Hackney Unites: Workers Advice Centre – Pilot Session

Sat, 13 February 2010, 2 – 4pm

Venue: Day-Mer Community Centre, The Old Library, 16 Howard Road London N16 8PU

Please contact: email HackneyUnites@btinternet.com

Source HCVS

Publicise & celebrate the work you are doing

Changing Lives: Celebrating Hackney's voluntary and community sector

Here at HCVS, we know that the sector has a huge impact on improving life for everyone in the borough and we want to shout about it! 

So, we are working on a project called Changing Lives, an exhibition to celebrate the work of the VCS and champion you - the people behind the funding applications, the people who get the work done as well as the communities whose lives are changed as a result of what you do.

We commissioned a photographer Katherine Green to make a visual and written record of the work of 12 of Hackney’s voluntary and community sector (VCS) groups.  The results of this will launch on Wednesday, 3 March with an interactive exhibition, a booklet, a DVD and a website. 

After this, we want Changing Lives to grow and reach as many people as possible.  We hope to do this by touring the exhibition through the borough throughout the spring and summer and by creating an online record of this. 

But we know this is just a flavour of the work out there and we want to involve as many groups as possible so we really can show off the impact of the fantastic work out there and why the sector needs future investment.

**We need your help to make this work and there are many opportunities for you to be part of Changing Lives and showcase your work**

How can you get involved?

We want this project to grow and we want to include as many VCS groups as possible.  So, please get in touch and be part of this ambitious project by:

*        Sending us your photos of your staff, volunteers and people who use your service and we will show them at the exhibition (please make sure you have people’s permission, if your photos are of vulnerable adults or those aged under 18 you must get written permission from their guardians

*        Be part of our website, where we can publish details of your group and your photos on this website

*        Record your story and be part of our video wall online

*        We have secured a variety of venues across Hackney for the full exhibition and we would like community groups to use the space for rehearsals, performances or other activities – if you want to be part of this – please give us a call!  We will let you know the dates and venues later.

*        Host this exhibition at your venue or meeting – we hope to get a lot of publicity for this project and want as many people to see it as possible, so if you could host our exhibition, either on its own or as part of an event, please get in touch and get free publicity for your work.

Please contact: Gillian Trevethan on 020 7923 1962 or email gillian@hcvs.org.uk

Source HCVS

offer of free printer cartridges on the online forum

click here to view the post

On line Forum at HSCF - join the debate

We have got  our online forum going, because of comments in the survey that closed last week.  If you would like to comment or discuss local topics check out the forum here

we have threads running at the moment

What sort of health & social Care network we need for City & Hackney 2010

what training you need t help you survive the move to tendering &  personalisation - not to mention the recession

plus the kind offer of a printer cartridges

But you can post about anything you want to discuss - the online forum is  led by its members 

Have your heart checked for Valentines Day

PRESS RELEASE

8 February 2010

Have your heart checked for Valentines Day

NHS City and Hackney has teamed up with Hackney’s libraries to offer all people aged 40 – 74 years the chance to find out how healthy they are.

The first free NHS Health Check event will take place at Stoke Newington Library on Sunday 14 February between 2.00pm and 5.00pm. 

Richard Bull, NHS City, and Hackney’s Senior Public Health Strategist said “What better way to spend Valentines Day than having your heart checked out..

“The health checks will help identify if a person is at risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.

“These diseases can cause long-term ill health and disability affecting the quality of life for many people. A Health Check will help to identify if you are at a high risk and what you can do to prevent health problems.

“Hackney’s libraries offer an excellent wellbeing resource. They stock hundreds of books on a wide range of health and wellbeing topics and library staff are always happy to help you find the information you’re looking for.”

To help people manage their health NHS City and Hackney is launching a new website for the public and health professionals. Wellchance.org will go live on 14 February. 

“Anybody who wants to find out how healthy they are and where to get advice on healthy living and activities should go to the wellchance.org site.  For those who have any concerns, please see your GP.” He said.

The free health checks for people aged 40 to 74 are at:

Stoke Newington Library

Sunday 14 February, 2–5pm and Monday 15 February, 10– 1pm

Hackney Central Library

Friday 19 February, 2-5pm and Saturday 20 February, 10-1pm

Shoreditch Library

Wednesday 24 February, 2-5pm and Thursday 25 February, 5-8pm

Clapton Library

Tuesday 2 March, 2-5pm and Wednesday 3 March, 10-1pm

Want to know more about Reach 2010 - the Hackney CEN conference?

Click here to hear Jake (HCVS Director) Andrea (CEN project officer ) & networks talk about the CEN REACH 2010 event

Unique East London Bond benefits Tower Hamlets & Newham Charities

Citylife, the Cambridge social investment charity which specialises in funding regeneration has launched
a second London Bond, this time focusing on East London. Citylife’s approach is quite unique.
It asks interested businesses and individuals to subscribe for a fve year bond paying zero interest to
the investor. Approximately 80% of the proceeds of the Bond are then lent to a housing association
operating in the area of proposed beneft which applies the proceeds for housing. The balance of 20%
(less issue costs) is then donated to local charities. In the case of the East London Bond to Community
Links and Bromley by Bow Centre which apply it for their regeneration work. Finally, after fve years the
housing association repays the Bond to Citylife  and the interest which has been compounded over
fve years brings the proceeds back up to the 100% for repayment to investors. www.citylifeltd.org

Source Charity & Social Economy Team Wrigleys Solicitors 

Change up achievements in East London over the past five years

Click here to download a report published by East London Network into the achievements bought about by Change Up funding

HSCF Survey results

Results of the survey

In January 2010 we ran a short internet survey for three to four weeks.  We had 35 replies . 33 of them thought that we do need a network for Health & Social Care groups

The survey sought to identify what role our members want us to take.

Of existing services –

Actions we will take  – to improve feedback from Sigs and from representatives.

Actions we will take  – get the online Forum working & use it to consult on training

What should our objectives be – we deliberately left this question open to see what the themes would be

This is a rough summary of the interesting comments  we got – if you would like the full comments 

Information:                                                                   1111111111111111 (16)

Network (inc Sigs)                                                         11111111 (8)

Support & Training                                                         111 (3)

Representation (inc feedback on policies)                      11111111111 (11)

Campaigning /lobbying                                                  1111 (4)

Capacity Building                                                          1

Building / supporting partnerships /consortia                   111111 (6)

Id of gaps & need                                                         1

Volunteer promotion & recruitment                                 1

Share good practice                                                      1

To promote Comp therapies                                          1

All the results of the survey will be fed into the AWAY DAY on 4^th March 9.30-12.30 if you are interested in attending please e mail Jackie at hscf@hcvs.org.uk

Open Day extravaganza for Hackney residents

Hackney Homes will be throwing its doors open to residents on Thursday, 18^th February 2010 from 12 noon to 6pm. The extravaganza taking place at Ocean on Mare Street (opposite Hackney Town Hall) will showcase the services that Hackney Homes and more than 50 local organisations have to offer residents.

The day promises to be interactive, engaging and fun with information and practical advice on managing finances, recycling, food composting, well-being, how to get involved, home maintenance plus keeping safe in the community.

An area will be dedicated to young people giving advice on employment opportunities, help with CVs, opportunities through the 2012 Olympics, projects and youth groups in Hackney, with fun activities like Nintendo Wii and a graffiti wall.

A crèche will be provided for any residents wishing to bring children.

All residents who attend will be entered into a draw to win a PlayStation 3.

The last Open Day was held in 2008 and more than 1,000 residents attended, touring the zones, participating in activities and learning about the borough.

For more information, please visit www.hackneyhomes.org.uk

Hackney Francophone Organisation Network (HFON) Launch

Saturday 13^th February 2010

13.00pm to 20.00pm

Venue: New Kingshold Hall

Ainsworth Road E9 7JE

Programme:

Registration

Welcome and introduction : Mr. Lombe Mwamba , HFON Chair

Guests speakers 

Discover Congolese Artists Show: Richard Ntaka

Foods and Drink

Networking                                            

To confirm your place or for further information about this event or the HFON contact:   

Mr. Lombe Mwamba mob: 07969817362                                              

Mr. Richard Ntaka  mob: 07943292364

                email:hfrancophoneorganisation@yahoo.com            

St marys secret artists at the Wallace Collection

St Mary’s Secret Artists

Celebrate their year of art

At The Wallace collection: Manchester Square, W1U 3BN

Saturday & Sunday 13^th & 14^th February

Tea & biscuits Saturday 11-1

v involved East London event to help you manage young volunteers

Two FREE sessions on Friday 26 February 2010, 9:30am-1pm or 1.30pm- 5pm at Changemakers, Ground Floor Zetland House, 5-25 Scrutton Street, London EC2A 4HJ.

More information

 Source City Comms e news

Third Sector Commissioning Strategy for Team Hackney partners.

Dear CEN and Networks
Please see below – anyone interested in attending should book their place directly by emailing: christopher.enti@hackney.gov.uk  no later than Friday 18th February 2010.
Many thanks
Andrea Enisuoh
CEN Project Officer
 
Hackney Council would like to invite you to take part in the development of a Third Sector Commissioning Strategy for Team Hackney partners.  
Date: Wednesday 24th February 2010
Time: 09.30- 1.30pm –lunch will be provided
Venue: Tomlinson Centre, Queensbridge Road, Hackney E8 3ND
 
The Third Sector Commissioning Strategy
The Office of the Third Sector leads a National Programme for Third Sector Commissioning (delivered by Improvement and Development Agency - IDeA) and has developed eight principles of good Third Sector Commissioning.  These principles focus on how spending on public services can be directed to achieve the best return for communities, the environment and the public purse. 
 
Team Hackney partner organisations are now developing a Third Sector Commissioning Strategy for Hackney.  Our strategy will include national good practice principles and create a common commissioning approach which can be adopted by all commissioners and Team Hackney partners. 
 
What we have done so far
The development of the strategy is being led by Susan Gooding, Head of Community Partnerships and Sonia Khan, Head of Commissioning in Partnerships.  So far we have met with commissioners and representatives from the third sector to start to plan what we need to do over the next year to embed the national principles and create a common approach locally. 
 
What we need from you?
The aim of the event is for delegates to work in small workshop groups (a mix of commissioners and Third sector organisations) to unpack, assess and co-author Hackney’s Third Sector Commissioning Strategy. 
 
Why you should attend?
In addition, your input is a vital step in taking the draft strategy forward and achieving better outcomes for individuals and communities through smarter, more effective and innovative commissioning.
 
Who should attend?
Due to the structure of the workshops there are a limited number of spaces and delegates will be invited through the CEN and HCVS networks.
 
To book your place: Please confirm your attendance by emailing: christopher.enti@hackney.gov.uk  no later than Friday 18th February 2010.
 

Dont alienate the mavericks, says head of Nesta

Nesta chief executive Jonathan Kestenbaum used his closing keynote speech at this year's Guardian public services summit to put the case for innovative vision as the way forward for public services

There has been much talk of short-term pain at the summit, Kestenbaum said, but there was also a vision emerging of how public services will have to change through users, community, technology.

His point was how do those, particularly managers and leaders, working in public sector navigate this journey?

He made four observations, the first of which was managers know that strategy is where it begins – set hurdles too high, or the scope to narrow and you are heading for failure. It's not about blockbuster designs (iPod, Viagra). The best ideas come from the widest imaginable funnel, while not advocating anarchy or chaos, he said the process should be fluid, yes of course innovation needs impact, focus, but they should not be too restrictive.

A wider funnel is more likely to generate solutions; a small funnel means ideas will be pushed too quickly, the focus too narrow, managers will miss the wider picture

Next he talked about the innovation process, controls are way too tight. Planning, budgeting, regular review and appraisal – are business processes but wrong for innovation. These milestones are often missed by great innovative companies., he said. What is needed is a flexible budget.

More importantly, he said, is that organisations should not alienate 'mavericks' or trailblazers - don't keep them separated from the team. Communication across departments is vitally important and there is a massive premium on inter-personal skills, coalitions which provide air cover for when things are not going to plan. The skills and attributes of men and women that can embed innovation in an organisation is vital – as is the role of HR departments who must be able to spot potential innovators.

There skills maybe not be what you would find on a traditional CV; maybe the way they dress, act, attitude, for it is these types of people who can bring real change to an organisation as long as they have the freedom within it to express themselves.

So, a positive end note to a day and half of intense debate, and by general consensus one of the best Guardian public services summits. We look forward to next year.

Guardian Public Services Conference

Two thirds of volunteering organisations don’t fully understand who must register with the Vetting a

Volunteering England, the volunteer development agency, today released results from a survey of volunteering organisations which show high levels of confusion over how the new Vetting and Barring Scheme will affect volunteers in England when it is introduced this summer.

The survey of 94 volunteering involving organisations took place between December 2009 and January 2010 and the results reveal the scale of the confusion surrounding the scheme:

Only 33% of respondents said that they ‘fully understood’ which of their volunteers would need to be registered with the authority.

37% of the organisations surveyed reported that they weren’t sure whether the scheme would mean that some of their activities would have to be stopped or cancelled.

56% of respondents thought the overall impact of the scheme would be ‘increased bureaucracy’, and 52% believed that the scheme would make it ‘harder to recruit volunteers.’

Some organisations expressed concern that volunteers will simply refuse to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), with one organisation commenting:

“Many of our volunteers are older people and may see the Vetting and Barring scheme introduction as a watershed moment to retire from their volunteering. This would affect many of our day services which are heavily reliant on volunteers.”

One Volunteer Manager, who responded to the survey said:

“My concern is that I must understand exactly what is required by the ISA to be able to make prospective volunteers appreciate where and how information about them is going to be held, so they can decide if they are prepared to volunteer.

“It is going to be time consuming, when we have no extra time available. Based on discussions with volunteers, quite understandably, they want to know what they would be agreeing to re vetting and barring but the practicalities have yet to be made clear and I can see the potential for some volunteers not to agree.”

Mike Locke, Director of Public Affairs for Volunteering England believes:

“These survey results are alarming. Many organisations are confused about how the Vetting and Barring Scheme will affect them when it is introduced this summer.

“Their lack of understanding risks creating inaccurate perceptions of the scheme. A third of those surveyed said that they would ensure all of their volunteers were registered with the scheme, even though blanket registration will be unnecessary for most organisations.

“We still believe the Vetting and Barring Scheme can in some ways improve volunteering organisations’ work with children and vulnerable adults, but the ISA must not underestimate the scale of the challenge they face in ensuring volunteering organisations understand how the scheme will affect them.”

The survey did reveal positive some views about the Vetting and Barring Scheme. Despite the concerns about the impact on volunteer recruitment and increased paperwork, more than 52% said they believed that the scheme would improve safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults.

Volunteering England has been working in consultation with the ISA over the new Vetting and Barring Scheme and commissioned this latest survey after concerns were voiced by their members over the implementation the scheme.

This survey results coincide with a Panorama documentary about Vetting and Barring, which will be aired on BBC on the 8th February at 8.30pm.

Notes to editor

For media enquiries please contact Kimberley Rowley: either call 0207 520 8932 or email kimberley.rowley@volunteeringenlgand.org

Norfolk cuts £1 million from Voluntary Sector budget

Molly Garboden
 
Monday 08 February 2010
 
Norfolk Council has cut £1m from its budget for purchasing services from the voluntary sector due to pressures caused by the current funding climate.The council is cutting its spend on services provided by the voluntary sector from £14m to £13m. Norfolk has already invited organisations that deliver 69 of its voluntary sector contracts, worth £2.4m, to tender for new contracts totalling £1.4m as part of an open tender process. The council's children and young people's trust board has made recommendations about which contracts should be awarded and alerted the relevant organisations. The contracts are based on the priorities set out in its children and young people's plan. Some organisations will be unsuccessful or have their funding reduced."We recognise that this will be a difficult time for these organisations, who, like the private and public sector, will have to look at more efficient ways of working in these tough economic times," said Shelagh Hutson, cabinet member for children's services.

"However, we need to ensure we are getting the best value for money for Norfolk's taxpayers and the best outcomes for Norfolk's children and young people."

Salford's children's services are also feeling the pinch, forced to make £420,000 in savings over the next year, including some cuts in staff, according to reports. The department is nearly £3m in debt.

However, Leeds Council has increased council tax and cut the budgets of other services to boost children's services and adult social care.

Under the proposed budget, it will invest an extra £6.2m in children's services, which will take on additional staff.
 
Nearer to home Waltham Forest Borough Council cut £1.755m form their adult social care budget

The council’s cabinet has decided to make cuts of £1.755m in adult social care out of a 2010-11 departmental budget of £66.35m.

Half a million of the savings comes from a reduction in care management posts, as part of a reorganisation driven by the personalisation agenda. A similar sum will be saved from transferring mainstream adult care spending to the Supporting People budget, which the council believes will reduce the need for high-cost residential placements.

 Source Community Care

Can the third sector do more with less? Guardian article on Navca round table discussion

Voluntary organisations and charities are overwhelmed with demand for their services, but funding cuts are making it hard for them to keep up, plan for the future and prove their true worth. Liza Ramrayka reports

• Liza Ramrayka
• Public, Wednesday 10 February 2010 12.40 GMT

Society as a whole benefits from the work of local charities, such as Sound Minds Music, working in mental health and wellbeing. Photograph: Sarah Lee

The UK may have finally emerged from the longest recession since the second world war but for the charities, voluntary organisations, social enterprises and other groups that comprise the third sector, the "double whammy" of increased demand on services and reduced income continues to hurt.

Many of these groups have played a key role in helping people deal with the fallout of the recession, from unemployment and debt to homelessness.

However, reductions in public and corporate giving combined with predicted public spending cuts spell uncertainty for the sector, whichever govern­ment is in place after May.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that cuts in the third sector may be even worse than predicted, with some organisations reporting that local authorities are planning to slash their core funding by at least 20% and up to 50%.

Meanwhile, pressures on public sector spending are expected to impact on councils contracting out services, which has driven much of the third sector's growth in recent years.

Dealing with the challenges of funding cuts in the third sector was the focus of a recent roundtable discussion convened by the Guardian in partnership with Navca (the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action). This umbrella body for local infrastructure organisations – such as councils for voluntary service – supports local third-sector organisations through training, advice and campaigning.

The event was conducted under the Chatham House rule, which guarantees anonymity to encourage frank debate.
This report therefore reflects the themes discussed, without attribution.

Latest research by Navca shows that the impact of recession is yet to be fully felt.

Nearly 80% of its members believed that 2010 would be worse than last year for the local third sector. In March 2009, members said local groups most needed support around producing assessments to help them gauge the impact of recession on their organisation, and guidance on how to tackle potential problems (eg cash flow issues or staffing).

In January 2010, practical support topped the list, in particular help with fundraising and advice on how to work in partnership with other local groups (including collaboration to win public-sector contracts).

The findings back up the latest quarterly poll of charity leaders conducted by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), which shows 77% of respondents believe economic conditions within the voluntary sector will be negative for the next year. Yet despite the recession, 93% of charity leaders said they are planning to maintain or increase services to ensure greater demand for provision is met.

The London Voluntary Service Council, which is currently surveying third-sector groups in the capital to assess the impact of recession, refers to a "clear psychological fallout" in terms of mental health and wellbeing, which the sector is having to manage.

Psychological fallout

Most delegates agreed that the prognosis for third-sector funding was not good. Volunteer centres are facing a 50%-100% increase in people wanting to volunteer because they have lost a job or want to retrain. Citizens advice bureaux are reporting unprecedented demand on their free advice services.

Many participants were concerned about the uncertain nature of funding cuts. "Are we going to see the salami slicing of [departmental] budgets or cuts targeted at the [third] sector? We've shuddered at cuts of 5% before; this time we might be looking at cuts of 20% or more," said one.

Most were concerned that funding cuts would scupper the valuable work that the third sector is doing to help the nation recover from the recession. "Volunteering has a really big part to play in helping recovery. But volunteer centres are finding it difficult to cope with demand and are struggling to keep afloat,"said another.

A major concern was the emerging "pattern of disinvestment", which one participant felt would "undermine the philosophy" coming from the major parties about the importance of the sector.

The reality is there is a "big danger that the public sector abandons the hardest to reach to meet their targets". There were fears too that, faced with having to make budget cuts, funders would be forced to prioritise one disadvantaged group over another. Funders should keep equality issues high on the agenda, urged one participant.

Many participants felt that the sector was already being "asked to do more on less". As one explained: "What we're hearing is 'We want you to achieve 15% cuts but also the same outcomes.' But contractors will not be able to reach the deprived groups that local authorities want them to reach." One participant talked of "vulnerability" of organisations in the downturn, not just related to job losses but to the organisations' "very continuation".
There was concern about regional differences in the funding cuts landscape. For example, third-sector organisations in the north of England "will feel [cuts] the hardest" because of prevalence there of public-sector grant programmes and "disappearance of regeneration funds".

Three-quarters of charities receive no government income, although medium-size and large charities – particularly those delivering employment, housing and social services – now make almost 40% of revenue in this way.

Contracting has been a major driver of third-sector growth in recent years. But not all participants agreed that this was a funding solution. "We're seeing more smaller organisations get together to win contracts but they're doing it to chase the money. Those partnerships are not necessarily based on strong foundations."

Mission drift

Not having so much money in the pot could lead to more competition, thought one participant: "This might mean that some organisations decide to go off on their own, where they should be working collaboratively." The sector "has bent itself" around the national government's agenda and many organisations "have forgotten why they exist". There was, many felt, a real danger of "mission drift".

At least one participant thought larger organisations might diversify services to win contracts, so squeezing out smaller, more specialist groups.

The government's personalisation agenda – giving health and social care patients greater choice in their treatment and care – was seen as both an opportunity and a threat for the sector.

But as one participant warned: "If the government really wants personalisation, there are real issues around capitalisation of the sector and of skills on a large scale."

Building better partnerships was a recurring theme of the debate. One participant said the sector and its funders could work together more closely to find solutions to cuts. For another, having council leaders who believe in a partnership approach was vital: "The political landscape sets the landscape for what officers will do."

Some cited the Total Place pilot scheme as a possible blueprint. This government-led project brings together local councils, primary care trusts, third-sector groups and other agencies to provide cost-efficient local public services without duplication – dubbed the "whole-area" approach.

While it was recognised that grants are core to the funding base of many third-sector organisations, some felt other income sources could be better exploited. "As a long-term strategy issue, the sector needs independent sources of funding," said one speaker.

For example, government could "promote investment" in the community foundation network. Loan finance – and particularly government plans for a £75m Social Investment Wholesale Bank to be funded largely from dormant bank accounts – was another opportunity but "a lot of small organisations are not aware [of it] and are scared about what it brings."

It was felt that the sector needed to get better at demonstrating its contribution to the country. "We don't have a language to describe the impact of the sector, like GDP," said one. "We need to show the impact on improving health and wellbeing but it takes a while to show this." Another said: "We need to be much more savvy about demonstrating the impact of what we do and how essential it is – not just on the margins but in everything. If we can show just how vital voluntary action is, [funders] will think twice about cuts."

The third sector remains in limbo as it waits for a general election and for local and central government to finalise its spending plans for the coming years. But as one participant suggested, this did not mean that it was completely powerless: "We need to get better at working out where the cuts fall and work together to find ways to fill them." And for at least one, new partnerships and innovative service delivery mechanisms were to be welcomed: "The sector could become more radicalised. It might become smaller but a bit more spiky."

• This Guardian roundtable was hosted to a brief agreed with Navca

Charities must time find for reflection on how they are performing

Source the Guardian

Friday afternoon isn't the time to choose to start thinking about an organisation's impact and the services provided

• Article history

Martin Brookes, chief executive of consultancy New Philanthropy Capital, stresses the value of charities analysing their strengths and weaknesses.

After working for years for an organisation that analyses charities' performance, I have learnt not to put them on pedestals. I know that there are great charities and not so great charities, but still I was shocked and disappointed when I recently heard a chief executive of one well-known charity describing evaluation within his organisation as "something that gets done on a Friday afternoon".

Reflecting on how you perform as an organisation is a crucial part of maintaining quality and learning how to improve. I don't know how productive that chief executive feels on a Friday afternoon, but it isn't the time I'd choose to start thinking about the impact of my charity's work or how I could improve the services we offer.

The problem is that there are few external pressures for charities to reflect and evaluate, and there is also little internal drive to do so. So often we hear charities saying they don't have the time, the money or the know-how to evaluate their work or analyse their strengths and weaknesses as an organisation. And while, as a charity chief executive myself, I am sympathetic to these excuses, I also believe that it is charities' and funders' fundamental duty to be able to demonstrate the difference they make in people's lives.

This is why New Philanthropy Capital has published a tool to help charities and funders do just this. The Little Blue Book is the first document of its kind and shows charities what to look at when reflecting on the performance of their organisation. It also shows funders, including public sector managers and commissioners, what to look for in effective charities.

Charities are already a big part of delivering frontline public services and, if politicians are to be believed, their role is set to grow. In a speech last month, Oliver Letwin, author of the Conservative party election manifesto, said the Tories plan a "huge" role for charities in service provision. Whichever party is in power, when the budget cuts come and increase the pressure to achieve more for less, a broad understanding of what makes an effective charity will be increasingly valuable.

This guide will, we hope, make sure that government thinks about more than just budgets when commissioning charities to deliver public services on their behalf. For charities, performance depends on so many factors – how good your governance is, whether your management team has the right blend of skills, your priorities – as well as what you achieve for your beneficiaries.

Based on nine years of analysing hundreds of charities, we recommend that people look at six different aspects.

Perhaps the most obvious are the charities' activities, results and finances – not admin costs , because if this guide achieves anything I would be happy if it helps the public finally to overcome its unhealthy and damaging fixation on such costs.

Equally important are the things that can get overlooked or lost in the day-to-day running of a charity: for example, the strength of the charity's management, how it uses staff, volunteers and other resources, and how ambitious it is as an organisation. One of my ­analysts remembers her disappointment on being told by one children's health charity that its ambition was to have three years' reserves. She was hoping for something more on the lines of: "We want to make sure that all terminally ill children get the support and care they need."

The Brandon Centre in north London, which supports people aged 12-25 ­experiencing mental and sexual health problems, found in its evaluation that among young people receiving psychotherapy counselling, those with violent and offending behaviour bene­fited least from treatment, with many dropping out. Using this information, it piloted a new multi-systemic therapy to help this group. Five years in, preliminary analysis suggests that the approach significantly reduces criminal and aggressive behaviour. The charity's trial is now being used by the government in other areas in England.

Over the next few years, the demands on organisations that either take or manage taxpayers' money will intensify. But rather than cutting back on things such as measurement, evaluation and analysis, charities need to embrace them.

Now, more than ever, they must prove to funders that what they are doing works and deserves investment. And funders need to put greater efforts into funding organisations that can demonstrate that they will use money well. The banking fiasco and MPs' expenses scandal means that public trust has worn thin with the private and the public sectors. We need to ensure that the high levels of trust in charities are sustained and warranted.

• Martin Brookes is chief executive of ­consultancy New Philanthropy Capital.

Changes to Reaching Coomunities grants programme to be realaunched this Spring

BIG steps to make flagship funding programme even better

At least £100 million a year is to be invested across England by the BIG Lottery Fund in a new improved version of its flagship Reaching Communities programme for each of the next five years.

The new funding which will be introduced this spring comes with two distinct improvements.

First, applicants seeking smaller sums of money will enjoy a simpler application and assessment process.

Second, a two-stage decision making process for larger bids will ensure that all applicants will learn sooner whether their project is in with a chance of receiving funding. For those invited to the second stage, the likelihood of success will be much higher, making work on completing a full application more worthwhile.

Also in the pipeline for later in the year is a third element, a dedicated capital stream offering funding within the familiar Reaching Communities application process to respond to the high, unmet demand for funding for community buildings.

The changes are a response to the Fund’s major public BIG Thinking consultation last year. In addition, the Big Lottery Fund is promising more informative feedback on all unsuccessful applications.

Over 75 percent of BIG Thinking’s respondents said that it was better to give early decisions on applications, including rejecting those likely to be unsuccessful, based on a few key questions at the enquiry stage.

Sanjay Dighe, Chair of Big Lottery Fund England Committee said: “Reaching Communities is the centrepiece of our funding for 2010 and beyond and the enhancements we are making are a response to popular demand. Voluntary and Community Sector groups have welcomed the chance to access as much as £500,000 for up to five years but many have also told us that in the current, uncertain times, they would value a version of the  programme that is easier to access. That’s why we are introducing a lighter touch  Reaching Communities programme for people seeking sums of up to £40,000 a year.

“It is business as usual, so projects should continue to get their applications in and we can support many more grassroots organisations to develop ideas that will flourish and benefit the wider community.”

The dedicated capital element which will be available in the Autumn is likely to fund medium sized refurbishments, new builds or extensions to community centres, village halls or other community use buildings meeting local community needs and aspirations.

The main aim of Reaching Communities is to help bring real improvements to communities and to the lives of people most in need. Over 1,400 awards have been made which translates into £336 million Lottery good cause money for communities across England since the first award was announced in 2006.

You can find out more about the programme, as well as how these changes will effect you, on the Reaching Communities programme page

Further Information

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 020 7211 1888
Out of hours contact: 07867 500 572
Public Enquiries Line: 08454 102030
Textphone:  0845 6021 659

Full details of the Big Lottery Fund programmes and grant awards are available on the website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

Charity CEO launches campaign against Apple donation policy

From Civil Society IT

An anti-bullying charity is leading an online campaign to try to force Apple to allow charities to include donate buttons in iPhone applications.

Bullying UK chief executive and social media expert John Carnell raised the issue on his blog after app creation site AppMakr rejected his concept for his version II of the Bullying UK app. AppMakr stated that: “Apple tends to reject Apps that have content related to donations or charity.”

Writing in his social media blog TechnicaVita, Carnell said: “We need a suitable show of support to get Apple to reconsider this odd decision and show them that this makes them look very charity/non-profit unfriendly.

“Sure I get that they may not want normal developers having donation buttons but charities are an exception and Apple should recognise that.”

He added: “Apple seem to think that charities should 'sell' their apps in the store so Apple gets its 30 per cent cut; to say that it's distasteful that Apple should expect a cut from charity/non-profit apps is an understatement.

“So what should Apple do? In my view either remove the donation button restriction from registered non-profit/charity apps or guarantee that Apple will pass along 100 per cent of its fee from any 'pay' applications.”

The blog has received 79 retweets on Twitter and been shared six times on Facebook. The Twitter hashtag for the campaign is #appledonatefail.

Apple declined to comment.

Gov launches community enterprise strategic framework -

Third sector can be first choice for local services

The unique skills and community benefits of the third sector must not be overlooked by councils looking to improve local public services, Communities Secretary John Denham said today.

Many third sector organisations bid to deliver community based local services but Ministers are concerned that too many lack the technical skills or are too small scale to win contracts for council run projects.

Speaking at a meeting of council leaders and key third sector organisations, Mr Denham said:

"In the quest for leaner more efficient services we still need to find ways for councils to take advantage of the positive social outcomes the third sector provides."

The Government also launched a new community enterprise strategic framework to help more local groups set up successful local social enterprises today.

The framework, announced by Barbara Follett at the Funding the Future conference, sets out how Government will help put community enterprises onto a stronger footing with more support, skills training and advice such as how to set up consortiums or franchises to increase their competitive clout when bidding for council contracts.

The public sector is facing a period of constrained expenditure and with philanthropic donations slowing it is vital that community enterprises can raise their own finances. The strategic framework reinforces the commitment to explore new innovative ways to independently raise funds.

Community shares could allow local people to raise funds to maintain or buy a stake in important community services like the village shop or local pub to ensure its survival. A football supporters club could form a co-operative to take over their team, giving the supporters a chance to purchase community shares and so have a say in its future.

As part of Putting the Frontline First the Government proposed piloting Social Impact Bonds as a new way of funding the third sector to provide services. This has the potential to radically change how government funds the third sector, by rewarding social investors for work which reduces future social costs. CLG is actively testing the feasibility of a pilot in Leeds.

John Denham said:

"We know services are best when they are delivered locally because they really reach into the community and it is often third sector that is closest to that community. I have a real concern that the third sector is not getting the opportunity to play full its part. They must have an equal chance to show what extra they can do differently.

"Councils and companies are short changing their communities socially if they don't look beyond the price tag to deliver the current services at the lowest possible cost and consider the many additional benefits third sector providers can bring such as jobs for the workless that can save even more money in the long run.

"Today's roundtable discussion has shown that councils, who are shifting their focus to the needs of the user - the Total Place approach - know this and are finding their aims for the community could be met in a more joined up way; with the third sector having a real role to play in delivering services, positive social outcome and efficiencies if the barriers can be removed, which is why we have published a new framework."

Mr Denham praised councils already using the third sector to deliver services; for example Turning Point in Somerset has helped substance misuse offenders by reducing travel time by being based in four community sites across the county.

Nerys Anthony from Turning Point said:

"By providing services and solutions that are community based and locally driven, the people who need help the most are able to access it in a way that meets their whole needs. Strong, vibrant, decisive local government and a commitment to personalisation will make this localism agenda a positive reality for individuals and communities alike."

Anna Turley from the New Local Government Network added:

"We welcome this push from John Denham that recognises the value of a broad range of providers of local services. The third sector can often take a more cross-cutting approach to delivering local services, and can be well integrated with the communities they serve. It is vital that local authorities take a strategic, outcome-focused approach to commissioning which recognizes the role that other local partners play."

CLG is also setting up a website with practical information on starting and developing community enterprises, and training advisors who will be available to provide expert advice.

Video

John Denham explains why the unique skills and community benefits of the third sector should not be overlooked by councils looking to improve local public services.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1463783

help make peoples millions applications easier & get £50

Help make funding applications to the People's Millions easier

You will be rewarded £50 in return for giving us around hour of your time

Nomensa, an independent research company, are working with the Big Lottery Fund to help improve their funding process for their People's Millions website. As part of this, we are looking for someone who has applied for funding through an organisation other than the Big Lottery Fund and would be likely to apply for funding again in the future.

This would involve you visiting our offices in Trafalgar Square, London on February 18th and speaking with one of Nomensa's team. During the session you will be able to help us by carrying out some tasks on a website and answering a few questions. The session will last for no longer than one and a half hours and in return you will be given £50 in appreciation of your assistance with our research. Don’t worry! There are no tests and nothing to prepare, we are just looking to understand people’s thoughts on how funding applications should be simpler and easier.

If you want to participate, please contact Jon Bolt on 07824 449 752 or 0117 992 7333 to arrange a time on February 18th that is convenient you for.

 Source LVSC

Personalisation - an equalities perspective

"HEAR, London equalities and human rights network, is pleased to invite
you to:

 

 "Personalisation - an equalities perspective". In a time of change,
this is a chance for your organisation to learn more about the
personalisation agenda, in particular the challenges and the
opportunities that exist from an equalities perspective. This is also a
chance for people from varied equalities backgrounds to explore common
issues arising from the personalisation agenda, for example individual
budgets. 

 

When: 24th February 2010, 10 am-1 pm; registrations will begin at 9.30
am and lunch will be served at 12.30. 

 

Where: Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, 108 Stamford Street, London SE1
9NH

 

Who should attend? Deaf and disabled people's organisations, older
people's organisations and equality organisations; user-led groups and
anyone else interested in personalisation are more than welcome to sign
up."

A more detailed programme and agenda will follow shortly. 

In the meantime please sign up by returning this booking form to Sarah
Johansson, HEAR co-ordinator at sarah@wrc.org.uk as soon as possible.
Please don't forget to mention any specific requirements. For any
further queries please contact Sarah Johansson directly. 

 

 

Sarah Johansson 
HEAR coordinator 
Women's Resource Centre 
Ground Floor East
33-41 Dallington St
London
EC1V 0BB
sarah@wrc.org.uk <mailto:sarah@wrc.org.uk>  
DD: 0207 324 3053

Common Ground for Local Action

Common Ground for Local Action

Testing the links between localists, the community sector and climate change campaigning

*In conjunction with UCL Bartlett School of Planning - Michael Edwards

Saturday 20^th February 2010

12.30 to 5 p.m.

@ The Roberts Foyer, University College London (UCL) Engineering Building, London WC1E 7JE

Location: facing Waterstones, Torrington Place; ground floor, venue fully accessible

You need to book a place:

Email matt@communitysectorcoalition.org.uk or Telephone 020 7336 9461

We need to know numbers to plan the event, so let us know if you are coming
Agenda

12.00 midday              Registration & Networking
1.00 p.m.                      Setting the scene – including talks by:

Mark Barrett (CRD) – The Campaign for Real Democracy: aims and actions

Eileen Conn - Community Development Network: Taking local action

Matt Scott (CSC / CDNL) – The 3rd Sector, Social Justice and Civil Society
Maria Adebowale (Capacity Global) - Climate change community action

Chris Church – Low Carbon Communities Network – Supporting voluntary action on Climate Change

2.00 – 4.0 0                  Open Space exercise
4.00 – 5.00                   Agreements, conclusions, ways forward

Objectives for the day:

o       To explore common ground across localist, third sector and climate change agendas

o       Using an open space process find out where the interest is – including identifying issues, solutions and actions

o       Drawing on what comes out of the open space, set out areas of consensus and future collective action

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/maps/ucl-maps/map2_low_res

Up to £5k per annum for 2-3 years for football teams / league

Grow the game

Apply for a Grow the Game grant.

Deadline for applications is 26th February 2010

what is the scheme? 

Grow the Game provides funding for projects that use football to:

• increase participation by both players and volunteers.

This is done by supporting the costs associated with providing new activity.

Grow the Game is an extremely popular scheme and the assessment process is competitive, therefore we strongly recommend that before making an application you contact your local County Football Association's Development Manager to discuss your project.

can you apply?

Applications are welcome from organisations that are 'not for profit'. We will not fund individuals. 

Organisations must have a signed constitution, child protection policy, equal opportunities policy and income/expenditure records.

Please note organisations that have an existing Community Small Grant are not eligible to apply for a Grow the Game grant.

Organisations will only be able to apply for one Grow the Game grant every four years.

What do we give money for?

Grow the Game provides funding to contribute towards a combination of the following essential costs associated with providing new football activity:

• Facility hire

• Hire of FA qualified coaches and referees

• CRB checks

• Affiliation fees

• League entry

• First aid kits

• Promotion and publicity

• FA coaching courses

There maybe some flexibility for projects that are specifically targeting disabled players, this will be determined by the Football Foundation. Should this be relevant for your project, please speak to the relevant Community Programme Manager.

The Foundation does not fund retrospectively and will not consider applications for costs that have already been made or are due before an offer of a grant has been awarded.

There is no funding available for groups wishing to apply for charitable status, further support is available from the Charity Commission's website.

How much money can we give you?

Organisations setting up one team are able to receive £2,500 over two years with financial support being reduced in the second year of the project.

For organisations setting up two or more teams a £5,000 grant is available over two or three years with financial support being reduced in the second or third year of the project.

No partnership funding will be requested.

Educational establishments are only able to apply for up to 50% of the total grant allowance. Projects must be extra-curricular with the exception of special schools.

Would you like to:

• find out more about our decision process

• find out more about the other grants we can give

• read the terms and conditions of the Grow the Game grant

 Source Football Foundation 

£50k for better ways of doing things in Health & Social care -Small ideas Big Difference

Bright Ideas Grant: Small Ideas – Big Difference 

Closing date: Thursday 18^th March 2010

We need to think differently and find new, better ways of doing things if our health and social care services are to meet the Dignity Challenge we face in the future. Everyday, people working in, using or visiting care services, have bright ideas, often about very simple things that could be changed or done differently, but they rarely get the chance to test them out.

B.I.G is a £50K fund aimed at helping unlock the potential of those hundreds of small ideas and giving people the helping hand they need to prove their idea works and share it widely.

For full details please visit http://www.big.dh.gov.uk

£350 grants for breakfast clubs

As a result of the Blue Peter Mission Nutrition appeal, ContinYou has a number of grants of £350 available to offer to breakfast clubs. These are intended as ‘seed’ funds to enable an existing breakfast club to develop a sustainable family dimension – this should include creating an aspect of the breakfast club that will support children and families who are hard to reach or particularly vulnerable.

Grants are available thanks to the generosity of children who raised money during the Mission Nutrition appeal, which ContinYou took part in, in partnership with the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens and Save the Children. You can find out more about this at www.missionnutrition.org.uk.

The grants programme aims to enable a school or a community group to develop a sustainable family dimension within an existing breakfast club that will:

• support hard-to-reach or vulnerable children
• enable children from families that are in the greatest need to benefit from the breakfast club provision.

Small grants to support disabled people volunteer

The Access to Volunteering Fund Pilot aims to increase the number of disabled people in volunteer positions by breaking down the barriers they currently face when wanting to volunteer.

Disabled people are 9% less likely to volunteer than the rest of the population. A lack of special equipment, inappropriate premises, the extra cost of travel and the need for support workers to provide assistance often mean disabled people are prevented from volunteering.

Backed by the Office of the Third Sector, the £2million Access to Volunteering Fund will give small grants to organisations to support disabled people in realising their desire to volunteer.

The pilot will operate initially in three test areas - Greater London, West Midlands and the North West.

The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) is managing the grant process.

Fill in your details to register to apply for a grant and also to receive updates from Access to Volunteering.

Register

The next deadline for applications is the 19th April 2010.

Click here for website 

5 jobs going at NCVO

• Campaigning Effectiveness Manager
• Collaborative Working Development Officer
• Sustainable Funding Project - Public Policy Officer
• Conference Suite Chef Manager
• Senior Policy Officer
• Voluntary position: 
  Chair of trustees for NCVO - Details on how to apply (PDF 174 KB)
  Closing date: 12 February 2010

Essential information

• Guidance for Applicants
• Summary of Terms and Conditions of Employment
• Equal Opportunities - Statement of Policy which includes our Diversity and Dignity at Work Policies
• Positive about Disabled People
• Investors in Diversity 
• NCVO jobs are based in London - see map (unless specified otherwise)

Information about NCVO

• NCVO's Vision, Mission and Values
• What NCVO does

To Apply

• Application Form  (Word Format, large print) 
• Recruitment Monitoring Form (PDF, 11KB) 
• Recruitment Monitoring Form (Word Format, large print) 

Development Manager

 East Tenders is recruiting a Development Manager.  We are seeking an outstanding individual with at least three years experience in contract and performance management. It is essential that you have a proven track record in working with mainstream funders such as DWP, London Councils, LDA or the LSC. You will have experience of working as a senior manager and of heading up a small staff team. You will need exceptional organisational skills and the ability to manage your own work load.  You will oversee the development of new third sector partnerships and projects and be familiar with working with sub-contractors.  You will be able to promote East Tenders to a wide range of stakeholders and have an in-depth knowledge of the policy environment that third sector training providers operate in. East Tenders is a project of the East LondonCVS Network and is based at RedbridgeCVS.  Please visit our website for more information. www.easttenders.com. This project is funded by Capacity Builders.  Salary: 44 – 47 Starting at £38,961.00Closing Date: 22^nd of February at midday.Interview Date: 1^st March 2010 Email: info@easttenders.com. Telephone: 020 8553 1004 Regards, Aileen ShrimptonProgrammes and Business ManagerEast TendersRedbridgeCVS3rd Floor Forest House16-20 Clements RoadIlford. IG1 1BADirect Line: 020 8514 9614Switchboard: 020 8553 1004Website: www.easttenders.com Do you need clear information on local training, volunteering and work opportunities? Then you should visit our website: www.easttenders.com 

Administrator Band 4 ELFT

 363-CH-1456

Job Title:

 Administrator Band 4

Employer:

 East London NHS Foundation Trust

Department:

 363 C&H Primary Care Psychiatric Liaison

Location:

 London

Salary:

 £8,886-£10,659

Job Type:

Permanent  

Staff Group:

Administrative & Clerical  

Pay Scheme:

Agenda for change  

Pay Band:

4  

Working pattern:

18.75 hours per week 

Closing Date:

26/02/2010 

Add this vacancy to my job basket

Description

East London NHS Foundation Trust is a mental health trust which provides services to the City of London, the London Boroughs of Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Newham. The Trust also provides forensic services to the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge and Waltham Forest, and provides some specialist mental health services to North London, Hertfordshire and Essex.

We provide a range of community, outpatient and inpatient services for children and young people, adults and older people.

The Trust's Headquarters are located in Tower Hamlets. We operate from 47 community sites, four main inpatient sites and have 660 inpatient beds. The Trust has an income of £184.7 million and most of this comes from our local Primary Care Trusts.

The Trust is linked with the University of London, City University and South Bank University.

Are you looking for a challenging but rewarding job? If the answer is yes, then look no further. We are seeking well-motivated and committed person to assist in the day-to-day running of a busy multidisciplinary Mental Health Team based in Hackney.

We are looking for someone with good reception, telephone and typing skills, knowledge of Microsoft word, data input and audio-typing is required, together with good organisational skills. Part time post with various training opportunities available. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking for experience in the health and social care environment.

The Locality Mental Health teams were set up in April 19994, and offer care and advice to mentally ill people based in the community. These teams consist of Social Workers, Community Psychiatric Nurse, Consultant Psychiatrists, Health Care Support Workers and the administrative team

If you are interested and would like further information please phone Christine Bent, Administrator at the South Hackney CMHT on 0207 033 6100


SALARY INCLUSIVE OF HIGH COST AREA SUPPLEMENT:£10,839-£12,790

*PLEASE NOTE – IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED FOR THIS POST YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT VIA E-MAIL, PLEASE ENSURE THEREFORE THAT YOU CHECK YOUR E-MAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. ALL SUCCESSIVE CORRESPONDENCE WILL ALSO BE SENT VIA E-MAIL.

IF YOU DO NOT HEAR FROM US WITHIN FOUR WEEKS OF THE CLOSING DATE, PLEASE CONSIDER THAT YOU HAVE NOT BEEN SHORTLISTED ON THIS OCCASION.*

We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date should we have an overwhelming response to this advert.

As part of our commitment to improving working lives, we have a range of innovative work-life balance policies and applications are welcome from people interested in working flexibly. Single Living accommodation may be available. Committed to equal opportunities we welcome applications from people who reflect the diversity of our service users including those with mental health problems.

For further information about our Trust please click on the link to East London NHS Foundation Trust website.

In line with the jobcentreplus two ticks symbol, all applicants who have declared that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for a post will be shortlisted.

All posts that involve regularly caring for, supervising, training or being in sole charge of children and/or vulnerable adults will be subject to an enhanced CRB check.

Jump to Apply Now 

More information

You can view more information about this employer and this vacancy by clicking on any of the Job Pack Documents or Further Links below. Clicking a link will open a pop-up window containing the relevant details. You may view, print or download the details from there.

Documents

• Job Description (254 KB)

Further Links

None Available.

Contact details

If you would like to talk to somebody about this vacancy then please contact:

Contact Name

Christine Bent

Telephone

0207 033 6100

CRB Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Criminal Records Bureau to check for any previous criminal convictions.

secretary - ELFT

Job Reference:

 363-SS-2051

Job Title:

 Team Secretary x2

Area of Work:

 CAMHS

Employer:

 East London NHS Foundation Trust

Department:

 City & Hackney CAMHS

Location:

 Homerton Row/John Scott Health Centre

Salary:

 £21, 679 to 25, 581 inc HCA

Job Type:

Permanent  

Staff Group:

Administrative & Clerical  

Pay Scheme:

Agenda for change  

Pay Band:

4  

Working pattern:

37.5 hours per week 

Closing Date:

24/02/2010 

Add this vacancy to my job basket

Description

East London NHS Foundation Trust is a mental health trust which provides services to the City of London, the London Boroughs of Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Newham. The Trust also provides forensic services to the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge and Waltham Forest, and provides some specialist mental health services to North London, Hertfordshire and Essex.

We provide a range of community, outpatient and inpatient services for children and young people, adults and older people.

The Trust's Headquarters are located in Tower Hamlets. We operate from 47 community sites, four main inpatient sites and have 660 inpatient beds. The Trust has an income of £184.7 million and most of this comes from our local Primary Care Trusts.

The Trust is linked with the University of London, City University and South Bank University.

**Please note: we will only accept applications via the NHS Jobs website; please do not email CV’s directly**

CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE

Team Secretary

We are looking for two enthusiastic and experienced secretaries to join the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, in the ethnically diverse area of Hackney and the City of London. Applicants who have experience and appreciation of some of the richness and complexities of working inter-culturally are welcomed.

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service works with children and young people with mental health problems from two teams in Hackney. Successful candidates will have an integral role in providing administrative support to the team of psychiatrists, nurses, family therapists, psychotherapists, psychologists and psychiatric social workers. If you are interested in joining our busy admin team, have excellent secretarial, organisational and communication skills including the ability to relate well to young people, their families and staff, you are encouraged to apply.

For further information please contact: Melanie Morris, Operations Manager on 020 3222 5600

*PLEASE NOTE – IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED FOR THIS POST YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT VIA E-MAIL, PLEASE ENSURE THEREFORE THAT YOU CHECK YOUR E-MAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. ALL SUCCESSIVE CORRESPONDENCE WILL ALSO BE SENT VIA E-MAIL.

IF YOU DO NOT HEAR FROM US WITHIN FOUR WEEKS OF THE CLOSING DATE, PLEASE CONSIDER THAT YOU HAVE NOT BEEN SHORTLISTED ON THIS OCCASION.*

We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date should we have an overwhelming response to this advert.

As part of our commitment to improving working lives, we have a range of innovative work-life balance policies and applications are welcome from people interested in working flexibly. Single Living accommodation may be available. Committed to equal opportunities we welcome applications from people who reflect the diversity of our service users including those with mental health problems.

For further information about our Trust please click on the link to East London NHS Foundation Trust website.

In line with the jobcentreplus two ticks symbol, all applicants who have declared that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for a post will be shortlisted.

All posts that involve regularly caring for, supervising, training or being in sole charge of children and/or vulnerable adults will be subject to an enhanced CRB check.

Jump to Apply Now 

More information

You can view more information about this employer and this vacancy by clicking on any of the Job Pack Documents or Further Links below. Clicking a link will open a pop-up window containing the relevant details. You may view, print or download the details from there.

Documents

• Job Description (52 KB)
• Person Specification (236 KB)
• Administrative and Clerical Services (269 KB)
• CRB Policy & Procedure (249 KB)
• Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders (176 KB)
• Recruitment Information on Foundation Trust (181 KB)
• Routes 2 Employment - Positive Statement (178 KB)

Further Links

• This is East London NHS Foundation Trust Home Page
• Trust Brochure

Contact details

If you would like to talk to somebody about this vacancy then please contact:

Contact Name

Sarah Gibbs

Email Address

sarah.gibbs@eastlondon.nhs.uk

Telephone

020 3222 5600

CRB Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Criminal Records Bureau to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Administrator Band 4 - ELFT

Job Reference:

 363-CH-1450

Job Title:

 Administrator Band 4

Employer:

 East London NHS Foundation Trust

Department:

 363 C&H Ward Administrators

Location:

 London

Salary:

 £8,866-£10,659

Job Type:

Fixed Term Temporary  

Staff Group:

Administrative & Clerical  

Pay Scheme:

Agenda for change  

Pay Band:

4  

Working pattern:

18.75 Hours per week 

Closing Date:

24/02/2010 

Add this vacancy to my job basket

Description

East London NHS Foundation Trust is a mental health trust which provides services to the City of London, the London Boroughs of Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Newham. The Trust also provides forensic services to the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge and Waltham Forest, and provides some specialist mental health services to North London, Hertfordshire and Essex.

We provide a range of community, outpatient and inpatient services for children and young people, adults and older people.

The Trust's Headquarters are located in Tower Hamlets. We operate from 47 community sites, four main inpatient sites and have 660 inpatient beds. The Trust has an income of £184.7 million and most of this comes from our local Primary Care Trusts.

The Trust is linked with the University of London, City University and South Bank University.

Applications are invited for a fixed term position as Ward Administrator within the Homerton Hospital, City and Hackney, East London NHS Foundation Trust.

Working as part of a team of Ward Administrators facilitating the smooth running of the Wards by providing receptionist, clerical, welfare and administrative support without direct supervision to designated areas. You will undertake clerical duties associated with in-patient records on the wards and you will assist with collating all information relating to in-patients and ensuring that patient files are kept up to date and are regularly reviewed and archived.
Also you will be responsible for maintaining an up to date electronic case record via the entering of data onto Rio or other trust electronic system on a daily basis ensuring relevant time scales are met, so as to ensure that information can be retrieved whenever necessary and to meet agreed trust targets and objectives.
To assist senior clinical staff with the preparation of all new MHA sections, ensuring that relevant staff complete section papers and appropriate paperwork within agreed timescales and that they are delivered to MHA administration office.

SALARY INCLUSIVE OF HIGH COST AREA SUPPLEMENT: £10,839-£12,790

*PLEASE NOTE – IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED FOR THIS POST YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT VIA E-MAIL, PLEASE ENSURE THEREFORE THAT YOU CHECK YOUR E-MAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. ALL SUCCESSIVE CORRESPONDENCE WILL ALSO BE SENT VIA E-MAIL.

IF YOU DO NOT HEAR FROM US WITHIN FOUR WEEKS OF THE CLOSING DATE, PLEASE CONSIDER THAT YOU HAVE NOT BEEN SHORTLISTED ON THIS OCCASION.*

We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date should we have an overwhelming response to this advert.

As part of our commitment to improving working lives, we have a range of innovative work-life balance policies and applications are welcome from people interested in working flexibly. Single Living accommodation may be available. Committed to equal opportunities we welcome applications from people who reflect the diversity of our service users including those with mental health problems.

For further information about our Trust please click on the link to East London NHS Foundation Trust website.

In line with the jobcentreplus two ticks symbol, all applicants who have declared that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for a post will be shortlisted.

All posts that involve regularly caring for, supervising, training or being in sole charge of children and/or vulnerable adults will be subject to an enhanced CRB check.

Jump to Apply Now 

More information

You can view more information about this employer and this vacancy by clicking on any of the Job Pack Documents or Further Links below. Clicking a link will open a pop-up window containing the relevant details. You may view, print or download the details from there.

Documents

• Job Description (266 KB)

Further Links

None Available.

Contact details

If you would like to talk to somebody about this vacancy then please contact:

Contact Name

Sonia Perez

Telephone

0208 510 8610

Checking your readiness in delivering personalised services

Checking your progress in delivering personalised services a checklist from inControl

Summarising volunteering in the recession

An outline report on 'Volunteering in the recession', produced for the recent sector Recession Summit, has been put online by Volunteering England. It looks at positive and negative developments and highlights crisis points.

Voluntary Resource 

The little blue book: NPC’s guide to analysing charities, for charities and funders

John Copps & Belinda Vernon

February 2010, 58 pages

The little blue book is NPC's concise and practical guide to analysing charities, for charities and funders.

>>Download The little blue book for free

The guide contains examples of how charities and funders benefit from analysis, and explains NPC’s charity analysis framework, which looks at how charities can assess their effectiveness in six areas:

• activities;
• results;
• leadership;
• people and resources;
• finances; and
• ambition.

At a time when many charities are having to make tough decisions, The little blue book can help them to assess their own performance, to identify successes and failures, and to understand how they can improve. It can also help funders make thoughtful funding decisions, by better understanding charities’ strengths and areas for development.

Please use The little blue book, share it with others, and let us know what you think by posting a comment on our blog, or calling on 020 7785 6300.

To buy a hard copy of The little blue book, at £10 each, use the form below to pay by credit card or using your paypal account.

Enter Quantity of The little blue book:  

If you would prefer to pay by cheque or bank transfer, please contact jwatson@philanthropycapital.org.

From Website of New Philanthrophy Capital

Evaluate your service with Outcomes star - down load for free

Click here to go to the Outcome Star website & download the system for free (Thanks to BIG)

Prove it tool kit - evaluating change to individuals & communities

Click here to go to the Prove it tool kit website - developed by NEF

A Voice for Small Charities- contribute toFSI policy briefings for major parties prior to election

A Voice for Small Charities - complete the survey

At the FSI we want to be the strongest possible advocate for all small charities and we want to make sure that the sector has its voice heard during the 2010 election campaign. 

We will be putting together a Policy Briefing for the three major parties, and will invite each to join us during the election campaign to see what charities are doing and the problems faced in day-to-day delivery.

In order that we can best represent the charities we work with, we have compiled a short survey.  Click on this link to access the five-minute survey and help us to put small charities centre-stage. 

If you have any problems with the survey, or want to ask any questions around policy, feel free to drop Garreth an email at the office on garreth@thefsi.org.

We hope that 2010 has begun well for you and your charity.  We love to hear your stories – so make sure you keep us informed with your successes, frustrations and events.