In March Voluntary Impact held a series of events to discuss a new Countywide Forum for the county. We’d like to thank all of those who participated for your input as it was invaluable to the process of shaping the forum.
Why do we need a Countywide Forum?
Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire works with frontline organisations to represent the voluntary sector to ensure that its voice is heard and enable it to influence policy and practice in Northamptonshire. Our sector has a significant social and economic impact, and the breadth of services and activities we offer are far stretching. As such, we need to be able to influence decision makers such as councils, funders, government departments and health providers. We want to make improvements for the people and communities whom the sector works with, and do this in a sustainable way.
A Countywide Forum made up of representatives from different geographical and thematic areas would mean we can:
- Provide a voice for the sector at a strategic level within the county and an effective mechanism for members to discuss key issues.
- Have a greater understanding of the issues affecting our local communities
- Have a single collective voice which will strengthen our ability to influence
- Enable the sector to be better represented
- Promote opportunities for wider collaborations and partnerships
We still need your help discussing some of the key issues surrounding implementing a new Countywide Forum, so we’re putting a task and finish group together. To be part of this all you need to do is register for a place at one, or both of the events below:
28th June 2016 – The Holding Room, Northampton Guildhall
18th July 2016 – The Holding Room, Northampton Guildhall
We’re also looking for Countywide Forum Representatives!
Countywide Forum Representatives will be made up of seven geographical representatives from each Borough/District in the county, and Thematic Representatives which will be discussed as part of the task and finish group.
To read a more detailed document about the brand new Countywide Forum and to find out more about how to become a representative please click here.