Philip Colligan

The messages in The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) new Underfunded and Overlooked report (https://lnkd.in/eKzhb9tp) really hits a nerve at SNAPS Yorkshire CIO as a medium sized charity. At SNAPS, demand for our services has never been higher. This is due to a combination of factors that include many statutory services being cut as well as other local charities having to make the difficult decision to reduce service delivery or close their doors completely. Our families simply have nowhere else to go. Alongside this, funding of small charities has reduced by £4.6 billion post pandemic, whilst costs continue to rise (the report states a 12% increase in costs for small charities). Anyone can do the maths to work out increasing demand, decreasing funds and rising costs simply isn’t sustainable. As Chair of the West Yorkshire Children’s Additional Needs Network (WYCANN), I know that these pressures are being felt by all small to medium sized third sector organisations. We know of many organisations who have had their local authority funding slashed at a time when competition for independent grants has never been higher. This leaves many of these vital community services at real risk of closure which will have a huge impact on their communities and in turn will increase the demand that our social services and NHS face. SNAPS is quoted in the report regarding this issue: “Post-pandemic especially, we have a rising number of families tell us that SNAPS is the only place they can go to for support. The need for great, local, charities has arguably never been higher, and unfortunately, it is extremely likely that more will have to close in the near future due to rising pressures and funding challenges.” Grassroots groups and charities are the organisations who REALLY understand what is needed by their communities and are fleet of foot enough to meet that need quickly and effectively. We see that at SNAPS every day, with our families continually telling us just how important our services are to them. In addition to the adverse effects on the third sector, this chronic underfunding and immense increase in demand is having a huge effect on the people who work in small to medium charities. Sadly, I think we will continue to see fantastic people leave the sector as the pressures of delivering these vital services with our hands tied only grow in the future. Change is urgently needed, and we hope to part of that change going forwards. Ben Robinson

23

2 Comments

Our next blog is about how we build strategy around systems thinking and learning. Our grant-making and what we learning will help us to continue to move forward in terms of our funding approaches. It will be interesting to see how it makes sense to you. https://lnkd.in/eT_5hpq6

64

5 Comments

The Isos Partnership commissioned by the County Councils Network and Local Government Association has published their latest report ‘Towards an effective and financially sustainable approach to SEND in England’. Unsurprisingly the Report identifies the issues resulting in SEND system in crisis and the scale of the challenges faced. Improving outcomes for autistic children and young people is our core work at the Autism Education Trust (AET). We have always worked in partnership to cultivate system change that supports the upskilling of the education workforce and positive education experiences that support wellbeing for autistic learners. Autistic pupils' SEND needs account for 88% of the total increase in pupils with EHCPs between 2015/16 and 2023/24 - along with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, or speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). The Report shares a detailed analysis of the issues in the SEND system, crucially detailing recommendations based on a more inclusive conception of education with an overarching message that the root causes of this crisis are systemic and require national reform. I’m optimistic about a fresh and vigorous focus on the role of SEND inclusion within mainstream education. Moving forwards, it’s vital that we listen carefully to the views and opinions of key stakeholders’, in particular children and young people themselves. The full report can be read on the Isos Partnership website: https://lnkd.in/ehJEZPaq    The Autism Education Trust (AET) is widely considered to be the gold standard in good autism practice, offering the only Department for Education supported, CPD accredited culture change programme created in partnership with our panel of Autistic Young Experts, parents/carers, and our network of Training Partners, education professionals, experts, and specialists.    More information about our award winning training and development programmes here: https://lnkd.in/dDSVg6Be    #Autism #AutismEducation #GoodAutismPractice #DifferenceNotDeficit #AET #SEND 

6

How to leverage the strength of place based ecosystems for good economic growth that helps people, economy and environment? See here, ahead of the much anticipated UK spending review & budgets 👇 👇

21

2 Comments

The Skills England report published last month illustrates the difficulty that officials and their advisors have with reconciling early 20th Century Fabian/Haldane planning mindsets with the 21st Century pace of change and the need to harness the full diversity of human talent, not just traditional filtering for memory and logic - "which any properly programmed computer can handle". The challenges of educating for an AI-driven world were identified over 40 years ago. See "Learning for Change", put on-line for me by the Oxford Internet Institute in 2010. Albeit we used the terms "Intelligent systems" and "Machine Learning" and the "systems" often needed air-conditioned mainframes to drive them. BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT Better Hiring Institute (BHI) TechSkills.org Skills England Labour Digital WCIT Financial Services Technology Panel Real Time Club Digital Policy Alliance Digital Leaders https://lnkd.in/efSqwmEZ

4

5 Comments

During a recent Telescope project with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, we designed a Community Resource Strategy that aimed to help the Council better support Voluntary and Community Sector organisations (VCSs) using the (increasingly limited) resources they have. One of the ways we considered framing our analysis of the borough was on a spectrum from “surviving” to “thriving”. The idea was that all wards in the borough likely needed a mixture of services — some that responded to “survival” needs, like shelters for people experiencing homelessness or debt relief services, and some that could help build a “thriving” community, such as a cared-for park or well-resourced and multi-use community centre. In an incredibly challenging financial environment, ranking wards based on how much they were surviving vs thriving ended up being more controversial than helpful. But it remained an interesting framing that I’ve kept in mind to this day. I was reminded of this when reading the Value For Women Ltd. and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH recent report “What the frontrunners are doing” (https://lnkd.in/eCiT3MjR). The report lays out some key insights on the status of gender inclusion in the African ecosystem, from a sample of Enterprise Support Organisations (ESOs) and startups that self-described as having an interest in gender inclusion. One of the main key learnings is that “many ESOs and startups have legally-mandated risk-mitigating policies, fewer have policies to create an environment for women to thrive”. I can certainly see that anti-harassment and non-discrimination are, in a way, easier policies to introduce, because they can be designed in reaction to something specific. But designing a truly inclusive workplace is a different thing — because it involves imagining what a thriving future for women employees might look like. And that big picture, forward-looking gender-inclusive design is hard! There is some interesting stuff out there, like these gender-based analysis innovation ideas from the Institute for Gender and the Economy (https://lnkd.in/e3cfc4jb), and the Design portions of Criterion Institute's areas of activity. I am also excited to be joining Mansi Gupta's workshop on Women-Centric Design next Thursday. More broadly, I’m going to keep reflecting on surviving / thriving. I see it much more as a venn diagram rather than a dichotomy (as many people use it) — and want to continue to challenge myself, in future roles, to think big while still solving immediate, fire-fighting issues. Sounds familiar? You’re right — that’s what Telescope does too! I think I’m a bit obsessed…

10

Here are my latest views on the challenges and strategies for Local Government reform in England

3

UKSPF People and Skills Programme Ashford Borough Council UKSPF is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides funding for local areas to invest in communities and places, supporting local business, and people and skills. Ashford Borough Council (ABC) seeks to award a single commission to an experienced education and skills provider to deliver three important local projects.  This organisation will support ABC in delivering outputs and results against these three priority areas in the council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme for the 2024/25 financial year. The programme being commissioned will have opportunities in three project areas: Green – Retrofit and Green Skills Outreach - Supporting pathways to learning and employability Step – First Steps in Skills These projects will focus on helping local residents and businesses access skills and training opportunities. They will both improve pathways to current provision while also addressing gaps in resident and business skills where these exist, complementing the current offer available through education providers, Government funding and other programmes locally. Scope Deliver or coordinate fully funded Retrofit Assessor courses which lead to formal qualifications. Supporting firms to help them meet their ‘green’ skills and training needs. Duration in months 8 Value: £200,000 Deadline: 21 May 2024 If you intend to bid and require any support with making applications, please contact [email protected]

2

1 Comment

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) recently released an important new report entitled ‘The Future of the High Street’ (download it via https://lnkd.in/eB7rRQ3t) and we called for a concerted effort to make our #highstreets a great place to be for both customers and retail staff alike. One way we can improve life for those who look after us in the retail environment is to help with their feeling of safety and security which is why we would encourage businesses in the #WestofEngland to investigate the ‘Safer Shops West’ initiative from the West of England Combined Authority. To help combat rising levels of shoplifting, resulting in losses and safety concerns for employees, ‘Safer Shops West’ offers a part-funded grant of up to £4,000 for #independent #retail businesses to buy security equipment like CCTV, body-worn cameras, and shutters. To find out more, check your eligibility and see what the money can be used for visit  https://lnkd.in/eBK8ydqe. The deadline is the end of September so don’t delay in finding out more about this impressive local scheme. #Bath #Bristol #SouthGloucestershire Christine Steele Ross Girdler Vaishnavi Samvedi Ben Butler West of England Growth Hub

11

Good to see the Kings Speech announcement that improvements in #communityownership and the #righttobuy are going to be taken forward in over the coming parliamentary session. https://lnkd.in/eWvy2Tmw Hopefully, this new legislation will be picking up on the recommendations of Mark Gregory and his Community Wealth Commission, which last year presented Labour with a range of sensible proposals to improve the current community asset ownership regime https://lnkd.in/e_QA9FFs What was critically important in that report was its recognition of the role of #neighbourhood and #place to any proposals for increasing community ownership of assets, and the need to ensure that changes to right to buy rules were accompanied by long term investment in building community capacity to take on and manage those assets, in particular in places that might have low levels of existing community capacity and expertise, but also the biggest need. Without that, the danger is that - like the range of community rights that emerged in the 2010s - the primary beneficiaries of any changes end up being less deprived areas rather than places that need it most. We know from work of the APPG for Left Behind Neighbourhoods last Parliament, as well as that of Local Trust and OCSI (Oxford Consultants for Social Inclusion) that deprived neighbourhoods that are also low on social infrastructure struggle to access grant funding of all kinds. https://lnkd.in/eSjvPcTx Turning that around needs to extend beyond just fixing asset ownership, and embrace a wider vision for transforming our most disadvantaged communities. Something highlighted in Local Trust's pre-election Neighbourhoods Manifesto https://lnkd.in/eEpUUBNJ The planned #CommunityWealthFund funded by dormant assets may help the new government make a start here - and new ministers have the opportunity now to ensure that when it is launched it has real impact as a tool for rebuilding the social fabric of our most deprived places. Although some of the decisions made by the last government on targeting and implementation may need revisiting. https://lnkd.in/e_tZYWYT But - 25 years on from the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal launched by the last incoming Labour government https://lnkd.in/ewF3nr8J - it also feels as if there is scope, as Labour settles into government, for the development of a much wider and refreshed approach from government to rebuilding community capacity and tackling entrenched inequality, which is often most profound at a neighbourhood level.

55

3 Comments

BCP Food and Energy Support Fund Thanks to an extension of the UK government’s Household Support Fund, BCP Council are pleased to be able to invest funding into this grant scheme again. This is now open for applications from Monday 21st October until midday on Monday 11th November Grants of up to £10,000 are available to local community and voluntary organisations that are delivering community initiatives to help BCP households impacted by the rising costs of living. Grants must be utilised between 1st December 2024 – 31st March 2025. The scheme is intended to cover a wide range of support for vulnerable and low income households, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people, larger families, single-person households, and those struggling with one-off financial shocks or unforeseen events. Grant funded activities should help those who are struggling to afford household essentials including energy and water bills, food, and wider essentials. This may include community meals, food skills initiatives, warmth packs and warm spaces, alongside support with signposting and advice. We can support any costs associated with providing the funded activities including perishable and non-perishable goods, capital costs and equipment (e.g. additional fridges or storage at your organisation), staff and volunteer costs, venue hire, transport (e.g. to community meals or other activities), administrative costs, reasonable contribution to organisation overheads/core costs. For more information, please visit https://lnkd.in/ev63VGqP Pre-application support is particularly encouraged for groups who have not applied to the grant programmes before but is available for anyone in need of advice about the application process, or if you are unsure whether your project/activity is suitable. Please contact the Dorset Community Foundation Grants Manager, Ellie Maguire: 07592 032666 [email protected]

13

This is well worth a read if you are seeking grant funding. Some great tips here thank you Gill Pipkin. Writing bids is time consuming and so often pressured with short deadlines. So important to do the groundwork, be prepared, read the funding criteria carefully, write in simple terms and avoid jargon, tell your story of who you help, why and the difference you will make but make sure you are answering the question being asked! Take any opportunity to build a relationship with your funder. #charity #fundraising

7

NEW on Wonkhe: Ben Rogers proposes that there should be regional pots of research funding that can tackle regional challenges, fund innovation and support economic growth https://lnkd.in/eKgbQnYh

1

New Funding Alert: The UKSPF Herefordshire Research and Development Innovation Fund is open for applications with businesses encouraged to submit an expression of interest (EOI) as soon as possible. The UKSPF Herefordshire Research and Development Innovation Fund is a revenue grant scheme that has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The aim is to help Herefordshire businesses to: + Increase productivity + Access new markets + Develop new products / processes and services leading to new employment opportunities and a more resilient and competitive business community Grants of between £5000 and £24,999 are available to Herefordshire businesses to: + Enable the procurement of external support and revenue items or activity to undertake research and development and innovation projects and + Develop and adopt innovative new processes, products and services The grant can contribute up to 80% of the eligible costs. Full details online: https://lnkd.in/e6wc-t5R

13

Building Stronger Communities through Devolution With devolution deals on the table in places like Lancashire, councils can better align housing, transport, and skills to local opportunities. Data and collaboration are essential for service reform and boosting economic productivity. Learn more about the potential of devolution with data drive insights. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ewH87Kvc #LocalGov #InnovationInGovernment #DigitalTransformation #CouncilLeadership #SmartGov #TechForGood #PublicSector #ServiceInnovation #DataDrivenGov

1

Interesting article in @Cityam today by Stephen Timms arguing for a partnership between government and the impact economy: https://lnkd.in/eEYekcwm He specifically calls for the creation of an Office for the Impact Economy, as a  a joint Treasury-Business and Trade unit; saying "We need a new partnership between Government and the impact economy, putting shared values into practice to build a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future for all." Regardless of the result on Thursday, I hope that all parties will recognise the role that #SocialEnterprises and #Charities can and must play to unlock capital in order to tackle some of our most complex social challenges.

7

20mph as the norm for urban/village streets doesn't need be divisive or party political. In England 20mph is being delivered for communities by Conservative, Labour and Lib-Dem councils. This from 2022 #20splenty makes your place a better place to be. https://lnkd.in/exDgAeT3

13

Please take a look at the article and find out more about how we can support your business deliver impact in #Shropshire. For more information about Community Resource how we support communities and collaborate for change, you can visit our website, link in the comments. #Shropshire #Partnership #CommunitySupport

2

Are you a Trustee / Director / Governor in #Pembrokeshire? We would like to hear from you. We all know it can be difficult to get new Trustees to join a board (or find volunteer Directors / Governors). Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) plans to create some new publicity materials to help with Trustee recruitment and we would like you to be involved. We have heard some amazing success stories over the years, about why people get involved and what works – and just as important what doesn’t – in Trustee recruitment. What we would really like to do is hear directly from local (Pembrokeshire) Trustees about why you got involved, what you like about it, what makes it a great thing to do… and of course any tips you would like to share with others about how you got more people involved. Below is a link to a short survey, we would be really grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete it (it can be completed anonymously). We are also looking for a small number of Trustees/ Directors to interview (quotes and/or your voice may be used in the materials and/ or video – but would be anonymous). The deadline to complete the survey is 14th October. https://lnkd.in/euSC5cdB

8

1 Comment