0117 9319776 or email: The film, entitled ‘Consequences’ a place to bring their concerns scott@bchf.co.uk focuses on how violent behaviour and to support them to do in parks and open spaces affects something about them. The Upper Horfield Young Rangers is young people’s ability to enjoy Young Rangers project has helped a partnership project established them. It was produced by us to understand more about and managed by Bristol local film-maker, Mark Marlow. how agencies in the area can Community Housing Foundation, The issue of youth violence involve local young people in their Safer Bristol and Avon and arose when the Young Rangers services and develop solutions to Somerset Police to engage identified it as a problem in the issues they have.” young people in community many parks and decided to do safety issues in their local To view the film, visit something about it. They have neighbourhood. www.youtube.com/horfield200 since helped to come up with 34 www.voscur.org February / March 2010 Issue 9

Constitution Corner Constitutions Corner Surprisingly, many voluntary organisations seem unaware of the importance of ensuring that they have enough people on their Board or management committee to be able to operate legally. Most governing documents, such in other examples a special general even if it is financially solvent and as constitutions or company meeting of members is required. otherwise sound! Articles, spell out the minimum The governing document of many Organisations needs to be clear number required for a “quorum” groups only allow members to be about who is responsible for and thus for legally valid decisions on the board; in any event, most maintaining the membership list, to be taken; some also give a have strict limits on the numbers and for developing and sustaining maximum. of any non-member co-options active engagement with the When an organisation operates allowed. governance needs of the group. with a minimum number of These cases illustrate the people actively attending Board importance of ensuring a valid or committee meetings, the Law register of the membership, and Centre’s casework reveals it is that it is up-to-date in terms of exposed to two particular risks: contact details and subscription 1. Conflict of interests or of status, where applicable. It is loyalty are now defined more a basic legal requirement of widely, and these prevent incorporated organisations to some Board members being keep a list of valid members. able to count towards the legal This is important in order to quorum for particular decisions identify who can be called on 2. Pressures such as funding cuts, to join the committee to bring deficits, staffing problems or it back up to strength. It is also even personality clashes within a practical necessity if a crisis in a Board or committee can lead management committee numbers to resignations that mean an means that a general members organisation suddenly finds meeting must be called, often it has lost the capacity to act with great urgency. legally through valid decisions Graham Partridge of a quorate Board Failure to maintain board Community Groups numbers, and a lack of capacity Sometimes there is a special Legal Advice Worker, Avon & to refresh the numbers, has power for the Board or committee Bristol Law Centre sometimes produced the need to meet for the purpose of filling for an organisation to wind up Tel: 0117 924 8662 vacancies to bring the governing because it has lost the capacity Email: grahamp@ablc.org.uk body back to minimum strength; to take lawful quorate decisions – Issue 9 February / March 2010 www.voscur.org 35

Voscur Ltd. Tel: 0117 909 9949 The CREATE Centre Fax: 0117 933 0501 Smeaton Road Email: info@voscur.org Bristol BS1 6XN Web: www.voscur.org Voscur Diary — February / March 2010 February Thursday 4 February Skills, Employment and Worklessness Forum FREE Barton Hill Settlement, 41-43 Ducie Road, Bristol, BS5 0AX (11am-1pm) Tuesday 9 February Taking Minutes of Meetings NEW CREATE Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol, BS1 6XN (9:30am-4:30pm) Friday 12 February Recruitment of Volunteers LOW COST @ Symes Community Building, Peterson Avenue, Hartcliffe, Bristol, BS13 0BE (9:30am-3:30pm) Thursday 25 February Community Buildings Network FREE Redcatch Community Centre, Redcatch Road, Knowle, Bristol, BS4 2EP (9:30am-1pm) March Wednesday 3 March Voscur Assembly – Thriving Neighbourhoods theme FREE The CREATE Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol, BS1 6XN (10am-1pm) Thursday 4 March Introduction to Communications and the Media NEW St Werburghs Centre, Horley Road, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2 9TJ (9:30am-4:30pm) Tuesday 9 March Retention and Support of Volunteers LOW COST Black Development Agency, 5 Russell Town Avenue, Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9LT (9:30am-3:30pm) Monday 11 March Identifying and Managing Risk Effectively NEW-FREE The Park, Daventry Road, Knowle, Bristol, BS4 1QD (9:30am-3:30pm) Tuesday 16 March Skilling up your Staff NEW-FREE The Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Southville, Bristol, BS3 9QG (10am-1pm) Thursday 18 March Prove it! - Convincing funders your project is needed NEW Barton Hill Settlement, 41 – 43 Ducie Road, Bristol, BS5 0AX (9:30am-1:30pm) Tuesday 23 March Voscur Equalities Network Meeting FREE Black Development Agency, 5 Russell Town Avenue, Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9LT (9:30am-1pm) Tuesday 23 March Volunteers and the Law LOW COST Windmill Hill City Farm, Phillip Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4EA (9:30am-1pm) Thursday 25 March Apprenticeships in Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations FREE Details to be confirmed Saturday 27 March Neighbourhood Partnership Residents’ Forum FREE Shirehampton Public Hall, Station Road, Shirehampton, Bristol, BS11 9TX (10am-12:30pm) For full details of the above training and events visit: www.voscur.org or phone the Voscur office on: 0117 909 9949 Company limited by Guarantee registered in England no. 3918210 Produced by circle-creative.co.uk Printed on 100% recycled paper using vegetable based inks

Thrive feb mar 2010

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