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Voluntary Sector North West
St. Thomas Centre
Manchester
M12 6FZ
Tel: 0161 276 9300
Fax: 0161 276 9301
Email: info@vsnw.org.uk
Representation
New project set to strengthen third sector regional representation
Voluntary Sector North West has launched a major new project to strengthen the influence of the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in regional and national decision-making.
Improving Representation will support and motivate VCS organisations and their representatives in the North West of England to better influence policy-making. It will also work with regional statutory agencies to increase their confidence in the accountability of VCS representatives. Specifically, the project will:
- Help organisations build their capacity through a How the Region Works training programme
- 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.
Two specialist staff have been recruited to run the project. Laura Stone, Representation Co-ordinator, joins from the National Union of Students where she was Development Worker for the North of England. Hannah Horton, Information Officer, previously managed the Information Resources Centre at Christian Aid and led external communications at Faithworks.
“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 Event
Influencing Parliament with the Communities and Local Government Select Committee
As part of the Parliamentary Outreach and VSNW 'Get Involved' series of events, this event will explore:
►What Parliament is and what it does
►How groups can effectively engage with Parliament
►Insights from a Specialist Clerk from the House of Commons Communities and Local Government Select Committee
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Events & Trainings
VSNW’s list of events & training opportunities for VCS groups in the North West
