Voluntary Sector Reference Group

The Voluntary Sector Reference Group was set up in 2005. It is made up of the Chairs and Vice Chairs or representatives of Forums, networks or similar groupings in the voluntary sector.

The role of the reference groups is to:

provide a mechanism for effective sector representation at strategic level on the Borough?s partnership and planning groups;
provide an opportunity for consultation and joint action on issues of relevance to voluntary organisations working in the borough;
develop a strategy for the voluntary sector as a collective alignment in the borough;
provide a reference point for development of The Compact in the borough;
provide a reference point for the strategic development of the voluntary sector (the Local Infrastructure Plan);
support the work of the sector by offering an opportunity for the exchange of ideas, sharing of information, practical co-operation etc;
raise the profile of the work of the voluntary sector in the borough and of issues facing it;
lobby for cultural change in the relationship between statutory and voluntary sectors;
act as a source of reference for voluntary sector representatives on the partnership structures; and
recognise the potential of conflict within the VCS and where possible play a mediation role.

Page updated: 4 March 2008