Consultations
Compact Consultation
The Sunderland Compact will be a code of practice between voluntary and community sector organisations and the organisations of the Sunderland Partnership. It will cover everything from how community groups are consulted with, to how voluntary and community sector organisations can be involved in commissioning and procurement, to promoting volunteering.
Since the launch of the work to refresh the Sunderland Compact in November 2007, working groups have been meeting to develop Five Codes of Practice. Three of the codes, plus the main Compact text are now available for consultation. The remaining two code of practice are still being developed. The consultation period is open until 19th September 2008.
For further information and to download the documents visit:
http://www.sunderlandcompact.org.uk/
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Volunteering in Health and Social Care
The Department of Health is consulting on 'Towards a strategy to support volunteering in 'health and social care'. The aim is to
* raise the esteem and profile of volunteering;
* help improve management and support for volunteers;
* support more robust evaluation of the outcomes and benefits of volunteering; and
* allow more coherent investment to support their involvement.
The consultation runs to 30 September, working towards a final strategy and implementation plan in early 2009. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/ Consultations/ DH_085186
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Government launches a Youth Alcohol Action Plan and Invites Public Views
The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families; the Secretary of State for Health and the Home Secretary have launched a Youth Alcohol Action Plan and are inviting public views on the proposals within it.
A commitment was made by the Government in the Children's Plan, published in December 2007, to look at what more might be done to reduce excessive drinking by children and young people under the age of 18. The Action Plan sets out how the Government will address alcohol problems, through a strong partnership with parents, industry, criminal justice and law enforcement agencies and communities.
The Plan outlines action on five fronts as follows:
To stop young people drinking in public places.
To take action with industry.
To build a national consensus on young people and alcohol.
To build a partnership with parents.
To influence young people themselves.
Consultation replies must be submitted by 7 July 2008.
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/youthalcohol/
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Minister calls on the third sector to speak out
Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, today called on charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises to give their views on the Draft Legislative Programme (DLP).
In a speech to the National Council for Voluntary Organisation's (NCVO) Sustainable Funding Projects Annual Gathering, the Minister stressed the importance that the Government places on the Third Sector's response to the DLP consultation which includes proposals for 18 new Bills.
For further information visit:
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=369354&NewsAreaID=2
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Darzi Consultation
NHS South of Tyne and Wear is involved in a national programme to improve access to GP services. A recent NHS review has highlighted the need for more GP services in Sunderland. As part of the programme they are looking to establish three new GP practices in SunderlandSunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust would like you to tell them what you think of the plans.A series of public events will soon be held.
Further information will be available in public libraries and in local newspapers. They will also be working with local voluntary and community groups to seek your views.
Alternatively, you can feed in your comments by telephone, in writing or via email to: Emma Cameron Public Involvement TeamClarendon Windmill Way Hebburn Tyne and Wear NE31 1AT Tel: (0191) 283 1499 Email: emma.cameron@sotw.nhs.uk
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Sunderland Strategy 2008 - 2025
The Sunderland Strategy 2008 - 2025 is now published and can be viewed on the council's website at: http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/Public/Editable/Themes/CityCouncil/corporate/sunderland-strategy.asp
As you will be aware the Sunderland Strategy has been developed to provide the framework for members of the Sunderland Partnership, and indeed all organisations, groups of people and individuals, to work together to improve quality of life in Sunderland by 2025.
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Community Empowerment
The government is planning to publish a White Paper on empowerment in England in the summer. This will address involving people actively in regeneration, active citizenship, reviving civic society and strengthening local accountability. Contributions are invited, on such questions as What is the role of government in encouraging and supporting citizens to be active?
For further information visit: http://www.communities.gov.uk/ publications /communities/unlockingtalent ( An online forum is running to 10th April).
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Regional Compact Code of Practice
A draft of the Code of Best Practice on Funding, Commissioning and Procurement for the Regional Compact has been created. Government Office North East would like to people to make comments on the document.
This is very much a first attempt at drafting a Code and your comment and contribution will be essential. Please consider:
1. Are the principles and undertakings outlined in the code ones which your organisation feels that it could sign up to (these may be aspirational but should not be in direct conflict with your organisation's policy or the commitments given by Ministers to the National Compact)?
2. Are there any principles and undertakings which you feel are missing?
3. Is the balance of commitment between the Third Sector and the public sector right?
4. How do we address the fact that increasingly Third Sector organisations will be commissioning services from other, perhaps smaller Third Sector organisations, and should therefore work to the same principles as the public sector?
5. Does any of this present difficulties for Funders Forum members as grant makers to Third Sector organisations?
6. Is the wording of the draft Code clear and unambiguous?
Please get your comments to Ian.DODDS@gone.gsi.gov.uk by close of play 20 March.
Once amendments have been made to reflect comments collected, GONE will recirculate the draft, copy it to the National Compact for their comments and consider how they can best consult with the Third Sector about the implications of the Code.
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FACE-TO-FACE and SIDE-BY-SIDE
FACE-TO-FACE and SIDE-BY-SIDE is a framework for inter faith dialogue and social action. The new Government inter faith strategy will be published in Spring 2008 after a consultation has taken place. This consultation, organised by Government Office North East with the North East Regional Faiths Network and the Churches' Regional Commission will take place on Monday 25th February 2008, 12noon - 3pm, at The Glebe Centre, Murton.
For further information please email: sueblackbird@btconnect.com
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Creating Strong, Safe and Prosperous Communities Statutory Guidance: Draft for Consultation
The Creating Strong, Safe and Prosperous Communities Statutory Draft Guidance, is open for consultation until the 12 February 2008.
The document provides guidance to local authorities and their partners on creating strong safe and prosperous communities, specifically relating to new legislation introduced in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. The guidance covers, Local Strategic Partnerships, Sustainable Community Strategies, the new duty to involve, Local Area Agreements, the revised best value regime and commissioning.
Have your say by completing the online survey :
http://statutorysurvey.communities.gov.uk/home/
For further information visit the CLG web site:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/statutoryguidance
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Feasibility study on establishing a Funding Advisers’ National Network in England
A national partnership commissioned by the Finance Hub has produced a feasibility study on the establishment of a Funding Advice National Network (FANN) in England.
The Feasibility Study concludes that a Funding Advice National Network should be established, as a project of an existing Third Sector infrastructure organisation. Fit4funding are seeking comments on the study, please contact Chris Hollins, Tel. 01924 239063, chris.hollins@fit4funding.org.uk
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Making local petitions work
The online discussion forum set up by the Communities Department to discuss the idea of local petitions is focusing for the period to 18th February "on the conditions a petition should meet in order to require a local authority to respond". This includes the definition of a 'local person' as well as level of support needed. Contribute at :
http://haveyoursay.communities.gov.uk/forums/thread/305.aspx
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Comprehensive Area Assessment
The Audit Commission, who will carry out the assessments, are currently consulting on their proposals for the new CAA; closing date 5pm, Friday 15 February 2008: http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/caa/index.asp
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Draft Regional High Impact Action Plan on reducing smoking pre-conception, during pregnancy and post natally
You are invited to respond to a consultation on the draft regional high impact action plan.
The document and consultation response form can be accessed at http://www.freshne.com/200-Consultation-Pregnancy.html
and the deadline for responses is 29th February.
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Survey on mental health stigma launched
A coalition of mental health charities has launched a major national survey to understand the stigma people with mental health problems face and the best way to tackle it. 25,000 hard copy forms will be sent out across England, but the coalition hopes many more will complete the survey online before the 22 February closing date.
To view the survey, click here http://www.movingpeople.org.uk/survey/
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Third Sector and Childhood Obesity
VONNE (in conjunction with Public Health North East) is reviewing the Third Sector’s involvement in services and activities relating to childhood obesity and weight management interventions.
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Leadership strategy for the VCS
Over the last year VONNE has been working to develop a leadership strategy for the VCS in the North East. The initiative is funded by One-North East (ONE).
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Communities and Local Government Consultation Event
Have your say on the sector’s role in local decision-making and community involvement: How can the sector be effectively represented on Local Strategic Partnerships? How can we help the public sector involve local people?
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Regional Action Plan on 10 high impact changes to reduce smoking pre-conception
Fresh is currently consulting on a regional Action Plan on 10 high impact changes to reduce smoking pre-conception, during pregnancy and post-natally and would welcome views on the draft plan from a wide range of stakeholders.
For further information visit:
http://www.freshne.com/200-Consultation-Pregnancy.html
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