North West DWP Update

Below is an update from the Department of Work and Pensions regarding important information, toolkits and links:

·         Personal Independence Payment Toolkit has been updated to reflect changes following the UK leaving the EU. This toolkit provides a guide for organisations and people in support roles to help explain PIP and changes to Disability Living Allowance to claimants.

·         Guidance has been updated from the 1 January on GOV.UK explaining the rights of benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EEA or Switzerland and benefits and pensions for EEA and Swiss citizens in the UK

·         £7.5 million pound funding to Tackle Loneliness

·         Mayday for Men – employer advice on male victims of domestic abuse

·         Application for a State Pension Forecast  has been updated

·         Funding for Community Champions to give COVID 19 vaccine advice

·         Changes to Kickstart programme https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/kickstart-scheme

·         New legislation to ensure fair treatment for armed forces

·         Face coverings exemptions

·         Support for offenders - DWP working in partnership with HMPPS, Steering Women Away from Crime, Preventing Prison Leaver Homelessness

·         Funding boost to get more Young People into Work

·         Support for the Aviation Sector

·         Carers Allowance Form has been updated 

·         Children in Poverty Enquiry  - evidence for the enquiry to be submitted by 25thFebruary

·         A consultation  has been launched, aimed at extending debt solutions and helping vulnerable people in financial distress get a fresh start. The consultation closes on the 25 February 2021.

·         This report sets out the key findings from the review by BEIS into how victims of domestic abuse can be supported in the workplace and the actions which government will take as a result

·         From 14 January, victims of domestic abuse will be able to access much needed support from thousands of pharmacies across the UK. The government has teamed up with independent pharmacies and Boots to launch a domestic abuse Ask for ANI  codeword scheme. 

·         The Disability Unit in the Cabinet Office has launched a survey to gather views and experiences for the National Strategy of Disabled People. If views are shared by 13 February, they will inform the development of the strategy. The Survey will remain open until 23 April, and views will be used to inform the delivery of the plans.

Job Centre Updates:

To help keep customers and colleagues as safe as possible in the latest phase of the pandemic Jobcentre opening hours will be 10am to 2pm beginning on Monday the 18 January 2021. Thus, the job centre is amble to provide safe, essential services for those who are unable to interact with them via the phone or digitally. Phone line  opening hours remain as they were. In addition, the Relay UK service and the Video relay service  are both still available. Anyone entering a Jobcentre will be required to wear a face covering, unless they are in an exempt category . We will follow the latest government guidance on meeting with others safely  and lockdown restrictions .

GMCVO Funding for BAME-led Organisations

During our Festival of North West Thinking, a recurring theme throughout all of the events was the unequal affect Covid has had in BAME communities. Furthermore, this has meant that BAME-led voluntary and community organisations have also been under more pressure, due to the increasing demand as a result of the pandemic. Emergency funding has been granted to many organisations; however, issues have been raised over how equal that access is due to the institutional racism that exists within our sector and within funding organisations.  

Please watch highlights from our first Festival of North West Thinking first event ‘Covid-19 Recovery: VCSE Leadership Voices Assembly with a Focus on Inequalities’ and in particular the point of views of Natalie Creary, Director of Black Thrive and Farzana Khan Executive Director and Co-founder of Healing Justice (HJL) who talk passionately and eloquently about inequality experienced in BAME communities and how Covid-19 has enhanced this.

 GMCVO Funding:

Speaking to some of the issues raised above, last year, Greater Manchester BAME Network distributed almost £200,000 of funding to small GM BAME-led VCSE organisations affected most by Covid in order to respond to the increasing needs of BAME communities. These grants were administered by GMCVO using funding provided by Comic Relief and the National Emergency Fund.

We are pleased to share that in response to additional funding there is a second round of grants now available. The grants are aimed at finding new activities, services and any adaptation needed due to Covid-19.  

On 18th December, round two of the small grants (£1000-£5000) opened; this will close on Friday 26th February 2021.  

Organisations who have already received a grant are still entitled to apply for further help.  

More information and how to apply.  

The Law Family Commission on Civil Society

The Commission on Civil Society was launched at the end of Nov 2020 and will explore many elements of Civil Society. Lord O’Donnell will chair the commission, which has 17 commissioners from across the private, public, voluntary, education and education sectors. Commissioners include: Roots Programme Director, Ruth Ibegbuna; Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, Dr Javed Khan; Clore Social Leadership Chief Executive, Shaks Ghosh; NCVO Chief Executive, Karl Wilding; and Theresa Shearer, the Chief Executive of ENABLE Scotland. The heavy lifting will be undertaken by Pro-Bono Economics, who already undertake a Charity Tracker Survey, and the work is expected to take two years.  

The ears of VSNW were pricked when the Commission was launched with a speech by Oliver Dowden, Culture Secretary, who stated that the government does not know enough about Civil Society. We explored further to see if this piece of work is (a) connected to the Kruger “Mutual Aid Groups” report and (b) official in terms of status. The answer appears to be no to both questions.  

So, why is the Commission doing what it is doing and how did they get a Cabinet Minister to attend the launch? The answer goes beyond Lord (Gus) O’Donnell – the former Cabinet Secretary. The trail leads all the way back to Stockport.  

The Commission is nothing to do with legal provisions. It is funded by the Law Charitable Trust. This is the same trust that gave the Lowry a donation of £1m towards a gallery, which is now named in its honour. The Trust is the philanthropic vehicle of Andrew Law who was born in Cheadle Hulme and educated there. He has gone on to be a hedge fund manager and now is a hedge fund owner. From his personal wealth (not via the Trust) he is a major donor to the Conservative Party – hence the ability to connect with a Cabinet Minister.  

There will be calls for evidence in the New Year. VSNW will monitor these and share them as they appear. The North West connection is strong (the Trust supports other bodies in the North West) which may create opportunities to influence.  

Please see here for initial brief for the commission.

Andrew Rainsford, Research and Policy Officer VSNW

Workforce Well-being in the VCSE Sector.

Workforce Well Being – ACEVO 

ACEVO, in conjunction with Mental Health Foundation England, has published a significant report exploring the well being of the workforce in the VCSE sector. The report can be found here.  

The main findings are grouped under four headings:  

What makes it tough: the vulnerability of charity staff where the commitment and pressures brought by lived experience/personal connection or even a drive for social justice all combine to over burden the workforce – who may not realise that they are over burdened. 

The impact on leaders with issues around the need to balance authentic honesty, with taking very difficult organisational decisions that can have an impact on people’s lives. Holding responsibility for workforce wellbeing, and the desire to compensate for the challenges of working in the sector, can be draining for CEOs. The scale of the challenges can feel overwhelming, and it is easy for leaders to feel they are ‘not coping’.  

When the ground shifts which has become apparent as the operating environment for charities suddenly changed. Many teams and communities are experiencing deep sadness, loss, isolation and fear as they witness growing need and falling income as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Governance and strategy which states that the sector will not be able to meet challenges unless the mental health of staff and leadership is prioritised. Boards play an important role in highlighting mental health as an organisational priority if organisations are to do their best work, ensuring that leaders know they are not alone by giving them the permission they need to reach out and share the load.  

The report explores many issues that are too often put into the “too difficult”, “tomorrow” or “to introduce this may imply weakness” piles. 2021 will continue to bring pressures. Trustees and CEO’s are urged to take time out to read this report and consider the impact on their organisation.  

Andrew Rainsford, Policy and Research Officer, VSNW.  

The VS6 Update on European Funding for the Liverpool City Region

VS6 met on October 10th for an update on European funding for the VCSE sector in Liverpool city region. Here’s a summary of what was revealed on the day.

Five more years of ESF and ERDF, even if there is no deal

The UK Government has guaranteed that funding for the current programme (2014-20) will continue to the end (i.e. until 2023), even if we leave Europe with no deal.

Half Way

Now that we are half way through the European Programmes, funding for the second part is being announced and agreed, and there are revisions to the Regulations and to the Operational Programmes.

YEI additional funding agreed

Finally, extensions for ESF-YEI programmes have been agreed (supporting NEET young people under the age of 30). In some cases, these are extensions in time, in others, extensions in time and money.

This brings the total ESF directly allocated to the VCFSE in Liverpool CR to almost 40% (£25 million of £65m), not counting indirect funding, through local authorities etc.

BBO lottery extensions

On 25th September, Big Lottery agreed to allocate more funds for the ESF-BLF projects, supporting extensions in time or in time and money. This will still need the support of the LEP level ESIF committees, and a letter was sent out to the Chairs on 26th, with the projects being emailed directly.

ESFA further funding

ESFA has found additional match funding to the end of the Programme, and issued calls in August for those on its tender list. This was for a total of £323 million across England (including £43m for social capital community grants). For Liverpool CR nothing was allocated for P1.1 or P2.1 (education and skills), but there was £2.250 for NEET young people, and £2.7 for Community Grants. Successful bidders are likely to be known at the beginning or 2019, with projects starting in April. The LCR allocations were less than for the other areas in the North West. Liverpool CR was intending to announce more calls, but withdrew them for further consideration once the ESFA said it would provide more cash.

ERDF calls

These went out for most of England on 5th October. But not for Liverpool CR - it is expecting calls later on through its Intermediate Body status.

More money

It has finally been agreed that LEP level allocations can be raised to take account of the devaluation a couple of years ago following the referendum. (ESF and ERDF programmes are agreed in Euros). This will give an extra eleven per cent of further funding, so over £600 million will be available across England. Liverpool CR was sent a provisional revised allocation for ESF on 14th September (now a total of £103m ESF) - the money needs to be committed (not spent) within the next year.

UK-Shared Prosperity Fund

This will replace the £9.7billion for ESF and ERDF we receive from Europe, with UK money if we leave. The Government’s Manifesto said that it would be to reduce inequalities. However, a recent Statement has contradicted this, saying that it will be to increase productivity (and this will trickle down to reduce inequalities). A paper has been published about how to make the LEPs fit for purpose, with them having a single goal of increasing productivity. It refers to the Peterborough/ Cambridge issue, and how to make the LEPs accountable - for example charging for membership (which Liverpool LEP does) will be abolished, to increase involvement for all.

There have been pre-consultation meetings for the UK-SPF taking place. A Green Paper for consultation is promised before the end of 2018.

European Week of Regions and Cities

This annual event is taking place now, with around six thousand people looking at what has been achieved with European Funding, best practice, and planning for the future. There has been considerable discussion around solidarity, bottom up development, more citizens involvement, and tackling the growth of extremism. Partnership and Simplification continue to be key issues.

The Long-Term Plan for the NHS

Theresa May outlined a funding settlement for the English NHS in June of this year: "increased funding of £20.5 billion per year by the end of five years." 

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, the NHS is therefore reviewing sector involvement and investment models across the board, which includes: Prevention, Personal Responsibility and Health Inequalities; Healthy Childhood and Maternal Health; Integrated and Personalised Care for People with Long-Term Conditions and Older People with Frailty (including Dementia); Cancer; Cardiovascular and Respiratory; Learning Disability and Autism; Mental Health; Workforce, Training and Leadership; Digital and Technology; Primary Care; Research and Innovation; Clinical Review of Standards; System Architecture; and Engagement.

How Can the VCSE Sector Get Involved?

VSNW are co-hosting one of four regional workshops (1.30-4pm, September 12, Manchester) with NHS England (via the VCSE and participation teams) and NCVO, as part of a rapid national engagement exercise, in order to develop VCSE proposals and core messages that feed into the Autumn Budget statement. We are particularly keen to draw out lessons and messages drawn from local reality.

This is an important moment. To book: North West event in Manchester on September 12.

Audrey Okyere-Fosu Supports Equalities Board of the VCSE Engagement Project

Audrey Okyere-Fosu has been appointed as the Coordinator for the Equalities Board of the VCSE Engagement Project. The development of this Equalities Board for Greater Manchester has arisen as a result of work carried out on behalf of the recently formed GM VCSE Devolution Reference Group.

She has a diverse and interesting background in equalities, the arts and community involvement, as a Community Development Officer with the BHA for Equality, as an Inclusion and Equality Advisor for the Salford Royal Foundation Trust and as an accomplished jazz vocalist with a catalogue of music releases.

Audrey Okyere-Fosu

VSNW asked Audrey about her ideal objectives for equality across the region, what obstacles might be in the way and what her strategy might be.

VSNW: What’s your vision for GM in 20 years?

Audrey:

·       The creation of a vibrant cultural and artistic hub, where everyone feels safe

·       High quality, sustainable transport links that serve all communities

·       Lifelong education and training that highlights the benefits of diversity, and strong leadership that reflects this

·       Fairer recruitment practices, for example using the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard data, and then using that data to inform equalities best practice

·       Leaders who aren't afraid to challenge any cultural practices that exclude minorities within their own organisations

·       Equality of access to information, services, advice and treatment for historically marginalised or forgotten communities

·        Local people: true partnership working between the VCSE and statutory sectors

·        Accountability for poor performance and cultural practices that discriminate and exclude

·        More community spirit!

·       Tougher action on hate crime and a recognition of its impact on the v fabric of communities and community cohesion.  The link to health and well-being – i.e. preventative action aligned with budgets

VSNW: What’s the biggest barrier to your vision?

Audrey:

·        A lack of vision (a culture of ‘we've always done it this way’)  

·        Practices and culture within organisations that cause exclusion

·        A lack of understanding that an equality impact assessment/equality analysis identifies the issues and clearly highlights changes that need to be made - it is a dynamic document with an action plan that needs to be ‘actioned’

·        Currently there appears to be a focus of attention and resources to south and central Manchester, and a perception that north Manchester has been left behind

·        As members of the VCSE sector, we continue to address our assumptions and (un)conscious biases to ensure we are delivering inclusive services to all Manchester’s communities

·        Our use of jargon, acronyms and a lack of plain English can exclude groups from participating

·        Meetings that are held at inappropriate venues or times. These can exclude groups/individuals from participating

VSNW: What would you like to do?  

Audrey:

·        To continue to be an interface for organisations, businesses and the communities that they serve

·        Keep the focus on achieving better equality outcomes for communities without any politics or agendas

·        Encourage more collaborative working within the VCSE sector

·        I’m a qualified trainer with nearly 20 years’ experience - maybe this skill set can be utilised to upskill staff, managers and leaders regarding cultural awareness, equality good practice, impact assessments and effective challenge. Perception is everything!

VSNW: Who will you connect to?

Audrey: I’m keen to work alongside colleagues in the VCSE, statutory, health and business sectors. Plus local community and cultural groups.

VSNW: What’s missing?

Audrey: Self-awareness – we don’t have all the answers and sometimes we get it wrong, but we’re trying. We need to listen to, and act on, intelligence already offered up by communities, while avoiding consultation fatigue.

People’s Postcode Lottery Offers Dream Fund to Charities

Postcode Dream Trust, the charity foundation of the People’s Postcode Lottery, are offering charities across England, Scotland and Wales the opportunity to apply for funding from a pot of £3 million.

Charities that make successful bids can use their share of the fund to deliver their dream project, but have perhaps never had sufficient funding to do so previously. At least two charitable organisations need to join forces to deliver an innovative project as part of their application. The lead partner organisation must be a registered charity. The other partners can be registered charities, voluntary groups, community interest companies, universities or other non-profit organisations.

The funding pot for 2019 has been set at £3 million total, with grants of between £500,000 and £1 million that are available to each winner so that they can implement a project during a 24 months period from 2019 to 2021.

The Dream Fund are looking for charitable organisations across Great Britain to imagine and plan an expansive project and work alongside other non-profit partners to fulfil their vision.

The proposed projects must address at least one of this year’s priorities, which are:

• Changing lives through early intervention
• Ending loneliness and social isolation
• Protecting Britain’s biodiversity
• Sustainable systems change
• Transforming society through sport

Stage 1 applications have until 5:30pm on 31 August 2018 to be submitted.
Further information and the application form can be found at the Postcode Dream Trust website, which also contains an innovation toolkit and downloadable guidance notes.

Government Announces Social Prescribing Schemes Will Receive £4.5 million

The funding plans to allow GPs to refer more patients to social activities or other types of support to improve health and wellbeing, and to reduce demand on NHS services.

The government has announced investment plans of nearly £4.5 million to put towards social prescribing programmes that will refer patients to their local voluntary and community services, including walking groups, arts and crafts sessions or gardening activity across England.

Research suggested that social prescribing can reduce demand on NHS services: a UK study found that after three to four months, 80% of patients referred to a social prescribing scheme found that they relied on Accident & Emergency departments less, and made fewer outpatient appointments or became inpatient admissions less often.

23 social prescribing projects in England are to benefit from a share of the funding to either extend current social prescribing schemes or develop new ones.

Gardening is viewed as a form of social prescribing

Social prescribing schemes include a focus on:

• Reaching out to people who may be socially isolated, such as those with mental health problems or learning difficulties
• Providing support for those affected by health inequalities, such as transgender people or people from BAME backgrounds
• Helping people with particularly complex needs who regularly access health services

The funding will come from the Health and Wellbeing Fund, part of a programme of government investment in the voluntary sector. The projects will be fully funded through the scheme in their first year. Additional joint funding from local commissioners will be agreed for the subsequent two years.

Care Minister Caroline Dinenage commented by saying that:

"The voluntary and community sector has such a vital role to play in working with our health system to provide the kind of support that you can’t receive at your local GP surgery or hospital.

"This new funding will mean that many more people receive support that looks at their needs holistically, enabling them to live happier, more independent lives. I look forward to seeing these projects put their plans into action and provide support to hundreds of thousands more people."

VSNW manages the North West Social Prescribing Network. To become a member or discuss being a member please contact Jo Ward by email: jo@jowardchangemaker.org.uk or telephone: 07708 428096, or you can complete our registration page and sign-up online.