Michael Hunter Chairman Worcestershire Voices 1

Supporting an independent and influential Voluntary and Community Sector 2

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

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 4

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 5

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

Parts of the Model Worcestershire Voices Website Worcestershire Voices Forum Worcestershire Voices Board

Worcestershire Voices Website 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

Worcestershire Voices Online 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

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

Worcestershire Partnership Shenstone Group Health & Well Being Board Safer Communities Board LEP Worcestershire Voices Environment Group Place shaping Group Chief Executives Panel Leaders Board District LSPs Partnership Executive Group

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 12

Michael Hunter Chairman Worcestershire Voices 13