19 August 2019
Representatives from voluntary and community sector organisations are invited to attend a workshop to find out about how the relationship between the sector and the Government of Jersey has improved over the last 12 months.
Following a year of productive meetings between representatives from third sector organisations and the Government of Jersey, a workshop is being held on 19 September from 1.30-4.30pm at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Centre to report back on progress.
The working group was established initially to organise the ‘Building a Foundation’ workshop in September 2018, which sought to identify how the relationship between the Government and the voluntary and community sector (VCS) could be improved. Five key priorities were identified at the workshop:
- communication
- information sharing
- co-ordination
- decision making
- funding
The working group has continued to meet to identify specific actions to address the issues that emerged from the workshop. An action plan was produced and widely circulated in January 2019 and a number of positive outcomes have been achieved, including:
- a successful, joined-up Volunteers’ Week campaign in June, celebrating the contribution volunteers make across the island
- the creation of thematic cluster groups, partnerships of representatives from the VCS and Government, to better coordinate work around adult mental health, learning disabilities, homelessness and children’s services
- promoting more collaboration across the sector such as progressing plans for a community minibus scheme with Liberty Bus, to encourage greater sharing of assets and resources
Director of Local Services, Sean McGonigle explained: “We have a strong and vibrant voluntary and charitable sector in Jersey but we can achieve so much more. Working together is key to delivering the best outcomes for islanders and making the sector more efficient and effective. Equally, it is important that across Government we recognise the amazing work undertaken by our voluntary organisations and value and work with them. As the Government representative on the working group, I’m delighted by the progress we’ve collectively made over the last 12 months. I look forward to sharing the progress made to date and discussing priorities for the year ahead with representatives from across local charities and community organisations”.
Volunteer Manager at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and member of the Working Group, Dan Craven said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the upcoming workshop to review progress of the voluntary and community sector’s improving relationship with Government over the last year. As a member of the Working Group, I am proud of the work that has been achieved and the strong partnership forged between all members of the group. It has demonstrated what you can achieve by working closely together. I look forward to providing representatives from across the voluntary sector with the opportunity to have discussions and offer feedback on the progress made so far.”
The workshop, ‘Building a Stronger Relationship’ is free to attend but places must be reserved in advance on Eventbrite.
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