1. Delivering services through voluntary sector consortia Matthew Byrne, Head of Carers Services, Westbank Devon Carers Link, a service managed by Carers+, a consortium of East Devon CVS, Exeter CVS and Westbank.

2. Introduction Westbank – why we work in consortia? Carers+ – an innovative Voluntary Sector consortium: –what are the benefits for providers and commissioners –and what are the challenges? Voluntary Sector consortia – making us all fit for the future? Devon Carers Link, a service managed by Carers+, a consortium of East Devon CVS, Exeter CVS and Westbank.

3. Westbank Our aim is to provide care and promote health: –Volunteering. –Carers support. –Services for older people. –Services for children and families. –Health and Wellbeing. Devon Carers Link, a service managed by Carers+, a consortium of East Devon CVS, Exeter CVS and Westbank.

4. Why work in consortia? Commissioners need to be able to reduce numbers of providers/contracts. Providers need to be able to offer wider coverage and range of services. Increased competition from larger/ national organisations. Brings larger contracts to front- line deliverers. Devon Carers Link, a service managed by Carers+, a consortium of East Devon CVS, Exeter CVS and Westbank.

5. Carers+ services for carers Devon County Council/NHS Devon have one ‘Devon Carers Link’ contract : –The consortium members deliver some local and countywide services. –A wide range of other providers operate under sub-contract or grant arrangements. –Carers+ accounts for monitoring and delivery of all outputs/outcomes. Devon Carers Link, a service managed by Carers+, a consortium of East Devon CVS, Exeter CVS and Westbank.

6. Benefits for providers Smaller VCS organisations which might otherwise have struggled can continue to deliver front-line, local services. Each partner can focus on what it does best within an integrated whole. Diverse organisations work together as equals (increasing sustainability). Devon Carers Link, a service managed by Carers+, a consortium of East Devon CVS, Exeter CVS and Westbank.

7. Benefits for commissioners One contract has replaced many. Clearer (and simpler) monitoring and lines of accountability. Better data and ‘strategic intelligence’. Some of the ‘difficult’ things are no longer their problem. Devon Carers Link, a service managed by Carers+, a consortium of East Devon CVS, Exeter CVS and Westbank.

8. What are the challenges? Ensuring (legal) relationships and liabilities are clear. Integrating user/carer-involvement with governance structures. Getting used to working together … this has helped make us fit for the future. Devon Carers Link, a service managed by Carers+, a consortium of East Devon CVS, Exeter CVS and Westbank.

9. Are we fit for the future? We are involved in a number of other consortia (advocacy, FUSION, mentoring, SW Wellbeing). We have secured additional work and developed new income streams. We expect and look forward to continuing to work in consortia. Devon Carers Link, a service managed by Carers+, a consortium of East Devon CVS, Exeter CVS and Westbank.

10. Thanks for listening! Devon Carers Link, a service managed by Carers+, a consortium of East Devon CVS, Exeter CVS and Westbank.