Recent News
Empowering the Voluntary Sector
A one day workshop exploring how to use the principles of public law to challenge unjust and unfair decision making by public bodies.
Many organisations find it difficult to balance the need to work with public bodies and to challenge unfair practice. The Empowering the Voluntary Sector workshops delivered by NAVCA provide clear information and guidance to help you to make appropriate challenges. So far the project has trained nearly 500 people from third sector organisations to use the principles of public law. Those who have attended found the day to be both an enjoyable and interactive learning experience.
Target audience: Third sector development workers and third sector service providers either currently or seeking to deliver under public service contracts
For further details: http://www.navca.org.uk
Location: St Thomas Centre, Ardwick, Manchester
Date: Thursday, 24 July 2008
Social Enterprise and the VCS
Examining the potential and pitfalls of social enterprise for the voluntary and community sector.
Social enterprises are businesses with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are mainly re-invested for community benefit, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for the shareholders and directors. With social enterprise currently high on the policy agenda and Government keen to increase its take-up amongst third sector organisations, just how relevant is this business model for VCS organisations seeking to achieve more effective social outcomes and organisational sustainability? This conference will debate the pros and cons of social enterprise for the sector.
Target audience: VCS managers and development and policy staff; social enterprises; social enterprise umbrella bodies, local authority regeneration officers; LSPs.
Cost: £45 GMCVO members / £55 non-member VCS organisations and individuals / £75 public sector bodies. Fee includes complimentary copy of Social Enterprise in Practice report (RRP: £8). Book by 22nd April to receive a £5 discount.
Location: St Thomas Centre, Ardwick, Manchester
Date: Tuesday, 3 June 2008
Acevo North Conference 2008
Join the largest gathering of third sector leaders in the North of England! Acevo's second northern conference will focus on Strategic Planning. Leaders from all three sectors will share their thoughts and experience focusing on:
- Strategic planning and achieving your vision
- Setting and implementing long term goals
- Strategic challenges for the future - responding to threats and opportunities
For more information visit: www.acevo.org.uk
Location: The Palace Hotel, Manchester
Date: 24/04/2008
Competitive Procurement and the Voluntary Sector
This event will be hosted jointly by GMCVO and Sitra (an umbrella agency providing training, consultancy and information to the Supported Housing sector). It will equip service providers with knowledge of local government procurement regulations and practices and provide them with an opportunity to work through key implementation issues. Commissioners will gain an understanding of the consequences for voluntary sector housing, care and support providers and their service users of the changing procurement environment. An improved understanding of each other's pressures and responsibilities will benefit both providers and commissioners and help to break down some of the barriers thrown up by competitive practices.
Target audience: Supporting People teams, health, social care and probation commissioners, senior managers and decision makers from housing associations, managing agents and other voluntary and community organisations providing housing, care and support services
Cost: £60 GMCVO/Sitra members/£75 non-member VCS organisations and individuals/£150 public sector bodies.
Sitra will be administering the bookings for this event, therefore, to register your interest for this event send an e-mail with your contact details to conferences@sitra.org.
Location: Manchester
Date: Thursday, 17 April 2008
Acevo Spring Conference 2008 "The Business of Charity"
How are charities achieving social change through social enterprise? Where does the future lie in balancing commercial income with traditional philanthropy? If you are currently trading commercially and want to drive growth, or if you are interested in adopting this business model and want to know more, come along to hear from a wide range of professionals, academics and policy makers operating in the field.
This event focuses on developing a successful business model for social enterprise. Delegates will hear from leading speakers including John Bird, Founder & Editor in Chief, the Big Issue, Douglas McCallum, MD, eBay UK and Tim West, Editor, Social Enterprise Magazine.
For more information visit: www.acevo.org.uk
Location: RBS Auditorium, London
Date: 13/03/2008