Current Developments

The Launch of the Voluntary Sector Strategy Group

Background

 

The concept of the Voluntary Sector Strategy Group (VSSG) was developed during Compact consultation events within the voluntary sector during 2004.

It grew out of a recognition that no one individual could adequately represent the depth and diversity of the voluntary sector and also a recognition of the absence of any widely accepted means of defining a voluntary sector electorate.

In the last year, the voluntary sector in Edinburgh has been asked to engage in many new strategic arenas in Health, Children's services and Community Planning. This has placed almost impossible demands on individuals in terms of time and knowledge base. The VSSG offers an opportunity to address this by enabling individual members to draw on the knowledge and experience of the wider sector in a more structured and efficient way.

Structure of the VSSG

 

Careful consideration has been given to existing networks and structures and the VSSG will avoid replication but rather seek to build on and connect these structures further.

In order for the VSSG to be an effective working group its size has to be limited whilst also ensuring that it reflects the diversity of interests and structures within the voluntary sector.

With all of this in mind, it has been agreed that the VSSG will have a core membership of 12 and from those will be drawn the voluntary sector members of the Compact Partnership. The first full meeting of the VSSG will take place in October 2005 and nominations for vacancies will be sought during September 2005.

Appointments to the VSSG will be made in the context of ensuring a complementary range of skills, knowledge and experience and a wide range of thematic perspectives.

Purpose and Function of the VSSG

 

The purpose of the VSSG can be divided into 4 broad headings:

• To support the engagement of the voluntary sector generally in planning arenas and in particular to appoint members onto the Voluntary Sector places on the various Edinburgh Partnership bodies

• To be a conduit and a point of reference to enable more effective and informed communication both within the sector and across sectors. To gather intelligence in order to formulate views and position statements, which will be canvassed back to the sector as well as being taken by members into appropriate other arenas

• To inform and, where appropriate, lead on citywide agendas that require a voluntary sector perspective

Conclusion

 

The success of the VSSG will depend on the credibility it develops both within the sector and outside. This will in turn depend on the degree of openness and accessibility it develops. Its success will be measured by its effectiveness as a tool for voluntary sector engagement in Edinburgh and its ability to provide an efficient and effective means of communication for the sector in what is becoming an ever faster changing world.

Should you require a more detailed appraisal of progress in any of these areas please don't hesitate to contact Sallie Anderson, Community Planning Officer at EVOC on 0131 555 9138. If you would like to send an email please use the contact form.