South Leicestershire Voluntary Sector Forum

In 2001 a number of representatives of community and voluntary organisations came together to discuss the idea of setting up a Voluntary Sector Forum. Their vision was to provide an opportunity for groups to come together to network and share experience and good practice and to engage as a Voluntary Sector with various local partnerships and agencies. The first meeting of the South Leicestershire Voluntary Sector Forum was held in January 2002.

The aim of the Voluntary Sector Forum is to strengthen and develop the voluntary and community sector in South Leicestershire into a cohesive and articulate body, in a climate of equal partnership with statutory agencies and other bodies.

The Forum provides an opportunity for local groups to ‘showcase’ their work, and outside speakers from the statutory sector are also invited on a regular basis. Each meeting of the Forum provides an opportunity for local groups to discuss their work and share ideas. Guest speakers are also asked to speak covering issues of local interest. Strategic partnership issues may be discussed at some meetings but people do not have to stay for that part of the meeting if they do not think it is relevant to them.

The Forum has been very successful to date, with a high level of interest from a variety of groups. We want to extend the membership of the Forum to be as inclusive as possible. It is important that all sizes of groups are represented, as we want as wide a contribution of views and expertise as possible. Meetings are held at the Settling Rooms in Market Harborough and the One Stop Shop in Lutterworth, hopefully making it possible for people to attend from all over the district.

In 2000 the Government amended the Local Government Act so that all local government (County, District, City, Unitary, etc.) have to create a Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) and develop a community strategy. The LSP has to include representatives from the statutory, voluntary and private sectors. In Harborough it has been agreed that the LSP will have a small Steering Group which will focus on strategic issues. It will include representatives from the District Council, Health Sector, Police, Business and the Welland Partnership, and also possibly the housing and environment sectors. Recently, the Voluntary Sector Forum was invited to nominate a representative onto the Steering Group, offering the Voluntary Sector Forum a welcome opportunity to play a key role in the development of the LSP and the community strategy.

All local community groups and voluntary organisations are encouraged to become members of the Forum, which meets quarterly. For those who cannot attend the meetings, we can also communicate via mail and e-mail. To join call 01455 557005.

Dates of Meetings

Thursday, 15th June 2006
10.00 am to 12 noon at

The One Stop Shop
Wycliffe House
Gilmorton Road
LUTTERWORTH
LE17 4DY

Topic: Voluntary & Community Sector Opportunities for Learning in Leicester Shire
Speaker: Mick O'Hara, Project Manager

Tuesday, 12th September 2006
10.00 am to 12 noon at

The Settling Rooms
St Mary's Place
MARKET HARBOROUGH
LE17 7DR

Thursday, 7th December 2006 Annual General Meeting
10.00 am to 12 noon at

The One Stop Shop
Wycliffe House
Gilmorton Road
LUTTERWORTH
LE17 4DY

Meeting dates not showing a topic are to be confirmed.

For further information regarding the above meetings:- Telephone 01858 433232 or email Lizzie Keenan at: lkeenan@slcvs.org.uk