The Voluntary Sector Engagement Project is focused on ensuring that best use is made of the skills, expertise and capacity of the voluntary and community sector (VCS) by facilitating and supporting on-going and positive engagement between it and the public sector through shaping and influencing policy drivers as they emerge.

Key areas of work include:

• The NHS Reforms and GP Commissioning
• Health and Well Being Strategy and Board
• Localism
• ‘Big Society’
• Public services delivery and role of voluntary organisations
• Prevention and early intervention agenda
• Supporting the work of sector networks and forums e.g. Advice and Advocacy Strategy Group, Mental Health Providers Forum, Carers Agency Partnership 

At a time when both the public and the voluntary and community sector are experiencing unprecedented challenges about the shape and sustainability of future services, the work around engaging the sector at strategic levels through new partnerships, facilitating mechanisms for strong relationships between key voluntary and community sector leaders and public partners and keeping the sector up to speed on policy initiatives are all vital steps in responding positively to the challenges ahead.  

Outcomes 

The outcomes of the Project are:

1 Strategic co-ordination of voluntary and community sector input into a key projects and initiatives (particularly those led by the partners to the Norfolk County Strategic Partnership - NCSP.)

2 Voluntary and community sector organisations are effectively represented across relevant areas of existing and developing activity and interest pertinent to the sector and partners to the NCSP.

3 Effective arrangements are in place for voluntary and community sector engagement so as to draw on sector specialisms and perspectives at appropriate levels e.g. strategic, operational, sub-group, task & finish.

4 The Project is recognised as a key ‘gateway’ to Norfolk’s voluntary and community sector on issues relating to the work of the NCSP and its partners.

5 The Project is a key two-way route through which there is effective communication and liaison between the voluntary and community sector and the NCSP in relation to live and current issues.

Resources

Recent resources produced by the Project include:

Directory of Third Sector Networks and Forums (PDF Mar 2011)

All Change on the Health and Well Being event, issues and actions identified from this sector event held in May 2011. (PDF)

For more information contact:

Claire Collen, Voluntary Sector Engagement Manager

claire.collen@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk T: 01603 883840