Unfortunately for the voluntary and community sector in Greenwich, there is currently no CVS (Council for Voluntary Services) in operation. A CVS has an important role to play in any area, and Greenwich is no different, so plans are being laid to develop a new organisation.
The CVS advisory board held a consultation on the new CVS on 17th May. The event covered a number of items, including:
What is a CVS?
- Council for Voluntary Service
- A charity - not statutory
- Set up, owned and run by local groups
- Funded by the local authority, other statutory agencies and charitable funders
- There is a CVS in almost every district and city in England
- Many are called a CVS, while others might be called a Voluntary Action or Voluntary Sector Council.
What is the role of a CVS?
- Services and support (meeting rooms, photocopiers etc)
- Liaison (newsletters, e-mail, website, database)
- Representation (consultation and dissemination, running fora)
- Development work (capacity building with local groups, advice, training)
- Strategic Partnership (LSP, Compact, PCT, ChangeUp, LAA)
Vision of a CVS
- Supporting and enabling the sector but not "the only voice".
- Accountable to sector, members and funders.
- Gradual growth to fit resources and local need.
- Services for all sizes of organisation.
Aim of the day
- Which model for the new CVS is best for Greenwich
- What services will be a priority for the new CVS?
- What didn't work in the past?
- What could a CVS do for you?
- What would convince your organisation to be a member of a CVS?
- What would convince you, or others in your organisation, to be a trustee of the CVS?
- What would an excellent CVS look like?
The day took place over a morning and afternoon session. Anyone wishing to find out the results of the consultation or simply an update on progress, should contact Anne Haxell on 020 8921 6381.