December 2024

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Voluntary Sector Network Update

‘Together for healthier communities’

Cambridgeshire Poverty Commission

Working with a number of voluntary sector and other local authority partners, the County Council have set up a Poverty Commission. You see from their webpage that a number of Commissioners have been appointed, all of whom are rooted in communities and the voluntary sector. The Commission is currently collecting evidence to inform their work. Please do respond using this evidence form. Recommendations are being developing in January, then published in February. There is also a link on the webpage where you can sign up for updates and keep informed about the work.

Peterborough Poverty Truth Commission

‘Nothing about us, without us’ is the ethos of the Poverty Truth Commission (PTC) in Peterborough; meaning that lasting social change only happens when those who experience struggles participate in generating that change. The Peterborough Poverty Truth Commission was formed with those voices from the community working alongside civic commissioners representing senior level involvement across the statutory and voluntary sector.

By working closely together, and forming genuine relationships, the PTC has identified the need for improving face-to-face support for form filling, promoting digital inclusion across Peterborough and improving the way front line workers support their clients. They are now working with the Cambridgeshire Digital Inclusion Strategy, Jobsmart and other organisations to ensure the Commission leaves a lasting legacy.

ReSPECT training

ReSPECT (short for Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) is all about personal care planning. NHS and some social care staff have been trained on this approach. We’re delighted that this is now available to the voluntary sector. An online session has been arranged for 17th December 2pm to 3pm. Contact Debbie to book a space.

The 2025 State of the Sector Survey

This important annual survey of the Cambridgeshire VCSE sector is now open. Last year’s report highlighted significant challenges, such as a decline in volunteer numbers and the increasing complexity of the needs you address daily. This year, we want to hear from everyone—volunteers, staff, and trustees. Even if you’re from the same organisation, each perspective is vital. The survey is open until 17 February 2025. Please do take a few minutes to reply and share with your colleagues. Annual survey 2025

November VSN meeting

The new ICS People Strategy was our main topic in November. Laura Porro, Associate Director of Leadership and Organisational Development at the ICB, gave us a progress report and listened to the experiences of VSN members, for example the ability to pay the Real Living Wage. Everyone agreed that there should more secondments and other cross-sector working and learning initiatives. Laura confirmed there will be more opportunities to contribute as the strategy develops and starts to deliver.

Digital Access Survey

A reminder to please share and respond to the Healthwatch survey. They particularly want to hear from more young people: Improving digital access to health care | Healthwatch Cambridgeshire

Safeguarding

Don’t forget to keep your safeguarding training and policies up to date. Speak to your local CVS for advice, training and template policies. They have lots of expert help available!

Voluntary Sector Network meetings

Our December meeting will be a unique mix of celebration and information. We will be sending out more details soon but, in the meantime, put the in your diary:

11th December 1.30pm at Hartford Village Hall, Huntingdon

Then in 2025 we return to our usual format of speakers and VSN business. Dates for your dairy: