If support be the food of NI7 .....

By Ethel Bangwayo
Strategic Engagement Officer, Herts CVS Group.

A survey of statutory (Local Authorities, Fire & Rescue, Police, PCT and Probation) support for the VCS has recently been conducted as part of NI7 delivery, and survey responses have been compiled into the Hertfordshire Thriving Third Sector Report. The report reveals good VCS support activity across the county despite gaps in certain areas.

Below is a snapshot of good practice that respondents would like to share with colleagues around the county:

Dacorum: Leasing town centre information centre to the Volunteer Centre. The centre is now used as a collection point for the local Credit Union, a meeting room for VCS organisations, and a place where statutory organisations can run drop-in sessions.

East Herts: Commissioning the CVS to develop a commissioning process for the allocation of small grants for summer activities.

Hertsmere: Providing administration support to start-up VCS organisations.

North Herts: Providing Officer advice, time and support to the local VCS.

St. Albans: Commissioning the CVS to provide conference organisation skills for the LSP as well as working with the private sector in the development of a community use building.

Stevenage: Providing the VCS with Communications advice in the form of ‘A guide to Communications for Community Groups’.

Three Rivers: Provision of Council Chamber and office space for use by the Compact working group.

Watford: Joint training, workshops and training days and collaborative VCS health checks.

Welwyn Hatfield: Provision of premises at discounted rentals.

Fire & Rescue: Provision of free meeting rooms and training material.

Herts Probation: Provision of office space to VCS organisations.

Herts County Council: Surplus office furniture given to the VCS for free.

A number of the respondents are also engaging the VCS around LSPs, the Compact and other decision-making channels in their local areas.

The full Thriving Third Sector report is available to view and/ download on the My Herts LAA website.


Remember to visit www.myhertslaa.net!