Frequently Asked Questions - Partnerships and networking

A local strategic partnership is an initiative in every local authority to develop partnership working between public agencies, voluntary groups and business and to deliver public services more effectively .

In York, the Local Strategic Partnership is called Without Walls. To find out more, browse the website: www.yorkwow.org.uk.

Voluntary sector representatives are elected by their colleagues from forums they are part of. They have key roles:

Being a Voice

• Taking issues of concern to the WithOut Walls Partnership
• Acting as a bridge and ensuring many voices are heard
• Feedback back to voluntary and community sector groups and communities and involving them in consultation

Influencing Decisions

• Challenging and supporting proposals
• Acting as a 'critical friend'
• influencing the thinking of people who make decisions

Building the Partnership

• Supporting the development of the partnership, its arrangements an overall quality of work
• Helping to direct resources to greatest effect

Promoting the Sector

• Ensuring partners are aware of the particular contribution of the voluntary and community sector
• Advocating the role of the voluntary and community sector
• Bringing knowledge of the community sector and what they have to offer

Voluntary sector representatives have tasks, here are some typical ones:

• Feeding back information to voluntary organisations and community groups
• Standing up for the sector whilt maintaing good relationshiops
• Reading papers and and analysing complex documents
• Influencing decisions
• Collecting information on community needs
• Building relationships within the partnership

The volunteers, paid staff and trustees who work in voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, community interest companies and all other types of voluntary organisations have a tremendous range of talents, knowledge, skills and experience.  It's important that the statutory organisations planning local services (for example, for disabled people and older people) listen to their advice and recommendations.

Voluntary organisations can influence in a variety of ways.  For example: York CVS supports forums for voluntary organisations to come together and discuss issues, usually on a theme such as:

• Older people
• Disabled people
• Children and young people
• People with learning disabilities
• People with mental health problems
• Equalities and inclusiveness

At their meetings, these forums elect representatives to attend meetings of the WithOut Walls Partnership, and its sub groups.

The Forums discuss and decide what issues they would like their representatives to take to teh WithOut Walls Partnership.

In this way, voluntary organisations' views are reported and heard, and whatever action is taken is fed back to them by their representatives.