Tag: voluntary sector

Council funding: for some, the wait goes on

Reprieve for some but others still await funding decision

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The city council has heralded a new way of distributing grants but some highly-regarded local voluntary sector projects still await the decisions that will determine their future. And with just six weeks before the start of the new financial year, management committees and voluntary boards across the city are faced with unpalatable choices: issue redundancy notices and risk losing staff or hope that all will be well with next year’s funding? Continue reading Council funding: for some, the wait goes on

New Lottery support to strengthen voluntary sector

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Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations will have the ability to improve their performance and sustainability, thanks to two new online tools supported by the Big Lottery Fund. Continue reading New Lottery support to strengthen voluntary sector

Still time to have your say on state of voluntary sector

Edinburgh Compact wants to hear from city’s third sector

DEADLINE Friday 29 January

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Voluntary Organisations and Community Groups in Edinburgh: help us get a picture of the Third Sector in Edinburgh. Fill in our Compact Voice 2015 Survey.
Continue reading Still time to have your say on state of voluntary sector

Voluntary Sector survey: still time to share your views

compact_email_bannerThe Edinburgh Compact Partnership has had a brilliant response to our 2015 Compact Survey so far – many thanks for all who have participated.

However, we still need to hear about YOUR Third Sector organisation for our Compact Voice 2015 Survey!

All the information provided from last year’s survey was published in this infographic style Compact Voice 2014/15 report. This went to the Council and other Public Sector Organisations and has helped provide Third Sector input in decision making.

The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete. We know this is quite a time commitment but we promise the results will be shared widely – take the survey now.

Thanks for helping us get a picture! 

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Compact 10: planning the way ahead for Edinburgh’s third sector

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Many thanks to those of you who attended one of Compact 10’s events or took part in Compact Voice over the last year. The extensive consultation carried out with 120 Third Sector and Public Sector partners through Compact 10 culminated in the launch of the Edinburgh Compact Partnership’s new Strategic Framework and Action Plan on 24 June at Edinburgh City Chambers.

The new Strategic Framework and Action Plan is ambitious, optimistic and forward thinking. Ten years since the launch of the Edinburgh Compact Partnership times have changed, however the foundation values of the Edinburgh Compact Partnership are of no less relevance today. They are:

  • Transparency
  • Accountability
  • Good communication
  • Equity
  • Respect and fairness across partners
  • Co-operation with partners, communities and citizens

There are four strands to the Strategic Framework:

  • Future Thinking
  • Resourcing and Investment
  • Community Planning and Reach
  • Thriving Third Sector

Each strand has an associated Action Plan. These strands aim to deliver Compact’s Vision of

“A City of active resilient communities where a vibrant Third Sector works in partnership with others to build social value and reduce inequalities.” 

This is the third Compact Partnership Strategy which continues to embrace a vision for the City where all sectors work together towards a shared goal of improving the quality of life for all citizens and communities.

The Third Sector Call to Action (see below) outlines just some of the ways the unique reach of Edinburgh’s Third Sector can drive achievement of the outcomes in the framework.

Third Sector Call to Action

See this work in action in our short film Getting it Right for Edinburgh: The Power of Partnerships

For further information about Edinburgh’s Compact Partnership please visit our website

 Sarah Wade
Development Worker, Compact 10 Project

Queen’s Award for LifeCare

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Stockbridge-based LifeCare have had their work recognised by Her Majesty the Queen. LifeCare, which works with elderly people, has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Across the city, Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club has also received the highest accolade.

Both charities were recommended for awards by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant, Donald Wilson, who also takes on the role of the city’s volunteering champion and both LifeCare and Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club will be invited to attend a garden party at Holyrood Palace with the Queen in late Spring.

LifeCare Edinburgh, based at Cheyne Street in Stockbridge, works across the city supporting the independence and wellbeing of the elderly, people with dementia and carers, helping them to remain at home, connect with others and participate more fully in their community. This is done through a rang of services which includes day units, a popular community café and volunteer projects.

Su Millar, Chief Executive of LifeCare Edinburgh, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this news and proud to be one of two organisations to receive such a prestigious award. We are delighted that it is recognising the excellent work our volunteers do here at LifeCare Edinburgh.

“We are grateful to Sopra Steria, Edinburgh for nominating us. It demonstrates our commitment to our volunteers and we could not offer all that we do without them. The volunteers who work with us complement our staff teams whether it is assisting in the day units, helping in the café, supporting our events, or helping older people with their shopping.”

“They all bring their own enthusiasm and expertise so without them LifeCare Edinburgh would not be able to make such a difference in the lives of the people we care for. Our volunteers range from students doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award, people who have retired and have more time to spare, to those looking to gain experience in the workplace.”

Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club provides a vital lunch club service for elderly and frail people in east Edinburgh. The service is provided on an entirely voluntary basis by a dedicated group of volunteers, many of whom are themselves elderly.

The local groups are two of 187 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of awards handed out to groups have increased by over 60% from 2014, due to an increase in high quality applications, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to tackle community challenges.

Volunteers from LifeCare and the Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club will receive the award from Edinburgh’s Lord Provost later this summer.

The Lord Lieutenant Donald Wilson said: “The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups and recognises the outstanding work they provide within their local communities. I am delighted that not one but two of Edinburgh’s fantastic charities have been chosen by the Queen to receive this recognition.

“Both LifeCare and the Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club truly deserve the praise. It was an honour to recommend them personally for their voluntary service, and it will be my privilege to present them with their awards and certificates later this year.”

The Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson, added: “I would like to congratulate all groups who received this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, in recognition of their fantastic achievements. The hard work and commitment that goes into the work of these organisations is surpassed only by the passion and motivation of the individuals who volunteer.

“I hope these groups continue to inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact so that we can continue to build a bigger, stronger society.”

 

Any group of two or more people that has participated in voluntary work for more than three years can be nominated for the award. Full details on how to nominate are available at http://qavs.direct.gov.uk/

Nominations for the 2016 awards close on 18 September 2015.

Last chance to book your place at Compact forum

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Edinburgh’s First Compact Third Sector Forum – last chance to book!

Cllr Maureen Child, Convenor of the Council’s Communities & Neighbourhoods Committee, would like to invite Third Sector organisations from across the city to:

Edinburgh’s First Compact Third Sector Forum
Monday 18 May 10.00am – 2pm
Edinburgh City Chambers, 253 High Street EH1 1YJ

The Forum will provide an opportunity to explore how the Compact’s vision of “A City of active resilient communities where a vibrant Third Sector works in partnership with others to build social value and reduce inequalities”, enables partners working together to face the challenges of the future, enhances coproduction approaches and improves service planning with public sector partners.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity to:

  • Hear about the new Compact Strategy 2015-20
  • Explore the key issues facing the city’s third sector at city, locality and neighbourhood levels;
  • Highlight examples of good practice; and
  • Aim to build confident partnerships for the future.

Do take a moment to look through the Forum programme. Should you wish to attend, please email: Korstiaan Allan.

The Forum will become an annual event – it’s up to you to shape it in the way that’s best for you!.
Book Now