Voluntary Sector North West
St. Thomas Centre
This briefing highlights:
► Latest on the NW Universal Credit Pathfinder areas
► Shaping local future support via DWP's 'Local Support Services Framework'
► Welfare Reform Timetable
► Role of councils and concerns about implementing Welfare Reform
As we usher in 2013, it promises to be a tough year for many people as the full scale of austerity continues to come into effect. It is within this context that government reforms continue to be announced and implemented at a pace that leaves it difficult to keep up.
This document intends to highlight some of the major areas that will impact on both the voluntary and community sector, and the individuals that make up the service-users of such organisations.
This briefing contains information on welfare reform and some of the main changes
The purpose of this briefing is to highlight:
► how the Autumn Statement 2012 has boosted Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)
► forthcoming sub-regional ‘Strategic Plans for Local Growth’
► LEPs’ role in future access to a national ‘growth-related’ Single Funding Pot from 2015
► The implications for future EU Funds
This One North West and Tameside Third Sector Coalition report is about the Tameside Race Equality Framework. This innovative framework provides a model for developing new approaches to localism grounded in equality, whilst contributing towards the realisation of a social value framework.
The full framework upon which the report is based can be found here
The purpose of this briefing provided by the Transition Alliance NW is to:
Universal Credit is a new benefit that will be introduced from April 2013, replacing current means-tested benefits and tax credits for working-age people. It will radically alter the benefit system.
This briefing from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) describes Universal Credit: what it is, the timetable from next April, and how it will affect £8m households by 2017.
Universal Credit will start in the Pathfinder areas of Tameside, Oldham, Wigan and Warrington from next April, six months before the national roll out. These areas will see up to 1500 new claimants each month start on Universal Credit.
Further reading (after the briefing):
► DWP press release on the Pathfinder
► DWP on Universal Credit
► Universal Credit - Frequently Asked Questions (July 2012)
► Latest news on Local Authority led pilots exploring specific issues, starting this Autumn ahead of the Pathfinders (Press release: 31 August 2012)
Regional Voices have produced a policy briefing on the Health and Social Care Act and the implications for the Voluntary and Community Sector.
The purpose of the briefing is to:
► outline the various elements of The Youth Contract
► provide guidance to potential VCS providers
► provide guidance for potential VCS users
The purpose of the briefing, provided by the Safe Network, is to outline:
One North West worked with the Migrant Rights Network and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Migration to hold a debate about migration and how it can be used in order to build a dynamic society and economy in the North West. The visit of the APPG in the North West is part of a process that is absolutely critical to the future of public conversation on migration, which need to move beyond London to see how issues of migration are being discussed locally.
This briefing builds upon these discussions and marks the starting point of a new debate about migration in the North West and at a national level.
In early 2012, VSNW carried out a survey of the sector in the North West to test how the Government rhetoric on the principles laid out in the Open Public Services White Paper was reflected in the experiences of the sector. The results of this survey have been included in this briefing along with an exploration of the differences between rhetoric and reality, and highlights where further investigation may be required
The purpose of this briefing, provided by Bernie O’Hare of the Advancing Quality Alliance – AQuA - is to:
• Outline what is the Advancing Quality Alliance (AQuA)
• Outline the role and purpose of AQuA
• Outline the role of AQuA in Long Term Conditions
This guide aims to highlight the way that the voluntary and community sector can support commissioners and policy makers improve the health of their community and reduce health inequalities - both through provision of services and commissioning support.
The purpose of this briefing is to:
► highlight the need for coherent investment in local infrastructure
► summarise VSNW’s submission to the Lottery’s recent consultation on support for frontline groups.
In light of the publication of the Government's Social Justice strategy, this VSNW and One North West briefing highlights the key principles within the strategy, reveals the Government's plans for delivery and provides an initial analysis of the areas of potential action and concern.
Given the Localism Act 2011's new neighbourhood planning powers, this Planning Aid authored briefing highlights:
► Neighbourhood Planning ("the fourth Community Right") and how to develop a Neighbourhood Plan
► Pilots in the North West
► Sources of support for communities interested in Neighbourhood Planning
The purpose of this briefing, 'To Quango or not to Quango' is to outline the current position with regards to legislative proposals on the legal status of Local HealthWatch
This briefing explains the aims of both neighbourhood and whole-place Community Budgets and answers many of the frequently asked questions about these pilot schemes
The purpose of this Briefing is to:
►Outline the role of Local Government in Public Health
►Outline the role of Public Health England
►Outline the Public Health Outcomes Framework
►Proposed Timeline for implementation of the new Public Health System
The purpose of this briefing is to:
►Outline the proposals for Local HealthWatch
►Outline the role and functions for Local HealthWatch
►Outline the proposals and function of HealthWatch England
The purpose of this briefing is to
Briefing note for MPs on the potential effect of proposed Cabinet Office changes to the way in which Lottery Fund money is distributed.
Groups are encouraged to pass a copy to their Member of Parliament.
If you wish to adapt our briefing for your own or use aspects of it in order to write to your MP please feel free to use this Word Version: Briefing Note for MPs (Word Version)
The purpose of this briefing is to:
• Outline the purpose of the Year of Health and Wellbeing
• Outline the Five Ways to Wellbeing
The purpose of this briefing is to:
► Encourage groups to respond by 18th November
► Outline five points to consider
The purpose of this briefing, provided by the North West Environment Link, is to:
► Highlight some of the key issues arising from the draft National Planning Policy Framework
► Provide signposts to more detailed briefings and information
► Encourage specific actions for individuals and groups
The purpose of this briefing is to:
►Provide an update on the position of emerging Clinical Commissioning Groups
►Provide a list of North West Clinical Commissioning Groups
The purpose of this briefing, provided by North West Environment Link, is to:
► Raise awareness about the purpose and functions of Local Nature Partnerships
► Highlight specific proposals in the North West and encourage civil society groups to engage.
The purpose of this briefing is to outline:
►The government's vision to end rough sleeping: No Second Night Out Nationwide
► A new £20million Homelessness Transition Fund for the voluntary sector to help deliver the pledge
The purpose of this briefing is to highlight:
► appointed strategic partners of the Office for Civil Society
► contracted priorities (lead and contributory agencies)
The purpose of this briefing, provided by North West Environment Link, is to provide further analysis of the themes and implications of the White Paper. It follows an introductory briefing on the White Paper: Briefing #60
The purpose of this briefing, provided by North West Environment Link, is to:
► raise awareness of the first environment White Paper for 20 years
► summarise the key themes and commitments
► highlight the links to LEPs, planning, economic growth, communities and localism, health, and education
This briefing outlines the key changes the government will be making to its health and social care reforms as a result of the NHS Future Forum Report. Some of these will require amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill; others will be in the form of statutory guidance.
The purpose of this briefing is to:
►Explain the role of the NW Health Brussels Office
►Outline areas for engagement with European issues
The purpose of this briefing is to:
►summarise the main intentions of the strategy
►outline the implications of proposals
This briefing outlines the New Government's approach to equality including:
►the shift from equality to fairness
►the emergence of a new form of untested and potentially questionable accountability
The purpose of this briefing is to highlight:
► a consultation on implementing the public sector equality duty
► 21st April deadline for responses
and encourage groups to send a short email in response
The purpose of this briefing, provided by North West Environment Link (NWEL), is to highlight:
The purpose of this briefing, provided by the National Safeguarding Unit, is to outline:
► Current Government policy on vetting
► VBS Remodelling Review recommendations
► Future of ISA, CRB and the VBS Contact Centre
► 2 page Q&A on the changes
This briefing, provided by North West Environment Link, explains the government proposals for selling off parts of the Forestry Commission estate.
The government has now announced the abandonment of this consultation and removal of clauses relating to forestry from the Public Bodies Bill. Issues remain over the future management of our forest estate, and we hope there will be ongoing discussions where the VCS can be involved.
This briefing has now been updated to take account of the latest developments in the reforms of the NHS:
The purpose of this briefing is to highlight:
►The content and implications for the VCS of The Localism Bill, including the importance of The Community right to challenge
►Housing and homelessness proposals that target poor
►The Government’s new cross-departmental action plan for decentralisation
►A checklist for developing a proactive approach to The Localism Bill
This briefing outlines the main proposals of the Public Health White Paper: Healthy Lives, Healthy People.
This briefing outlines the content and aims of the Modernising Commissioning Green Paper, which is gathering views on how the government can reform all stages of the commissioning process at both local and national levels to ensure VCS organizations have a greater involvement in the running of public services.
The purpose of this briefing is to outline:
• The main changes proposed within the Vision for adult social care
• Some of the possible implications for the sector (presented throughout the document in text boxes)
The purpose of this briefing is to outline:
• The main changes proposed within the Information Revolution consultation
• Some of the possible implications for the sector (presented throughout the document in text boxes)
The purpose of this briefing is to outline:
• The main changes proposed within the Choice and Control consultation
• Some of the possible implications for the sector (presented throughout the document in text boxes)
If passed, this bill will require public service contracts to include social value provisions. This briefing explains:
► What the bill could mean for the sector and the communities it serves
► How the bill will pass through Parliament
► How you can lobby your MP to support the bill
Since April 2009 Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) have been required to develop plans to have separate commissioning and provider arms and to adopt a contractual relationship with provider organisations. This Briefing outlines the plans for the North West which must be in place by March 2011.
This briefing outlines:
►How economic development might link to communities
►Potential VCS role and Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)
Briefing outlining the likely implications of changes to local, sub-regional and regional ways of working (right across policy agenda from health to economy to localism to equalities) and how it may affect priorities, and ways of working.
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The purpose of this briefing, provided by North West Environment Link, is to provide an update on:
► The background and development of Future North West: our shared priorities
► How will Future North West be used
► The key environmental provisions
► How to respond to the consultation
The purpose of this briefing is to:
► Provide guidance for busy CEOs and trustees to navigate the new landscape of cuts.
► Offer hints and tips for how your organisation can adapt now.
► Show how you can effectively demonstrate your outcomes and successes through telling your stories.
Skills for Care have produced an analysis of the Voluntary Sector Social Care workforce in the North West using the most recent data from the National Minimum Data Sets. The briefing provides information on workforce turnover, reasons for leaving, pay and qualifications.
The purpose of this briefing is to:
►outline the Health White Paper - Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS
►outline possible implications for the voluntary and community sector
Includes:
• Latest news on the Government’s proposed new Work Programme and framework for delivery
• Brief, early news of linked initiatives: business mentors, work clubs and volunteering
Social Impact Bonds are a financial tool to provide new ways to invest money in social outcomes. Their purpose is to more effectively achieve social goals through creating more good for less money.
Outline of the purpose, areas of review, future timetable and process for how the Government will address the national deficit.
The Marmot Review was carried out in order to propose the most effective evidence-based strategies for reducing health inequalities in England from 2010. The Review is calling for health inequalities to sit alongside tackling climate change as the core of society’s achievement. Creating a sustainable future is, the Review says, entirely compatible with action to reduce health inequalities: sustainable local communities, active transport, sustainable food production, and zero carbon houses will all have health benefits across society.
A major new survey of 18,500 residents in the North West has been published. The survey was carried out in response to a need to understand more about positive mental health and wellbeing. Carried out as a collaborative partnership between local authorities, PCT's, and led by NHS NW, it is seen as informing future policy and practice in the North West.
A briefing from Skills-Third Sector on the issues raised by the Skills for Growth report, which explains how groups can influence what will happen next.
This briefing gives an overview of the proposed Quality Accounts report which all NHS Trusts will be required to produce from April 2010 onwards. It is suggested that third sector organisations providing NHS Services will also be required to produce the same report from 2011 onwards. A consultation is currently taking place until 10th December.
►Please feed into VSNW's response by 8th December: Margaret.McLeod@vsnw.org.uk
The purpose of this briefing, provided by the National Safeguarding Unit, is to:
► Introduce the new unit and its aims
► Explain how it intends to work with the voluntary and community sector
► Outline who can access its services and how
The purpose of this briefing is to:
► Explain the background to and aims of the CLG programme
► Identify where, when and how it will be rolled out
► Demonstrate how VCS organisations can get involved
The purpose of this briefing is to provide a brief summary of:
• bassac
• bassac’s current programmes: collaboration, voice, impact, Communitybuilders and inspiring democracy programmes
• bassac’s key services: including up to 15 days collaboration support, Axis of influence tool, and ChangeCheck guide and resources
The purpose of this briefing is to:
►Summarise Government's Green Paper proposing a radical change in the national adult social care system
►Explain how NAVCA, Regional Voices and VSNW are working together to provide a sector response to this consultation
This briefing summarises recent research into the contribution that faith groups make to communities in the North West.
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Jane Groves, Team Leader for Empowerment and the Third Sector in Government Office North West, has written this update on the North West Regional Compact, due to be launched in November this year.
The recently established Independent Safeguarding Authority will oversee the newly-created Vetting and Barring scheme, established by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, which will significantly affect the way that people who work with vulnerable groups will be vetted. This briefing explains how the scheme works, who it will affect and what the implications are for organisations.
The purpose of this regional strategy update is to:
►Provide a brief overview of the Consultation Report
►Encourage third sector organisations to think about how their work does and/or could help deliver the draft outcomes
"The Regional Strategy will ultimately aim to improve the sustainable quality of life for the people of the region and to make it more equitable"
This briefing aims to introduce VSNW's Representation project, to outline its outcomes and how they will be achieved, and to explain how it links to the North West Infrastructure Partnership.
This briefing aims to help VCS organisations to understand the aims of Group Training Associations (GTAs), the benefits of Apprenticeships for VCS organisations, VSNW's involvement in a bid for a national sector-specific GTA and the benefits of such a GTA.
This briefing, drawn from information supplied by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, summarises how and why the current qualifications system will be simplified.
This briefing summarises VCS Engage NW’s:
This briefing summarises GONW’s work to tackle worklessness: GONW’s objectives, partnerships and activities.
This briefing outlines the work of the Target: Wellbeing partnership which pump-primes local and regional wellbeing activity in the North West focussed on the following three themes:
This briefing summarises:
The voluntary and community sector response to the regional strategy (RS2010) consultation on the Principles & Issues Paper.
This briefing outlines:
The NHS North West Commission on Mental Health Services was set up in September 2007 to review mental health services in the North West. This briefing outlines the Commission’s key findings and recommendations.
Volunteering as part of the draft North West Compact, and influencing volunteering in the final version of the Regional Compact.
An outline of the recently formed Commission's seven point action plan for the North West, and a call for information on how the economic downturn is affecting VCS groups and debt counselling services in particular.
A summary of key data outlining the size and potential of the Voluntary and Community Sector in the North West to regenerate communities. This is a summary of VSNW's full response to the regional evidence base consultation.
Learning from latest NHS consultation event on standardised contracts for community and mental health services.
Briefing outlining VSNW's work to appropriately engage VCS groups and structures in Skills for Care work in the North West
Current and future work of the empowerment partnership for the North West
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
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
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.
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
