Conference - What's in Store for Somerset
The 1st Somerset Voluntary Sector Assembly
What’s In Store for Somerset?
Thank you to everybody who managed to attend The 1st Somerset Voluntary Sector Assembly - What's in Store for Somerset? It was a well attended, thought provoking day.
Notes will be avaiable shortly and copies of the presentations can be downloaded below.
All the information (including delegates lists) will be forwarded to all who attended.
Karl Wildings Presentation: UK Civil Society in 2007 - 2008
Mark Cooks Presentation: The Commissioning and Funding Agenda
If you do not have access to PowerPoint, it is possible to go to the Microsoft website and download the PowerPoint Viewer. The link will take you to the Microsoft website.
Notes from the Breakout Groups
Summary of Key Points taken from the notes from the breakout groups
There was discussion about the need for a “Facebook for Volunteering” as a networking tool. There is one called i-volunteer.org.uk and Nick Phillips from Somerset Youth Volunteering Network has set up a discussion and support group on it called Volunteering in Somerset.
Purpose: This conference presents an opportunity for the voluntary and statutory sector to work together to discuss and consider the issues, opportunities and constraints that we will all face as we shape and deliver services for individuals and communities in Somerset over the coming years.
The conference will enable a greater understanding between the sectors of the ways in which the voluntary and community sector can add value to public sector partners’ programmes and priorities. Delegates will be invited to join facilitated discussion groups which aim to:
- Articulate those voluntary and community sector activities which should be identified as priorities in order to sustain a thriving and vibrant voluntary sector in Somerset,
- Celebrate the successful Somerset Voluntary Sector Apprenticeship project and explore new opportunities for the voluntary sector to get involved with apprenticeships and skills for jobs programmes.
- Discuss how best to support the development of social capital in local communities,
- Explore the nature of the support and funding that may be available to the voluntary and community sector in order to maximise the VCS’ contribution in the County.
Speakers and Facilitated Discussion Groups
Angela Kerr, CEO ViSTA, will present a celebration of the Somerset Apprenticeship Scheme and launch the new FairTrain programme.
Karl Wilding, Head of Research at NCVO will present the current and emerging policy context for the voluntary sector and in particular will give an overview of the likely impact of the commissioning culture and the recession on the VCS.
Mark Cook, co-author of NCVO 2009 “Pathways Through the Maze, A Guide to Procurement Law”. Markwill focus on dispelling the myths around commissioning and procurement. Mark will provide an overview of the funding options available to public sector bodies in support of voluntary and community action and explain some of the legal issues affecting those decisions.
Facilitated discussions - continuing the work that took place at the joint PCT, County Council and Voluntary Sector conference on the 17th November 2009. Delegates will be invited to join one of 8 discussion groups focused around key themes as follows:
- Children and Young People (2 groups)
- Arts, Heritage & Environment
- Adult Health, Social Care & Welfare (2 groups)
- Skills, Employment and Apprenticeships
- Funding Advice and Infrastructure Services
- Equality and Diversity
For more information and booking visit www.vistaproject.org.uk or call 0845 3580372.
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