Representation

Strengthen third sector regional representation

A major project for Voluntary Sector North West is to strengthen the influence of the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in regional and national decision-making.

Improving Representation supports and motivates VCS organisations and their representatives in the North West of England to better influence policy-making. It also works with regional statutory agencies to increase their confidence in the accountability of VCS representatives. Specifically, the project:

  • Helps organisations build their capacity through representation
  • Add to the regional evidence base for the sector’s impact by undertaking research projects
  • Help organisations to access information and communicate with representatives through an online information portal
  • Equip representatives to speak effectively by developing suitable mechanisms, protocols and skills
  • Lead and develop the North West Infrastructure Partnership, a network of regional and sub-regional VCS organisations, who come together to provide a coherent voice for the sector
  • Organise an annual event for infrastructure organisations to come together to be informed and engaged in the regional agenda
  • Have a special focus on traditionally under-represented groups.

This project is managed by Martin Preston, Representation Project Manager. 

“Across the North West the appetite for the sector to meaningfully engage with decision makers has been growing, both ‘bottom-up’ from the sector itself, and ‘top-down’ from statutory agencies,” said Richard Caulfield, Chief Executive of VSNW. “While this presents a number of challenges, there are already plenty of examples of good practice and partnership working. Building on this foundation we will strengthen the ability of the sector prove why it should have a place at the decision-making table, and then to have a meaningful impact by ensuring that the most vulnerable in our communities are not forgotten by policy-makers.”
 

 

Featured News

14 May 2013

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

25 April 2013

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

24 April 2013

List of North West Local Healthwatch Contacts

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

23 April 2013

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.  

26 March 2013

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

Contact Us

Voluntary Sector North West
St. Thomas Centre
Ardwick Green North
Manchester
M12 6FZ
Tel: 0161 276 9300
Fax: 0161 276 9301
Email: info@vsnw.org.uk