Voluntary sector promised greater role in long-term planning

Local authorities must support the development of voluntary and
community sector infrastructure to allow organisations to have a
say in children’s services, under new government proposals,
writes Amy Taylor.

A Department for Education and Skills discussion paper states
that ministers will use “levers” available through
statutory guidance to ensure voluntary and community organisations
are allowed to participate.

The document, which sets out early thinking on a strategy for
working with the voluntary and community sector, envisages that
such organisations will be engaged in strategy development,
commissioning, services delivery and scrutiny at a local
level. 

Caroline Abrahams, head of policy at children’s charity NCH,
said that a key aspect would be how local authorities’
relationship with the voluntary and community sector was monitored
through the proposed integrated inspection framework.
“Whether it’s monitored through the CPA [comprehensive
performance assessment] is also very important,” she
added.

The government also proposes a review of voluntary and community
sector funding in an attempt to create a more streamlined system
and “achieve the right balance between project funding and
longer-term strategic funding.”

Comments on the discussion document must be submitted by the end of
July.

Towards a strategy for working with the voluntary and community
sector to deliver outcomes for children, young, people and families
from: CYPFDVCSstrategy.consultation@dfes.gsi.gov.uk