Do you have spare office equipment to donate?

A local charity is lookinmg for :

• computer,
• laptop,
• photocopier
• shredder,
• filing cabinet with 4drawers & 2drawers,
• office chair etc.

Contact : Nathaniel 07501066097 / 0207 923 1962
             Grace     07534152877 / 0207 923  1962
E-mail :  hospitalandprisonaction@yahoo.com

Counselling rooms needed

Do you have rooms that could be used for councselling during the day - we have at least two organisations looking for space where they can offer counselling to clients.

 please email me at hscf@hcvs.org.uk if yo have a room that is suitable for counselling that is unused for some of the day 

Thanks 

Jackie 

HVA becomes Volunteer Centre Hackney & moves premises to Tyssen Street

HVA is now VCH

We are moving …

Volunteer Centre Hackney (formally known as Hackney Voluntary Action) are moving into new premises as of Monday 22^nd March 2010.

Our new address is:

Unit 12-13 Springfield House, 5 Tyssen Street,

London, E8 2LY.

Our other contact details remain the same:

Tel: 020 7241 4443

Fax: 020 7241 0043

Email: info@hackneyvoluntaryaction.org.uk

For directions and Map please click on the Link below:

http://bit.ly/dbkfMx 

Introducing Hackney Reach Floating support for Vulnerably housed tenants in North East & Stokey

Thames Reach's Hackney Reach Team  is now accepting referrals for people who are vulnerably housed and in need of support to maintain tenancies in the North East and Stoke Newington neighbourhoods.

Hackney Reach is part of the borough wide Hackney Support service.
For enquiries, to make a referral and to contact the team please see details below.  
The service is aimed at:   

• People between the ages of 16 - 54 who are at risk of homelessness through loss of tenancy and;

• People with tenancies who have support needs and are vulnerable.

The service will offer the following:  

• Initial engagement and assessment of the individual's support needs.

• Immediate intervention where a tenancy is threatened.

• Staff will engage with clients at agreed locations including home visits and at local day services.      

• Advice and information about appropriate support services.  

How to make a Referral:
Contact the team to get further information or to discuss a potential referral.
Primary referral sources are expected to be RSL's, Neighbourhood offices and local support services.
To contact this project please use the following details:
Main Number:    0808 168 0730 (For enquiries and referrals)
Office: 020 7084 7034    Fax:    020 7084 7035
Email: contact@hackneyreach.org.uk or hackneysupport@thamesreach.org.uk
Temporary Address only: Hackney Reach, 312 Kingsland Road, London, E8 4DN

Do you need a treasurer of financial expertise via a volunteer?

New source of finance volunteers - 

What could a qualified accountant do for your organisation? Could they be a grants officer, a treasurer, an accounts manager, a membership co-ordinator, an auditor or a trustee? What about help with budgeting or creating stronger financial controls?

Traditionally voluntary organisations have been told that skilled finance volunteers are hard to come by. Reach's new partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW) will put an end to this scarcity, creating a whole new resource for the sector.

Reach can now promote your finance volunteer roles on the ICAEW job board, attracting the interest of the thousands of accountants registered there. Tell us what role you would like to fill and we will publicise it for you.

A trained chartered accountant could transform your organisation, improving its effectiveness and securing its sustainability. Register your role now at www.reachskills.org.uk or call 0207 582 6543 and Reach will help you find you the right skilled volunteer for your organisation.

source

New classes for over 50s laughter yoga & poetry - reading , writing , discussion

The Sharp End will be running two new classes from Wednesday 7th April.
They are:

 

Laughter Yoga

10am - 11am

 

Poetry (Reading, Writing, Discussion)

11:30 - 12:30

 Call 0207 923 8690 for more details 

We will appreciate it if you can pass this news onto your members and
stakeholders working with the over 50's.  I will forward a poster once this
is ready.

 

promote your services at health in your hands events

HSCF Is coordinating Voluntary sector involvem,ent in the pCT led Health in YOur Hands Events please see below the list of events planned - if you would like to promte your organisation & services to teh public at any of the events please email me at hscf@hcvs.org.uk as soon as possible- places will be limited & demand is likely to  be high so please get in touch soon

Many Thanks 

Jackie

Feedback from Prevention Transformation Board

 Partnership Board Feedback form

Board: Transformation Prevention & Wellbeing Implementation Group

Date of Board: 16.3.10

Main Issues discussed

Agenda item 3. Feedback from Business Transformation Board/ Resource bid

·         As yet the priorities for the funding yet to be decided. The main Transformation Board is to lead on this and pass down onto the sub groups

·         Total of £1.5million for 20101-11. £700k is the initial funding with details still to be confirmed.

·         This is funding is from Central Gov is specifically ear marked for this programme and will not be affected by other council spending

·         Eve Oldman discussed programmes that were currently being developed for this stream of funding. These included:

Ø      Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) programme that will go across 5 boroughs to develop a kite mark for LGBT services and developing appropriate housing for the elderly

Ø      Luncheon Club provision. Currently 17 within the borough. Funding for these is currently being reviewed with the view of reframing/ re-tendering with a Programme Manager to oversee. Luncheon Clubs should provide activities as part of the prevention agenda and link in with day care and wellbeing centres.

Ø      Currently the Wick area has little support and Eve discussed the need to develop one that supports the Turkish/Kurdish community

Ø      Procurement training will be available for  luncheon clubs in the CVS sector

Agenda item 4. Inequalities in health & wellbeing action plan

·         The action plan is based on JSNA 13 priorities. The board were asked to review the action plan to give feedback for the next meeting.

·         The board acknowledged that some of the areas were activity thin

Agenda item 5. Putting People First (PPF) Milestones:

·         3 key areas for this board to look at, all of which have a clear agenda to achieve  savings across services:

Ø      April 2010: develop a clear strategy of how investment will move from reactive to preventative, enabling, rehabilitative  interventions

Ø      Oct 2010: Processes are in place to monitor the shift

Ø      April 2011:  Evidence that a minimum of 3% cashable savings has been made and that joint planning has enabled some of this saving

·         Eve Oldman is currently using Section 75 to allow LBH & PCT to pool funding together for joint care provision. No one is currently leading on how Section 75 can be used to maximise savings. The next board meeting in April will look at section 75 and the programmes currently funded under Section 75.

·         The board discussed the need to define ‘prevention’ as it seems very broad. The next meeting will look at finalising  a collective definition

·         Susan Gooding felt that the Community Grants programme could be used as evidence of prevention activities

·         Hackney Hub online resource centre to be developed which can support information about preventative, enabling, rehabilitative  interventions

·         The board discussed the need for the statutory sector to share resources more

Issues raised by CEN Rep:

·         CVS  should also be factored into resource sharing to allow enhanced integration of service delivery, training opportunities etc

·         Prevention priorities should work across all areas of need and not just those with acute needs.

Agenda Item 6. 3H update (Healthy Happy in Hackney)

·         3H is in response to national Link Age Programme and focuses on preventative activities for older people. Eve Oldman is the lead on this programme.

·         3 levels of need have been identified:

Ø      Very frail and meet social services criteria

Ø      Staring to become frail and have needs but fall outside social services criteria

Ø      Socially isolated

·         Reassessment of the programme has meant it will now prioritise the middle stream with the view of curbing dependency on services. The programme was initially going to be delivered by CVS but this has now changed

·         The 3H programme will now be led by the Community Resource Team (CRT). Programme Manager to be recruited and to commence in April 2010. 1^st 6months of post to develop document to prove effectiveness of the programme.

·         Current CRT staff to be up skilled to support and signpost clients. The programme will take referrals from;

Ø      1^st Response Team

Ø      Access Team (Those not meeting social services criteria)

Ø      Housing related support services

·         The programme will attempt to track clients through the programme in order to report back on cost effectiveness of the service as a preventative measure. Project to rely on volunteers to help support and track clients through the service. EO pointed out that this would have a cost associated with it, including training, recruitment

Issues raised by CEN Rep:

·        Why was this programme no longer going to tender to CVS? Response from EO was that there was no clear lead CVS organisation and that the smaller organisations did not seem cost effective. There will be opportunities for CVS to  deliver on services as part of the programme through CRT commissioning

Agenda Item 9. Training:

Anne Waugh is currently looking to identify issues for training statutory and CVS staff. At present she is exploring Risk management and Full coast recovery for pricing.

Issues Raised:

See above

Issues that need further VCS discussion/ Action

Related to Agenda item 3. Feedback from Business Transformation Board/ Resource bid:

·         Awareness raising  and support for Luncheon Clubs

·         Refugee Forum could explore ways forward re; Turkish/Kurdish luncheon club provision with Eve Oldman

Related to Agenda item 4. Inequalities in health & wellbeing action plan

·         Action Plan to be circulated amongst forums to ensure that the action plan and priorities reflects the views of CVS (attached with this feedback form). Feedback required before next board meeting on April 6th.

Related to Agenda item 5. Putting People First (PPF) Milestones:

·         Discussion around the broadness of programmes that constitute prevention activities in the CVS need to be had as this will shape future funding priorities. Examples of a range of successful programmes would be helpful to take to the next board.

·        This agenda may require CVS in future to demonstrate how their preventative activities have contributed to making savings to main stream services. Social Return on Investment (SROI), is an assessment and evaluation tool to support this form of monitoring. SROI will require training to implement and can be draining on human and financial resources. We will need to know what contribution will be made to support CVS to move towards assessing this kind of impact and if there are any other good models for doing this, or if systems being used/developed for statutory sector can suitable or shared with CVS.

Related to Agenda Item 6. 3H update (Healthy Happy in Hackney)

·        Part of the acknowledged key risks and mitigating actions to developing the transformation agenda is the need to challenge and change cultures and ways of thinking. Developing partnership working with CVS is acknowledged as an action to making this happen. The speed for which the transformation agenda is to be implemented may mean that the time that is required to invest in developing equitable partnership working could see the sector losing out on bigger tendering opportunities

·        Name of representative; Eileen Bellot

Sound And Fury At The Hackney Empire - blog report of last Thursdays meeting

Source

Clapton Pond Blog

Guardian Writer Dave Hill's Hackney Diary

Last Thursday's public meeting at and about our handsome local theatre had much in common with its famous pantomimes. The cast of villains was familiar to anyone even loosely acquainted with Hackney political aggro down the years, as were the characters hissing and booing from the stalls. Even a regular member of the panto cast was in attendance, the popular and talented Kat B. So too was Susie McKenna, the Empire's associate director and the creative force behind those pantomimes, which are widely considered London's best. Her role in the evening's presentation stood out because it straddled the good-evil divide that clearly existed in the minds of the more militant members of the audience. Her track record at the Empire made her a goodie, but her backing for the present Board of Directors and its decisions in tandem with interim chief executive Clarie Middleton meant she was half lumped in with the baddies too. 

This was not a tranquil gathering. The meeting's chair strove to focus minds on the future but the most vocal had come to argue about the past. The most recent part of that was the decision by the Council's planning committee to give its blessing to the Empire's Wilton Way building to be sold. The Board's information sheet said that its "current cash debt is in the region of £1.5 million." It thinks the proceeds from the sale will be about £1.1 million and therefore lift the Empire out of its deepest red. Its critics complained of a fait accompli, an asset strip and a plain bad economic decision that insulted the local community. 

Speaking from the circle (political right, stage left) London Assembly member and Hackney mayoral candidate Andrew Boff questioned how selling a capital asset could solve a revenue problem, which is what the Empire has - put simply, not enough people have been coming to its shows. Speaking from the stalls (political left, stage right) John Page denounced the Board for daring to let the theatre dim to grey. Speaking from the very front - and very much from the heart - Roland Muldoon, for so long the Empire's driving force, reiterated his dismay at the Board's approach. He received a very big cheer and wondered rhetorically why it had taken Middleton et al nine months to decide that the type of programme that had been running before the "grey period" and accompanying reflection was the right type to be running after it too. Middleton had just assured the hostile house that the previous, community-minded diversity of shows would continue. Muldoon dashed any hopes she may have had of being buried in bouquets. 

I'm not qualified to comment on the fine detail of the evening's recriminations. Muldoon asked, "What kind of Jonathan Swift trick," was it to be selling the Wilton Way building yet planning to pay to use a part of what will replace it. He expressed mocking delight at seeing the Council (in the form of Kim Wright) and the Arts Council (in the form of Moira Sinclair) on the platform and demanded to know why there hadn't been more support from them in the past. Both argued that they'd provided plenty. Oh no you haven't. Oh yes we have. The recent past was still very much alive. 

It was left to McKenna to take the stage a insist that "It's behind you," and plead for everyone's support in building a future. I left with two thoughts about that. One was that if the mix of shows really has been broadly right all along, then the points panellists made about make a better job of marketing the Empire both locally and beyond were clearly very relevant. Yet if marketing can solve much of the income problem, are Boff and Muldoon right that selling Wilton Way is a short term measure that will prove misguided in the longer term? 

My second thought was about subsidy. There seems to be a general view that the Empire hasn't received all it could have had and truly deserves from the Arts Council over the years, particularly by comparison with other London theatres. I don't know how true that is but I do know that with the recession biting, a possible Tory government in the offing and Boris Johnson seeming to have a very clear idea about who should be in representing London on the Arts Council England - and what that person thinks about subsidy - then the struggle to extract more from the the public purse may not be easily won. 

The last question from the audience came from the local parliamentary Conservative candidate. His accent made Boris sound like Alfie Bass and he was drowned out in a second by a chorus of boos far more vehement than any directed at the panellists on stage. A true pantomime villain for this section of Hackney society, perhaps he signified a future common enemy for most of those assembled. As for the Board's rescue solution, time will tell. They promised a gradual return to full-on programming, culminating in the next panto season. Wynton Marsalis has been lined up for two performances in June - see here and here - as part of a collaboration with the Barbican. Such partnerships, Middleton said, will help make the Empire viable in business as well as community terms. Will she be proved right? By this time next year maybe we'll know.

Hackney Empire to feature on Olympic badge

Hackney Empire to feature on Olympic badge

Posted on 16 March 2010 by Jennifer Lipman

The new Olympic badge featuring the Hackney Empire (Picture: LOCOG)

The Hackney Empire has been voted the borough’s most iconic landmark and will feature on a logo badge to mark the 2012 Olympics.

Last September residents were asked by The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) to select a meaningful image to appear on a metal pin badge alongside the 2012 logo.

The Hackney Empire has a colourful history and has hosted stars including Charlie Chaplin and singer Marie Lloyd. A familiar feature of Hackney since 1901, the venue has recently been threatened with closure.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said the designs were a fantastic way to show the world what a wonderful city London is. He said: “London is a fantastically diverse city and the variety of landmarks chosen by Londoners to represent their local areas highlights this perfectly.” The badges will be sold around London throughout the Games.

Source Hackney Post 

Hackney results from national pilot survey find engaged & opinionated unregistered VCS organisation

Local Pilots

This report presents a summary of the findings from three local area surveys of unregistered third sector organisations (TSOs). The surveys were conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the Office of the Third Sector (OTS) as part of its ongoing work linked to the National Survey of Third Sector Organisations (NSTSO), and explore the possibilities for conducting local surveys of third sector organisations, based on local contact information.

The document reports on:

• The findings of the local surveys
• The nature of the surveys and their implications for the National Survey of Third Sector Organisations
• Learning from local teams on conducting such surveys and lessons for organisations interested in conducting similar local surveys

Comparison of the 3 pilot areas starts page 19 and Hackney specific data p 82.

Some findings are: 

 Larger number of unregistered TSO's (third Sector Organisations) offering advice & guidance than in other two pilot areas

Engagement with statutory authorities is higher - 1 in 4 groups feel thety have fair amount of contact  with statutory authorities - this results in  more 'opinionated' voluntary sector with high rates of satisfaction and disatisfaction with ability  to influence.

Click here to download

Hackney brings in drinking ban

Critics have said new controls amount to a ban on all public drinking (Photo: Chris Kay)

Hackney councillors have voted for strict drinking controls across the entire borough to clamp down on drinking in public.

Critics immediately branded the decision to create a borough-wide Controlled Drinking Area (CDA) unenforceable.

The decision – ironically made on St Patrick’s Day – would allow police to confiscate alcohol from anti-social drinkers.

Those who refuse to obey will face an on-the-spot fine of £50 and could be arrested.

The proposal, backed by the council’s regulatory committee, will now go to a full Cabinet meeting vote on Monday. If approved, the controls will come into effect on May 24.

Opponents say the powers would encroach unfairly on responsible drinkers and questioned how the police would classify an “anti-social” drinker.

Barry Scales, from Hackney’s community safety team, told the committee that police needed the powers so they could deal with potential alcohol-related anti-social behaviour earlier, before serious offences were committed.

However, he admitted there was potential for “a lot to go wrong”.

There are already six CDAs in Hackney, including the areas around the Town Hall and Hoxton Street.

Brian Bell, Labour councillor for Brownswood ward, believed the borough-wide measure was disproportionate. Andrew Boff, the Conservative candidate for Hackney mayor, agreed. He said the “illiberal” measures amounted to a ban.

“I think it would work in isolated problem areas but a blanket ban is just another example of the nanny state,” he said. “It’s ridiculous to say people can’t go and sit in a park and enjoy a bottle of wine.”

Residents have also expressed concern about the proposals.

Tony Campbell, 68, a volunteer conservationist for Abney Park Cemetery, which sees many drinkers using its grounds, said: “You can’t stop people having a drink in the open. The drinkers here don’t cause a nuisance… Better here than the streets.”

Campbell said drugs were a far bigger problem.

Raks Taylor, 30, of Cazenove Road in Stoke Newington, said that although young people drinking in Shoreditch at the weekend were “rowdy,” the proposal amounted to “martial law”.

Sergeant Matt Devereau, from Hoxton’s safer neighbourhood team, said the police would not be “rushing out” to confiscate drinks.

“We wouldn’t want to take alcohol from people having a picnic and some wine in Shoreditch Park, for instance. We would only do it if it was anti-social and unhealthy.”

He added that the measures would help police areas of Hackney with an often-uncontrollable nightlife. “It will make an impact in Shoreditch for clubs with excessively long queues, where people are getting very drunk before they get into the venue.

“If they are troubling residents and urinating in doorways it will help deal with them.”

Additional reporting by Arj Singh

source hackney post

Crime prevention seminar - 6.30p-8.30pm 23rd April

HOSPITAL AND PRISON ACTION NETWORK
 

We would like to invite you to our upcoming event in APRIL 2010

VENUE :Wally Foster Centre, Homerton Road, E9 5QB.                                
TIME    : 6:30pm - 8:30pm DATE   : Friday 23th APRIL, 2010
The topic would be on :    Crime Prevention

 

There will be an opportunity to meet some other community groups.

 Refreshment will be provided

Please confirm your attendance .If you have any questions regarding the event, please do not hesitate to contact us by email- hospitalandprisonaction@yahoo.com
 
Thanks

 Nathaniel  -  07501 066 097  Grace       -  07534 152 877
Hospital and Prison Action Network.

Events tackle Hackneys high rate of Tuberculosis

hg.editorial@archant.co.uk
18 March 2010
Events around the borough will raise awareness of the infectious lung disease Tuberculosis - more common in Hackney than may be expected - as part of World TB Day next Wednesday (24 March).

Volunteers wearing t-shirts saying 'TB or not TB?' will be at Hackney Community College in Falkirk Street, Hoxton, Ridley Road Market in Kingsland Road, Dalston, and Tesco in Morning Lane, Hackney Central, to give advice and answer questions.

Tuberculosis has seen resurgence in Britain since the 1980s.

The rate of TB in Hackney was at 68.2 case per 100,000 people in 2007 - well above the level at which the World Health Organisation (WHO) demands urgent action.

A high proportion of TB cases in Hackney occur in immigrants from countries where the disease is more common.

Dr Jose Figueroa, deputy director of public health at NHS City and Hackney, said: "Tuberculosis is a curable infectious disease that most commonly affects the lungs. It is transmitted from person to person via droplets from the throat and lungs of people with active pulmonary TB.

"If you have symptoms - which include coughing up phlegm or blood, fevers, night sweats, feeling tired and unwell and weight loss - please contact your GP immediately to arrange an appointment.

"It is important to remember that TB is curable, and all people in Hackney and nationally have the right to free treatment and support," he added.

For more information call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit your local NHS Walk-in Centre.

Source hackney gazette

free Performance from Arcola Theatre over 50s production at the Sharp End

Arcola Theatre will be on tour with their over 50's production 'Faces in the
Window'.  The cast is made up of the over 50's and will be touring around
the borough.  

 

One of their performance will be at The Sharp End, on Monday 29th March ,
performance commences at 3:30pm, they can arrive early as there is an
waiting area.  The show is free and open to all over 50's and their
family/friends.

 

We will appreciate it if you can pass this onto to your members or third
parties working with over 50's.

The Sharp End is based in Dalston Methodist Church - 11 Richmond Raod, E8 3HY  

Hear David Woodhead talk about the 13 priorities that inform Hackneys purchasing decisions

At the next Health & Social Care Forum we are delighted to announce David Woodhead - Head of Healthy Communities who will be talikning about the 13 priorties identified in the Health& Wellbeing  Profile for Hackney (AKA JSNA) that will inform what services both the Prmary Care Trust & Local authority will be commissioning or tendering this year.

Also the first hour of the meeting will be a chance to meet our CEN transformation representatives.

The meeting will be on 26th April - 10am-12pm venue will be announced

Business Charity Awards - has a corporate company helped you - nominate them for an award

The Business Charity Awards are a new set of awards to recognise the outstanding contribution to charities by the corporate world.
The value of the corporate sector’s contribution to the UK voluntary sector in 2006/07 was £1.5 billion. But there has been little public recognition of the scale of that contribution, or of the great variety and originality of schemes devised by businesses to boost the work of charities.
The Business Charity Awards, launched by Third Sector and the Institute of Fundraising, are designed to reward companies that lead the way in their relationships with the voluntary sector.
The 15 categories include familiar activities such as challenge events and cause-related marketing as well as newer ones such as promoting the ‘donate, don’t dump’ scheme devised by TV shopping guru Mary Portas to help charity shops.   About Third Sector
Third Sector is the leading magazine and website for the UK non-profit world. It is independent, first with the news, and covers all aspects of the business of being a charity. That includes fundraising, governance, finance, communications, management, policy and politics. Its readers are chief executives and senior managers in charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. It is also read by policymakers, parliamentarians, lawyers and financiers with an interest in the sector.
Thirdsector.co.uk publishes breaking news every day, and more than 25,000 people subscribe to our daily email bulletin. The site also has lively blogs and forums, an extensive ‘good practice’ section, useful links and a comprehensive archive.
The magazine, published every Tuesday, contains exclusive stories, interviews, and analysis of the news.It also features expert commentators, lively letters and features pages, and the unique At Work section, which helps people develop their skills and boost their careers. http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/
About the Institute of Fundraising
As the UK’s professional body, the Institute of Fundraising supports over 5000 individual fundraisers and 300 charities in the exceptional work they do.

When IoF was formed, over 25 years ago, we were a group of fundraisers getting together to share and tackle fundraising issues. A lot has changed since then but this remains at the heart of what we do – coming together to face the challenges we meet as individuals and a sector. We understand that fundraisers have a tough job - a rewarding one, but a tough one all the same. We can make that job a little easier, whether it be through direct training or advice, or being part of alarge and supportive network, with the welcome sense of security that brings.

Our members join because they are committed to achieving the highest standards in fundraising – and they have confidence in us to help them do just that. All our members abide by our Codes of Conduct and Codes of Fundraising Practice which form the basis of self-regulation for fundraising. Whether it be campaigning for improvements to Gift Aid or fighting against the Payments Council against proposals to abolish cheques -and the devastating impact that could have on charitable donations - we are here to represent and support our members. www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk

cafes offer free or low cost rooms for groups engaged in lifelong learning

Café society and The School of Everything - posted 18.3.2010

The School of Everything has announced that the 113 branches of Café Rouge are to throw open their doors. The School of Everything is a website that helps you learn whatever, whenever and wherever you want. From biology to beekeeping, history to hula hoping – you don't need to go to the end of the earth to learn what you want – it will help you find teachers and lessons near you.

Part of The Tragus Group, it is a feature of the Café Rouge brand that branches have private rooms which can be hired or leant out to groups of people. School of Everything members are invited to book a free or low cost room (at the discretion of the individual branch) as a learning venue.

Café Rouge is just one of a number of hospitality groups currently looking at offering spaces for learning to the School of Everything.

http://schoolofeverything.com

Showcase your work during National family week - events will be featured on national website

National Family Week aims to highlight the important role families play in society and encourage healthy active lifestyles and quality family time. Now in its second year, National Family Week is the largest coalition on family issues and is backed by all major political parties and a huge range of national charities, community groups and sporting associations.

Over 5,000 events will take place during National Family Week 2010, plus record breaking excitement, giveaways, competitions and activity ideas to encourage families to spend quality time together. It’s going to be a jam-packed fun week and National Family Week would like your organisation to get involved.

You can run events as fundraisers, to showcase the good work that you do, to get a serious message across to families or simply to have fun. They could be pre-existing events, just co-branded National Family Week or new events run specifically for The Week. Your events can be featured on the National Family Week website to encourage families in your local area to attend and we’ll also supply materials such as stickers, posters, bookmarks and balloons at no cost to you.

For further information on the plans for The Week, theme day toolkits and promotional resources, visit the National Family Week website at www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk and register for the Partner Zone.

More analysis needed for decision on abolishing cheques

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Treasury Committee of the House of Commons has told the Payments Council, the body proposing to phase out cheque processing, to draw up a new cost-benefit analysis of the impact that cheque abolition would have on charities, hard-to-reach communities and small businesses. See Third Sector news item, http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/news/990645/.

source 

Tailored training for youth workers

The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services is to deliver a Third Sector Capacity Building programme providing tailor-made training and development opportunities for paid and volunteer youth workers across England, starting in May. See news item from Children's Workforce Development Council, http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/news/3478.

Strategic Vision for Volunteering in Health and Social Care

A new Strategic Vision for Volunteering in Health and Social Care has been published by the government, with a call on NHS and local government leaders to refresh their thinking on the role and value of volunteering. DH news item , or find 'Volunteering: involving people and communities in delivering and developing health and social care services' (in summary or full).

Tender - Provision of Support Services for People with a Learning Disability - LBH

 Click here for the advert

Tender re national evaluation of making local food work -BIG Funded programme

win £2k in Nectar Business Small Business awards

Is your business a potential prize-winner?

The Nectar Business Small Business Awards 2010 are open to all UK Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and UK Social Enterprises.

The awards are completely free to enter and they aim to celebrate business success, recognise their dedication and hard work - especially in tough times - and highlight the wealth of fantastic business ideas that are out there.

If you have a business success story to tell, want to stand out from the competition, raise your profile in your local area and the credibility of being an award winning business then Nectar want to hear from you. Winners will receive £2000 plus 50,000 Nectar points! 

There are four award categories:
  1. Small Business of the Year
  2. Entrepreneur of the Year
  3. Contribution to the Community Award (NEW)
  4. Online Business of the Year (NEW)

To be in with a chance of winning, to get more details and to download an entry form go to the Nectar website at www.nectar.com

Source Invest inHackney

£300 cash to young people 13-25 to run projects that impact on community -

O2 Announces New £5 Million Community Fund for Young People

Mobile phone network O2 has launched a new community programme to help young people aged 13 – 25 make a difference to their communities.

Think Big is a new programme which will offer £300 cash grants to young people, along with training, support and mentoring from some of the UK’s most prominent youth charities - The National Youth Agency and UK Youth. The scheme is also being supported by the Telefonica Foundation.

Young people will be awarded the grants to run projects having a positive impact on their local communities. These may include fighting crime, starting local youth groups or renovating community spaces. Eligible projects should be run by young people for young people, and may have the opportunity to apply for a further £2,500 to continue their work.

Think Big will build on the success of O2’s ‘It’s Your Community’ initiative which assisted over 1000 youth projects.

O2’s chief executive Ronan Dunne, said:

“Research shows that today’s society paints a negative picture of young people in Britain. We want to help change that by supporting grassroots social action.

“We believe young people’s ideas can have a huge positive impact on their communities and we want to enable and empower them to deliver change for themselves.”

For further information on Think Big click here (opens in new window).

Source JB4community.co.uk

New programme to support veterans & former army personnel into civilian life

The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) has announced there will be a new £35 million programme Forces in Mind. The programme will support work with veterans and former armed forces personnel who find it difficult with the transition back to civilian life, particularly because of psychological issues and how this impacts their and their family’s life.

The programme will support existing organisations to develop and improve their services for veterans and their families, as well as funding research, awareness raising and advocacy work.

The new programme has derived from the public consultation conducted by BIG last year.

For more information visit the BIG website here.

Source SYFAB

Funding for volunteering in health and social care

The Department of Health Volunteering Fund for Health and Social Care provides grant funding and support to third sector organisations working with volunteers in the health and social care field. This has two distinct grant funding schemes, a local one providing up to £35,000 over three years and a national portfolio scheme with higher limits. The first round of local applications has a 4th May deadline, http://www.volunteeringfund.com.

source

Bursaries for volunteer coordinators for skills development

Helping with skills development for volunteer managers
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strand C of Capacitybuilders' Volunteer Management Programme opens on Monday (22nd March), when individuals who support, coordinate, manage or have strategic responsibility for volunteers (in England) will be able to apply for bursaries of up to £1950 to pay for skills development. News item at http://www.capacitybuilders.org.uk/node/395 or go direct to http://www.capacitybuilders.org.uk/vmpskills.

Peoples Postcode Trust

The next round for the People’s Postcode Trust in England is open.

The Trust funds projects with grants of £500 - £10,000. Its priorities are:

• To prevent poverty, sickness and distress for the benefit of the public

• To promote, maintain, improve and advance health

• To advance citizenship or community development

• To advance public participation in sport

• To promote, improve and advance human rights, conflict resolution or reconciliation

• To promote and advance environmental protection or improvement.

There is an updated application form, application process and guidance notes which must be used when applying.

The deadline for applications is 23 April 2010.

Visit the People’s Postcode Trust website here for more information.

Source SYFAB 

Volunteers needed for Hospital & Prison Action

Hospital & Prison Action are a charity seeking to promote good mental health and support people who have experieneced hospital admissions or prison due to their mental health problems

They are  looking for VOLUNTEERS

a, Administrative ( volunter office coordinator )
b, Outreach       ( volunter outreach coordinator)
c, Fundraiser      ( volunter capacity builder/fundraiser)

please contact : Nathaniel 07501066097 / 0207 923 1962
             Grace     07534152877 / 0207 923  1962
E-mail :  hospitalandprisonaction@yahoo.com

Family Support Co-ordinator Full time or part time

Therapy Assistant- Homerton Hospital

Job Reference:

 293-10514

Job Title:

 Therapy Assistant

Area of Work:

 Therapy Services

Employer:

 Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust

Department:

 293 Therapy Services Support

Location:

 London

Salary:

 £17,180 - £20,280 pa.inc

Job Type:

Permanent  

Staff Group:

Additional Clinical Services  

Pay Scheme:

Agenda for change  

Pay Band:

2  

Working pattern:

37.5 Hours/Week 

Closing Date:

24/03/2010 

Description

The Homerton is an innovative Foundation Trust providing a wide range of services to the local community of Hackney and specialist services on a national level. Located in the multicultural east end of London we are situated close to the heart of the capital.

The Homerton is the closest hospital to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Park and is the designated hospital for the Park. The Hospital has easy access to the M11and Stratford International railway station, with major improvements to transport planned in the lead up to the Games.

ALL CANDIDATES MUST READ THE PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR THIS VACANCY AS THIS CONTAINS QUESTIONS WHICH MUST BE ANSWERED AS PART OF THE SUPPORTING INFORMATION. CANDIDATES WHO DO NOT ANSWER THE QUESTIONS AS DIRECTED WILL NOT BE PUT FORWARD FOR SHORTLISTING.

If you are motivated to work with people and are interested in helping people to progress their independence after an illness or injury this could be the job for you.

Here at Homerton we have vacancies for Therapy Assistants to work closely with physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists in helping patients regain the ability to carry out everyday activities.

Our Therapy Assistants work in a variety of settings including on the wards, in the department, in patients homes and out in the community. You will also benefit from being on a rotational scheme getting the chance to work in different specialities such as stroke rehab, elderly rehab, neurology and orthopaedics.

The type of work you will be involved in includes supervising patients undertaking exercises, getting washed and dressed, walking and climbing stairs and computer activities. Some of the work is done in groups. Patients may require support and encouragement to undertake these tasks, especially if they have a disability or have lost their confidence. You will need to work flexibly with a range of predominately elderly patients to enable them to achieve independence. This will require a problem solving approach and clear communication skills. You will also take on a variety of administrative and departmental duties.

For informal enquires please contact Lucy Coyle Head of Occupational Therapy on
020 8510 7601 or email lucy.coyle@homerton.nhs.uk

If you need any advice or assistance in completing your application form please contact Ron or Jacqui at HacShac on 020 8510 5428 alternatively, you can e-mail: hacshac@groundworkeastlondon.org

We advise candidates to read all of the attached documentation prior to submitting an application.

Your supporting statement is used to determine your suitability for the post and should be used to demonstrate your relevant skills.

Once you have submitted an application it is essential that you check your email on a regular basis for updates and shortlisting information.

The Trust welcomes applications from candidates wishing to job share with or without job share partners.

Committed to Equal Opportunities.

Overseas candidates wishing to apply, who would require immigration sponsorship, can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for the post on the UKBA website.

Applications from job seekers who require Tier 2 sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, non-EEA candidates may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled EU/EEA candidate is available to take up the post as the employing body is unlikely, in these circumstances, to satisfy the Resident Labour Market Test. The UK Border Agency requires employers to complete this test to show that no suitably qualified EEA or EU worker can fill the post. For further information please visit: UK Border Agency website.
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 (26 KB)
• Person Specification (26 KB)
• Additional Document (79 KB)
• Recruitment_Pack_Why_Homerton (129 KB)
• Guidance Notes On Submitting An Application (119 KB)
• Equal Opps document (132 KB)
• Remploy Leaflet (50 KB)
• Therapy Assistant Rotation Information 2009 (26 KB)

Further Links

• Homerton Website
• Detailed travel information for finding the Homerton easily

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.

Tier 2 Certificate of Sponsorship (formerly a Work Permit)

This job is unlikely to attract a Tier 2 certificate of sponsorship (formerly a work permit). Applications from candidates who require Tier 2 immigration status to work in the UK may not be considered if there are a sufficient number of other suitable candidates. To apply for a Tier 2 certificate of sponsorship, employers need to demonstrate that they are unable to recruit a resident worker before recruiting an individual from overseas. For further information please visit Home Office UK Border Office.

Policy Officer - Community & Childrens services - City of London

Ref No

CCS129

Salary

£33,360 - £38,880 pa inc. depending on experience/performance

Department

Community and Children's Services

Description

The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation in that it not only promotes and supports the City and provides it with a full range of services, but also provides wider services for London and for the nation as a whole. The Department of Community and Children’s Services provides housing, education, social care and sports services for City of London residents and workers. As an important part of the policy and communications team, you will be responsible for supporting and driving forward the development of the department’s business planning processes. As well as supporting the development and action planning of the Adult Wellbeing Partnership and the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership, you will also provide advice, guidance and support to service directors and other managers on the implications of national, regional and corporate policies. To succeed in this role, you will need experience of performance management and policy development processes and a questioning and analytical mind. You will be self motivated with an ability to identify opportunities to strengthen links between services within the City. Closing Date: 12pm 6th April 2010 Interview date: 27 April 2010. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as part of the selection process the successful applicants will be required to obtain a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure. The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Location

Guildhall, London, EC2

Contact details

To apply online please Click here  An information pack and application form can also be downloaded below. Alternatively, please contact the Corporate Recruitment Unit on 020 7332 3978 (24hr answerphone) quoting reference CCS129. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.

Contact email

cru@cityoflondon.gov.uk - Please include your name and address.

Closing date

2010-04-06

Documents

Downloadable Information Pack CCS129 .pdf

How to complete the application form (PDF).pdf

Downloadable Application form CCS129.doc

CRB Policy (PDF).pdf

CRB Questions and Answers (PDF).pdf

Rehabilitation Periods (Information for Applicants).pdf

 

 

Performance & Communications Support Officer- City of London

 Ref No

CCS130

Salary

£19,370 - £22,400 pa inc. depending on experience/performance for 4 days a week

Department

Community and Children's Services

Description

The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation in that it not only promotes and supports the City and provides it with a full range of services, but also provides wider services for London and for the nation as a whole. The Department of Community and Children’s Services provides housing, education, social care and sports services for City of London residents and workers. As an important part of the policy and communications team, you will be responsible for supporting the department’s performance management processes, including statutory returns and regular performance and policy bulletins as well as identifying and writing key news stories and encouraging increased usage of the City’s internal communication channels. You will also be expected to support the administrative functions of the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership and the Adult Wellbeing Partnership. To succeed in this role, you will have experience of working in a customer focussed environment, have a questioning and analytical mind and strive towards excellence. You will be self motivated with an ability to identify opportunities to strengthen the performance of and links between services within the department of Community and Children’s Services. Closing date: 12 noon on Tuesday 6 April. Interview date: 20 April 2010. The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunites and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as part of the selection process the successful applicants will be required to obtain a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure.

Location

Guildhall, London EC2

Contact details

To apply online please use the ‘Apply Online’ button at the bottom of the screen. An information pack and application form can also be downloaded below. Alternatively, please contact the Corporate Recruitment Unit on 020 7332 3978 (24hr answerphone) quoting reference CCS130. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.

Contact email

cru@cityoflondon.gov.uk - Please include your name and address.

Closing date

2010-04-06

Documents

Information Pack CCS130 .pdf

How to complete the application form (PDF).pdf

Downloadable Application form CCS130.doc

CRB Policy (PDF).pdf

CRB Questions and Answers (PDF).pdf

Rehabilitation Periods (Information for Applicants).pdf

To apply online click here 

Saturday Library Assistant - City Business & Guildhall Libraries (1 Year Fixed Term Contract)

Saturday Library Assistant - City Business & Guildhall Libraries (1 Year Fixed Term Contract)

Ref No

LIB014

Salary

£16,870 - £18,000 pa pro rata depending on experience/performance

Department

Libraries and Guildhall Art Gallery

Description

Our two specialist reference libraries have recently been brought together in Guildhall and we require an additional Saturday Library Assistant to provide routine support services and assist on the joint Helpdesk for one year while we assess use of the Library on Saturdays. You must be computer literate, have good interpersonal skills and be educated to GCSE standard or equivalent. Applications will be particularly welcome from candidates from ethnic minorities who are under-represented in posts at this level. Closing date: 12 noon, Thursday 8 April. Interview date: Friday, 30 April 2010. The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunties and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Location

Guildhall, London EC2

Contact details

To apply online please use the ‘Apply Online’ button at the bottom of the screen. An information pack and application form can also be downloaded below. Alternatively, please contact the Corporate Recruitment Unit on 020 7332 3978 (24hr answerphone) quoting reference LIB014. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.

Contact email

cru@cityoflondon.gov.uk - Please include your name and address.

Closing date

2010-04-08

Documents

Information Pack LIB014 .pdf

How to complete the application form (PDF).pdf

Downloadable application form LIB014.doc

 

To Apply on line click here 

Please select the button to apply online. Use the 'Register' option on the left hand side of the next screen if you have not registered already or log in if you have used this facility before.

Saturday Library Assistant (Barbican Library)

Saturday Library Assistant (Barbican Library)

Ref No

LIB013

Salary

£16,870 - £18,000 pa pro rata depending on experience/performance

Department

Libraries and Guildhall Art Gallery

Description

Do you like working in a busy and culturally interesting environment and enjoy working with people? The Barbican Library is one of the busiest lending libraries in London and we require a Saturday Library Assistant to assist in the provision of a comprehensive service to the public. You must be computer literate, have good interpersonal skills and be educated to GCSE standard or equivalent. Applications will be particularly welcome from candidates from ethnic minorities who are under-represented in posts at this level. Closing date: 12 noon on Thursday 8 April. Interview date: Wednesday 28 April. The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Location

Barbican Library, London EC2

Contact details

To apply online please use the ‘Apply Online’ button at the bottom of the screen. An information pack and application form can also be downloaded below. Alternatively, please contact the Corporate Recruitment Unit on 020 7332 3978 (24hr answerphone) quoting reference LIB013. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.

Contact email

cru@cityoflondon.gov.uk - Please include your name and address.

Closing date

2010-04-08

Documents

Information Pack LIB013 .pdf

How to complete the application form (PDF).pdf

Downloadable application form LIB013.doc

Click here to apply online 

Cultural Programme Officer

Directorate Community Services Service Area Museums & Culture Salary £35,055 - £37,851 Shift Pattern Full Time - 36hrs, Monday / Friday Closing date for applications 31 March 2010

Prove your skills in cultural programming The Role This is a great opportunity to prove yourself as you cover maternity leave in a small and fast paced team. You will work to develop and deliver cultural programmes, while pursuing fundraising opportunities and ensuring that the priorities of Hackney’s Cultural Framework are achieved. The Requirements You will come to us with a proven track record of running complicated cultural projects, together with a practical knowledge of the cultural sector in Hackney and the issues facing cultural and creative industries in multicultural areas. Responsibilities We will look to you to develop cultural events in Hackney which meet the needs and aspirations of our residents. You will also support cultural partnerships and organisations across the borough and liaise with colleagues across the authority. The Individual Your spectacular organisational skills will be complemented by a genuine ability to communicate with a wide audience. Experience in the field of youth arts and community engagement, and an understanding of how culture can help to make Hackney a better place to live are desirable.   A CRB check will be required. Additional Information It is essential that you include a supporting statement, addressing how your skills, knowledge and experience would enable you to meet all aspects of the post, as indicated in the job description and person specification. Please complete and upload your supporting statement in the 'CV & Document Upload' section Maternity Leave Cover until December 2010   Interviews to take place on 9th April 2010

More Info...

Cultural Programme Officer Job Description.doc

Click here to apply for this job

Email these job details to a friend

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Help Desk Assistant

Directorate Customer & Corporate Services Service Area Facilities Management Salary £22,920 - £24,819 Shift Pattern Other Closing date for applications 21 March 2010

Solving problems in our buildings and support services. The Role You will be the first point of contact for staff and customers, reporting building defects, or problems with support services within council buildings. The role involves prioritising calls, collating relevant information and liaise with internal teams, or external suppliers to ensure each problem is resolved. You will also be expected to manage the processes from inception to completion. The Requirements You must be able to handle a constantly changing flow of work, multi-tasking during busy times, and remaining productive during quieter periods. Good communication skills especially on the telephone are essential. You should also be familiar with Microsoft office software and have an understanding of the role facilities management has in delivering support services.   Responsibilities This is a key customer service and support role. In addition to being the first point of contact for the Corporate Facilities Management team, you will be expected to accurately record all contacts details and issues raised by clients. You will ensure accuracy of issues raised, establishing correct priorities on the helpdesk software, keeping track of performances by the approved suppliers. The Individual You must be able to work as part of a team, yet able to work alone when required.  Be well-organised and self-motivated.  You will have a calm, friendly, helpful attitude with good problem-solving skills.  You must be willing to work a weekly rota shift pattern, ensuring the help desk is operational between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday You’ll have good general knowledge of the kinds of problems that can develop in corporate buildings and the experience to deal with them in an efficient and customer-friendly way. Experience of working in an organisation where people carry out many different types of roles is important. Additional Information It is essential that you attach a supporting statement to demonstrate clearly and concisely how you meet each of the criteria of the person specification in the job description. If you do not address all the criteria fully, you will not be shortlisted. Please give specific examples wherever possible.   Interviews will take place on week commencing 12th April 2010.

More Info...

Help Desk Assistant Job Description.doc

Click here to apply for this job

Email these job details to a friend

Arts with Older People training

area: London
dates: 29 April and 6 May 2010, 6pm to 8.30pm

Interested in using the arts to make a difference with Older People? Want to create an inspiring arts project but want extra guidance? This training, from Artefacrs Edutainment, is designed to ensure that you know all that you need to know!

The training will allow participants to:
• develop and comprehensive understanding of arts with older people;
• examine issues around working with older people;
• explore the practicalities and issues involved in interagency work;
• present case studies of successful projects.

You'll leave with a real understanding of how to make a successful project and how to address barriers you may experience along the way.

For more information, visit www.artedutain.org (go to Professional Development Programme to book).

Source 

Commissioning guide for local public sector funders

The National Audit Office yesterday (17th March) launched an online 'Successful Commissioning' guide, subtitled "How to secure value for money through better financial relationships with third sector organisations". This is aimed at local public sector service commissioners (mainly councils and health authorities) but no doubt is useful background for sector support bodies and organisations seeking funding - it has a section on "grant or procurement?". Videos of the launch event can be viewed at http://www.nao.org.uk/successfulcommissioninglaunch or go direct to http://www.nao.org.uk/successfulcommissioning. (Source: NAVCA)

The third sector and personalisation of education services

The Cabinet Office's advisor on third sector innovation has produced her second report, 'The Role of the Third Sector: Personalisation of Education and Learning Services'. News item at http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/innovation/innovation_advisor.aspx or download (pdf, 512KB).

source

Making an impact for disabled children

---------------------------------------------------
The Council for Disabled Children has published 'Influencing for Impact: a guide to influencing policy and politicians for the disabled children's voluntary sector'. Issues covered include lobbying for amendments to legislation, encouraging MPs to lay down early day motions and private members bills. In pdf, 245KB, http://www.ncb.org.uk/pdf/influencing_for_impact.pdf.

Providing support for service personalisation

------------------------------------------------------------
'Personalisation and support brokerage in adult social care - a briefing for advice organisations and services', from AdviceUK, is available (pdf, 118KB) via bassac website, http://www.bassac.org.uk/node/817. It would be of interest to those thinking about support brokerage in the personalisation of services and gives some helpful background.

Olympics will bring 8000-40000 jobs to East London says John Denham

Olympic deal to get local people working and training for 2012

A landmark agreement between London's five Olympic Boroughs and central Government will lock in the benefits of the £9bn investment in the 2012 Olympics for local people, Communities Secretary John Denham announced today.

John Denham said:

"We promised that the Olympics would transform East London for years to come. Our joint aim is to close the gap between East London and the rest of London. This means more jobs, more skills training and a high quality environment. Narrowing the employment gap means at least 8,000 more jobs but we can aim as high as 40,000."

London's Olympic Boroughs are already working hard to deliver a successful 2012 Games, but every level of Government wants the legacy to change things for local people and the local area too. Central Government is making sure councils have all the powers and support they need to do that.

Today Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest are signing an agreement with Government, known as a Multi-Area Agreement (MAA), which gives them new powers to unite and direct funding to boost local jobs and skills support and make sure public areas are ready to be showcased to the millions of visitors expected to come in 2012.

Many issues that affect people's lives do not stop neatly at council boundaries. Councils will now be able to join forces through the MAA to mastermind solutions that could help thousands of people back into work, raise skills levels, and transform the public areas appearance.

This year the five boroughs received over £2bn in government grant and over £9bn is going into the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games including £350m to turn the Olympic Park from a Games venue into a new city district. Almost £500m has been committed to improving transport links.

John Denham travelled to the £1.4bn Westfield Stratford City shopping centre in East London to sign the historic agreement with the five councils. The development is at the heart of local regeneration plans. When complete it will include a skills academy so local people get the retail skills to work there. John Lewis has already committed to offer local apprenticeships and training.

In addition a deal, announced yesterday, to transfer the Olympic Park land to the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) has secured an excellent value for money basis to regenerate East London. It will mean 10,000 homes and 10,000 new jobs; three new primary schools; a secondary school; health facilities; a modern commercial sector and waterside park.

John Denham added:

"The needs and priorities of local people are at the heart of today's agreement. East Londoners live and work across different council boundaries and it is right that they work together to improve the way they deliver services and offer value for money for the taxpayer.

"The Olympic Delivery Authority has also signed up to work with the host boroughs to make sure public areas around the Olympic Park are in top condition before fans from across the world come to celebrate at the Games."

"We have also secured the land in an important deal that will help create thousands of homes and jobs in the Olympic Park, schools, health centres and many other facilities that will ensure this area has a firm future that will benefit people across the region for years to come."

The agreement sets out:

• a commitment to narrow the employment gap with rest of London by 1 - 5 per cent, which could mean up to 40,000 more jobs based on 2008/09 figures;
• a commitment to narrow the unemployment gap with rest of London by 1 - 1.5  per cent, which could mean up to 7,000 fewer unemployed economically active people based on 2008/09 figures;
• the host boroughs will develop an integrated job and skills strategy to help local long-term unemployed find employment or training by making services more accessible and tailoring them to residents and local employers. For example work trials can be extended from three to six weeks without affecting benefits;
• the area will get a deep clean, with the support of Keep Britain Tidy, and the attractiveness of public spaces will be improved in the run up to 2102 so it is a destination of choice for Olympic visitors. £111m has already been promised to start the public realm improvements;
• promote local people's sense of civic pride in their area, and attract high quality investment and iconic buildings to the Lea Valley and Thames Gateway;
• work to direct funding across the all five boroughs to more strategically reduce overcrowding, increase affordable housing and make sure private sector homes meet local needs and decent standards.

This latest MAA signing takes the number of council agreements to 15 - covering more than a hundred councils. Over the last decade, the Government has increasingly strengthened the powers councils have as part of a progressive devolution from Whitehall to the town hall.

This year, councils will also gain responsibility for commissioning education and training for 16 to 19 year olds - funding worth a further £7bn a year.

The Government has already given councils greater stability, freedoms and flexibilities. Almost £6bn has been moved into budgets with no spending strings attached; the performance framework for councils has been radically slimmed down from 1,200 to less then 200 targets; and a smarter and cheaper inspection regime led by the Audit Commission has been established.

Today new draft guidance was also published on 'MAAs with duties' for a 12-week consultation following Royal Assent of the LDEDC Act 2009. It will provide a framework of duties to co-operate for local authorities to reach targets that have been jointly agreed.

The guidance sets out the process for establishing a new MAA with statutory duties, including what the duty to co-operate will mean for partners and how to convert existing agreement in to one with duties.

Notes to Editors

1. Under the Olympic land agreement Government will fund OPLC with £138m so they can purchase the LDA's land holdings in the Olympic Park and at Three Mills. The LDA will repay £369m of debt between 2011 and 2014 without the need to take out any further loans over the same period. And the LDA will be relieved of its commitment to pay £300m to the ODA.

2. The budget for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is £9.325bn, comprising:

• £6.1bn for Olympic Delivery Authority (excl. programme-wide and Funders' Group contingency)
• £968m programme contingency
• £1,004m Funders' contingency
• £838m policing and security (inc £238m of contingency)
• £290m for elite sport
• £66m towards Paralympic Staging costs
• Up to £32m for Look of London

3. In 2009/10 the Olympic host boroughs received:

• £947.3m in formula grant
• £153.4m in area based grant
• £65.9m in children's social care grants
• £5.4m in adult social care grants
• £1,133.6m in education grants
• £68.9m in Supporting People grants
• £132m in Working Neighbourhoods Fund between 2008-2011.
• Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets have also received £160m in New Deal for Communities funding since 2000.

4. Investment in transport infrastructure will greatly improve connectivity into the area and across East London. ODA - £100m to improve Stratford Regional Station; TfL - £80m for DLR improvements. Also £326m project to deliver increased capacity for the North London Line, improving mobility within, to, and from the relevant North and East London Boroughs and increasing social and commuting opportunities.

Is partnership working the suppression of mutual loathing in pursuit of money NPC seeks your view.

Keeping up appearances

'Working in partnership' is one of those things that everyone wants to hear. But is it always a good thing? During my recent research on young offenders, a charity CEO took me aside and told me in a conspiratorial whisper that ‘Partnership working is the suppression of mutual loathing in pursuit of government money’.

What did he mean? I had always assumed that ‘partnership working’ was about different organisations working together. Surely that's positive? Instead of everyone doing their own thing, in their own way and duplicating effort, you coordinate activities, pool risks and resources, and get better results. Policymakers and commissioners are keen on this, and charities are dancing to the tune.

But as that CEO revealed, many charities are privately sceptical about this brave new world. In the youth justice sector, charities describe aggressive competition for funding, a crowded and ‘cut-throat’ market for services, and an extremely uncertain commissioning environment.

At the same time as pulling together, charities are being pushed apart—by competing for the same contracts, guarding knowledge for competitive advantage and driving down one another’s costs. One charity described the appearance of new funding opportunities as akin to a ‘feeding frenzy at the zoo’; elsewhere, a large charity and major public body are squabbling over who gets the publicity for their shared intervention.

There is an assumption that partnership working is always good, but individual examples suggest that the experience can be frustrating, time-consuming and costly to get right. However, these tensions rarely come to light because appearances have to be kept up, a game has to be played: ‘mutual loathing’ is suppressed in pursuit of money.

What are your stories of partnership working? When does it work? What makes it fail? NPC is interested to hear your thoughts.

Click here to go to site & post a comment 

Take part in the Charity IT Survey -

deadline: 22 March 2010

Civil Society IT and Charity Finance's annual Charity IT Survey 2010 aims to assess how the IT capabilities and budgets of charities are changing over time, in order to help you identify areas that your own organisation may need to improve. The survey closes on 22 March.

http://tinyurl.com/yguc6ph

source

Last chance to have your say on parking in Hackney - consultation closes 26th March