Representation

Walsall Voluntary Action is the voice of the borough’s voluntary and community sector.  Our networks bring together volunteers, trustees and community workers from organisations across Walsall, giving the sector real influence with the key decision makers.

 A new voice for Walsall’s Voluntary Sector

WVA Chief Executive Ian Willetts addresses the launch of our new Representation Networks

We’re bringing in some major changes to how we represent Walsall’s voluntary and community sector, following extensive consultation with local groups.

Five new networks, mirroring Walsall Council’s Directorates – Children’s Services, Social Care and Inclusion, Regeneration, Neighbourhood Services and Resources – were launched at a special event at the Crossing on 31 January 2011. 

Each network is 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.

Your contacts for each network are:

Alternatively, you can speak to John Cotton or Ian Willetts on 01922 619840, who will be happy to discuss your views with you. 

Help to spread the word!

We are keen to get groups from across Walsall involved in the new representation networks, so that they provide a vibrant forum for representing the views of the local voluntary sector.  If you’re holding a local event, please ask us to come along and give a short talk on our work.  Simply call John or Ian via the above telephone number!

Useful Links

Representation Network – Launch Presentation

Guide to Decision Making Structures in Walsall 

 

 

Volunteer Managers’ Network

Walsall’s Volunteer Managers’ Network brings together people who manage, organise and support volunteers.  It’s designed to be a proper forum for managers, enabling them to share good practice, swap information, access new training and learning opportunities and address the issues that are most important to them.

Meetings of the Volunteer Managers’ Network will take place at Central Hall Methodist Church, Ablewell Street, Walsall WS1 2EQ on the following dates:

4 October 2010

6 December 2010

28 February 2011

To find out more about the Network and to book a place at a meeting, please email elainek@walsallva.org.uk.

 

 

Trustees Network

Trustees and Management Committee members from organisations across the borough attended the inaugural meeting of the Walsall Trustees Network on 25 November.

The Network was established to provide a forum for Trustees to discuss common interests, facilitate training and enjoy networking opportunities.  Funding has been secured from Awards for All to support future network activities, including a wide-ranging training programme.

The next meeting will be held on Monday 7 February, starting at 6pm, at the County Hotel, Birmingham Road, Walsall WS1 2NG.  For more information and to book your place, please call Dean Wood on 01922 619840 or email deanw@walsallva.org.uk.  

 

Dealing with cutbacks – is your organisation ready?

With the Government making significant cuts to departmental budgets, local authorities are having to rein in their own spending.  This is already having a major impact on the voluntary sector, with a number of organisations facing the prospect of losing some or all of their funding.

NAVCA’s Empowering the Voluntary Sector team have produced a detailed guide for organisations facing funding cuts.   It includes advice on how the Compact, public law and equalities duties can be used to challenge cuts, together with case studies.  The guide can be found here.

We also know that delayed payments are often a problem for organisations and can cause serious financial difficulties.  To help local groups, Walsall Voluntary Action has produced a standard letter you can use when seeking delayed payments.  To view or use the letter, please click here.  If you do make use of the letter, please keep us posted by sending a copy to reception@walsallva.org.uk!