Representation – How Do We Get Our Voice Heard

Mark Mitchell

Community Action Dacorum

Why do we represent?

• To add to the debate

• To put forward a community perspective

• Ensure decisions meet needs as we see them in the community

• Ensure that decisions reached are workable for the vol comm sector

• To play a full role in Hertfordshire Children’s Trust Partnership

Ideal role of representative:

• To represent the sector – not an individual organisation

• To have working / specialist knowledge of the subject

• Availability to attend meetings

• Confidence to contribute

• Collect and represent views / feedback outcomes

Where we are at the moment

• Participation in regional voluntary sector activity – VCS Engage, various groups

• Representation on number of county groups (e.g. Strategic Stakeholder Group, Workforce Development, Safeguarding Board, Safer Staffing Group etc)

• Involvement by many voluntary groups at a District Children’s Trust Partnership level

Experiences of representation

• Snapshots from delegates who currently represent the sector

A single regional platform for the Children and Young Peoples VCS

• The Concept • A regional `platform’, `Council’ or Forum for

the Children and Young Peoples VCS (CYPVCS)

• Representative and inclusive of the sectors partners

• Has a clear mandate and purpose• Has cross sector cross agency support • Fits with and develops the sectors existing

structures

A single regional platform for the Children and Young Peoples VCS

• Role

• VISION: To ensure that the sector continues to provide the best possible outcomes for children and young people by maximising its ability to represent itself nationally, regionally and locally.

• AIM : To provide a cohesive arena in which members can influence national ,regional and local partners and coordinate resources to support the development of Children & Young People VCS in the East of England.

VOC in Bedfordshire

• Bedfordshire • Terms of Reference• Elected Chair / Vice Chair• VOC Officer paid for by LA• Hosted by CVS North & Mid Beds• VOC Youth Officer currently being negotiated

with LA• Open to all VCS – 60+ members• Different levels of engagement

VOC in Bedfordshire

• VOC Steering Group – reviewing membership

• VOC Meeting – Quarterly – Statutory Partners by invite

• VOC Sub Groups - Youth / SEN / Counselling Collective

• VOC Working Groups eg Parenting Strategy

• VOC Updates – national / regional / local

• VOC Website / weblinks / database• Funding / Commissioning Information• Specialist Events - WFD & Commissioning Conference

- Extended Services Info and Marketplace Events

What does the sector in Herts want next?

• Method of appointment which captures expertise and is open to all

• Two Way Communication – your voice is heard and you are kept up to date

• A way of engaging when convenient to you

• ????????????

Options for moving forward

• New HCTP Strategic Partnership Manager post (interviews to be held on 8th December) – how do we maximise the opportunity from this appointment?

• Specialist VCS forum pilots in Broxbourne, East Herts and Stevnage – more later on the agenda

• E-Communication / Interactive Message Board

Options for moving forward

• Adopt the Beds or Regional model – needs resourcing

• Continue to build a database of organisations and use as a method for seeking representatives / conducting elections where necessary

• Include expectation to engage in representing the sector on organisations HCC commission

YOUR VIEWS…………………..

How do we best move forward…….

Presentation made by Mark Mitchell, Community Action Dacorum, 48 High Street, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP1 3AF. Tel: 01442 253935

E-Mail: mark@communityactiondacorum.org.uk