Audit Commission's report on funding services for young people
According to a new report published by the Audit Commission, it costs 4 times as much to put a young person through the criminal justice system as it does to keep them out of it. However sport and leisure projects designed to help keep teens on the straight and narrow struggle with a funding system that is wasteful, inefficient and bureaucratic. Tired of Hanging Around shows that youth workers can spend a third of their time (the equivalent of £8,000) managing budgets and chasing new funding.
http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/hangingaround/
Small Grants Review published
The new Speaking Out Small Grants review highlights the significant amount of work that can be done for children and young people with very limited resources. The Small Grants Programme was launched in February 2008 to enable voluntary and community organisations working with children and young people to deliver one-off projects in their local communities with just £1000. These raised awareness and promoted debate on knife, gun and gang crime; substance misuse; and access to activities in rural and urban areas. A hard copy version of the report can be ordered by email: speakingout@ncvys.org.uk
http://www.ncvys.org.uk/index.php?page=551
Speaking Out Small Grants Programme 2009
Following the success of the first round, the Speaking Out project has opened a second round of the Small Grants Programme worth up to £30,000. Members of the NCVYS and Children England networks working with children and young people will be able to apply for small grants of up to £1000 to deliver activities. The grants will aim to raise the voice of the children and young people's voluntary and community sector in five key areas: health; community empowerment; youth justice; homelessness and housing; and employment, education and training. The funded activities will help us to influence policy, raise awareness and promote debate around these important issues affecting young people. The deadline for applications is 2 March 2009. More information will be available on Monday 2 February on the NCVYS website: http://www.ncvys.org.uk/
Factor in Faith Small Grants Programme
NCVYS will be launching a separate small grants programme as part of our Factor in Faith campaign. This programme will enable successful organisations to develop their diversity work to promote faith and culturally sensitive youth work practice. NCVYS is offering successful organisations developmental support. We will award grants to between 5 and 10 organisations or groups, of up to £1000. The deadline for applications is 13 March 2009. For more information on this grant programme and to make an application please contact Victor Nkwo on: victor@ncvys.org.uk
New fund for small organisations
Futurebuildres and the National Programme for Third Sector Commissioning (NPTSC) have launched the Small Organisation Tender Fund, to help finance tendering costs or capacity building work - such as legal costs, advice from procurement specialists, financial expertise and bidding staff costs - to help small organisations win specific public sector contracts. There is a limited pot of up to £220,000 for this fund and grants will be offered for up to 10% of a contract value, up to a maximum of 15,000. Contracts being tendered for must hold a minimum value of £30,000.
http://www.futurebuilders-england.org.uk/our-products/small-organisation-tender-fund/small-organisation-tender-fund/
Next Steps for Early Learning and Childcare
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has published the Next Steps for Early Learning and Childcare: Building on the 10-Year Strategy, which outlines plans to drive forward the 2004 Childcare Strategy. The paper considers: making it a legal requirement for childcare professional to have an A Level equivalent standard; enabling parents to stretch the free childcare offer to cover holidays; developing a price comparison website of childcare; and expecting Local Authorities to give more childcare and activities options for 5-14 year olds.
http://publications.dcsf.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=viewlatestadditionstocatalogue&PageMode=publications&Type=LatestAdditions&
Ending Child Poverty: Making It Happen consultation
The Government is consulting on legislative proposals prior to the introduction of a child poverty Bill in 2009, requiring the Government to be accountable to Parliament on progress to end child poverty. The consultation seeks views on how success in eradicating poverty should be measured, with reference to absolute low income measures. It also proposes duties for local authorities and local partners related to their roles in tackling child poverty. The deadline for responses is 11 March 2009.
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action=consultationDetails&consultationId=1590&external=no&menu=1
Extended Services publications
The DCSF has published two reports on the Extended Services programme: Extended Schools Survey of Schools, Pupils and Parents by Ipsos Mori and Extended Schools - Establishing a Baseline Methodology to Estimate the Impact of the Extended Schools Programme on Attainment by London Economics. The findings will be used to inform the way extended services are developed.
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2009_0021
Ipsos Mori report >> http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/research/programmeofresearch/projectinformation.cfm?projectId=15331&type=5&resultspage=1
London Economics report >> http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/research/programmeofresearch/projectinformation.cfm?projectId=15332&type=5&resultspage=1
Understanding NEET young people
The DCSF has also published research entitled Increasing Participation - Understanding Young People who do not Participate in Education or Training at 16 or 17. The aim was to provide a more detailed breakdown of the ‘types' of young people are either Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) or in a Job without Training (JWT) at 16 and 17, as well as the structural and personal issues they face and the likely routes into participation in learning for each of them.
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/research/programmeofresearch/projectinformation.cfm?projectId=15244&type=5&resultspage=1
Young People and Alcohol Guidance consultation
The Government has launched a consultation on alcohol guidance, advice and information for parents, children and young people. The consultation is asking for views from children, young people, parents, carers and professionals working with young people in health, children's services and education settings. The deadline for responses is 23 April 2009.
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action=consultationDetails&consultationId=1579&external=no&menu=1
ContactPoint training begins in local authorities
This week security vetted officials from local authorities across England began the necessary training to start operating the ContactPoint system. In addition, training will start in 17 LA's in the North West and two national voluntary sector partners - Barnardo's and KIDS - where ContactPoint will be more intensively piloted. Frontline practitioners will start training and operating the system in these areas in the spring and across the country from the summer.
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2009_0015
Home Office knife crime website
Organisations working with young people and families can now access support through the Home Office's recently launched website as part of its national youth anti-knife crime campaign It Doesn't Have to Happen. The website provides tools, materials and toolkits for those tackling knife crime aimed at stakeholders and young people. Hard copies and electronic versions are available via the website. Stakeholders can also subscribe to the campaigns e-newsletter (under News & Facts).
http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/stopknifecrime/index.htm
Social Work Taskforce members
The Government has published the list of individuals that will make up the new Social Work Taskforce, announced in December as part of the 2020 Children and Young People's Workforce Strategy. The Taskforce will identify barriers social workers face in working effectively and make recommendations for improvements and long-term reform. Firstly they will review the effectiveness of Integrated Children's Systems and the IT used by social workers to keep records of their cases.
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2009_0017
Transforming the Youth Workforce Conference - free space available!
Supported by the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC), the National Youth Agency (NYA) and Policy Review Magazine, this second annual conference will bring together senior politicians, managers and practitioners working within youth services on 10 February 2009 in London. NCVYS Chief Executive, Susanne Rauprich will be speaking at the event and we have secured a free place for a member organisation to attend. We will also cover travel expenses and in return, we ask for support at our exhibition stand during the day. The space will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Please contact hannah@ncvys.org.uk to reserve your spot.
www.neilstewartassociates.com/kd173/
National Survey of Third Sector Organisations results
The Office of the Third Sector has published results from the National Survey of Third Sector Organisations, conducted by Ipsos MORI, involving almost 50,000 charity, social enterprise and voluntary organisations. First findings show 51% said they felt public sector bodies had no overall influence on their success. The Government believes that improving relationships between local authorities and the third sector is key to the success of public services. More information is expected in April.
http://www.nstso.com/results/
Grassroots bridge building document
The Institute for Voluntary Action Research has published findings of the study entitled Bridging Community Divides: The Impact of Grassroots Bridge Building Activities. The study focused on local organisations and projects which have a vision to build links and bridges between people from different faith and ethnic groups and different countries of origin. This short document will be of interest to practitioners and policy makers as well as to academics.
http://www.ivar.org.uk/News/
Before and after youth crime - Speaking Out London regional event
As part of the Speaking Out project, NCVYS and Children England are hosting a London regional event, Before and after youth crime on Thursday 26 February 2009. Participants in the roundtable discussion will include Joe Murphy, Joint Youth Justice Unit and a representative from the London Youth Crime Prevention Board. Issues will include prevention, intervention, resettlement and transition. Projects funded through the Speaking Out Small Grants Programme 2008 will also present their work.
http://www.ncvys.org.uk/blogs.php?act=view_topic&id=96
Women and the criminal justice system
The Ministry of Justice has published new figures on Women and the criminal justice system. Annual arrests of teenage girls and women have reached record levels, with more than 250,000 detained by the police according to the latest figures. The statistics show that last year youth offending teams dealt with 22% more crimes committed by girls aged 10 to 17. The Youth Justice Board has commissioned research into patterns of offending by young females, which is expected to be published in 2009.
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/womencriminaljusticesystem.htm
NCVYS' BIG Lottery Fund member consultation event
As part of the Big Lottery's five year grant to facilitate the development of our national youth forum, ENVOY, NCVYS is organising a consultation event to obtain members' input into the business plan for the project. Members are invited to attend the consultation event on 10 February 2009 from 11:00 to 15:00 at the NCVYS office in London. Lunch will be provided and we can reimburse travel expenses. For more information contact Yokeu Kusnama at yokeu@ncvys.org.uk. If you cannot make the event but would still like to input, please contact Jenny Willmott, Head of Membership at jenny@ncvys.org.uk.
Impact of recession
What are the biggest challenges for the voluntary youth sector considering the current economic climate from your perspective? How do you see this impacting on your work? NCVYS is collecting information on the voluntary youth sector's experiences of the recession and we would very much value your feedback. This will help us to influence policy development more effectively. Please follow the link to the online consultation: http://www.ncvys.org.uk/polls.php?act=view&id=31
New guidance on commissioning of health services
The Department of Health has published guidance documents for commissioners, as part of a series of supporting guides to help primary care trusts become world class commissioners of primary care and community services. More guides are expected shortly, including ones on measuring for quality improvement, and improving services for socially excluded groups.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Managingyourorganisation/Commissioning/Policyguidanceandtoolkits/index.htm
Interested in health?
NCVYS is keen to establish a register of interest for member organisations that would benefit from increased opportunities to be involved in health related activities being developed by NCVYS. Recent developments include our role as full partners to the Government's campaign to tackle obesity Change4Life, advising on the development of ‘Teen life check' - an online signposting tool being developed by the Department of Health and continuing to highlight key issues through the Voluntary Sector National Advisory Group. To register your interest, please email faiza@ncvys.org.uk.
Government response to the Joint Committee on Human Rights'
The Ministry of Justice has published a paper setting out the government's position on the implementation of human rights judgments, in response to the Joint Committee on Human Rights' 31st Report of Session 2007-08. The paper considers judgments of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg against the UK under the European Convention on Human Rights and declarations of incompatibility by the UK courts under section 4 of the Human Rights Act 1998. The paper includes consideration of specific cases including corporal punishment of children.
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/responding-human-rights-judgments.htm
Opportunities at the Three Faiths Forum
The Three Faiths Forum is currently recruiting participants for their DocuMentors and Undergraduate ParliaMentors programmes. Both of these programmes begin in October 2009 and run until June 2010. They are specifically looking for London-based Muslim, Christian and Jewish undergraduate students studying or with a keen interest in film-making. They are also looking to recruit second year Muslim, Christian and Jewish politics students (or students with a proven interest in politics and leadership) in regions throughout England. Other internships and volunteering opportunities are also available. For details contact: info@threefaithsforum.org.uk.
Woodcraft Folk project seeking evaluator
Woodcraft Folk is seeking tenders for an external evaluator on its TREE project: Training, Representation, Equality & Engagement which has been funded for 5 years by the Big Lottery's Young People's Fund 2. The successful team of consultants will undertake an evaluation of the project between April 2009 - March 2014, working with staff, young people and project partners. The deadline is on 23 February 2009.
http://www.woodcraft.org.uk/news/1
Citizenship Survey update
The latest national statistics from the Citizenship Survey have been published. The Survey, run by NatCen on behalf of the Cohesion Research Unit within Communities and Local Government, is an annual, household survey covering a representative core sample of 10,000 adults in England and Wales, with a minority ethnic boost sample of 5,000. Statistics cover a range of issues including community cohesion, empowerment, values, racial and religious prejudice and discrimination, volunteering and charitable giving.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/citizenshipsurveyq2200809
January Workforce Development Snippets now available
The new monthly workforce development e-bulletin is ready to download from the NCVYS web site:
http://www.ncvys.org.uk/index.php?page=279&PHPSESSID=a55f12febd7a24321cbf17733d73c42e
THIS WEEK IN PARLIAMENT
Funding Youth Services
Following a request from Chris Mullin (Lab, Sunderland, South), Minister for Children, Young People and Families, Beverley Hughes made a statement on long-term funding of youth facilities to ensure their stability. The Minister noted that one problem is that, for most of the funding streams, it is largely up to local authorities how they spend the money.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090126/debtext/90126-0003.htm#0901264000039
Child abuse, safeguarding and smacking
Beverley Hughes also responded to questions by Annette Brooke (Lib Dem, Mid-Dorset and North Poole) and other members on child abuse, safeguarding training for children's services and the ban on smacking.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090126/debtext/90126-0002.htm#0901264000036
Inequality debate
Members of the Lords debated the impact of choice on the level of inequality. The debate was led by Baroness O'Neill of Bengarve (Crossbench).
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200809/ldhansrd/text/90129-0008.htm#09012985000742
BME victims of domestic violence
Sally Keeble (Lab, Northampton, North) led a debate on BME victims of domestic violence, highlighting some positive examples of work conducted by community organisations. Due to difficulties in accessing mainstream services, she proposes a dedicated funding stream from central Government to support work for domestic violence victims in black and minority ethnic communities.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090129/debtext/90129-0020.htm#09012987000003
Local democracy debate
Members of the Lords discussed the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill, which seeks to create greater opportunities for community and individual involvement in local decision-making. It also provides for greater involvement of local authorities in local and regional economic development. Members discussed provisions around petitions.
http://news.parliament.uk/2009/01/local-democracy-bill-committee-stage/
Student Finance
Minister of State, Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, David Lammy responded to a question by Jeremy Wright (Con, Rugby and Kenilworth) on eligibility for funding for students undertaking an equivalent or lower qualification. The Higher Education Funding Council for England is currently reviewing the impact of the equivalent or lower qualification policy.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090129/debtext/90129-0003.htm#09012987000026 |
