CHECK – IMPORTANT LOCAL CONSULTATIONS

If a   consultation affects your voluntary or community group, it is worth taking the time to view that consultation and respond. 

Local Wiltshire Consultations - Click here to view current consultations

WHERE TO FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?

Wiltshire Intelligence Network - This site is a very useful resource for any VCS  group wanting to keep up with the latest strategic information; reports, assessments; surveys and maps relevant to Wiltshire.’ http://www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk/  

WHERE DOES THE COMPACT FIT IN ?

The Compact is an agreement between public sector bodies and the voluntary and community sector. It stands for better partnership working, creating better outcomes for individuals and local   communities. It recognises shared values, principles and commitments and sets   out guidelines for how both sectors should work together, and how organisations in the same sector should interact. It is a framework in which   to build relationships. Specific PROMISES are made by both sectors. Click here to visit the Wiltshire Compact website   for further information.  Click here to visit Compact Voice website

WHAT VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR STRUCTURES EXIST TO HELP US ENGAGE?

1.VCS ASSEMBLY

This currently meets annually and gives VCS groups a chance to listen to keynote speakers and take part in useful workshops.

2. THE WILTSHIRE VOLUNTARY SECTOR FORUM NETWORK

Run by GROW, it comprises two   main fora (South and East Wiltshire; North and West Wiltshire). Both meet twice per annum making a total of   four VSF Network meetings per year. Groups have a chance to access high quality information about issues affecting the VCS; network effectively; discuss locally relevant issues. The Wiltshire VSF network feeds information into the VCS Assembly and vice versa.

3. WILTSHIRE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES VOLUNTARY SECTOR FORUM

Brings together voluntary organisations that work in Wiltshire   with children, young people or families. At bi monthly meetings we share information; champion the VCS; work as the local ‘voice’  and work with local authorities to ensure they are aware of the needs / priorities of the sector and of children and   families living in Wiltshire. The Forum has representation on Local   Authority Strategic Groups ensuring the sector has influence ; is involved in   planning children’s services in Wiltshire and receives useful information  from local authorities which can be passed on to local groups. For more information / become a member please contact: carolyn.beale@cfvsf.org or phone: 07775 334557.

4. MENTAL HEALTH FORUM

The Mental Health Forum is for anyone in the VCS working with mental health issues in Wiltshire.You can attend meetings which offer networking; support and   the opportunity to have a voice about the Mental Health Strategy. Contact will in the near future be through an interactive webpage for the forum hosted on the main GROW website. In the meantime contact Vice Chair of the Mental Health Forum.  Kirsty Field.  kirstyfield@cabwiltshire.org.uk

5.  VOLUNTEER MANAGER’S NETWORK

The Volunteer Managers’ Network was set up to provide peer support to anyone who supervises or manages volunteers in a formal or informal capacity.The network meets 3-4 times a year and communicates with each other outside of these times via a contact directory. The meetings are usually from 10am – 12.30pm and in addition to a workshop on a relevant topic there is also the chance to network with those in a similar situation. Managing volunteers can sometimes be a lonely business and the network aims to minimise the isolation that volunteer managers can sometimes feel. Click here to visit GROW's Volunteer Manager's Network page.

6.  REGIONAL VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR:

South West Forum is a source of information and  engagement regionally. It has published a report about how social purpose   organisations in the South West get their voices heard. Click here to view the report information.

PARTNERSHIP STRUCTURES IN WILTSHIRE

Wiltshire has a range of partnership structures. Some are undergoing review.

As soon as clear information is available any new structures will be posted. The current WILTSHIRE FAMILY OF PARTNERSHIPS (click here to view) is undergoing review.

1. Find out more about the Wiltshire Assembly here:   The Wiltshire Assembly is made up of a   group of organisations working together to build a brighter future for   Wiltshire. The partners meet twice a year and are continuously working to   bring about change which will keep Wiltshire in good shape. Information is   shared between the partners about issues, trends and opportunities in the   county, to help project planning and decision-making. There are seven   partnerships that are working together to create and deliver a vision for the   future.
2. Community Area Partnerships:  these are part of the   Voluntary Sector and groups can usefully attend meetings/events run by   Community Area Partnerships to influence   development in local areas. The Wiltshire Forum of Community Area   Partnerships website has a list of all local Community Area Partnerships.
3. Community Area Boards: Wiltshire Council is keen for VCS groups to   attend Area Board meetings and also access funding that is available through   the Area Boards.
4. On-line - Community Issues. A great way to get things done:
5. Raising community issues online with Wiltshire Council is simple and effective. To fill out the online form ONLY TAKES 5 minutes. Once you press submit you will be kept informed of progress of your issue. We will work with your elected Wiltshire Councillors and Parish Councils too to make sure we are working together to get to the bottom of the problem. Click here to raise an issue NOW!
6.  

    7.Town & Parish Councils: Contact your local town or parish council 

    8.NHS Wiltshire: Have Your Say

    9.Wiltshire Police:Tell us what you think

   10.Fire & Rescue Services:Have your say - Stakeholder registration

   11. Local Enterprise Partnerships
Strong Local Economies need Strong Local Communities
SWF have produced a ten point Action Agenda which we are calling on those developing LEPs to adopt. LEPs provide a great opportunity to forge a strong local alliance between business, local authorities and wider civil society to drive the growth of local economies. We are urging LEPs to recognise they have the capacity to bring together the government's desire for business-led economic growth with the Big Society agenda for greater community involvement and a much enhanced role for civil society organisations.

Download the Action Agenda. (155KB Word doc)

 For the latest relevant LEP news visit our LEP Watch page.