The document announces the launch of Voscur's second annual Voluntary and Community Sector Campaign Award. It provides examples of campaigns from 2007 that were successful in influencing local decisions. These include Save Castle Park, Save the Bristol to Bath Railway Path, and More Train Less Strain. Voscur is calling for nominations of campaigns to be considered for the 2009 award, with the winner to be determined by public vote in April. The award aims to recognize and support effective community campaigning.

1. !
Supporting Voluntary & Community Action March and April 2009
Inside
Voscur’s
Magazine
Campaign Award
Meet the Leaders Event
Women Speak Out
Children and Young People’s
Plan for Bristol
Image: Pete Jordan www.flickr.com/people/perlmonger/
What Are Your Skills?
Equalities Action Group
Voscur’s Software Wonderland
Funding and Finance Advice
City Car Club
And more…

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3. Welcome
Contents
4 Editorial 27 How To - Good Practice
Constitution Corner
5-10 Voscur News
28-29 How To - Funding & Finance
Councillors
Shadowing Scheme Still Thinking BIG
Meet the Leaders Event Funder Finder
Campaign Award Making Funding and
Commissioning Exciting
Community Building Network
Preparing for Tendering
11 Thriving Third Sector
30-31 How To - Green Pages
Car Club
12-15 Equalities & Human Rights
Women Speak Out 32-33 Children & Young People
Disability Equality Forum Children and Young People’s Plan for Bristol
Sing Up Bristol
16-19 Voscur Training & Learning
Case Study 34 Inspirational Ageing
Hot Topic – What are your skills?
35 Volunteering Bristol
20-25 Have Your Say
Vox Pops
36 Diary
Fire and Rescue
Equalities Action Group
Equalities and Human Rights Project
New Voscur Reps
26 How To - ICT
Voscur’s Software Wonderland
Why not advertise? Thrive! is available on disc. Please contact
Special discounts for Voscur members. the office if you would like to
Deadlines for May/June 2009 edition of Thrive!:
receive your Thrive! this way. The
2 April 2009 for ads, 24 April 2009 for flyers
newsletter is also available online as a pdf
Details of prices at www.voscur.org/magazine
at www.voscur.org/magazine
or phone Polly Stewart on 0117 909 9949
Disclaimer: some of the views expressed in this publication are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily represent
those of Voscur. Publications, events and services mentioned in Thrive! are not necessarily endorsed by Voscur.
3
www.voscur.org

4. Editorial
Welcome to the spring
edition of Thrive!
In the Voscur office we are children’s plan and to start interesting to note that Venue
still celebrating the victory influencing its next phase. has recently listed their 100 most
of Barack Obama – which has powerful people in Bristol and Bath
Following an intensive campaign, with three women in the top five.
been an inspiration for grass
and with the support of Voscur, we We are pleased to see Voscur’s
roots activists across the
are pleased to report that Bristol’s Chief Executive, Wendy Stephenson
world.
Disability Equality Forum will at number 40, identifying her as
achieve its aim of independence one of the top 10 most powerful
So, despite the economic
from Bristol City Council later this women in Bristol and Bath.
downturn we are sensing a real
year. See page 14.
optimism and renewed community
This year marks a century since
spirit, and a feeling that, yes,
Much can be achieved through International Women’s Day was
we can achieve change through
community campaigning and we first observed. Yet it is a sobering
community action.
want to champion campaigning thought that when we look down
activity this month, by asking the Venue chart, there are less
In this issue, Ruth Pitter talks about
you to nominate your choice of than 15 women listed in a total
her visit to Washington and how
Bristol’s most effective community of 100. Voscur is committed
that has renewed and revitalised
campaign. See pages 8 and 9. to supporting the sector in its
her enthusiasm for her work with
campaigning role to achieve full
communities in Bristol.
We know that when money is gender equality – there’s still much
restricted, training is one of the work to do.
We have produced a guide to the
first budget cuts to be made.
Bristol Partnership showing how
Our spring training programme Please see p 12 and 13 for news of
voluntary and community sector
is all about strengthening your women’s groups and campaigns.
organisations can have a voice
organisation – we are focusing on
in the partnership through their
kEY tO SYMBOLS
good governance, fundraising,
local infrastructure organisations,
financial management and
including Voscur.
Equalities Article
improving what you do. Please see
pages 16 – 19 to find out more.
Voscur’s network meetings are
Wendy Stephenson,
informal and welcoming and
? Training
Voscur Chief Executive
provide a place for people to
influence policy and decision
Venue Magazine lists
makers. Our Children and Young
Resources
Bristol’s ‘most powerful
People’s network meeting in
people’
January provided a forum for
As we recognise International Event
groups working with children and
Women’s Day on 8th March, it is
young people to review Bristol’s
4 www.voscur.org

5. Voscur News - Community Activism
Barack Obama – refreshing activism!
Ruth Pitter reports on her visit to Washington for the inauguration of
president Barack Obama.
What can we digest from the activism enthuses people to believe
new US President’s success in they can create change and make a
mobilising diverse groups of people difference.
to connect with his refreshing
message of change? At the inauguration the range
of Obama merchandise knew no
His campaign reminds us of the bounds - t-shirts, mugs, badges,
energy and effort required to bottled water (yes I succumbed!),
involve people, but also highlights snow globes, air fresheners, metro
that with the right approach the passes and condoms. Despite, and
impossible is possible; that people perhaps because of, this climate of
do break from their safety barriers economic depression people were
to embrace an ideal if they truly thirsty for anything with his name,
believe in it. face or slogan on it.
I stood transfixed among the Speaking to people who didn’t vote
hordes of people who had for Obama most believed he has
thronged from across the States the ability to unify the country,
and beyond to witness the handing and on an international level, to
over of power. It was as tearful as put America back on a respectable
it was celebratory, the atmosphere foothold with the rest of the world.
fluctuated between weeping and
laughter. People had stories of the Obama recognises the value of
individual sacrifices they made to public service, action and working
be there, to be part of this history. together to achieve change. He
advocates that Martin Luther King
Obama’s own history of civil rights Day (19 January) becomes a day
and community activism gives him for Americans to volunteer for
a real understanding of people community service. I was glad to
and a sincere passion for equality, be there to ingest a revitalising
Yet, he also understands that
for reaching out to all groups elixir from the new president that
processes which set people’s
and giving them hope for a more is also fundamental to Voscur’s
imagination alight require strategy
positive view of themselves and own principles of activism, working
and precision. Encouraging people
each other. together and equality.
into activism takes time, planning
and energy, and demonstrating
His message for ‘Hope,’ ‘Change’ Ruth Pitter
credibility and integrity to keep
and ‘Progress’ is simple and clear. Voscur’s Equalities Manager
them on board. The most effective
5
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6. Voscur News - Councillor Survey
Who represents you?
Forget the parties – who are the people who
represent you in the Council House?
A recently published national
survey of councillors told us that
most Councillors in the South West
had wanted to become councillors
to serve their communities.
The most important thing they
do is to listen to the views of
local people and support the local
community. Most think that the
accountability of key local services
is very important. Whilst 520
South West councillors said that
“mechanisms to force debate”
are very important, they were
only quite important to 1067
councillors.
Councillors said that they most councillors from Black and Minority parties at our ‘Meet the Leaders’
often talked about their work Ethnic backgrounds. Does this event. If you have a burning
‘in community groups’. When mirror the population of the city? question that you would like
listing additional activities, many How do Councillors know that they answering, please come along. If
councillors said that they did are making policy that reflects the you can’t get to the event, please
unpaid voluntary work. needs of the citizens of Bristol? send your question to
matthew@voscur.org and he will
But how well do our Councillors Voscur’s Council shadowing make sure that you get a response.
know our sector? What messages scheme and Operation Black Vote
should we be giving them? Are have given some local people the
there enough opportunities for us opportunity to partner councillors To book your place at
to meet our Councillors and tell it and senior managers and gain an the Meet the Leaders
like it is? insight into the workings of the Voscur Assembly visit
local authority. www.voscur.org or call
At the time of going to press, in (0117) 909 9949
Bristol, 51 of our councillors are On 2 April there will be an
male and 19 are female. Three opportunity for you to meet the Link to Councillor census:
councillors are under 30, and 47 leaders of the local Conservative, www.tinyurl.com/96egbw
are over 50 years old. There are 4 Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green
6 www.voscur.org

7. Voscur News - Meet the Leaders
Voscur’s
Shadowing
Scheme
Back by popular demand!
Between January and March 2008,
Voscur ran a successful Councillor
23 seats are waiting
shadowing scheme, where shadows
were matched with Councillors for
you choose who fill them
one day. The programme aimed to
assist participants to explore and
gain a better understanding of the
local authority and public agencies,
and better equip people with the
confidence and tools to influence
and engage in decision-making.
This programme was well received
and both Councillors and Shadows
Meet the leaders
gained a lot from the experience.
Shadows in particular valued
gaining a real insight into the role of
Voscur Assembly, Thursday 2 April 2009
Councillors.
23 Bristol council seats are up for election on Thursday 4 June. This is
As a result of this positive feedback
your opportunity to hear from and question the lead councilors from
we have been able to offer this
each party on the council.
valuable opportunity again, and
this time extend it to include Senior
Find out what their policies would mean for the Voluntary,
Managers within Bristol City Council.
Community and Social Enterprise sector in Bristol.
The 2009 programme is taking place
Voscur 'Meet the Leaders' Assembly
as Thrive! goes to press so watch
Thursday 2 April, 12.30 - 3.30pm
this space to hear how this year’s
at the Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1QG
shadowing programme has gone.
Plus,
For further information contact
+ Bristol Partnership update
Hannah Parker (Neighbourhood
+ Sustainable Communities Act
Learning Coordinator) on
+ Free networking lunch
0117 909 9949 or
email: hannah@voscur.org
Book your place now at www.voscur.org or call (0117) 909 9949
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www.voscur.org

8. Voscur News - Campaign Award
the ‘More train, less strain’ fare strike made headlines around the world
Voscur Campaign Award
Organising a campaign is a really effective way of Community Sector (VCS) ‘Campaign Award’ and
influencing local decisions; recent good examples we want to hear your nominations. To nominate a
of voluntary and community led campaigns have voluntary or community led campaign visit
included the successful calls to drop the name www.voscur.org/haveyoursay where you can
‘Merchants Quarter’ from the new Broadmead download a nomination form or complete an online
expansion and halting plans for the Bristol to Bath nomination. The shortlist for the 2009 VCS Campaign
railway path from becoming a future bus route. Award will be announced at the beginning of April and
the winner will be decided by public vote during April
Voscur has launched our second Voluntary and and announced in May.
8 www.voscur.org

9. Voscur News - Campaign Award
Here is a quick update on some of the campaigns that were
shortlisted for the 2007 award:
Save Castle Park (2007 winner) Save the Bristol to Bath railway More train, less strain (runner up)
path (runner up)
The campaign led to a public The campaign group organised
inquiry (held in December 2008), More than 10 thousand people a fare strike where travellers
which will decide whether signed the campaigners’ petition, between Bristol and Bath refused
developers can build on part of making it the largest ever petition to pay their fares. The strike made
Castle Park. The results from the received by Bristol City Council. headlines around the world. First
enquiry are expected early in 2009. The bus route along the cycle path Great Western responded by
The campaign group have also was ‘put on hold’ and other routes reducing fares and finding more
applied for the Castle Park to be are being considered with the carriages.
designated a Town Green which possibility of using part of the M32
would prevent any development instead. Find out more:
encroaching on the park. www.moretrainlessstrain.co.uk
Find out more:
Keep up to date with all the
Find out more: www.railwaypath.org
latest Bristol e-petitions and
www.castlepark.org.uk
campaigns at
www.voscur.org/haveyoursay
www.voscur.org 9

10. Voscur News - Sustainable Communities
Building Stronger Communities
A new Voscur Network for
people running community
buildings and ideas to make
your neighbourhood
more sustainable
Community
Buildings Network
Meeting
Voscur and Bristol City Council
hosted the first Community
Buildings Network Meeting in
Your ideas Affordable offices
February at the Withywood Centre.
sought for for charities and
The meeting enabled people
Sustainable non-profits
involved in running community
Communities The Ethical Property Company
venues across the city to hear
owns and manages centres which
about the latest funding and
bring charities, co-operatives,
governance advice, quality marks, The new Sustainable Communities
community and campaign groups
and network with people from Act (SCA) gives local councils new
together under one roof where
across the city. We’re pleased opportunities to seek and take
they can share skills and ideas.
to announce that following this action on ideas from local people
Those in our centres benefit from
successful event two further that help create sustainable
reasonable rents, flexible tenancy
Community Buildings Network communities.
terms and great office spaces.
Meetings have been confirmed for:
Bristol City Council has begun
The company runs three centres
tuesday 30 June 2009 seeking ideas from Bristol residents
in central Bristol, and takes care
Southmead Community Centre, to be considered as part of its
of all the boring bits in a fair and
Greystoke Avenue, BS10 5PW Sustainable Communities plan.
straightforward way, while allowing
more than 40 local organisations
September 2009 The council is holding a Sustainable
to focus on what they do best.
Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Communities briefing on Tuesday
Fishponds, BS16 2QQ 12 March 10 – 12noon at the
For information on office space or
Council House,
room hire ring Alice on
Information and College Green, Bristol.
0845 458 3853 or email
resources from the first
info@ethicalproperty.co.uk.
Network meeting are Find out more about how to put
available on the Voscur website at forward your ideas at
www.voscur.org/networks www.voscur.org/haveyoursay
10 www.voscur.org

11. Thriving Third Sector
Does Bristol provide an environment
for a thriving third sector?
The Local Area Agreement manager, Gillian Douglas, is the
“14.7% of Bristol
(LAA) describes the way the officer leading the development
respondents thought that
Bristol Partnership members of the action plan to deliver the
target ‘Environment for Thriving
local statutory bodies
will work together to improve
Third Sector’. This plan is still in its
the quality of life for people have a positive or very
draft stages.
in Bristol.
positive influence on their
success.” Voscur and the Black Development
Partners agreed that one of the
Agency will be asking the question
targets that we should include in
“what support does the sector
our LAA is National Indicator 7 (NI7)
need in order to thrive in a
‘an environment for a thriving third influence on their success. Bristol’s
recession?” at our joint assembly
sector’. baseline is, therefore, 14.7%. In
meeting on 3rd March.
order to be judged to have an
To find out whether partners environment for a thriving third
Jargon Buster
are providing an environment sector Bristol’s score needs a 4.4
for a thriving third sector, the percentage point increase to reach third Sector: The Government’s
Office of the Third Sector 2008 a score of 19.1% when the survey is term for voluntary, community and
National Survey of Third Sector repeated in 2010. social enterprise organisations
Organisations asked the following
Statutory sector: Public bodies,
question: The level of influence of different funded by government, with legal
statutory bodies on the success responsibilities.
“Taking everything into account, of local organisations varies
overall how do the statutory Useful links:
widely; bringing them together
bodies in your area influence your www.voscur.org/
as one in this question is a clear
organisation’s success?” brispartnership/laa
indicator that Government expects
www.snipurl.com/btg27
statutory sector bodies to work
The answers to this question will together through Local Strategic
be used as a baseline for partners Voscur and BDA joint
Partnerships (in our case, the
to improve their support for local meeting Tuesday 3
Bristol Partnership) to support the
third sector organisations. March, 10am - 1pm
voluntary, community and social
(followed by networking lunch)
enterprise sector.
14.7% of Bristol respondents at Easton Community Centre,
thought that local statutory bodies Kilburn St, Easton, BS5 6AW.
In Bristol, the City Council’s
have a positive or very positive Equalities and Community Cohesion
11
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12. Equalities - Women
Women speak out
Campaigning for women’s equality
It is over 90 years since women were first given the right to vote in this country
(as long as they were over 21 and married). Women and girls are still facing persistent
inequality and stark discrimination, yet today these facts are often overlooked, ignored
or even disputed. The campaign for gender equality still has a long way to go to reach
its aims.
To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, Helen Mott from Bristol Fawcett
and Bristol Women’s Forum has provided a brief guide to some of the organisations
campaigning for women’s equality in Bristol, and some of their current campaigns.
This year, the UN theme is ‘Ending Violence Against Women and Girls’
Bristol Women’s Forum members (www.fawcettsociety. who are interested in discussing
org.uk). Members raise awareness feminist ideas, who believe in the
Any women’s group, or any
of Fawcett – the UK’s leading importance of women’s liberation,
woman living or working in Bristol
campaign for gender equality - and and who actively campaign on
can join the Women’s Forum to
its work. They campaign and lobby issues of gender inequality and
receive information and participate
to improve policy and services oppression. They hold informal
in consultations. The forum is
for women and girls, and seek to and friendly meetings and have a
supported by Bristol City Council
bring an informed gender equality significant existence through online
to promote women’s equality and
perspective to local decision communities such as Facebook.
has four open meetings each year
making bodies. Bristol Fawcett www.bristolfeministnetwork.com
across Bristol. Each year the forum
members use their limited time and
elects a number of volunteer
Violence against Women
energy as volunteers to best effect
advisors who meet monthly and
through focussing on key campaign Trevor Phillips, Chair of the
who develop the work programme
areas and working with networks Equalities and Human Rights
as well as representing the forum
of organisations and individuals Commission, has named the
on bodies such as the Council’s
in joint campaigns, or through massive prevalence of violence
Scrutiny Commissions - monitoring
bringing people together. against women, and the continued
and advising on local programmes
www.bristolfawcett.org.uk failure of society to tackle it, an
and policies.
“undeclared war against women.”
www.bristolwomensforum.org
Bristol Feminist Network
Bristol Fawcett A group of women and men from Bristol Women’s Forum elected
Bristol and the surrounding areas advisors are able to raise with local
A group for activist Fawcett
12 www.voscur.org

13. Equalities - Women
Photo by Lee Rey-Ient
government the lack of joined- and the Women’s Forum Human Trafficking
up strategy on violence against www.bristolfeministnetwork. Bristol Fawcett’s strategic group
women as well as the need for com/reclaim-the-night.html. on trafficking has succeeded in
particular initiatives and services bringing people together in a
Representation of Women
such as Rape Crisis, education in number of ways and the Women’s
in the Media
schools on issues of consent and Forum has lobbied to bring human
respect in relationships, provision The ways in which the media trafficking onto the Council’s
for women and children affected represent women (or misrepresent agenda.
by sexual and domestic violence us, or fail to represent us at
and abuse. The Women’s Forum go all) continue to raise enormous Last year both organisations were
out into the diverse communities obstacles to women’s equality and proud to be signatories to Bristol’s
of Bristol and ask about the issues dignity. This year, Bristol Fawcett Declaration on Human Trafficking,
that are concerning women most. and Bristol Feminist Network as well as holding a film screening
undertook individual pieces of and awareness raising campaign.
Bristol Fawcett supported the research into this subject and
development of Bristol’s new have presented their findings at In January this year, Bristol Fawcett
Sexual Assault Referral Centre a number of events as well as worked with the National Alliance
and lobbied for the provision of a archiving them on our website of Women’s Organisations and
Rape Crisis Centre. Bristol Feminist There will be an exhibition and Bristol’s two Universities to hold a
Network organised a march to workshops for two weeks from conference on the trafficking of
Reclaim the Night on 20 February, 6 March, at Windows204, on women for sexual exploitation in
with support from Bristol Fawcett Gloucester Road. Bristol.
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14. Equalities & Human Rights
Could we win? Yes we did!
The Disability Equality Forum’s year-long
campaign is at an end.
In December 2008, after winning with us. We hope to get their
several battles for the right to members’ final decisions in April.
self-determination, members
voted on the options for the It just goes to show that
Disability Equality Forum’s (DEF) sometimes you can make local
future and chose to become fully government change its decisions.
independent of the Council and When it comes to campaigning,
form a partnership or consortium size (numbers) does matter, but Mark Williams (DEF) celebrates
with other organisations. so does passion. VCS infrastructure
Our members’ choice
support is essential – Voscur’s
is possibly the most
However, right up to the count, support was crucial. The Council
the Council remained adamant is prepared (although sometimes radical of the options
that our members’ choice would reluctantly) to ‘give in’, or accept
suggested and a
only be ‘taken into consideration’, they’ve made a mistake, with good
very exciting and
not definitive. So imagine our grace – especially when they can
creative, rather than
surprise when upon informing the see it is a community, not just an
a ‘safe’ one
Council of the result, they simply organisation, that is challenging
said, ‘Fine. We’ll make sure you them.
have some help making it happen.’
Now the challenge is to keep
Our members’ choice is possibly up the levels of energy and
the most radical of the options engagement and channel them policies and a constitution.
suggested and a very exciting and into creating an innovative
creative, rather than a ‘safe’ one. consortium! In the meantime the DEF will go
It is already creating interest from independent, but stay based at
organisations and funders alike. By the time you read this we will York Court, so get in touch!
be negotiating Council funding
The Forum Executive is also and the other equalities forums
Contact Laura Welti,
delighted at the result. It has will be consulting their members.
Disability Equality
attracted more people to become
Forum, York Court,
Forum Advisors, a new Advisor A consortium will not happen
Wilder Street, Bristol BS2 8QH
to re-draft our constitution, and overnight – more ‘fresh blood’
laura.welti@bristol.gov.uk
three of the other equalities needs recruiting. Other
Tel: 0117 922 2352
forums have expressed interest in organisations’ members need to
www.bccforums.org.uk/disabled
forming a consortium/partnership be informed before deciding on
14 www.voscur.org

15. New Voscur members
Family Centre for The Bristol Natural History
Deaf Children Consortium
Established in November 1995 the Family Centre is a This consortium is a collaboration between Avon
Registered Charity working with deaf children and their Wildlife Trust, the BBC, Bristol City Council, Bristol Zoo
families throughout the ‘Old Avon’ area. Gardens, Defra, Environment Agency, University of
Bristol, The University of the West of England, Wildfowl
A user led service, all Management Committee & Wetlands Trust and Wildscreen. It has been operating
members have a deaf child in the family or are since 2003, and became a registered charity in 2008.
themselves deaf. Whilst the majority of our work is
with deaf children whose first language is British Sign The Consortium aims to improve the way we
Language (BSL), our activities our open to any child communicate about the natural world. In order to
with hearing loss, and their families, and we welcome inspire and engage the widest possible audience,
enquiries from this group. it delivers entertaining and informative events
and activities, and develops novel communication
The Family Centre provides social and educational techniques. It also initiates and supports research into
activities bringing together children and families to how audiences absorb and respond to conservation
reduce isolation, develop confidence and raise self- messages, and builds effective partnerships among
esteem. We have a resource library of books, CD’s diverse organisations facing similar challenges and
and games and give deaf awareness talks to schools issues.
and other groups. We run a variety of BSL classes for
siblings, parents and grandparents of deaf children This is particularly evident in the Bristol Festival of
throughout the area. Nature, (6-7 June 2009), which provides community
groups and national organisations with a platform to
Twenty percent of our funding comes from South showcase their work and promote their messages, as
Gloucestershire Council with the remaining eighty well as partnership building opportunities, and engages
percent raised through fundraising and the generosity vast and varied audiences.
of Charitable Trusts and individuals. See our website for
details of our 100 Club! The Consortium will also deliver the first BioBlitz at
Ashton Court (26-27 June 2009) - a 30 hour survey of
For more information including forthcoming activities all living species by members of the public, community
please contact us on Tel: 01454 315404, Minicom groups, schools and many local conservation experts
01454 315405, office@fcdc.org.uk or see our website and scientists. As a result of their current work in
www.fcdc.org.uk support of and in partnership with community groups,
and also with a view to increasing the number of
organisations they work with and the communities they
engage, the Bristol Natural History Consortium decided
to join Voscur.
For more information about the Bristol Natural History
Consortium and details of its events, please phone
0117 3700971 or visit www.bnhc.org.uk
15
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16. Voscur Training and learning - Skills
Hot Topic – To download the current skills audit visit:
www.voscur.org/skiilsauduitcaptcha
What are your skills?
There is also a Training Needs Analysis section on the
Do you know what skills your board, staff and UK Workforce Hub’s website. It includes downloadable
volunteers have? A Skills Audit or a Training toolkits for carrying out a wide range of training needs
Needs Analysis is a tool that will help you analyses. www.ukworkforcehub.org.uk/hr/training-
identify the skills your staff has and the skills needs-analysis
that it lacks.
More Skills
In 2007, Voscur and Black Development Agency
Speaking with Confidence
developed a Skills Audit toolkit that organisations can
How confident are you at presenting in public? Voscur
use in order to assess the training and development
recently ran a session called Speaking with Confidence
needs of their staff. This is important, not only for
and has been working on the Equalities and Human
the development of your staff but also to develop
Rights Commission project with lots of groups to give
your organisation. Voscur has a Skills Audit on our
them the confidence to have their voices heard. If
website that you can download and adapt to your
you would like to have better skills there are some
organisation’s needs.
resources that will help you get to grips with that all
important presentation on our website.
Over the coming months, Voscur, in association with
the Learning Curve will be updating the Skills Audit to
For more details visit:
make it easier to use and we also hope to run sessions
www.voscur.org/training/learning#confidence
on how to use a Skills Audit.
16 www.voscur.org

17. Voscur Training & Learning
How Voscur changed my life
Rae Gingell tells us how Voscur’s training has shaped her career.
I can honestly say that attending the first time in my life I joined a
several of Voscur’s excellent political party and got more fully
training sessions changed my life! involved as a community activist.
Looking to find new horizons I saw Now I am looking forward to being
a poster advertising Voscur training involved in the June 2009 local
sessions – one of which held elections.
particular appeal for me. It was
“Who’s the Council anyway?”. Local I heartily commend Voscur and
government has always interested its varied training opportunities
me so I signed up. to anyone who wants to broaden
their voluntary efforts. All sorts of
Rae Gingel
The course was a revelation! I voluntary organisations in Bristol
had on for that day. I met his
learned how our Councillors go do wonderful work – with Voscur’s
colleagues who explained how
about running the services in help, community volunteers can be
Council business is conducted, how
Bristol and had the chance to trained to be more confident, well
challenging some of the work of
question three sitting Councillors. informed and effective.
running a city is and why they, as
But the most important thing I Give it a go!
volunteers, undertake this work.
learned that day was that ordinary
citizens can (and do) take part in
Goodbye to Becs
Cllr Rogers next took me to a
the work of the Council. I went
call-in on the issue of how best to
away feeling strongly that I really
Rebekah Hacker, Voscur’s Events
care for vulnerable adults in our
wanted to follow up on this course
and Training Support Administrator
community. As I had worked in the
in some way.
left Voscur in February to take up a
area of dementia care for many
new post as Training Co-ordinator
years I was entirely involved in the
A short time later I received a letter
with CAADA – Co-ordinated Action
arguments and points being made.
from Voscur, which asked whether
Against Domestic Abuse.
It was time for me to take my leave
I would be interested in shadowing
– but I had already made a major
a Councillor for a day. I signed up
Becs made a huge impact on
decision. I was determined to put
immediately. Councillor Jon Rogers
Voscur with her friendly manner
myself up as a potential candidate
(Liberal Democrat) called me and
and her efficient work. We will
for Councillorship at some time in
I spent a full day with him as he
miss her, but wish her well for her
the future.
carried out his work for the Council.
future career.
Voscur’s ‘Shadowing a Councillor’
I was taken behind the scenes of
Anna Polanek is our new Events
day was one of the most life
the Council and was fully included
and Training Support Administrator.
changing events in my life. For
in the work Cllr Rogers
17
www.voscur.org

18. Voscur Training & Learning
? Training
Tax Effective Giving - Get Your Share of the
Low Cost
Missing Millions
Wednesday 4 March (10.30am-4pm) at the
Wellspring Healthy Living Centre, Beam Street,
Voscur is aware that training is one
Barton Hill, Bristol BS5 9QY
of the first things to go when money
is tight in the sector. Run by the Institute of Fundraising, this session is for
anyone who wants to find out more about fundraising
This is why ALL of our courses are from individuals and events. It will cover tax effective
designed to help the long-term giving methods, how to increase your income and how to
sustainability of your organisation create an action plan.
and its staff. We also run low-cost
Trustee Series – Why am I on the committee?*
and free training where we can.
Thursday 5 March (6.30pm-9.30pm) at Barton
Hill Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, Barton Hill, Bristol
To book onto any of our
BS5 0AX
courses go online to www.
This course is for those people who are trustees who
voscur.org/training or call us want to know more about their roles, responsibilbites
on 0117 909 9949. and duties as trustees. It will cover your legal obligations
as well as offer information on the different roles you
have to take as a trustee.*(Previously known as Roles and
Responsibilities of Trustees 1)
Trustee Series – Good Governance –
How to be a better trustee* (full)
Thursday 12 March (6.30pm-9.30pm) at Barton
Hill Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, Barton Hill, Bristol
BS5 0AX
This course is for those people who have been trustees for
a while and want to know more about how to be effective
in their role. It will cover the governance/management
split as well as skills audits and effective meetings.
*(previously known as Roles and Responsibilities of
Trustees 2)
Developing a Fundraising Strategy
Wednesday 18 March (9.30am-3.30pm) at RNIB,
Stillhouse Lane, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4EB
18 www.voscur.org

19. Voscur Training & Learning
Human Rights and Your Work
Are you following funding or choosing which
New Course
Wednesday 25 March (9.30am-3.30pm)
funders to go for? This course will help you focus
Langley Centre, 2 Gainsborough Square,
on developing a fundraising strategy for your
organisation and will help you consider what you Lockleaze, Bristol BS7 9XA
need to make it right. This course is for anyone Have you ever considered how Human Rights impacts
who needs to develop a fundraising strategy and on your work? This session will cover: overview of
wants their organisation to have a long-term the Human Rights Act, key Human Rights Articles and
fundraising plan. what they cover, how Human Rights fit with equality
and diversity and how Human Rights can benefit your
Trustee Series - So you think you're service users. This session is for managers, project
New Course
a charity? - Legal structures for workers or board members who want to widen their
organisations response to Equalities and Human Rights agendas.
Thursday 19 March (10am - 1pm)
Be Better at What you do – small groups
at Rose Green Centre, 65 Gordon Road,
Low Cost
Thursday 26 March (6.30pm-9.30 pm) Barton
Whitehall, Bristol BS5 7DL
Hill Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, Barton Hill,
Did you know that being a charity is not a legal
structure? This course is designed to develop Bristol BS5 0AX
underpinning knowledge to help you understand This training is for small groups/organisations that
legal structures. There will be scope for a clinic want to be more effective at what they do. Using the
for organisations to raise questions at the end of Perform tool for small groups, this session will give
the session. This course is for anyone who would you tools, hints and tips on how to make your group
like to know more or who is considering changing work better. By the end of the session you will be
their legal structure. able to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of your
group and create an action plan for improvement. This
Financial Management for the Non- training is for small groups who want to understand
New Course
Financially Minded how they could be more effective. Please note two
Tuesday 24 March (9.30am-3.30pm) people from each organisation should attend.
at the Withywood Centre, Queens Road,
See How Neighbourhood Partnerships
Bristol, BS13 8QA
Free
are working
This course is practical and looks at example
Wednesday 1 April (10am-4pm)
accounts of voluntary organisations. It will help
participants to make sense of their year end This is a coach visit to Neighbourhood Partnership
accounts, communicate more effectively with areas more details will be available soon, call Hannah
their auditor or independent examiner and to Parker on 0117 909 9949 to find out more.
use financial information more effectively. This
course is useful for anyone who needs to read and
More courses will be out soon, keep an eye
understand accounts, as a paid staff member or
on our website and ebulletin.
as a trustee/management committee member.
19
www.voscur.org

20. Have Your Say - Vox Pops
“
Thriving or It will affect the future income for Community
at Heart; we’re in part dependent on income
surviving? from our assets such as rent from property.
How is the A reduction in these will impact on our ability
to achieve our mission to improve services
recession for residents of Easton and Lawrence Hill.
65% of children in Lawrence Hill ward are
affecting the already affected by poverty and overall the
VCS? recession will probably increase poverty.
Residents will probably be adversely affected
by redundancies and the squeeze on credit as
During February we asked lower skilled workers are often amongst the
a selection of Voscur first affected in a recession.
members how the economic Sarah Keel, Community at Heart
downturn is affecting their Find out more about Community at Heart:
organisations and the people www.communityatheart.co.uk
they work with.
We are looking forward to expanding during
the recession. We expanded hugely last time
We asked: we had a recession. When people are working
“The UK economy and busy they don’t have the time to get
is now officially in involved with LETS (Local Exchange Trading
Schemes) but when they are unemployed they
recession, what impact
have more time and are more willing to do
will this have on your
more for free.
organisation and those
Steve Higham, Bristol InterLETS
you work with?”
Find out more about Bristol InterLETS:
www.bristolinterlets.co.uk
‘Our work concentrates on those least able
to become employed without support. There
is a worry that a two tier support system will
develop, concentrating on the most able to
get back into employment and neglecting
those least able - partly because the support
structure is based on large government
“
contracts.
Iris Eiting, Re:work
Find out more about Re:work:
www.rework.freecharity.org.uk
20 www.voscur.org

21. Have Your Say - Equalities
Avon Fire & Rescue Service
Equalities Consultation Group
The role of a modern fire and rescue service has changed
over the last few years and we are now as concerned with
trying to prevent emergencies as responding to them when
they do occur. It has become even more important than
ever to find out the needs of our local communities.
After a review in summer 2006, Forum, Silai for Skills, Somerset tim Roberts, Avon Fire and Rescue
it became clear that Avon Fire Race Equality Council and West
& Rescue Service (AF&RS) did of England Centre for Inclusive The group is a consultative
not consult with equalities Living. Recently we invited Support committee on all areas impacting
communities. As well endangering Against Racial Incidents to join the on equality and diversity within
our compliance with the public group. AF&RS’ responsibilities on
sector equality duties, we also employment and service delivery.
recognised that this had a negative The meetings require a It also provides scrutiny through
impact on our ability to plan and commitment of half a day every the impact assessment process
deliver appropriate services. two months. We recognise that of our policies and practices and
this is a significant commitment offers advice on how to advance
We decided to set up a group – especially as half the member equality of opportunity. Whether
where we could meet with organisations do not have a single commenting on business plans,
community groups from the six full time staff member. We the wording on our job application
key equality strands. We had to therefore offer a payment for forms or our recruitment strategy,
balance our desire to get as many attending each meeting as a way the group has made a significant
different perspectives as possible of compensating organisations impact.
with a realisation that the new for their time. We also decided to
group had to be relatively small hold the majority of meetings in A recent review of how the group
enough to work effectively. community venues - giving them works received very positive
some additional funding too. feedback from all the members,
In the end we invited ten different who were grateful that AF&RS was
organisations to work with us: The group first met in January 2007 not just hosting a “talking shop”
Bath & North East Somerset and has held 11 meetings so far. and could see the difference that
(B&NES), Disability Equality Forum, Fire and Rescue Services have very they were making.
B&NES Race Equality Council, different structures, functions and
Tim Roberts, Equalities
Bristol Fawcett, Bristol Lesbian, pressures to other public sector
Officer for Avon Fire
Gay and Bisexual Forum, Bristol organisations, so the first couple
and Rescue Service.
Muslim Cultural Society, Bristol of meetings were planned so the
tim.roberts@avonfire.gov.uk
Older People’s Forum, BSL Users members could get to know us.
21
www.voscur.org

22. Have Your Say
Equalities Action Group - what got us here?
Can the new look Bristol Partnership bring a new look Equalities Action Group?
The Equalities Action Group 3.Support all Partners on the Bristol
(EAG) previously had a key role in Partnership to comply with the
providing Equalities representation Protocol for Equalities and Social
to both scrutinise and support the Inclusion.
work of the Bristol Partnership (BP).
4.Contribute to the work of the
When the peer review of the Partnership Boards to ensure
partnership took place the EAG that there are positive and
could easily have been lost in the measurable outcomes for equalities
restructuring process given that communities in the delivery of
the revised BP did not feature any Action Plans.
key commitments on Equalities.
Equalities communities, or from
5.Monitor progress of the
those who work with a clear
Supported by Voscur, some of our Partnership and its Partnership
Equalities agenda.
member groups have refused to Boards against agreed equalities
be deterred by this and have given outcomes and against the
There is extensive Equalities
a lot of time to renewing the EAG, underlying principles of equalities
knowledge and experience in
through a range of meetings and and community cohesion.
Bristol and a collective group
consultations, and negotiation with
could serve as an effective body
the BP Executive Board. 7.Liaise with the wider Bristol
in helping to tackle issues such
Equalities Network on a six-monthly
as poverty, the gender pay gap,
Some suggested aims of the EAG basis to maintain a two-way link
hate crime, racism experienced by
would be to: between the Partnership, the
overseas workers contributing to
Equalities Partners and the wider
the economy, safeguarding private
1.Ensure equalities outcomes are equalities communities of Bristol.
details of vulnerable and excluded
effectively identified and delivered
people, monitoring an inclusive
through the Community Strategy 8.Ensure that its membership
economy.
and Bristol’s Local Area Agreement. reflects all equalities communities
in Bristol and influences the work
2.Support Equalities Partners to of the Bristol Partnership and its
For updated
ensure that an equalities and Partnership Boards.
information please see
community cohesion perspective
the Voscur website or
is integral to Bristol Partnership Those who have been involved
contact Ruth Pitter at the
thinking, planning and decision- in the process so far are eager to
Voscur office or email
making. ensure that the EAG has sign-up
ruth@voscur.org
from partners representing
22 www.voscur.org

23. Have Your Say
Voscur’s EHRC acquired through the course of Equalities
the project towards facilitating This is a shorthand term, which
project workshops at the ‘Our Voices refers to the range of work aimed
Count’ event in February. at ensuring the full and fair
participation of marginalised or
As we approach the last month of
The feedback we have received under-represented groups arising
this EHRC (Equalities and Human
from those who have been part of from discrimination, disadvantage
Rights Commission) project,
our events has indicated that the and other barriers to participation.
we look forward to running our
work has been of good value and This has a particular reference
Equalities training session for
benefit. We will soon be doing to race, disability, gender, sexual
Voscur and Bristol Partnership
an evaluation of the year-long orientation, religion and belief, and
Reps. Please see our diary for more
project and will put the results on age as areas of non-discrimination
details about this training on 25
our website, or a hard copy can be that come within the scope of
March.
requested. the UK’s statutory equalities
framework.
We have recently delivered
If you would like more
‘Confident to Present’ training
information about our Equalities communities
sessions for Refugee Women
EHRC work please are groups recognised because
of Bristol, and designed specific
contact Ruth Pitter: of their identity and shared
training for Hartcliffe and
ruth@voscur.org experience of discrimination:
Withywood Teenage Parents
or Sophie Bayley: disabled people, black and minority
Projects on ‘Boards without
sophieb@voscur.org ethnic communities, women,
Barriers’ about how to attain and
You can see documents, tools lesbians, gay men, bisexuals,
sustain inclusive boards.
and images relating to the transgender people, young people,
project on our website: older people and faith groups.
We have also held some positive
meetings with the Bristol Lesbian, www.voscur.org
Equalities communities rarely self-
Gay and Bisexual (LGB) forum and
organise at a local level but have
the Bristol Faith forum to discuss
Jargon Buster traditionally self-organised in Bristol
ideas on working across Equalities
Community Cohesion at a city-wide level, where they
strands.
An environment in which people can influence more effectively the
from different backgrounds can decisions that have a profound
The outcomes of the training and
develop positive relationships effect on their lives, irrespective of
events we have held have been
while at the same time valuing and where they live.
very positive. Participants have
preserving specific identities.
gone on to use skills they have
23
www.voscur.org

24. Have Your Say - Voscur Reps
Let me Thriving Neighbourhoods
Partnership Board
represent you Simon Bale (Churches Council for
Industry and Social Responsibility)
There was a great response I have worked in the voluntary and
to the Voscur reps election community sector for almost twenty years
in December (both in terms in various capacities (currently as the
of nomination and votes Churches’ Regeneration Officer) and have
cast). Thank you if you a broad and detailed appreciation of the
took part. We’re pleased to issues and pressures affecting the sector. I
introduce you to the people was chair of the Bristol Partnership for the
who’ll be representing past year during its reformation. I am very
you and the voluntary able and willing to challenge and question,
community sector at the but I also recognise that working together
Bristol Partnership. can require negotiation and a pragmatic
approach.
Please see our pull-out flyer To contact Simon
of the Bristol Partnership Phone: (0117) 955 7430
boards with this issue to see Email: simon@ccisr.org.uk
who chairs each board, the
Children and Young People
Voscur reps and Voluntary
Partnership Board
Community and Social
Enterprise members. Fran Harrison (Fairbridge West)
I manage Fairbridge West, a charity that
Your new reps on the works with disaffected young people
Bristol Partnership between 13 and 25. I’ve been a board
member of Voscur for three years. In 2008
introduce themselves:
I was elected to represent the voluntary
sector on two groups: the North 2 Locality
Governance Group for multi-agency
working, and the Integrated Youth Support
and Development Services Strategy Group
for Bristol Children and Young People’s
Keep in touch with your reps Service. I am committed to ensuring the
Join the Voscur e-forums NOW! voluntary sector has a strong voice, and
You will get up to date Bristol most importantly, that I am accountable to
Partnership news, information and you.
an opportunity to give your views to To Contact Fran
the Voscur reps. Sign up now at Phone: (0117) 942 5362
lists.voscur.org/forums Email: frances.harrison@fairbridge.org.uk
24 www.voscur.org

25. Have Your Say - Voscur Reps
Health and Wellbeing Partnership Bristol Partnership Executive Board
Board Wendy Stephenson (Voscur)
Sally Gapper (North Bristol Advice Voscur was asked to send its Chief Executive
Centre) or chair as a representative to the Bristol
I have worked in the Bristol advice sector Partnership executive board from December
for over twenty years, and for North Bristol 2008, so I have taken up that role. I will meet
Advice Centre for the last seventeen years. regularly with the voluntary, community
I have worked in close partnership with and social enterprise sector reps to the
other members of Advice Centres for Avon Partnership Boards, and feed in their issues
(ACFA) and represent them on the Bristol City and concerns to the executive board. I aim
Council Joint Planning Board for Advice. Over to reinforce the value of the sector and the
the past couple of years I have continued to contribution it makes to the quality of life in
try and raise the profile of advice services and Bristol. It’s important to be able to influence
to demonstrate the links between poverty decision making at this level. If you want to
and ill health. find out more please contact me.
To contact Sally To contact Wendy
Phone: (0117) 951 5751 Phone: (0117) 909 9949
Email: sally@northbristoladvice.org.uk Email: wendy@voscur.org
Prosperous and Ambitious Partnership Safer Bristol Partnership Board
Board Alex Raikes (Support Against Racist
Elaine Flint (Social Enterprise Works) Incidents)
I am Assistant Director for S.A.R.I. (Support
I’ve worked in the sector for nearly 25 years, Against Racist Incidents) having so far
working for a national mental health charity, dedicated 18 years advocating for human
a development trust and currently as Director rights in this specialist, high profile Charity.
of Social Enterprise Works. I represented I have first hand experience of racism and
Voscur on the Economy Delivery Group in the will bring this personal understanding to my
old (Bristol Partnership) structure. I have tried work. Since 2006 I have been a committed
to ensure that the needs of our deprived and active Voscur rep initially for the
communities and the contribution that Equalities Action Group and latterly as a
Voluntary Community Social Enterprise (VCSE) rep for Safer Bristol Partnership where I
organisations make to their economic health, have played a very active role, contributing
is recognised. The new Board’s remit includes specialist knowledge re: equalities
housing, culture and transport. I hope to be communities, the implications of hate crime
able to work with VCSE colleagues in these and the voice of the voluntary sector.
areas to ensure effective input. To contact Alex
To contact Elaine Phone: (0117) 942 0060
Phone: (0117) 907 0080 Email: asstdirector@sariweb.org.uk
Email: elaine@socialenterpriseworks.org
25
www.voscur.org

26. How to – ICT
Voscur’s Software Wonderland
You may not know it but Voscur’s Information CiviCRM
and Training services have been developed Behind our website, managing the Directories
over the last 30 months on a Free Software and Event sign ups and our knowledge of your
Platform (www.fsf.org). organisation, is the powerful free database - CiviCRM
(www.civicrm.org). Any new database application
has a steep learning curve and it took some time
The great thing about free software is that when it
to embed into Voscur, but now it is an integral part
is improved or upgraded, those improvements are
of our work and aids us greatly in managing all our
available for free as well. In addition, what was an
relationships with you, our members and the hundreds
attempt to save money and improve the technology in
of other individuals and organisations that we work
our office has led to us being seen as “trend setters”
with helping Bristol’s Voluntary Sector to thrive.
nationally when it comes to web and database services
to the Voluntary Sector.
At last count we had over 7000 contacts in CiviCRM.
CiviCRM was first developed in the United States
ThIs means we can generate income by sharing our
“designed specifically to meet the needs of advocacy,
expertise with other Councils for Voluntary Service
non-profit and non-governmental groups” and Voscur
across England allowing us to keep training and
were one of the first major projects in the UK for the
membership fees lower. So what is this “platform”?
CiviCRM community, now two years later, hundreds of
Drupal groups, particularly other CVS are taking up CiviCRM
across the UK.
Our website is built with a Content Management
System called Drupal (wwww.drupal.org), it allows
If you want to know more about this software or other
multiple users to update and add information easily
free software follow the links above, or contact Sean
and quickly. New staff can grasp the basics quickly,
at Voscur. Seank@voscur.org, 0117 909 9949.
and users (that’s you!) can be given access to certain
areas to add content themselves, including jobs,
requests for volunteers, diary events, and noticeboard
items.
If you’ve not tried it out, create a login and join in.
Everything added to the website becomes part of the
website feeds which you can subscribe to separately
to be notified of changes or to add to your own
website. If you add something then it will come up
on several websites if they are taking the “feed”,
getting your message out quicker and wider. We’ll
be upgrading again later in 2009 so watch out for far
more digital goodness on the website.
26 www.voscur.org