NCVO public services news round-up May 2015

Our monthly round-up focusses on the most interesting stories related to the voluntary sector and public services from the last month. If you have any thoughts, questions or challenges then please leave a comment below or tweet us @NCVO @NJ_Davies

Monitoring Transforming Rehabilitation

NCVO and Clinks have launched a year-long programme to monitor the role of voluntary sector providers in and alongside Transforming Rehabilitation. Starting with an initial survey, we want you to share your experience so that we can develop a picture of the role that the voluntary sector is playing. This will be followed by two further surveys, one this summer and a third in 2016. The results will enable us to identify emerging concerns, as well as good practice, and lead to clear recommendations for government and other key stakeholders. The initial survey is open until the end of this month and will only take 5 minutes to complete.

Election Aftermath

This election was billed as being the closest and most unpredictable in living memory. In the end, the margin of victory was clear, though few expected the first Conservative majority in over two decades. But what will this mean for charities? It’s early days still but Karl Wilding and Ruth Driscoll have sketched out some thoughts on the implications for the sector. A clearer picture of the new government’s agenda will emerge from tomorrow’s Queen’s Speech. We can expect the announcement of Bills dealing with the EU, devolution, enterprise, radicalisation and the Human Rights Act. NCVO will be publishing an analysis so keep an eye on our Twitter feed and blogs. One thing is for sure, with such a slim parliamentary majority there will be plenty of opportunities for influencing and Chloe Stables has produced some top tips for charity campaigners.

Influencing Decision Makers

This month we’ve published some great new practical resources to help you engage with key statutory partners. Influencing Decision Makers and Commissioners is a free four part StudyZone course which will support you in defining your approach, identifying your target audience and evaluating your progress. The four videos are over 30 minutes long in total and can be enjoyed from your desk.

We’ve also published a guest blog post from Jessica Mullen from Clinks which provides five top tips for engaging with Police and Crime Commissioners.

Consultancy offer – building a new consortium

NCVO recently helped the voluntary sector in Peterborough to develop a new consortium: Peterborough Plus. This has been established as an independent entity, with a business plan and membership prospectus which draw on best practice from other successful consortia around the UK. Peterborough Plus is already showing signs of success having signed an agreement as a delivery partner in a large contract for older people and long-term conditions. If you would like more information about how NCVO can support consortium development in your area please contact publicservices@ncvo.org.uk.

On Thursday 23 July 2015 we will be running a Consortium Masterclass. This will be an intensive day looking at operating models, legal structures, influencing commissioners, engaging members, and all the policies and procedures that a new consortium needs to prepare to become contract ready. To be advertised on NCVO website soon. Email publicservices@ncvo.org.uk to register your interest.

Year Here

Year Here is looking for opportunities to place high calibre graduates with frontline charities.  They are particularly interested in new placements in mental health, youth justice, elderly care and disability support. Placements contribute £5,000 plus VAT to Year Here and also commit to covering Fellows’ voluntary expenses during the placement period. In return, they offer you access to highly talented, driven and eager graduates who have been selected through a rigorous 3-stage selection process on the strength of their exceptional academic track record, humility, initiative and resilience.