Forums & Networks
“To represent, develop and empower the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in North Somerset to be at the forefront of positive social change and development.”
With this brings a plethora of responsibility around representation at various strategic boards, strengthening the sector through direct support to voluntary and community organisations and representing communities to align service commissioning to demand.
We work closely with our partners and stakeholders at all levels to ensure that the voice of the sector is truly heard. Some of the key boards include:
- The North Somerset Partnership Board – strategic leadership, oversight and co-ordination of shared priorities and common goals that improve the quality of life and outcomes for people living, working and visiting North Somerset.
- Health and Wellbeing Board – providing senior strategic oversight of health and wellbeing matters across North Somerset.
- Integrated Health Networks for Woodspring and Weston – a partnership approach in localities to enable people to stay healthy, well and independent in their communities.
- Equalities Implementation – helping our commissioners to meet their equalities objectives.
- Strategic Commissioning Networks – to improve the safety, health and well-being of local residents and to reduce inequalities.
- The Civil Society Partnership – directorship on the Community Interest Company, in collaboration with a network of infrastructure leads across the West of England, enables a wider strategic approach and regional insight.
We always welcome the opportunity for our members to feed into strategic meetings.
VCFSE Leaders Forum
The Leaders Forum brings together sector leaders from across North Somerset to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of the VCFSE sector.
New members – if you would like to be invited as a voluntary sector representative to future meetings, please email [email protected]
Presenters – to be invited to deliver an agenda item at a future meeting, contact [email protected]
Meeting dates for 2023
2023 meeting dates to be confirmed
Volunteer Coordinators Network.
The Volunteer Coordinators Network is a peer support network of VCFSE sector organisations who recruit or support people in a voluntary or employed capacity. We meet four times a year, to share best practice around a range of volunteering themes. Recent topics have included:
- DBS checks for volunteers
- Keeping volunteers engaged
- Inclusive recruitment processes, training opportunities
- Best practice tool kit
- Promoting voluntary opportunities using interesting and engaging techniques
- Celebration event planning
Anyone who has direct responsibility for recruiting, supporting or managing
volunteers or volunteer coordinators in or linked to North Somerset are welcome to
join us.
Please get in touch with Claire or Bernie via email at [email protected] for more information
Meeting dates for 2023:
Tuesday, 25 April, 1.30 – 3pm
Wednesday, 12 July, 10 – 11.30am
Thursday, 12 October, 11.30am – 1.00pm
CYP Forum – Trusted Relationship
The VCFSE-led North Somerset CYP Forum brings together a network of providers, voluntary sector, statutory partners and funders to develop and influence commissioning around children and young people’s provision. The Terms of Reference can be found here.
In 2019, the forum set out to understand the types of issues affecting young people alongside the current constraints on services and look at gaps in service provision being provided.
The forum is moving now into its next stage to develop a VCFSE-led action plan. The undertaking for this plan is to map the provision for Children and Young People in North Somerset, locate any gaps in services and link the services provided to the five ways of wellbeing for Children and Young People. In addition, the forum aims to build a network of trusted relationships for the VCFSE, who support children and young people.
The ultimate vision for this work is to provide the information to support the development of a future resource for social prescribing for children and young people.
Meeting dates for 2023
2023 meeting dates to be confirmed