Representation is...

1. Understanding Local Decision MakingTuesday 13th December 2011Helen Tomlinson Bolton CVSIbrahim Ismail BSCA

2. Representation is... “Where one person, or group of people, is acting, speaking or being present on behalf of another person or group of people” (VCS Representation in Suffolk)

3. Why is representation important? • It is acknowledged by central and local government that the third sector has a key role to play as a strategic partner • Voluntary and community organisations are uniquely placed to: - Identify and stand up for the needs of disadvantaged people in the community - Contribute to the planning and review of services - Develop and deliver services of their own

4. Principles of RepresentationNAVCA framework • Accountability • Equality • Leadership • Openness • Purpose • Sustainability • Values

5. Benefits to the Voluntary and Community Sector • Local groups should find it easier to have their voices heard • Local groups are able to influence services • Access to wider resources and knowledge • Recognition of the sector • Being at the heart of decisions that matter to local people • Stronger relationships and collaboration Principles of Representation, NAVCA (2008)

6. Benefits to local authorities and LSP partners • Use the knowledge and skills of local groups to help design and deliver effective services • Utilise links to ensure services deep-rooted problems that work on the ground • Strengthen relationships • Explore options for service delivery • Access networks that help deliver changes in attitude • Co-ordinate services to avoid duplication • Link with external funding, assets, volunteers that the sector brings into the area. Principles of Representation, NAVCA (2008)

7. The Representational Relationship • The representative acts, speaks or is present on behalf of representees • The context is where the process of representation takes place, eg. The Voluntary and Community Sector Forum and Vision Partnership (LSP)

8. The Process of Representation

9. Challenges... • Number, size and diversity of the voluntary and community sector • Ensuring effective representation of the sector as a whole

10. Key roles of third sector representatives • Being a voice • Influencing decisions • Building the partnership • Promoting the sector Skilling up for Stronger Voices, NAVCA (2008)

11. Key tasks of third sector representatives • Feeding back • Standing up for the sector • Reading papers • Influencing decisions • Collecting information on community needs • Building relationships within the partnership Skilling up for Stronger Voices, NAVCA (2008)

12. The skills needed to represent People Skills Partnership Skills Skilling up for Stronger Voices, NAVCA (2008) Practical Skills

13. Skills you may need to represent your community Identified by participants in Representing your Community Training Workshop 26/06/10

14. Managing conflict in representation You may find: • You wear different ‘hats’ which can conflict • You do not agree with the views of other representatives in the group • You have to contradict your funder in order to fulfil your representative role • There is no consensus - reflect the diversity of opinion • There are confidentiality issues to consider

15. Before agreeing to take on the representative role... • Understand what is required – the scope • Understand your motivation • Consider workload and time implications • Consider the skills, qualities and experience you are bringing to the role

16. Practical Tips for representatives • Be prepared • Get yourself known • Get to know others • Understand the etiquette • Listen and make notes • Don’t be afraid to ask • Explain your absences

17. Getting support • Get information about the role before you start – any training needs? • Get the Forum membership list • Calendar of meeting dates • Ask for access to relevant past papers • Find out about admin procedures – getting items on the agenda and circulating information • An acronym list

18. Bolton Vision (LSP) Partnership Structure

19. Stronger Communities Partnership Strong and Confident • Housing • Culture • Community cohesion • Social regeneration • Voluntary and Community activity

20. Bolton Vision Partners

21. Voluntary and Community Sector Forum • Welcomes all representatives from Voluntary and Community Groups • The forum aims to bring together people from a wide representation of voluntary and community groups to discuss issues and enable a collective voice

22. Benefits • Share your group's information with others • Exchange ideas, knowledge and experience • Voice ideas, opinions and issues • Enables partnership working with other organisations • Obtain information about latest developments • Enables statutory organisations, eg Bolton Council, to consult with groups on services • Share the knowledge obtained with the rest of your group.

23. How does the Forum fit in to the Vision Partnership? • The Voluntary and Community Sector Forum meets every 6 weeks • 2 representatives elected to sit on Vision • Their role: consult and feedback Next Meeting Date : Wednesday 25th January 2012 For more information contact Diane Craddock on 01204 5466043 or email diane@boltoncvs.org.uk

24. Other local networks and forums • Health and Wellbeing Forum meets bi-monthly and brings together carers, service users, staff, volunteers and service providers. Next meeting date:  10th Jan 2012 Contact Farzana on : 01204 546050 • Volunteering Forum gives volunteers and organisations an opportunity to meet, network, learn from each other and to share good practice in volunteering. Next meeting date:30th Jan 2012 Contact Shahenaz on 01204 546060 • Children and Young People’s Third Sector Strategic Forum represents the interests of the children and young people’s third sector in Bolton. Contact: Strategic.Forum@birtenshaw.org.uk

25. For more information on getting involved in representation in Bolton Contact Helen Tomlinson Bolton CVS on 01204 546017 helen@boltoncvs.org.uk