People Power Elections

The Community and Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF) is this week launching its annual elections campaign and is looking for people active in charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises to be nominated as ‘the voice of the sector' on a wide range of important citywide partnerships.

The CVSF is membership organisation and provides the route through which the views and experiences of communities and voluntary groups are represented in the city; there are currently 74 seats available on 22 different partnerships[i]. 

Sally Hiscock, Chief Officer of the CVSF said: "We have over 550 members, ranging from sports groups to older people's groups, campaigns, housing and health charities, large groups and small ones, all of which provide activities or support to people in Brighton and Hove. The experience of these groups is incredibly beneficial to the boards and partnerships which make decisions which affect us all; they are experts and really know what they are talking about. They rightly deserve their chance to speak and in doing so can ensure that services meet local need and that the community and voluntary sector is involved at every stage".

While most people in the UK vote in general elections, the turnout in 2005 was only 61%[ii], and less than 39%[iii] of local voters turned out for Brighton and Hove's council elections last year. The CVSF is hoping that its own elections will prove more enticing. Ms Hiscock continued: "The right to have our voices heard at these meetings has been hard fought, so these seats are incredibly valuable; this is a real chance to make ‘people power' work.  We know there are hundreds of people out there who would make excellent representatives and we urge them to think about taking on this prestigious challenge'.

Nomination packs are being sent to all CVSF members on 30 June, and the last day on which nominations can be submitted is 28 July. Voting takes place between 8 August and 10 September. 

The CVSF provides support to all its representatives, including a thorough induction session, a representative's resource pack, one to one support and some expenses.

Notes to editors

Full details of the CVSF's election can be seen at www.cvsectorforum.org.uk/elections08. 

[i] A summary of the vacant seats is available on request

[ii] Election 2005: engaging the public in Great Britain. (The Electoral Commission)

[iii] Brighton and Hove City Council Election Results 2007