In response to the changing landscape of community engagement and funding for the voluntary and community sector in Sheffield, the Partnership is preparing for major changes. An Options Appraisal was commissioned in October to examine ways in which partners could continue to work together for the benefit of communities in South Sheffield.

Last Friday was the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Forum's annual conference. The focus of the day was ‘Engaged and Independent: the VCS and government relationship' i.e. is the third sector able to maintain an autonomous critical voice whilst engaging in government structures and contracting. Keynote speakers included Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, Stuart Etherington of NCVO and Barry Knight, author of ‘Voluntary Action'.

 

Get online day was held in 3 local venues, Valley Online Centre (Gleadless Valley), Heeley Development Trust & Centre in the Park (Norfolk Park). Overall the 3 events attracted over 100 local people into the UK Online Centres, around 60% of these people had never used the internet before and made it their first time online.

As you will be aware, there are a number of potential sources of funding and investment in the pipeline currently that will hopefully contribute to the sustainability of elements of the VCF sector in Sheffield. This briefing is intended to give an update on these sources and the timescales we are aware of for more detailed information to be made available.

Dave Jackson from OFFER sent an update regarding third sector funding in Sheffield....