Some general information about the Strengthening Disabled People's User-Led Organisation Programme, particularly focusing on the role of the 12 Ambassadors, spread across the country.

1. Disabled People’s User-Led Organisation (DPULO) Programme Role of Ambassador

2. Background Builds on the recommendation made in the ‘Improving Life Chances Report’ that states: Each local authority will have a ULO by 2010. Also result of significant lobbying and work carried out by Disabled People’s User-Led Organisations. Rich Watts is the National Lead seconded from ECDP, based at Office for Disability Issues

3. Key Ambassador Roles 12 Ambassadors across regions – 2 to 3 days each per month Raising awarenessabout the role and potential of User Led Organisations locally and across regions (My region is Berkshire, Hampshire and Sussex). Supporting strengthening workacross regions (See handout for a list of ambassadors and their regions). Delivering the programme- including ‘Facilitation Fund’.

4. Examples ofRaising awareness about the role and potential of ULO’s nationally and across regions Support with preparation and planning for key meetings. Promoting the role and potential of DPULOs in the wider community through the media and social networking e.g. Press statements, liaising with local media. Raise awareness about the added value and ‘hidden assets’ that DPULOs bring.

5. Further examples ofRaising awareness work Network and develop strong relationships with commissioners, community partners and agencies to encourage parallel working and shared learning. Promote and strengthen co-productive relationships. Develop strategies and working relationships to target disabled people in disadvantaged and hard to reach communities, including residential homes, criminal justice system and BME communities.

6. Examples ofSupporting strengthening work “The right information or the right conversation at the right time” Sharing and capturing learning and passing it on Put DPULOs in touch with Experts

7. Examples ofDelivering the programme – particularly the ‘Facilitation Fund’ ODI receives funding applications. Applications must pass Eligibility Criteria Once they do this, they are marked by the Ambassadors at the Facilitation Fund Board meeting, which currently meets every two months.

8. Facilitation Fund Aims To develop successful, sustainable, strong DPULOs. To provide funding to enable DPULOs to respond to the needs of disabled people, at grass roots level, offering a valuable voice. Funding available Total funding available: £3 million over four years. Any number of applications per DPULO up to total value of £30,000.

9. Facilitation Fundcontinued ... Applying to the Facilitation Fund Good if DPULOs can demonstrate partnership and collaborative working. Complete ‘Facilitation Fund Application’ form – available on the ODI website: http://odi.dwp.gov.uk/odi-projects/user-led-organisations.php. The ODI may raise clarification questions with DPULOs and/or request additional information of DPULOs.

10. Facilitation Fundcontinued ... Applications are sent to ODI for a basic check. Compliant applications are then sent Facilitation Fund Board for a final decision. The Facilitation Fund Board, comprises: the National Lead, the ODI Financial Lead, a minimum of 5 Ambassadors, a representative from the ODI and a note taker from the DPULO programme team.

11. Summary Raising awareness about the role and potential of Disabled People’s User-Led Organisations locally, across regions and nationally. Building the strength of DPULOsboth locally and regionally. Delivering the programme– including the ‘Facilitation Fund’.

12. And finally... Experts - ODI have now opened the recruitment for “Volunteer Experts” who have specific skills required to run a successful organisation. For example, HR, financial management, and business planning skills are needed to help, not only with small one-off matters, but also to share their knowledge and experience in order to help sustain the running of a DPULO. For more information please contact: odi.businessperformance@dwp.gsi.gov.uk