Review and next steps Declan Baharini

What we will be doing today Understanding the context of the review Looking at the outcomes of the online survey and proposed actions Identifying priorities for the short and medium term for the Consortium

Learning Consortium context Network of 50 organisations Variety of size and type of delivery Wide reach into communities of place and interest across Northumberland Representation on a number of networks Large body of knowledge and experience Secretariat provided by NCDN

Wider context Increasingly competitive funding context Difficult economic climate for VCS More demand for services around training, learning, IAG and employability support Changing political and policy context nationally, regionally and within county

Review requirements Learning Consortium meeting in July identified key issues to be clarified:  Purpose and roles  Accountability  Transparency  Representation  Secretariat

Time to focus Common purpose Clear roles and responsibilities Identified goals Focused approach Be a trusted Consortium Exercise real influence

The future Collaboration Co-operation Partnership working Within the sector With the public and private sector

Review – September 2009 Modernisation Fund Phase 1 support Independent Online Survey to address concerns and build consensus Focus Group with members to identify short, medium and long term priorities Option for Phase 2 support for next steps

Online Survey - Elements Role and purpose of consortium Steering Group to provide leadership and accountability and transparency Representation on outside networks Communications and meetings Secretariat role and remit

Online Survey Results 55 individual responses 46 organisations represented 4 public sector organisations Summary Report

Northumberland Voluntary and Community Sector Learning Consortium is a network for VCS organisations which provide skills, training, guidance and complementary support services to people in Northumberland. 96% The main aim of the Consortium is to strengthen the capacity of the sector to deliver quality learning and skills to the people of Northumberland. 90% Primary aim and objective

Roles - Consensus Information sharing on learning, skills and IAG Facilitating collaboration and joint working Representation on key partnerships Coordinating and promoting workforce development Support organisations to deliver new qualifications Forum to debate issues and plan responses Broker to support consortium bids 89% 84% 80% 78% 73%

Lead body for consortium bids Assistance on training, assessors and IAG providers Supporting multi-sectoral partnerships Access to accredited status Quality standards for content and delivery Supporting organisational development Support for Matrix accreditation and quality standards Supporting organisations to achieve PQQ Roles 69% 67% 64% 60% 56% 38%

Accountability and Transparency Steering Group Mandate from members 81% Specific issue meetings/events 79% Surveys 67% General meetings Elected by members Annually or bi-annually Membership: 96% Mix of large/small 84% Range of providers 81% Geographic spread 74% Specialist networks 63% Public sector 7-10 members 59% of NCVS LC members would serve

Representation Nominations 57% via Steering Group and endorsed by members Feedback in a variety of ways (notes, web, meetings, s, links) 40% of respondents prepared to represent the Learning Consortium Groups and networks: 67% NVCS Consortium 64% County Council 62% Employability CollPt 45% VONNE 43% NEWS 36% T&W Emplyt Cnstm

Communication

Meetings Full consortium quarterly 76% Elements:  Feedback from representatives 83%  Funding and contracting opportunities 83%  VCS LC programmes progress/issues 76%  Networking sessions 71%  Policy changes and implications 61%  Wider skills agenda 51%  Feedback from county/regional networks 51%  Profiling organisations and agencies 32%

Special events Special events – 100%  Collaborative contracting 76%  New opportunities 76%  Public and private sector meetings 73%  Networking and awareness raising 68%  Workforce development 56%  New areas of policy and practice 54%

Secretariat function Administrative support List of members and profiles Maintaining database of contacts Maintaining website Arranging meetings and speakers Circulating information Organising events Responding to members' queries Briefings to representatives Promoting collaboration and opportunities Induction and capacity building 95% 93% 90% 88% 80% 78% 63% 60% 50%

Next steps New Terms of Reference Person specifications for roles Secretariat roles and remit Establish Steering Group Establish Representation Protocol for bids on behalf of VCS LC Separate website for VCS LC

Workshop session Priorities for the next 6 months (yellow) Priorities for the next months (blue) Identify special events required

Thank you and good luck