Convergence Matters Research Analysis Preliminary results of research ESF Convergence Phase One: Exploring the involvement and achievements of Voluntary and Community Sector Mark Richardson Chief Executive Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum

Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF) About us... Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF) is an umbrella organisation for voluntary and community organisations which works with others to create a thriving voluntary sector that effectively serves Cornwall and its people. Membership is open to any voluntary and community sector organisation working or based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, including social enterprises. Our focus is on supporting our colleagues to speak up on behalf of the voluntary sector and, where necessary, to act as the voice of sector in local strategic discussions, with a variety of roles and functions including delivery of the local Compact and facilitating VCS representation.

Background Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum commissioned Perfect Moment to carry out this research as part of its ESF Convergence Matters Technical Assistance project to explore the participation and contribution of the Voluntary and Community Sector, in Cornwall, to the delivery and success of ESF Convergence Programme in Phase One.

Why this research? Explore - the role of VCS in delivery of the Convergence programme Assess- where data was available, the key impact of VCS involvement on jobs, skills and improvement of facilities and services Find – if VCS provides value for money VCS to the delivery Highlight - the VCS contribution to the cross-cutting themes of the programme (Equality/Diversity and Sustainability)

The purpose of the report The purpose of this report is to Help inform future delivery – how can the voluntary sector make the most of the capacity that has been developed? Identify what is required to play an important role during the second part of the Convergence programme. Highlight what is needed to be successful and sustainable post-Convergence. For example, how can the sector use the second half of Convergence to prepare for mainstreaming after Convergence phase one.

Findings It is acknowledged by all sides in the consultation process that the positive aspects have been: VCS organisations have delivered well, to a significant quality level, and cost-effectively Those with experience of delivering under Objective One were able to make the transition to Convergence more easily. Existing relationships between delivery partners and programme managers helped Sharing challenges and solutions is becoming more prevalent – building on relationships established during Objective One

Findings The VCS has enabled Convergence to reach out across the whole County and get to communities and people that are traditionally harder to reach and to work with The contract specifications and output targets (whilst stretching in some cases) were well thought out. The VCS has shown an ability to be innovative in meeting both the programme outcomes and project outputs

Findings The VCS generally has the Convergence Programme’s cross- cutting themes embedded into their working practices and delivery models. Capacity in the sector has been built through programmes like Capacity Building Works and support provided to the sector through the Convergence Matters technical assistance programme led by Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum. The VCS has demonstrated that working together within the sector and with other partners can bring success and significant added- value to the partnering organisations. The brokerage and agency model provided by the Learning Partnership seems a successful model that should be explored further.

Findings The Convergence programme has provided an opportunity for the VCS to bring about changes and improvements to organisations and their working practices. The VCS has provided Convergence with a network of local delivery organisations who know their local area, the people and understand the issues and have been able to direct the resources of Convergence to where it can achieve the required outcomes

Some food for thought! What is very clear is that Convergence has brought an imperative for VCS organisations to change. Out of the first phase of Convergence a number of issues have emerged from those consulted: 1.A Missed opportunity? 2.Linkages with Mainstream in a changing landscape 3.Lack of sector cohesion 4.Underestimation of paperwork required

Your involvement Please contribute to this research by - Participating in semi-structured, informal interviews Providing us with your project data Providing us with your monitoring/evaluation reports