Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment

The Committee received a report on the performance of Newcastle Council for Voluntary Service (NCVS) in respect of the agreement it entered into with the Council in June 2016. The agreement was for the provision of support, development, networking and representation to the voluntary and community sector in Gateshead.

It was reported that the Council is now looking at options for the provision of support and representation for the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in Gateshead for 2017/18 and beyond. Discussions will take place with Newcastle City Council and Newcastle Gateshead CCG with a view to a jointly commissioned approach.

The Committee also received a presentation from Sally Young, Chief Executive NCVS, which detailed the findings of a study of Gateshead’s voluntary and community sector.

It was queried how NCVS communicates with the Council. It was noted that to date the NCVS has worked with the Council strategically and has been represented on various boards including Health and Wellbeing Board and the Children’s Trust Board. NCVS also participated in the recent Corporate Peer Challenge undertaken by the Local Government Association.  

It was requested that details be provided of the VCS groups and services which receive funding from the Newcastle Gateshead CCG.

The work of NCVS was welcomed along with the findings of its study of the Gateshead VCS.

Details were sought on the balance and nature of the support being provided by NCVS to the large VCS organisations and smaller groups. It was reported that 95% of the workload concerns smaller organisations and involves longer-term support with advice on funding, policies and organisational structures.

The cost to the Council of the current agreement was queried. It was reported that the cost is £160k p.a. and is equal to the cost of GVOC, the previous provider of support and representation to Gateshead’s VCS.