Michael Hunter Chairman

Worcestershire Voices

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Worcestershire Voices

Supporting an independent and influential Voluntary and

Community Sector

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Development of Worcestershire Voices

• Research in 2011: – Links to all statutory partners – WCC, NHS, etc– Engage all of sector– Work better together– Stronger Voice

• Changing Landscapes Conference 2011

What is the Voluntary and Community Sector?

• Third Sector / Civil or Civic Society / ‘Big Society’ • Charities• Community Groups• and also – Social enterprises

• Not– Public sector– Private / business sector

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Key Principles • Recognises and values the diversity of the sector and

the communities in Worcestershire• Is open and transparent• Acts strategically, thinks creatively and takes a

flexible approach• Promotes an independent and influential sector• Is a route through which other sectors can have an

open dialogue with the sector• Is professional and continuously improving

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What will Worcestershire Voices do?• Promote the development of an independent and influential,

collective voice for the VCS– All parts of the sector Health, Young People, Sport, Environment, Faith, ... Large and small organisations and clubs Registered Charities and Community Groups

• Develop strong and effective links with the VCS, public and private sectors

• Raise the profile of the role and capabilities of VCS organisations in Worcestershire

• Identify and respond to the key issues affecting the VCS • Act as a clear route through which the public and private sector can

engage in open and constructive dialogue with the VCS• Provide strategic leadership for the VCS

Parts of the Model

• Worcestershire Voices Website • Worcestershire Voices Forum• Worcestershire Voices Board

Worcestershire Voices Website www.worcesteshirevoices.org.uk

• The website still under development• Up-to-date information relating to the sector • Opportunity to sign up to receive information• Overview of the strategic networks in the

county• Information about the board and its work

Worcestershire Voices Online Forumwww.worcesteshirevoices.org.uk/forum

• Web based so members don’t need to travel – Can join in where and when it suits them

• Provide a sector wide method of engagement– Those from large and small groups can join (and others)

• Act as a touchstone for the board and other ‘voices’

• Provide intelligence / data to support the sector’s ‘influencing’ work

• Will develop ‘themes’ – Health, Sport, etc– Active participation by members

Worcestershire Voices Board• Supporting an independent and influential sector– Engaging with Strategic Partners– Listening to the sector as a whole

• Priorities– Volunteers and Volunteering in Worcestershire– Economy

• Discussions with WCC around commissioning processes, etc• Linking to WLEP• Exploring opportunities to link to Business

– Health and Well Being• Developing relationships with the three CCGs• Future Lives

Worcestershire Partnership

Shenstone

Group

Health & Well Being

Board

Safer Communities Board

LEP

Worcestershire Voices

Environment Group

Place shaping Group

Chief Executi

ves Panel

Leaders

Board

District

LSPs

Partnership

Executive Group

Future Work

• Develop the website and forum• Volunteering Strategy for Worcestershire• Extend to include all of the VCS• Further develop links to key partners • WLEP Social Inclusion agenda • •

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Michael Hunter Chairman

Worcestershire Voices

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