Collaborative Working Lunchtime Forum

13th November 2008 (Report)

On Thursday 13th November 2008, Lancaster CVS held the Collaborative Working Lunchtime Forum at Trinity Community Centre, Lancaster. This workshop was facilitated by Gareth Coles from NCVO’s (National Council for Voluntary Organisations) Collaborative Working Unit. Gareth informatively covered some key issues and introduced the forum the support available at the unit. Download a copy of the presentation - Collaborative Working by Gareth Coles, NCVO - here. The workshop focussed on:

• What is collaborative working?
• Benefits
• Obstacles and challenges
• A Case Study: The Cornerstone: One Voice, Lonsdale Carers & Thumbprint
• Structures and next steps

Jo Williams and Dave Kirsopp kindly provided a local case study of the type of collaborative working they had undergone, firstly to form “One Voice” and secondly with One Voice, Thumbprint and Lonsdale Carers to working collaboratively to establish The Cornerstone. Download a copy of the presentation - Collaborative Working by The Cornerstone - here.

We found that a, real life case helped to highlight some of the issues and positive benefits. Some feed-back from the day:

• “ Reinforced the expectation that collaboration is part of the future for [our organisation]”
• “Feel better informed around collaborations for funding purposes”
• “I will be definitely exploring in more detail the possibility of joint projects with 2 other organisations. For an organisation of our size (i.e. small) I can see how important it will become.”

The NCVS Collaborative Working Unit offer a number of resources which include fact sheets on: should you collaborate? Key questions; JointDWorking Agreements, Joint Working For Public Service delivery. Gareth is also available to give advice and guidance. For more information contact Gareth at the Collaborative Working Unit via the e-mail link, tel: 020 7520 2440 or visit
www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/collaborate.

Forum Business

Lancashire Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector Consortium

Jon Rigby (LDCVS Chief Officer) reported that a consultant had now been appointed to restructure the consortium and advised that organisations should ensure they remain on the membership list as it is anticipated that funding for key joint working initiatives are likely to be brokered via this consortium. Consortium contact details were provided and are available here.

LDLSP (Lancaster District Local Strategic Partnership)

Consultation Lunch

Jon Rigby reported back on the general workings of the partnership and invited Forum members to attend a consultation lunch CVS is organising on Thursday 11th December 2008. Feedback from this will inform a paper CVS will be presenting to the LDLSP Board offering suggestions on how the partnership may wish to improve the involvement of the voluntary, community and faith sector. To attend the Consultation Lunch, please contact Jane Attfield at Lancaster District CVS on 01524 555900 Ext 27 or via the e-mail link.

Valuing People and Health and Wellbeing Thematic Group

Jane Attfield reported back on the Valuing People and Health and Wellbeing Thematic Groups. View the report here.

Children’s Trust

Hannah Bland reported back on this group. View the report here.