Commissioning Strategy

The Commissioning Strategy for Care and Support Services was approved by the City of Edinburgh Council's Policy and Strategy Committee on Tuesday 9 August.

The document is a result of an extensive five month consultation exercise with service users, carers groups, voluntary and private sector providers.

There are nine key principles, which will form the backbone of the strategy.  These include: services to be personalised and offer choice, unpaid carers are equal partners, genuine communication and engagement, best value for all services and supporting service providers to deliver high quality.

This strategy represents the culmination of extensive public consultation which was overseen by and scrutinised by the Checkpoint group. Ella Simpson, Director of EVOC, chaired this group which kept the development of the strategy under continuous review and ensured that the consultation process accurately reflected the views submitted.

The three Council departments involved in providing support services - Health and Social Care, Children and Families and Services for Communities - will now implement the action points when developing commissioning plans for their own services.

Reports on the consultation on the commissioning plans for adults and housing and homelessness will go to the Health, Social Care and Housing committee on Tuesday 16 August. The report on the children and families commissioning plan  will go to committee  later  in the autumn of 2011.

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Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund Proposals Published

The Reshaping Care for Older People Change Fund represents a major investment of government funding in Scotland to bring about lasting changes in the ways we care for older people in communities rather than institutions.  This is a unique opportunity to work together across services and sectors, and identify the most effective ways to achieve the outcomes that will make real change to the way that people grow old in Scotland. Thus Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council's (EVOC's) report of its research findings.

Within the overarching plan for the Change Fund in Edinburgh, EVOC has conducted a piece of research, and presented proposals and recommendations for approval under the 'Community Capacity Building and Co-Production' theme.

A summary report of the research findings and a grid showing proposals are available online. The key recommendations are also available as a separate document.

Edinburgh’s Change Fund Core Group (which includes representatives from the City of Edinburgh Council’s Health & Social Care Department, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh’s Community Health Partnership, and the city’s Third Sector) has agreed the following percentage split for the four key Workstreams:

• Community Capacity Building and Co-Production (20%)
• Care Pathways and Complex Care (45%)
• Care Settings (25%)
• Training & Development, Evaluation, Communications and Engagement (10%)

For more on the Change Fund generally, visit the Scottish Government website.

A progress report on the Change Fund will go to the City of Edinburgh Council’s Health, Social Care and Housing Committee  on Tuesday 16 August.

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All neighbourhoods

‘Plain Speaking’ is what a ‘Manifesto’ is all about

Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council, Volunteer Centre Edinburgh and Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network (partners in Edinburgh’s Third Sector Interface) will be collating a Third Sector Manifesto for the local authority elections in May 2012.

The Third Sector Interface is determined to say plainly and clearly – manifestly – what Edinburgh’s Third Sector is about, what assets we bring to the city and its varied communities; what values drive the work we do; and what our expectations of (and challenges to) elected council members (and their parties) are.

We are seeking input around three core themes:

• The Sector’s Impact;
• The Sector’s Leadership roles;
• and core Third Sector Values.

To this end you, your colleagues, and your communities are invited to engage by any of the following means:

• In groups: EVOC will aim to introduce a discussion about developing content for the Manifesto at thematic and geographical networks and forums;
• By email: manifesto@evoc.org.uk
• On Facebook: Find - EVOCEdinburgh         
• And – if you like that sort of thing: You’ll find @evoc_milind on Twitter!

In order to spur you on to share your ideas, we have prepared four sets of questions designed to give you ‘prompts for thought.’ This sheet lists the questions which we hope you may use to inspire your own thinking – they are not mandatory or need all be answered, they are simply to set some sparks in your own thinking. Of course, we are always happy to hear your views - whether or not they relate to particular questions.

Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Trust

EVOT operates a grants programme for voluntary organisations with annual turnover of under £200,000.

Priority is given to local charitable organisations operating in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

The closing date for the next round of grants to voluntary organisations is Friday 30 September.

For further information and criteria please see the EVOT webpages. 

Application forms can be obtained from Trust Administrator, Janette Scappaticcio on 0131 555 9109.

Social Impact Assessment

Individuals, communities, and societies tend to be inherently unpredictable. Social Policy is not an exact science. Policy decisions – and the actions which flow from them – often bring in their wake unintended or unexpected consequences.

Project planners, policy-makers and those whose decisions impact on society do not simply leave it to guesswork, though. To be clear that their decisions are well-informed they will frame past experience, social ideals and aspirations for the future against the backdrop of a theoretical understanding of how society works.

Whilst financial impacts of decisions are usually more predictable, and we are getting better at predicting environmental impacts, the least well-developed aspect of impact assessment is currently Social Impact Assessment.

EVOC is leading on a process to develop a tool for partnerships and partners in Edinburgh to more accurately assess the probably, likely, or possible social impacts of their actions and/or decisions. In June 2011 the Edinburgh Partnership Board agreed that EVOC take forward a process of testing, refinement and development intended to yield a Social Impact Assessment framework or tool which could be used by politicians, policy-makers, the third sector, communities and all those with an interest in delivering the most positive social outcomes possible.

The Edinburgh Compact Partnership has agreed to move forward on ‘mainstreaming a Social Value approach,’ and this Social Impact Assessment project will help decision-makers adequately account for the impacts of their decisions on individuals, on communities, and on society at large – avoiding unintended harm and enhancing collateral benefits.

This Social Impact Assessment process builds on capability theory, and the tool is intended to supplement (not supplant) Equalities Impact Assessments which tend to be reasonably well understood.

We are keen to include and involve all those with an interest in this work as our approach becomes clearer. In the first instance, please contact Milind at EVOC on (0131) 555 9100.

Besides the paper agreed by the Edinburgh Partnership Board in June, we will also seek to share other information and resources on this topic. If you come across useful information you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

[Twitter Users might consider using the tag #SocImp]

Dynamic Diversity

Dynamic Diversity is a project from the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing. Its aims are to look at the issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people who also belong to other minority groups, such as minority ethnic LGBT’s, or those with disabilities.

The first event will involve guest speakers and will be focusing on how various minority support organisations/projects can support people who have complex identities. Places at the event are open to individuals from organisations/projects which support LGBT people, ethnic minority communities, and/or disabled people.

The event takes place at Tollcross Community Centre, Edinburgh, EH3 9QG on Monday 5 September from 10am to 2.30pm.  To book a place at this free event, contact Stephen on 0131 652 3285.

Charity Technology Exchange

CTX (Charity Technology Exchange) is a programme in which eligible UK-based charities are able to request donated technology products from Partners such as Microsoft, Symantec and Cisco. The products include operating system software and server software, security software and hardware products such as switches, routers, wireless equipment and firewalls.

Charity software licences for Office 2007 are currently £15 + vat per licence. You need to register first to prove you are eligible - see the website for more details.

Edinburgh City Region Economic Review Consultation

The City of Edinburgh Council is producing an Economic Strategy for 2012-2017. They have just completed a review of the economy of the City and the surrounding area, which will be the basis of the strategy.

The findings of the Economic Review are now available online. They have investigated the region's recent economic performance and prospects for future growth. The results are available in detailed papers, a summary paper and a shorter report 'Consultation paper: Review Highlights and Options'.

They would welcome your thoughts on the review findings and proposals for how the council should respond to the issues raised. These can be submitted by completing the online survey or the consultation paper, both of which are available on the submissions page of the website.

The consultation period will run until Friday 16 September.
 
If you have any questions, please email or call 0131 529 6465.

Free business consultations from FreshSight

FreshSight is an Edinburgh University student society that works to provide business consultancy advice to third sector organisations. They are looking for interested and engaged clients with which to work in September 2011. The duration of a project is approximately 8 weeks, culminating in professional, insightful, and well researched recommendations tailored to your organisation’s needs and visions for the future.

In the past, they have undergone a wide range of consultations including in the following areas:

• Fundraising strategies
• Marketing and communications strategies
• Legal status advice
• Market research
• Business scopes

If you think your organisation could benefit from this pro-bono service, please fill out an application form located on the FreshSight website or contact Tom Robbins detailing how they can provide strategic business advice to your organisation. FreshSight conducts two semesters of projects and would be very interested in hearing from your organisation immediately if interested.

If you are interesting in applying for a free consultation with Freshsight, please complete the application form by Friday 9 September. To find out more, please see this Frequently Asked Questions document, which should answer any questions or queries you may have.

Richmond's Hope AGM

Richmond’s Hope will be holding its AGM on Tuesday 23 August at Richmond Craigmillar Church from 5.30pm until 7.00pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be available

Richmond's Hope offers training in working with bereaved children. Please see the following fliers for information about some upcoming training courses:

• teenage bereavement
• trauma
• murder and manslaughter

For more information please contact Richmond's Hope by email or ring 0131 661 6818.

Edinburgh To See First Ever Cycling Festival 

Families in Edinburgh can enjoy a fun day out and learn some cycling skills at the end of the month when cycling project Bike Club teams up with Edinburgh Leisure to present the city's first cycling festival. This will take place on Friday 26 August from 1:30 to 4:30 at Saughton Park.

Edinburgh Cycling Festival will bring together cycling organisations and projects from across the city. There will be activities to suit everyone from wee tots to those who haven’t been on a bike for years, including obstacle course, cycle training activities and the chance to ‘Bling your Bike’. For bikes in need of some TLC, Dr Bike will be providing free check-ups, while Lothian & Borders police will be providing a security tagging service.

If you have a bike, bring it along. If you don't, you can borrow one on the day. Bikes will be provided by local Bike Club MY Adventure, The Bike Station and Edinburgh Leisure centre Port Edgar.

Universal Comedy Workshops and Courses for People with Ill Health

Universal Comedy, a Glasgow-based charity and social enterprise set up in 2004 by people suffering from ill health, has been successful in securing funding over 3 years from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation to provide comedy workshops and training courses FREE of charge to people suffering from long term health problems.  The funding will enable people with ill health in  Greater Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Lothians and across Scotland to attend free comedy workshops and training courses aimed at improving confidence and self-esteem and reducing the social isolation and depression that ill health can cause.

The tutors help the participants to create and develop their own comedy material using their own experiences to create stories, poems, monologues and comedy sketches. website and event invitations after the course has finished. 

Most people who complete the 10-week course find that it really boosts their confidence and gives them a focus outside of their health problems and an opportunity to enjoy themselves in a supportive group setting.  Many people are motivated to move onto further learning, volunteering or employment opportunities.

If you are interested in taking part please contact Linda Allan on 0141 564 1200 for details of the next Taster Workshop in your area.

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City Centre

Interfaith Matters

Please take a look at the latest issue of Interfaith Matters, the newsletter of the Edinburgh Inter-Faith Association.

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Inverleith

Inverleith Conference

This year's Inverleith Conference promises to be an evening of fun, creativity and big ideas! We will provide live music, refreshments, information and lively discussions, so hope you can join us.

You are warmly invited to come along to this event on Thursday 8 September from 6-9pm in Broughton High School to be part of the future of Inverleith. Help us to create a new vision for Inverleith 2011 to 2014 by sharing your views on a range of local topics. See the flier for details, and book your place by downloading and returning the booking form.

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Leith

Maid in Leith - a new beer is launched by The Leith Agency

The Leith Agency have produced a new beer called 'Maid in Leith' which features a beautiful mermaid on the label. They are donating all profits to the Water of Leith Trust.

The bottle's label reads:

If your wee fins are pure knackered, its time for the catch of the day. Maid in Leith is a golden ale with a crisp, dry flavour and a sweet, hoppy aroma. That means 'magic' to you and me. And remember, I may be half fish but you should not drink like one'  To keep my home looking beautiful we're also giving our lovely profits to the Water of Leith Conservation Trust.

You can read more about it in this article from The Scotsman.

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Liberton and Gilmerton

Community Plan Update

The Liberton Gilmerton Neighbourhood Partnership is busy developing the 2011-2014 Community Plan for the area which will see up to five new priorities taken forward. The priorities provide a real focus for the Partnership and its sub groups and helps to ensure services work together to improve the lives of many in the community.

The current introduction to the Community Plan describes achievements from 2008-2011.

To find out much more, visit the Liberton Gilmerton Neighbourhood Partnership website where there are details of all the meetings, events and local information.

The next meeting of the Partnership will take place on Wednesday 31 August at 7.00 pm in the Libertus Centre, Gracemount Drive. All are welcome.

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South Central

Community Plan 2011-2014

The South Central neighbourhood team is developing the new Community Plan for 2011 - 2014. Help them identify the priorities they should be developing in the next couple of years by responding to Have Your Say! It will take less than 2 minutes.

Community-led design and summer skillshare

On Saturday 3 September, Bridgend Inspiring Growth will be hosting a community-led design training and summer skillshare event. This will be an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the developments of the farmhouse renovation project so far and to push forward with clearer ideas for its design and use.

Details of the venue and timings are still be worked out and they will follow soon. However, they are looking for people interested in sharing a skill, running a workshop or offering a tale or bit of wisdom to others that afternoon. If you are interested please get in touch.

Inch Community Centre AGM

Bridgend Inspiring Growth will hold its AGM on Monday 3 October at 6.30pm, at Inch Community Centre. As always anyone is very welcome and encouraged to attend. You can see the minutes from the last committee meeting in July.

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South West

Healthy Eating Cookery Course

This is a free, women-only course run by Health All Round, taking place on Tuesdays starting 6 September through to 11 October. The course will take place at the Community Room, Springwell House, 26 Ardmillan Terrace from 12.30 to 2.30 pm.

Come along and take part in this six-week cookery programme.  The programme aims to share with you quick, healthy and tasty recipes for the whole family, particularly children.  All utensils and ingredients are provided - you only need to bring yourself!

For more details see the flier. To book a place, please contact Maysoon on 0131 537 7530 or 07594 602 078.

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Training and events

One-stop shop for legal information: EVOC's Law Event in September

New dates have been set for the postponed Law Event organised by EVOC. The new dates are Monday 12 September to Wednesday 14 September.

There are a selection of workshops starting at £25 per session. If you buy two sessions you get a third one FREE. Plus bring along a management committee member or trustee to one evening session for FREE.

To find out more and to book your place, please see the promotional flyer and the programme information with booking form. 

Please contact EVOC Learning with any questions or to book your places.

Upcoming training from EVOC Learning

Check out these great summer and early autumn courses from EVOC Learning:

Marketing for the Voluntary Sector (new course)
Thursday 25 August

Chairing and managing meetings
Thursday 29 September

Core Skills in Volunteer Management

The next Core Skills in Volunteer Management course starts on Wednesday 7 September at Volunteer Centre Edinburgh.  There are 5 modules in all and each module costs £65 per person. 

Funding for improving volunteer management can be accessed by applying to the European Year of Volunteering Grant - £500-£1000 to organisations with an annual income of less than £250,000.  Deadline is Thursday 15 September. 

Grants will be awarded for activities that clearly contribute to achieving the following outcomes:
• Increasing the number of people engaged in volunteering
• Increasing the diversity of volunteers especially those from disadvantaged groups
• Volunteers feeling valued and supported

Please contact Jean Cuthbert, Learning and Practice officer at Volunteer Centre Edinburgh if you have any questions.

Alternative Business Models Programme: consultation event

The Alternative Business Models (ABM) Programme is about the City of Edinburgh Council exploring if there might be better, more cost effective ways of delivering quality services for Edinburgh. This leaflet contains more information about the ABM Programme. You will also find more information on the ABM Programme in a recent committee report to the Council meeting in June 2011.

Consultation Event - Equalities Impact

There will be an ABM Programme Consultation Event on Wednesday 24 August from 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Business Centre, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh. Refreshments will be provided.

The event will be hosted by the Edinburgh Equalities Network and will be facilitated by the ABM Programme Manager and one of the Council’s Equalities specialists.

The event will:
• provide an update on progress since the last Edinburgh Equalities Network event on the ABM Programme
• present findings of 2 draft Equality Impact Assessments (one on communications and one on proposed changes to services)
• consult on these 2 draft Equality Impact Assessments
If you are interested in attending, please contact Korstiaan Allan on 0131 469 3847 to book a place.

If you have any transport or other access requirements, please let Korstiaan know when booking your place.

Volunteer Recruitment Fair 2011 at St Paul's and St George's

More than a third of the stalls have already been taken, so if you’d like to take advantage of this great opportunity to recruit volunteers then get your booking form in for the Volunteer Recruitment Fair, organised by Volunteer Centre Edinburgh. This year it will be in a different venue - St Paul's and St George's Church on York Place - because its usual home in the Assembly Rooms is being refurbished.

Volunteer Recruitment Fair is the biggest of its kind in Scotland and every year draws more and more people looking to sign up as volunteers as well as providing a unique opportunity for networking and service promotion. As usual the event will be promoted as widely as possible and hopefully some new faces will be attracted to the new venue.

If you were there last year, you’ll know how successful the event is.  It was a huge success for our stall holders, with each taking away on average 25 new volunteers contact details and many of them taking away far more.  There is a big increase in the number of people wanting to volunteer and it is expected this year to be very busy.

The annual volunteer recruitment fair is now in its thirteenth year and firmly positioned as Edinburgh’s (and Scotland's) volunteering event of the year.  It will be taking place on Wednesday 28 September at the fabulous venue which is St Paul's and St George's Church.  The fair runs from 11am to 7pm.

The event does book up quickly and organisations often have to be turned away so please return your booking form (with your cheque made out to Volunteer Centre Edinburgh) back to us as soon as possible.  The price of your stall(s) includes a trestle table with table cover, 2 chairs, 4 vouchers for drinks and lunch.  The staff at Volunteer Centre Edinburgh are really looking forward to organising this again and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Wednesday 28 September from 11am to 7pm at St Paul's and St George's, on York Place in Edinburgh.

Health All Round

Health All Round is pleased to present the personal development courses on offer for Autumn 2011:

• Confidence Building, Wednesday 7 September –  Wednesday 12 October, from 10am  to 11.30am (inclusive each Wednesday am for six weeks)
• BME Women’s Enterprise, Thursday 22 September – Thursday 13 October, from 9.30am to 11.30am, (inclusive each Thurs am for four weeks, with optional one to one surgery on Thursday 27 October.  This course is run in partnership with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce & Edinburgh Business Gateway.
• Assertiveness Workshop, Wednesday 26 October, from 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Works Well – Employability, Thursday 4 November - Thursday 24 November, from 10am to 11.30am (inclusive each Thursday am for four weeks, with optional mock Interview sessions on 1st December.)                                            

Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Claire Downs on 0131 537 7530.

Developing a new national representative body for community-led health

The Communities for Health Advisory Group (CHAG) grew out of the CHEX national conference in 2009. Since then CHAG has been working to promote the work of community-led health organisations. Following the most recent CHEX conference in February this year, in response to suggestions made by delegates, CHAG has been in discussion with the Scottish Healthy Living Centre Alliance (SHLCA) and a number of local networks including the Lothian Community Health Projects Forum (LCHPF) and food initiatives drawn from Community Food and Health Scotland's contact list, to explore developing a new body which will best represent the voice of community-led health initiatives at a national level.

The next meeting designed to progress this work will take place on Thursday 18 August in which representatives of CHAG, SHLCA and LCHPF and other local networks will progress the development of a new unified national representative organisation. If there is any information that you would like to share with those attending that meeting which would help to inform the process please do so by emailing Bobby at Fullarton Community Health House.

Community Capacity Building Open Forum

CDAS, Learning and Teaching Scotland, and the Scottish Community Development Centre are jointly offering this free event on community capacity building. The forum takes place on Wednesday 31 August from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at the Royal College of Surgeons, Nicholson Street, Edinburgh.

You can book online or contact 0141 586 7588. There is no charge, but places are limited and will be subject to confirmation.

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Recruitment

Deputy Director of LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing

The LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing is a dynamic and rapidly growing organisation which works to promote the health, wellbeing and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

They are seeking to recruit an effective and motivated Deputy Director (Community Development) keen to rise to the challenge of playing a key role in further strengthening and developing this vibrant organisation. This new community development-focused senior management post represents a unique opportunity to help deliver an ambitious vision for LGBT health, wellbeing and equality in Scotland.

For more information and an application pack, please see the LGBT website, send an email, or call 0131 523 1100.

Deputy Director (Community Development)
Salary £29,448; 36 hours (full time)
Closing date: 12noon on Monday 15 August
Interviews: Thursday 25 August

Trainer - NHS Carer Information Strategy

VOCAL is looking for an experienced trainer to deliver training sessions to NHS staff based in Lothian.  The aim of these sessions is to improve carer recognition, identification and support by NHS staff. 

The individual will require to have proven experience in the development and delivery of training, some experience in a community care setting which includes some work with carers, and a good knowledge of community care and carer issues.  In addition proven experience of collaborative working with a range of agencies is required.  

£20/hour, with hours to be worked flexibly – on average 10-12 hours/month

Closing date:  Monday 15 August

For details see the background information, job description and application pack, please email   or ring 0131 622 6666.

Voluntary Arts Ambassadors

Voluntary Arts Scotland is currently recruiting people with a passion for arts and crafts to help support and promote culture in their local area.

Voluntary Arts Ambassador will be the link between Local Authorities, voluntary sector agencies, Community Planning and local arts and crafts groups. 

VAA's will be part of a team of volunteers across Scotland, fully supported by the staff at Voluntary Arts Scotland’s Edinburgh office.

Want to find out more?

Please see this information leaflet for details about the VAA role.

You can also visit the Voluntary Arts Scotland website or contact Carol Stobie on 0131 225 9790.

There is also a recruitment poster which can be printed out and posted in a place where people may see it - if you are able to help promote this by doing so, thank you!

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Funding

SoLoCo: Crowdfunding for the Third Sector

SoLoCo is the first crowdfunding site dedicated to the third sector in the UK and they are currently looking for projects to join them. If you have a new or existing project in mind that's seeking funding, then get in touch.

How it Works
The SoLoCo site will 'match make' projects with donors. Once you've uploaded your profile that summarises your project and vision, you will have a time limit within which to attract as many donors as possible - this could be through Facebook, Twitter, word of mouth, or local press. Complete guidelines to this process are available on SoLoCo’s website.

Depending on the amount you are trying to raise, the deadline for individual projects raising funds will typically be between 2 and 4 months. SoLoCo will market and advertise the site, but the onus will be on you to market your own project as effectively as possible. You will be given tips, tools and support to help you achieve this.

Most of all, this will be a fun way to fundraise, and the more people you engage with, the more people will be interested in what you are trying to do. As long as you are a group or organisation that can prove that your activities will benefit the community, then you are eligible to join (with the exception of political parties and political activists, who are not eligible.)

In order for SoLoCo to remain sustainable, 6% from all donations will go back into the company - there will also be an admin set up fee for each project, yet to be determined.

For further information, please email or alternatively visit the website.

May Gurney Foundation

The Scottish Community Foundation is running a new grants programme on behalf of the May Gurney Foundation. They are offering grants of up to £5000 for charities and community groups that support people back into employment.

The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 19 August.

If your charity would like to find out how to apply for funding, please contact the Scottish Community Foundation on 0141 341 4960 or email. Alternatively, you can visit the website.

'see me' Scotland Local Grant Scheme and Equality Fund

The 'see me' Local Grant Scheme and Equality Fund gives Scots the chance to tackle stigma at a local level and make a real difference in their community. In order to encourage and support new ideas 'see me' have launched this year's Local Grants Scheme and a new Equalities Fund with £85,000 available for groups across Scotland to fight stigma in their local area.

The deadline for applications is Thursday 1 September.

See the website for more details and an application form.

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Send us your news

Do you have any news to be circulated among the Voluntary Sector Forums? For inclusion in the next issue, please send your announcements and events dates to Julia.

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