Networks/Partnership Working
GCVS supports, co-ordinates and participates in a range of voluntary and community networks and public sector partnerships.
Citywide Voluntary Sector Network
There are 5 local voluntary sector networks in Glasgow who meet throughout the year to discuss issues affecting local organisations and their service users. Representatives from these networks sit on the boards of local Community Planning Partnerships and are part of our Citywide Voluntary Sector Network (CWVSN).
At the CWVSN we meet to discuss issues affecting the local networks outlined above and work in partnership to analyse the likely outcomes of local and national government policies on the Third Sector in Glasgow. We use these discussions to help inform our responses to proposed changes in the fields of legislation, policy and funding and to shape our discussions with key stakeholders in the city and beyond.
The network provides a structure for the free flow of information and ideas between GCVS and local voluntary organisations. Information is disseminated by network representatives to local area networks, ensuring that the voluntary sector and community groups are kept informed of policy developments, consultations and funding issues that directly affect them and their service users.
Information from the network will also inform the discussions as part of the emerging Third Sector Interface. The Glasgow Interface will form a representative body to provide a single point of contact for community planning to engage with the third sector. The Interface is currently in the process of construction and representatives from GCVS and the CWVSN are included in the steering group formed to take it forward.
Equality Networks Forum
GCVS provides support for Glasgow's Equality Networks Forum in the form of a Communications and Resource Worker. We produce a range of publications and sites to support the sharing of information, learning and current awareness on equalities issues in the City. The ENF consists of representatives from the four Voluntary Sector Equality Networks: Glasgow Disability Alliance, Glasgow Women's Voluntary Sector Network, Glasgow Black and Minority Ethnic Voluntary Sector Network, and The West of Scotland LGBT Forum, and representatives from Glasgow City Council.
Literacies Network
The Literacies Network grew out of the development of the adult literacies partnership structures and the need to ensure voluntary sector representation is supported.
GCVS and the Volunteer Centre Glasgow
GCVS and the Volunteer Centre Glasgow (VSG) meet regularly as a matter of course to discuss shared agendas and areas of joint interest. We are currently seeking to share resources and expertise for the benefit of the sector in Glasgow. The last year has seen us examine opportunities for undertaking joint project work and sharing services and resulted in the formation of a Joint Partnership Agreement which was signed off in November 2009. Our meetings have been given added impetus as a result of the Scottish Government’s Interface Initiative.
GCVS and GVC were also key partners, along with Culture and Sport Glasgow, in the development of the Strategic Volunteering Framework Implementation Plan which was finalised in April 2009. This plan builds on the vision and proposals set out in the SVF in defining a series key outcomes to ensure volunteering is given greater profile and support in Glasgow in the run up to the Commonwealth Games and the legacy beyond.
Voluntary Action Scotland
GCVS is a member of Voluntary Action Scotland (VAS) which is the national umbrella organisation specifically for local third sector infrastructure. It is a membership body for CVS's, Volunteer Centres and the emerging Third Sector Interfaces. Our CEO sits on the board of VAS and is actively involved in shaping its policy priorities and forward plan.
Interface Development Group
As of April 2011 central government funding to Councils of Voluntary Service (CsVS), to Volunteer Centres (VCs) and to Local Social Economy Partnerships (LSEPs) will be funded through a single funding stream, creating what is being termed a ‘3rd Sector Interface’ in each Community Planning area. Each of the 32 local authority areas is required to develop its own interface arrangement in consultation with Community Planning and to report its progress to the Third Sector Team. Click here for more details on the Interface
Glasgow Social Economy Partnership
GCVS is a member of the Glasgow Social Economy Partnership (GSEP) , a city-wide partnership that aims to provide a strategic framework to develop and support the social economy in Glasgow.
Priorities include the development of governance standards, promotion of good equalities practices within social economy organisations and supporting contracting with the sector, including the Commonwealth games. GCVS will continue to play an active role in all of these areas of work.
Glasgow Community Learning Strategic Partnership (GCLSP)
GCVS is a member of the GCLSP. Our key role in the Partnership is to ensure the sector’s role in community learning is considered fully and reflected in the work of the partnership.
Community Capacity Building (CCB) Sub Group
GCVS’s key role has been to ensure small community based organisations and volunteering interests are reflected fully within the CCB strategy and action plans and have played an active part in the development of the CCB Strategy for the City “Strengthening Glasgow’s Communities”
Adult Literacies (soon to be Adult Learning) Sub Group
GCVS attends this group which addresses adult literacies development and funding in the city. A key role over this first quarter has been ensuring appropriate and fair distribution of Glasgow Adult Literacies Funding, but we have also contributed to discussions and actions around literacies and employability which will hopefully lead to improvement in joining up these two agendas more effectively in the City.
Equalities Sub Group
Our Community Learning and Literacies Manager attends this sub group which seeks to ensure that equalities underpins learning in the city. We participated fully in the development of a Framework for Equality in Community Learning and Development. A key role over this year will be ensuring the sector implements this framework in its learning activities.
More Choices More Chances (MCMC) Partnership Group
GCVS continues to be a member of the MCMC Partnership Group, the strategic body that meets quarterly to oversee the MCMC agenda in Glasgow.
Strategic Youth Partnership
The Strategic Youth Partnership, which feeds into Childrens’ Services processes, is an important link for youth services across the city. Recently, GCVS has been working Culture & Sport Glasgow to re-write the remit and priorities, identify the key contributors to this agenda and to re-establish and refresh this group. This work is ongoing.