Background:

Suffolk County Council, in discussion with representatives from other Public Sector agencies and the VCS, has established a partnership group which will have the responsibility of taking an overview of the funding and financial relationships between the Public Sector and VCS. One of the key focuses of this group is to protect and inform the commitment to providing grant funding to the voluntary and community sector, within the current climate of tendering and procurement. Ensuring grant funding for the continued development of innovative and responsive projects and activities is essential. The group is also charged with advising and making recommendations in respect of general procurement strategy (not specific procurement activities). The group will advise and make strategic decisions in respect of grants from contributing authorities (PCTs, SCC, District and Borough Councils) for the following activities:

The group will be made up of six representatives from the Public Sector and six representatives from the Voluntary and Community Sector.

The 6 VCS representatives:

Liz Louch; CEO of ICVS

Colin Poole; CEO of Oputa

Jonathan Moore; CEO of SAVO

Gill Robinson; Manager of the Suffolk Volunteering Federation

Paul Baker Deputy; CEO of Age Concern Suffolk

Bud Simpkin; CEO of Young Suffolk

Supporting Officers:

Laura Hack; SAVO This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Stephen Watt; SCC This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Role of the VCS Representative:

• To canvas opinion, ideas and concerns of VCS organisations across Suffolk
• To represent the shared views of the sector, informed by formal and informal networking and activities, as well as advice and information from infrastructure organisations
• To bring experience of best practice in representation and partnership working
• To communicate information from the meetings, seeking comment and feedback on discussions and future proposed actions
• To attend all meetings as scheduled.

Responsibilities of the VCS Representative

• To bring a well-rounded knowledge of the issues facing the Voluntary and Community Sector, not just of one particular organisation or client group.
• To represent collective and sometimes conflicting views
• To identify and declare any conflict of interest, where appropriate not taking part in discussions or votes.
• To attend meetings as a representative and not as an individual.
• To communicate relevant information to other parties in a timely fashion.

Skills & requirements

• Work or volunteer within the Voluntary and Community Sector
• Have a broad understanding of the current funding and procurement climate, including the current grant giving structures within the County
• Have a commitment to move forward the partnership agenda between the VCS and Public Sector
• Have both experience and a passion to represent and advocate for the wider VCS
• Good organisational skills
• Good communication skills
• Have the time and ability to attend meetings in Ipswich at least six times a year, plus preparation in advance for meetings to enable effective engagement
• Have the backing of their organisation to undertake the role.