1. Presentation to Merton INVOLVE
Simon Williams

2. 1. Grants process 2011/12 Concluded and letters have gone out
Saving of £175k overall
Thanks to task group for designing process, to panel for assistance, and to voluntary sector generally for their mature understanding
Will continue to look at how this can be further improved, including longer term funding arrangements in places

3. 2. Shared work programme 2011
Task group will continue to meet every 3 weeks
Work programme based on areas already identified
Looking soon at information/advice
Will also be sharing revised commissioning strategy/business plan as it emerges

4. Voluntary Community Services
Including
Benefits
Advice
SESSIONAL/
BANK STAFF
Voluntary Community Services
Web
Enabled
One Stop
Shop
P.A.’s
INFORMATION
ADVICE &
SIGNPOSTING
AGENCY/
STAFF
REHABILITATION
E.G. VISUAL
IMPAIRMENT
TRAINING
Car
Scheme
Carers Focal
Referral Point
VCS to do on
behalf of Adult
Social Care
Escorts
Peer
Support
CARERS
SUPPORT
TRANSPORT
Brokerage
Drop Ins
Group
FUND
HOLDING
Self Help
Groups
BUILDINGS
MANAGEMENT/
LEASING
DAY ACTIVITIES
ENRICHMENT
Travel
Training
SMALL
GRANTS TO
CARERS
COMMUNITY
FUND

5. 3. Volunteering review Asked to do this on council-wide basis
Have worked with Volunteering Board and others
Planning conference on this in April
Overall objectives:
Review work programme in the light of end of LAA and specific targets
Look at how together we can increase social capital
Identify areas where volunteers may be needed more as statutory services decrease

6. Volunteering: emerging areas for action (1)
Profile and brand (more consistent and collective approach)
Neighbourhood approach (could more be done on this basis?)
Further developing web enabled approach to matching volunteers and volunteer-using organisations (VUOs)
Recruitment (face to face and web enabled, reviewing risk management, reviewing approach to employers and schools, considering how Olympic legacy may work for Merton)
Defining demand (how VUOs describe needs and requirements, identify emerging gaps)

7. Volunteering: emerging areas for action (2)
Support to volunteers (review and redefine what are minimum expectations, review support offered to VUOs, review what is offered to volunteers with “more needs”)
Recognition and reward (? Universal certificate at a certain level which can help for employment, role of council and Mayor in recognition, confirm policy on expenses)
Funding (review what is needed as core infrastructure and what should be funded separately, and sources of funding)