1. Getting involved The third sector and local engagement Robert Beard Improving Local Partnerships Policy Adviser  NAVCA, The Tower, 2 Furnival Square, SHEFFIELD S1 4QL  +(0)114 289 3984  ilp@navca.org.uk

2. Policy context – localisation Government policy is to shift power to make decisions about local issues from Westminster to local areas

3. Policy context – localisation Government wants local decisions to be informed by the local experience, knowledge and expertise of third sector organisations (TSOs)

4. Policy context – localisation Local strategic partnerships (LSPs) have been set up in every local authority area, to bring together the public, private and third sectors

5. Policy context – localisation Each LSP has negotiated a local area agreement (LAA) with its regional Government Office, setting out local priorities

6. Opportunities for the third sector TSOs can work with local infrastructure organisations (LIOs) to contribute to the localisation of service design and delivery

7. Opportunities for the third sector TSOs and their members have knowledge, experience, expertise and track-record in providing services to ‘need to reach’ groups, plus commitment to their areas

8. Opportunities for the third sector TSOs can contribute to local democracy, facilitate councillors’ access to ‘need to reach’ groups and empower those furthest from decision making to ensure their voices are heard

9. Opportunities for the third sector The economic downturn may offer the third sector an opportunity to present itself as the best value option for delivering services

10. Comprehensive area assessment CAA is a single assessment process, undertaken by the Audit Commission and six partner inspectorates, replacing Comprehensive Performance Assessment

11. Comprehensive area assessment Designed to put citizens at the centre of the assessment process, reduce inequalities and address discrimination

12. Comprehensive area assessment Local councils and public bodies expected to demonstrate increasing partnership working to tackle local challenges in which TSOs are stakeholders

13. Comprehensive area assessment CAA focuses on effective delivery of local services and on experience and perceptions of whether they are the right services, meeting the needs of the disadvantaged

14. Comprehensive area assessment CAA will use green flags to indicate exceptional or innovative achievements, and red flags to indicate concerns about poor performance or prospects

15. Comprehensive area assessment Third sector officers and reps need to engage with CAA, to maximise the sector’s involvement in and influence on local public services

16. Getting involved The third sector and local engagement Robert Beard Improving Local Partnerships Policy Adviser  NAVCA, The Tower, 2 Furnival Square, SHEFFIELD S1 4QL  +(0)114 289 3984  ilp@navca.org.uk