VIN works with Adult Social Care

/by

VIN has started work with Adult Social Care (West Northamptonshire) on their Co-Production Register.

The Register consists of Experts by Experience (or EBEs) who contribute to Adult Social Care Policy and future Commissions.

Russell Rolph (the CEO of VIN) states:

I am delighted to be working with Adult Social Care (ASC) on this Register and in supporting the Co-production Board. Working with those who have Lived Experience is vital in ensuring that the right services are compiled and delivered, and this is a great opportunity for VIN to step further into this arena. As we know more, I am calling on all VCSE organisations across West Northamptonshire to suggest potential candidates for these EBE roles, all of which are remunerated for the time they give. Please contact me for information in the first instance. The programme will start in earnest in January of 2025, and my thanks to all those in Adult Social Care who gave us this opportunity. Further information on the pipeline of ASC Commissions will be circulated in due course.

Public consultation on Community Safety

/by

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Danielle Stone has this week launched the public consultation on her Community Safety Plan, Safe and Sound (Police, Fire and Crime Plan).

This consultation also includes a further separate consultation on the council tax precept for both policing and fire.

She is keen to hear as many views as possible from all sections of the community before finalising any of these.

Please click on the link provided below where you can view the Community Safety Plan in full.

The Plan is a strategic level Plan that is aimed at improving the quality of services provided and the service to local communities. It will be underpinned by operational police and fire Plans being developed by the Chief Constable and Chief Fire Officer and will also have falling from it several “spin off” Plans and activities.

https://www.research.net/r/PlanAndPreceptConsultation2025OPFCC7

Children and Young People Consultation in West Northamptonshire

/by

West Northamptonshire Council are asking for feedback on two important consultations around the delivery of Children and Young People (or CYP). VCSE organisations that work with these beneficiaries are encouraged to reply.

The first appertains to services delivered to those aged 0-19.

This consultation will be open for six weeks and is available via the following links:

The second concerns Sexual Health. This consultation will run for four weeks and can be accessed here:

Review of Placed Based Arrangements

/by

The West Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board have recently discussed a Review of the Placed Based Operating Model (Local Area Partnerships Or LAPS).

The Model is a fundamental pillar in the successful achievement of the 10 Live Your Best Life (LYBL) ambitions at a Place. The Model has been rolled out since August 2022 and it is now deemed time to review the benefits and identify where there are opportunities to strengthen delivery. A Task & Finish Group has been established to oversee the Review and will agree the governance, process, scope, timescales, options appraisal methodology and production of the full Business Case to include conclusion and recommendations on how the Model will evolve going forward.

 As part of this process West Northamptonshire are gathering feedback on the Model to understand what is working well and what needs to improve. This will help us to ensure that the local area partnerships (LAPs) are as effective as they can be in supporting a Place-Based Approach to improve the health and wellbeing of residents.

As the VCSE lives, works, and invests in Place your views are sought. Please complete the survey by 15th December 2024.

Role Description

/by

CHC ROLE DESCRIPTION

Mini Bus Driver – Northampton Door to Door Service

/by

 

Join Our Team!

We are seeking a compassionate and reliable Mini Bus Driver to provide essential transport services for elderly and disabled individuals in Northampton. As part of our Northampton Door to Door Service, you will drive a specially adapted mini-bus, ensuring safe and comfortable journeys for our passengers.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Safely transport passengers from their homes to various destinations.
  • Assist passengers with walking aids and luggage.
  • Ensure all passengers are securely seated before travel.
  • Conduct routine maintenance and safety checks on the vehicle.

About Us: VIN supports the voluntary and community sector in Northamptonshire, enhancing local services and fostering community connections. Join us in making a difference!

If you are dedicated to providing excellent service and support to those in need, we want to hear from you!

You can find the application form here  and Job Description here

Children and Families Conference 2024

/by

Connect Northamptonshire jointly hosted, with the VCSE Assembly Northamptonshire, a county wide CYP conference on 7th October at the Towcester Forum.  The Conference report is available to view here

 

 

 

A View From the Turret – The Budget 2024

/by

There were several key announcements within the budget which took place on the 30th of October 2024. Overall, it was characterised by increases in spending, taxation and borrowing, the largest recipients of increased funding being appeared to be the NHS and schools, although the detail is far from clear and we all need to see the Spending Review, due for publication in the spring of 2025. Some of the positive news includes:

  • Increased local government funding: A 3.2% rise in core local government spending, with at least £600 million in new funding for social care.
  • Support for individuals and carers: Reduce Universal Credit debt deductions (from 25% to 15%). Raise the weekly earnings limit on Carer’s Allowance. Conduct an independent review of Carer’s Allowance overpayments.
  • SEND support: £1 billion (a 6% real-terms rise) to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
  • Funding for hardship support: £1 billion next year to extend the Household Support Fund and hardship payments.
  • Education funding: An additional £30 million for free breakfast clubs.
  • Funding for Holocaust education: An additional £2 million to support Holocaust education charities.

The less positive news for charities struggling on the precipice of sustainability is the 6.7% rise in the national living wage and the increase in employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) to 15%, both effective from 1 April 2025.

As NCVO remark:

While fair wages are essential, these rising costs will intensify the “triple squeeze” charities face from increasing costs, reduced funding, and higher demand.

Smaller charities may need to shift already limited resources away from essential services, putting the communities they support at risk.

Given this, it’s essential that VCSE organisations practice excellent housekeeping which includes ensuring that the projects they deliver make sense financially and are not loss leaders. In addition, every VCSE leader should be standing up and discussing non-inflationary contracts (usually provided by the Local Authority but not exhaustively) and detailing the extra costs that organisations must bear because of this budget.

Part of this is about a true and granular understanding of what works for your organisation and how much it costs. Once people know this, it’s easier to understand what you need when an offer comes your way.

Without it, you’re guessing and in this new world that’s a mistake that no VCSE organisation can afford to make.