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Background
The move to unitary government in Bedfordshire provides an opportunity for the third sector to establish effective mechanisms for how it wishes to organise itself and ensure that its knowledge and expertise influence the design and delivery of local public services.
Third Sector Assembly
Work to establish the Central Bedfordshire Third Sector Assembly began following consultation with the local voluntary and community sector to ascertain their views. The Assembly will provide voluntary organisations and community groups operating within Central Bedfordshire with:
- need clear mechanisms to ensure representation at meetings and events
- a transparent process for the third sector to agree whom it wants to represent them at meetings
- training, support and terms of reference for those representing the sector
- third sector representation at key meetings and partnerships
- opportunities for the third sector to discuss and debate the issues that affect them.
Get Involved
If you would like to get involved with the Assembly, please ensure you register with the Partnerships Team at Voluntary and Community Action so that you receive future communications. You can also check out opportunities here on our website – we are currently seeking to appoint representatives to various local partnerships. Contact Helen Nottingham, Partnerships Officer, by email to partnerships@action-centralbeds.org.uk or by telephone on 01525 850559.
Assembly Meetings
A launch event of the Third Sector Assembly was held on 3 February 2010. The objectives of the event were to:
- provide opportunities for the third/sector to influence statutory sector policies, strategies and decisions
- ensure effective third sector representation
- ensure successful partnership working with the statutory sector.
To view the Report of the Launch Event click here.
To view photograps of the Event click here.
Next Event
23 November 2010
Venue is the Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick MK45 1AH
Meet the Assembly Representatives
To view details of the currently appointed Assembly representatives, the partnerships they sit on and their contact details to enable you to discuss relevant issues, receive feedback and/or discuss their role as an Assembly representative, click here.
Draft Assembly Framework and Terms of Reference Published for Consultation
An outline of the proposed framework was presented at the inaugural meeting of the Central Bedfordshire Third Sector Assembly meeting held on 3 February 2010, when those attending contributed their views and suggestions. These have now been incorporated into this framework document, along with good practice from other Assemblies across England and from a meeting of Assembly Coordinators held in Bristol on the 23-24 February 2010.
The draft framework sets out the Assembly’s values and approach; its membership, purpose and activities; and explains how Assembly representatives will be appointed to local partnerships and supported in their role. It also sets out the role of the Coordinating Body and includes draft terms of reference for the Assembly.
Jargon Buster
Included in the Delegate Pack at the launch event of the Central Bedfordshire Assembly was a Jargon Buster. It explained terms, words and phrases often used within the work a the Third Sector Assembly and local partnerships. It was so well received that we have made it available for download; alternatively you can request a copy by contacting Helen Nottingham via email on partnerships@action-centralbeds.org.uk or telephone on 01525 850559.
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