Partnerships and Representation
The case for community involvement in local policy decision-making and neighbourhood management has been around for a long time, and the Forum has supported a range of representatives, elected by its members, since 2001.
The Community and Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF) aims to strengthen the connections and relationships between service providers and communities, so that we can work together as partners to create solutions based on thinking through ‘how can we?' rather than ‘why don't you?' and ‘it's not our fault'. This results in an increase in the influence communities have, as well as improved information to service providers.
Engagement with the community and voluntary sector and local people can benefit the quality of public services themselves, as well as wider society through:
- influencing the way in which a public service is delivered
- increasing community participation, building the skills and experience of volunteers and strengthening trust within the community
- involving local people in design, commissioning and evaluation processes.
Elected representatives of the 500+ organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector Forum bring specific strengths to the partnership table, including:
- proximity to local communities
- ability to identify gaps in service provision and develop innovative solutions
- expertise in developing services that meet complex needs of marginalised people
- ability to engage hard to reach communities
- experience and expertise in providing joined-up, holistic, preventative services
- experience and expertise in encouraging the active participation of service users
- skills and experience in collaborative and partnership working.
The contribution of community and voluntary sector representatives to the governance, planning and delivery of local services continues to evolve and grow in importance.
