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Forums & Networks

BVSC organises a range of forums and networks to enable the Voluntary Sector to meet together, exchange ideas, and elect and brief representatives to a range of local partnerships.

The Voluntary Forum

This is the main forum for bringing the Voluntary Sector together.  All voluntary and community groups based in the borough or serving the borough can apply to join and if membership is agreed they can send two voting representatives to the meetings.

The Forum meets 4 times a year and discusses a broad range of issues of interest to the sector.  It holds elections to key partnership groups and provides a forum for representatives to feed back information. It approves all aspects of the Compact.

The Voluntary Forum Chair is elected from the members at the AGM and BVSC’s Chief Executive acts as Secretary to the Forum.

Download related documents: Voluntary Forum application form and Voluntary Forum Application Form Factsheet No 2

Health & Adult Social Care Network

The Health & Adult Social Care Network has been in existence for just over a year and is a sub-group of Bexley’s Voluntary Forum.  Meetings are held quarterly and provide an opportunity for the voluntary sector to come together and discuss important issues relating to health and social care.  The proposed changes to the NHS, currently out for consultation, and the impact of personalisation on social care services means that the network has gained in importance for the voluntary sector as a  conduit for information as it emerges.  This will  help the sector to gain a better understanding and increased awareness of what developments both locally and nationally will mean.  Health and social care includes services for adults with a learning disability, mental health, carers, older people, physical and sensory impairment.

Network meetings are varied and include topics such as:

  • Information on commissioning
  • Information on funding
  • Opportunities for voluntary organisations to learn more about the services offered by the sector
  • Presentations from council officers on local developments
  • Workforce development and training opportunities
  • Development of voluntary sector responses to consultations
  • Opportunities to work in partnership and collaborate

Any voluntary sector organisation interested in health and social care is welcome to join the Voluntary Forum and this network.

To join, or for further details, please contact:

Julie Bristow
Partnership Manager (Health & Social Care)
Email:  jbristow@bvsc.co.uk
Tel: 020 8301 7998

Children & Young People’s VCS Network

The CYP VCS Network is a sub-group of the Voluntary Forum, is held bi-monthly and provides a lively arena for the voluntary sector to come together and network on important issues relating to the children and young people’s sector.  The network is made up of over 100 diverse voluntary and community organisations with services spanning across: positive activities, early intervention, disability, faith, BAME, youth offending, child care, emotional and mental health, arts, sports amongst others.  The agenda is always packed with items of real interest to the sector including:

  • Presentations from funders and commissioners
  • Talks from council officers on latest local policy
  • Showcasing slots for network members to find out more about each other
  • Workforce development and training opportunities
  • Discussions leading to collective voluntary sector views on local/national issues
  • Opportunities to link up and collaborate with each other

Any voluntary sector organisation working with children, young people and their families in Bexley is welcome to join the Voluntary Forum and the network.

To join, or for further details, please contact:

 

Children, Youth & Families Officer

Email: rjones@bvsc.co.uk

Tel: 020 8301 7999

Chief Officers Group

This group consists of chief officers of staffed local groups and is facilitated by BVSC’s Chief Executive.  Contact is now mainly via email so that chief officers can receive up-to-date information on issues of particular interest to them such as local authority funding and key consultations, but there are also occasional meetings.

To join, or for further details, please contact:
Janet Smith
Chief Executive
Email: jsmith@bvsc.co.uk
Tel: 020 8304 0911

Small Groups Network

An informal network that meets quarterly, with presentations on a wide range of subjects, to help inform and develop small groups.  The network gives groups the opportunity to build relationships with one another for mutual support.  A regular e-newsletter is circulated to members giving information and updates on issues affecting small groups and the opportunity for them to publicise their work and events.

To join, or for further details, please contact:

Carol Britnell
Small Groups Development Officer
regenofficer@bvsc.co.uk
Tel: 020 8301 7995