Issue - meetings

(A report by John Leach, Deputy Chief Executive – Communities)

Portfolio Holder: Councillor Emma Cresswell

Councillor Emma Cresswell presented a report which provided an overview of the Voluntary and Community Sector work/activity that was being supported and further developed by the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership; and sought approval to deliver more sustainable and enhanced local services through the Voluntary and Community Sector that were operating within South and East Lincolnshire.

The Volunteer Charter, attached as Appendix A within the report, set out the nine key principles which helped to underpin good relations within a volunteering environment.

Members discussed the report and commented as follows:

·       Notable achievements included: working with Lincolnshire Community Foundation through the Household Support Fund; the valuable support and assistance of Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire that provided for residents; the set up a South and East Lincolnshire Trusted Volunteer Scheme, which had been funded through the UKSPF.

·       A Commission Service would enable the Council to monitor the outputs of grant funding more and outcomes more measurably in a more of a fair, open and transparent way for the community.

·       A Volunteer-Coordinator role had been established to drive the recruitment of volunteers and help point potential volunteers towards areas of need.

·       It was noted that in Quarter 1, 17 volunteers had become part of the scheme.

·       A Volunteer Scheme provided good opportunities for younger people in the area.

·       The Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service was not being replaced, and would continue to provide support to local communities.

·       A trusted volunteer scheme ensured the Councils was taking the safety of the volunteers seriously.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Emma Cresswell and seconded by Councillor Sarah Sharpe.

RESOLVED:

1.     That the important role that the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) plays in supporting local communities/residents in enjoying healthy fulfilling lives within South and East Lincolnshire be noted;

2.     That the current progress made between the SELCP and VCS, including the SELCP Trusted Volunteers Scheme, be noted;

3.     That the proposed South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership ‘Volunteer Charter’ be approved; and

4.     That the transition from grant giving to VCS organisations, and the move to a commissioned services model (where appropriate) that meets the aims and objectives of the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, be approved.

A report by the Deputy Chief Executive - Communities

The Portfolio Holder presented the report supported by the Assistant Director for Wellbeing and the Community Leadership Manager.  Members were advised that the sovereign councils and the ‘South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership’ recognised the important work of the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). That included supporting the communities in South and East Lincolnshire to lead longer, safer, and healthier lives.  What has contributed to making South and East Lincolnshire great, was its people and its communities. Notably, the communities played a significant part in providing an active volunteering role in their localities. The reasons for that could be for community or personal advantage, with volunteering showing positive physical and mental health benefits to participatory individuals. The report provided an overview of activity that had taken place in the last year with the Voluntary and Community Sector.  It included a summary of the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership ‘Trusted Volunteer Scheme’ funded through UK Shared Prosperity Funding, forming part of the Partnership’s strategic approach to working with the VCS within the Sub-Region.  In addition, the report sought the committees’ views on the approach taken to working with the Voluntary and Community Sector in Boston and across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils area, and further included the promotion of a Volunteer Charter for Members consideration.

Committee deliberation followed which included:

Members commended the report which they felt to be balanced but questioned what mechanisms were in place for the safety of volunteers who were often seen litter picking on main roads without any safety wear and as such, were putting themselves at risk. A further question asked what training, if any, was provided in respect of any physical activity required by volunteers.

Officers advised that the Charter was explicit in identifying the support needed for volunteers to undertake their activities, including provision of safety wear and also any manual handling of items. Members were also reassured that volunteers would not be undertaking any work previously carried out by paid employees, but they could claim out of pocket expenses for training and PPE and furthermore they were covered under the Council’s insurance.

On noting the number of single volunteers who were active within the town a member questioned how the Council would make them aware of the Charter and the support they could receive and was advised that the Council would ensure inclusion as part of its role was to support individuals alongside the groups.  

On referencing the implementation of the warm hubs programme, activated to provide a shelter for warmth over the winter months, a member noted that one parish had opted not to continue with the facility due to a low uptake, and questioned if other sites would be open through the forthcoming winter months.  Officers advised that a number of hubs had extended their initial time lines and become activity driven ‘clubs’ to both address the stigma that was often attached to the ‘warm hubs’ name and to also help combat social isolation, especially in rural areas.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 108