Michael Hunter Chairman Worcestershire Voices

1. Michael Hunter Chairman Worcestershire Voices

2. Worcestershire Voices Supporting an independent and influential Voluntary and Community Sector

3. Development of Worcestershire Voices • Research in 2011: • Links to all statutory partners – WCC, NHS, etc • Engage all of sector • Work better together • Stronger Voice • Changing Landscapes Conference 2011

4. What is the Voluntary and Community Sector? • Third Sector / Civil or Civic Society / ‘Big Society’ • Charities • Community Groups • and also • Social enterprises • Not • Public sector • Private / business sector

5. Key Principles • Recognises and values the diversity of the sector and the communities in Worcestershire • Is open and transparent • Acts strategically, thinks creatively and takes a flexible approach • Promotes an independent and influential sector • Is a route through which other sectors can have an open dialogue with the sector • Is professional and continuously improving

6. What will Worcestershire Voices do? • Promote the development of an independent and influential, collective voice for the VCS • All parts of the sector • Health, Young People, Sport, Environment, Faith, ... • Large and small organisations and clubs • Registered Charities and Community Groups • Develop strong and effective links with the VCS, public and private sectors • Raise the profile of the role and capabilities of VCS organisations in Worcestershire • Identify and respond to the key issues affecting the VCS • Act as a clear route through which the public and private sector can engage in open and constructive dialogue with the VCS • Provide strategic leadership for the VCS

7. Parts of the Model • Worcestershire Voices Website • Worcestershire Voices Forum • Worcestershire Voices Board

8. Worcestershire Voices Website www.worcesteshirevoices.org.uk • The website still under development • Up-to-date information relating to the sector • Opportunity to sign up to receive information • Overview of the strategic networks in the county • Information about the board and its work

9. Worcestershire Voices Online Forum www.worcesteshirevoices.org.uk/forum • Web based so members don’t need to travel • Can join in where and when it suits them • Provide a sector wide method of engagement • Those from large and small groups can join (and others) • Act as a touchstone for the board and other ‘voices’ • Provide intelligence / data to support the sector’s ‘influencing’ work • Will develop ‘themes’ – Health, Sport, etc • Active participation by members

10. Worcestershire Voices Board • Supporting an independent and influential sector • Engaging with Strategic Partners • Listening to the sector as a whole • Priorities • Volunteers and Volunteering in Worcestershire • Economy • Discussions with WCC around commissioning processes, etc • Linking to WLEP • Exploring opportunities to link to Business • Health and Well Being • Developing relationships with the three CCGs • Future Lives

11. Worcestershire Partnership

12. Future Work • Develop the website and forum • Volunteering Strategy for Worcestershire • Extend to include all of the VCS • Further develop links to key partners • WLEP Social Inclusion agenda

13. Michael Hunter Chairman Worcestershire Voices