The Work and Pensions Select Committee has published a new report on the performance of the Work Programme. The report places special emphasis on gaining greater insight to participants’ satisfaction, making sure those furthest from the labour market are supported effectively, improving employer engagement, and ensuring there are measurable standards with which to guarantee quality.
VSNW (Voluntary Sector North West) is the regional voluntary sector network for the North West. The purpose of VSNW is to ensure that the voluntary and community sector (VCS), in all its diversity, takes its full part in shaping the future of the North West.
work across the region directly supporting and delivering services for individuals, or
are VCS infrastructure organisations (LIOs) that work with local voluntary and community groups.
VSNW members provide community services, regenerate neighbourhoods, support individuals, promote volunteering and tackle discrimination. The 40 generalist LIOs in membership of VSNW have a membership of 6,780 VCS groups and are in contact with 19,800 local voluntary and community sector groups in the North West – just under two-thirds (63%) of the region’s VCS groups.
To read more about our current work see our Annual Review
VSNW is a registered charity (Charity no. 1081654) and a company limited by guarantee (registered in England no. 3988903 with the registered office at St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ).
Supporting influence on health and wellbeing boards
Regional Voices, of which VSNW is a partner, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding from the Department of Health (Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development Fund) to support voluntary and community sector influence on health and wellbeing boards
New report - Effectiveness of European Social Fund delivery
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills has published the findings of a research study on European Social Fund delivery with the aim of informing thinking around the next round of programmes
Healthwatch England was formed in April 2013 and is the independent consumer champion for health and social care in England. They have now published a list of local Healthwatch, including those for the North West
How to Sustain an Effective Local Healthwatch Organisation
The Local Government Chronicle held a webinar to explore the essential elements to ensure local healthwatch organisations are effective in scrutinising local health services and provide a voice for communities. Regional Voices, of which VSNW are a part, are mentioned.
NAVCA analysis of Transforming Local Infrastructure
An analysis has been published by NAVCA of the 74 areas that received Transforming Local Infrastructure and provides a national perspective, and allows the sharing of information and ideas