We work strategically to develop, promote and support voluntary and community action by contributing to partnerships across the voluntary and community, public and private sectors. We do this by:

• co-ordination, liaison and networking within the voluntary and community sector and with other sectors
• advocacy, representation and providing a voice for, and on behalf of, the voluntary and community sector
• promoting and participating in partnership, collaborative and
  cross-sectoral working
• contributing and responding to public policy debates and other issues affecting the voluntary and community
  sector.

Voluntary and Community Action is committed to partnership and multi-agency working and hold regular meetings with key local partnerships and organisations, including:

• Bedfordshire & Luton Investing in Communities Partnership
• Central Bedfordshire Council and local Town Councils
• Bedfordshire Local Strategic Forum Learning and Skills, and Involving Everyone, Sector Teams
• Bedfordshire Rural Affairs Forum
• Learning and Skills Council Bedfordshire and Luton – the Director of Voluntary and Community Action continues to represent the voluntary and community sector on the LSC Council.

South Bedfordshire Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) provides ‘joined up thinking’ and partnership working between local government, public sector agencies, local businesses and the voluntary and community sector. The LSP dealt with a range of issues affecting the area, including the MKSM Sub Regional Strategy, neighbourhood renewal initiatives and implementation of the Community Plan for South Bedfordshire, with which Voluntary and Community Action has had a close involvement.

Voluntary and Community Action has worked in partnership with Dunstable Town Council to research and develop guidelines and model policies for voluntary and community sector organisations working with vulnerable adults. The publication and launch of our Better Care Resource Pack, and the design and delivery of a training workshop to support its implementation, has been well received.