VCFP Review Report from the VCFP Steering Group

Why Review VCFP The external environment that we work in is significantly changing; there is a shift in local policies, the Partnership structures are changing and there are reduced resources and shifting priorities. In light of this, it’s important that we review the effectiveness of the VCFP and reposition it (if needed) to ensure that it can continue to achieve its aims.

VCFP Aims 1.Represent on behalf of the Voluntary, Community and Faith groups delivering services to the communities of Oldham and act in the interest of these groups 2.Collate evidence and share issues that affect the sector across the themed networks / groups and individual VCF organisations 3.Develop a strategic action plan for the sector with measures that relate to National Indicator 7 (Thriving third sector), and ensure this is communicated, actioned and monitored in conjunction with strategic partners

4.Make representation on behalf of the sector and communities of interest to the strategic groups and to the over-arching thematic group within the partnership i.e. LSP Executive Group, LSP Steering Group, Public Service Board, Safe and Strong Communities Board and Health & Wellbeing Board. 5.Provide a mechanism to support and agree representation where this does not sit within an existing network. E.g. Economic and Enterprise, Housing, Supporting People, Learning Partnership. 6.Provide feedback to the wider sector regarding issues raised and progress against strategic VCF sector action plan. 7.Provide a mechanism for consultation with the VCF sector.

Evidence for the review In November 2009 ERS was commissioned by the Strong Communities Steering Group to undertake an independent evaluation of the VCFP Key findings were:-

The VCFP benefits its constituent organisations through information sharing and networking as well as bringing them together with a collective voice to more strongly influence local strategic planning Public sector stakeholders understand how a strong VCFP can deliver local priority outcomes. Indeed some have aspirations for the VCFP to be more actively involved in influencing service delivery at an operational level and supporting its members to engage with commissioning processes. The new structures of the VCFP are seen to be more inclusive and have improved functionality, engaging important stakeholders and bringing focus onto representation amongst its membership. Some stakeholders highlighted a need to ensure harder to reach groups are represented. The VCFP now has a seat on all relevant Oldham Partnership groups, with individuals taking forward a VCFP agenda, rather than that of their own….the new written guidelines for representatives are supported by practical training and mentoring, enabling VCFP members to actively represent the sector, informing and influencing strategy development and service delivery. Consultation highlighted the VCFP as providing the infrastructure through which Oldham’s diverse communities can influence and actively participate in addressing the issues affecting their lives

Changes to the VCFP format, in particular the opening up of membership have prompted the following feedback

Feedback Opening up the membership has meant we have seen new groups coming to VCFP meetings but we don’t necessarily see the same groups coming back at subsequent meetings. it’s a useful way to find out which other groups are out there and connect with other people Service providers find the meetings useful to consult with VCF groups Feedback from some of our reps and the more established groups is that the agenda doesn’t allow for in-depth discussion that leads to joint action. Issues tend to be raised without prior notice and ‘left’ with the officers/ Chair to resolve. This then leads to a delay in action and becomes officer rather than members led. It is also hard to weigh up the strength of feeling by the ‘wider’ VCFP with regard to that issue and what the mandate is to act. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from many members about the thematic sessions e.g. on the ABG cuts or the Health White Paper. Oldham Partnership structures are changing and the creation of the new Community Forums could be an opportunity or a threat to the VCFP

Proposed Revised Format 4 Network Strands, meeting twice per year as a minimum E mail forum for each network strand Report from network at (themed) VCFP Board twice per year Representatives from VCFP Board to Oldham Partnership Board Structure Annual VCFP conference

The Voluntary Community and Faith Partnership Health and Wellbeing Safer and Stronger Economy and Enterprise Childrens Trust 2 Reps appointed 2 Network Meetings per annum Childrens Hub Meetings VAO AGM / VCFP Annual Conference VCFP Board Q1VCFP Board Q2VCFP Board Q3VCFP Board Q4 Chief Executives Management Board Public Service Board Safer and Stronger Board Health and Well Being Board Childrens TrustEconomy and Enterprise Board Representatives