12th March 2012

Cllr Joan Kirkbride outlines plans to work more closely with the Voluntary Sector in Northamptonshire

The Countywide Forum Steering Group invited Cllr Kirkbride to their recent meeting to hear her views on how the voluntary sector can work more effectively with the County Council and deliver much needed services to local people.

At the meeting Cllr Kirkbride stated that:

Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) had taken a large cut in its budget so funds needed to be targeted effectively to enable them to carry out their statutory duties.  The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) had an important role to play in providing prevention services, which helped to bring about a considerable reduction in dependency on statutory services.  The consultation on the prevention strategy had been extended and Cllr Kirkbride tabled the draft prevention strategy document. 

Many services would be commissioned on a locality basis (Northampton, Wellingborough/East Northants, Daventry/South Northants and Corby/Kettering).  Hubs would probably be based in a building where a number of services operated and where multiple problems could be dealt with as a whole.  Cllr Kirkbride expressed the wish that the VCS would work together to combine their strengths and create efficient services. 

The Steering Group emphasised that the VCS would wish to be involved in defining services and targeting spending, but there was still a lack of clarity on commissioning and procurement processes.  Cllr Kirkbride said that risk aversion restricted commissioning activity and there was a need to frame contracts in a way that enabled local groups to apply.  She was applying pressure to MPs to reduce government red tape.

Local Infrastructure Organisations (LIOs) would remain in place as they were an important source of support for VCS organisations.  The Countywide Forum, LIOs and the Countywide Infrastructure Organisation (CIO) were major sources of information for NCC. 

£100,000 of NCC funds had been given as Community Action Grants to fund new ideas.  Towards the end of February, thirteen shortlisted applicants presented their ideas to a ‘Dragon’s Den’ panel for which the Countywide Forum nominated a representative.

All councillors have a small pot of money which they can distribute to their local people/organisations. This is known as the Empowering Councillors and Communities Scheme. It is important for local people to make contact with their local councillors to access this possible funding.

John Nightingale, Chair of the Countywide Forum Steering Group said:

“We were delighted to welcome Cllr Kirkbride to our meeting, which was attended by 12 representatives from the voluntary sector around the county.”

“This is the start of regular meetings with Cllr Kirkbride and it allows us the opportunity to have an honest exchange of views. At this meeting we shared concerns around the effectiveness of the prevention strategy, and the Dragons Den approach to gaining funds through the Community Action Grant.”

“The message for the sector is clear, we must rise to the challenges that lie ahead, and work with partners to ensure that we help to lead and shape the future of the voluntary sector in Northamptonshire. The Countywide Forum Steering Group will continue to strive to ensure the sector is protected and engaged at every opportunity.”

I look forward to working closely with Cllr Kirkbride and her team through regular meetings over the coming months.”

Cllr Kirkbride added: “The voluntary and community sector plays an essential role in Northamptonshire and we are committed to working together in order to improve the quality of life in the county.

“Of course, we are facing an enormous financial challenge over the next few years so we have to be much more targeted in how we allocate funding.

“However I’m confident that the right processes are being put in place to ensure that the right balance will be struck between efficiency and adequate service provision.”

ENDS

For more details contact: Dawn Cummins, Countywide Forum Development Officer,
07855 240860. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Notes:

The Countywide Forum is the voice for approximately 2000 voluntary groups from across Northamptonshire.

The Forum is made up of a steering group representing the 7 districts within Northamptonshire. Members come from a range of backgrounds representing small and large voluntary groups.

Over 120,000 people are engaged in volunteering in the county and their time amounts to around £475 million in services provided to Northamptonshire.

January 2012

Following the appointment of John Nightingale as Chair Northamptonshire VCS Countywide Forum is pleased to announce its Deputy Chairman, Mark Lees. The Countywide Forum is a newly formed body representing the Voluntary sector giving it one collective voice for Northamptonshire. The Forum is a two way communication channel between the VCS, Northamptonshire County Council, the District and Borough Councils and their partners . The forum is an information hub where all members can go for consultation, ideas and feedback.

The elected Steering Group of the Countywide Forum appointed Mark Lees as their Deputy Chairman. Mark works as Minister at the Full Gospel Church in Rushden. He dedicates much of his time and energy to community social action and promotion of the VCS. Mark serves as a Development Officer for the East Northants Faith Group. He has lived and worked in Northamptonshire for the last seven years and has seen the development of a night shelter facility with all appropriate support networks. He has also overseen a whole range of new community projects.

Mark’s new position will support John Nightingale, the recently elected Chair of the Countywide Forum. “I’m extremely pleased to have been nominated as Deputy Chairman of the Countywide Forum” said Mark Lees. “It is a position I can fulfil with knowledge from many different standpoints, having worked with various interest areas over the years and I am looking forward to getting started.”