We will be creating five new networks, mirroring Walsall Council’s Directorates – Children’s Services, Social Care and Inclusion, Regeneration, Neighbourhood Services and Resources.  Each network will be facilitated by a member of the Walsall Voluntary Action Board and will enable a stronger dialogue between the sector and the Council over key issues and concerns.

The new networks will be holding their initial meetings shortly.  To register your interest, email johnc@walsallva.org.uk with details of which network you wish to join, or call Walsall Voluntary Action on 01922 619840.

The team at Glass-House are offering a free one-day tour of inspiring eco-housing developments in the West Midlands on Thursday 5 August.   This tour is for community groups at an early stage of a housing project and will give you the opportunity to learn more about incorporating eco features. There will also be an architect on hand to answer your queries.

The tour is a chance to take away inspiring design ideas, meet similar groups who have been involved in the regeneration process and find out how community initiatives have improved neighbourhoods.

There will also be an opportunity to speak to a professional about the design process.

Places are limited, so make sure you book now by following this link.

The Women Take Part course aims to get women involved in their community and to learn how to increase their level of influence over the decisions that affect their lives.  The course provides opportunities for people to be more active in communities and public life.

The course will be starting in September 2010 and runs for 12 days, including a residential weekend and a trip to Parliament.

The programme is part of the Black Country Take Part Pathfinder programme, funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

If you are interested, why not attend a special taster morning to find out more about the course and put your questions direct to the course facilitators?  A session is being held with residents from Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell at The Salvation Army, Meredith Street, Cradley Street, B64 5EP on Tuesday 22 July from 10am to 12noon.

If you would like to know more about the course in advance of the taster session please contact Sarah Oakley of Walsall Council’s Community Development Team, on 01922 654721 or by emailing oakleys@walsall.gov.uk.

The session takes place at Walsall’s Forest Arts Centre on 20 July, between 9:30am and 1pm.  Lunch will also be provided.

If you would like to attend, please register by sending an email to kspilsbury@w-n-c.org.

Skills – Third Sector is working to develop a National Skills Strategy for the voluntary sector and would like to hear your views as part of their nationwide consultation.  The team are keen to hear from people who work or volunteer for charities, social enterprises and other not-for-profit organisations.

The consultation event takes place in Birmingham on Tuesday 13 July.  To reserve your place, please email round.table@skills-thirdsector.org.uk.

Hosted by Walsall Citizens’ Advice Bureau, the Network is a chance for everyone involved in advice and information work to meet colleagues from other organisations, share learning and discuss issues of common interest.

Topics on the agenda this month include the Government’s recent budget statement and social policy issues.

The Network meeting takes place at Walsall CAB, 139-144 Lichfield Street, Walsall WS1 1SE, between 10am and 12noon.  If you wish to attend, please contact Gazanfer Ali on 01922 700671 or by email gazanferali@cab.walsall.org.uk, by no later than 19 July.  Places are free, but limited, so book early to avoid disappointment!

NJC Scale 1, Point 4 – £6.30 per hour

Our Lady and St. Chad Catholic Sports College is a leading sport and leisure provider for local sports clubs. The centre comprises of a fitness suite and youth gym, dance studio, floodlit hard courts, sports hall and climbing wall. Sports clubs from all over Wolverhampton work from this school site. They offer high quality sports coaching to members of the local community. There are over 1000 members including 700 from the immediate locality.  The school are looking to expand staffing to offer the very best standards of sports provision.

Purpose of the Post:

The Leisure and Activities Assistant will provide quality sport and leisure opportunities for a wide range of users in a safe, clean and supportive environment.

Responsibilities:

As part of the team you will undertake a wide range of duties and assist in the safe and smooth operation of the sport and leisure facilities at Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Sports College during the hours of community provision.  It is desirable to have some experience of working in the sport and leisure sector as well as a level 2 or above qualification in sport.  Good interpersonal skills, reliability, flexibility with working hours and commitment to customer service are essential.

The post holder will:

Undertake a range of duties as part of a leisure and activities staff team including coaching, cleaning control of facilities, securing of facilities, setting up and dismantling equipment, routine maintenance, customer service, Charter Standard development, club development and marketing.  Due to recent success at a national level, this post could lead to development opportunities, such as a Trainee Leisure and Activities Manager role.

The school is situated on the north east of Wolverhampton, three miles from M54 Junction 1.

Application forms and further details are available from the school by telephoning 01902 558250  or emailing rbradley@olscmail.org.uk

Closing date: 16 July 2010

Walsall Centre For lndependent Living has joined forces with Breathing Space to deliver the Life as an Enterprise course, designed to help you to explore what you want to do with your life, where you want to go and what steps to take. It will enable you to set goals to meet your own aspirations and make the most of training and employment opportunities.

The course is being delivered at the Centre on a Friday from 1pm to 4pm.  Starting on 23 July, the course lasts for six weeks. It is a portfolio based course leading to an Entry Level 3 qualification in Understanding and Achieving Personal Goals.

All students who complete the course will also receive a £10 gift voucher. 

For more details, please contact Walsall Centre for Independent Living on 01922 650 790.

To mark the occasion, Addaction are hosting a celebration at their offices at 231 Stafford Street, Walsall WS2 8DF on Wednesday 14 July.  Visitors are welcome to drop in between 10am and 4pm to meet with staff, have a tour of the project and share some light refreshments.

If you would like to attend, please email r.foskett@addaction.org.uk.

However, the legislation does not define what constitutes a “fit and proper person”. HM Revenue and Customs have now issued guidance to explain how they will apply the “fit and proper persons” test to those who have the general control or management of a charity.

The guidance can be found at HMRC’s website here.  Please bear in mind that guidance is often revised, so it is worthwhile checking the site for further updates.