8th July 2005: Strategic Forum Meeting

Report from the West Midlands Regional meeting regarding children, young people and the voluntary sector, 8th July 2005

Background

This meeting was called by the Growing Up in the West Midlands Strategic Group with the aim of bringing together organisations and networks that operate at a regional level to support children and young people and the non-formal educational services delivered to them. This was with a view to creating and delivering a shared vision for regional development, supported by a sustainable and comprehensive regional infrastructure.

 

The ambition is to develop the West Midlands as a region that respects and acts upon the needs, interests and aspirations of children and young people, and the voluntary and community organisations that work with them.

Present

Marcia Blissett (Children’s Society), Dave Boucker (Worcester CVYS), Steve Clay (YMCA), Cathy Clement (WMVYSF), Simon Cottingham (RAWM), Jess Crump (Worcester Play Council), Brian Dickens (Kids), Suzanne Everill (Children’s Fund), Andy Hamflett (UKYP), Steve Jones (GOWM), Bruce Kirk (Spugeons Child Care), Barry Lockwood (NCVYS), Peter Miller (BAYC), Gayle Plant (Birmingham Children’s Fund) , Rob Sabin (Warwickshire CYP), Anna Sterckx (UKYP), Alison Straker (NCVYS).

See images from the event here.

Mapping the region

With the above vision for the region in mind, the group mapped existing infrastructure activity by four core areas:

    • Participation of children and young people
    • Strategic engagement in policy
    • Organisational support and capacity building
    • Networking, information and research

 

In addition information was collated about:

  • Plans and aspirations
  • Resources – e.g. engagement framework, growing up website

 

The mapping took account of provision for different age groups: under 5, 5-12, 13-19, and 20+.

 

A wealth of information on diverse activities conducted in the region was gathered. Full records are appended.

 

Reflection
The information gathered about each core area was discussed in groups, to explore who and what is missing and the implications of this, and to explore recommendations for moving forward. A summary of core issues follows.

The following were felt to be under-represented or isolated:

  • BME groups
  • Rural groups
  • faith groups
  • uniformed groups
  • Under 5s in particular, and all age ranges outside of 13-19

 

The following outline the steps forward for regional working proposed:

  • Build on this group, work through existing structures and networks
  • Think long term – develop strong, flexible structures
  • Develop regional identity and understanding of regional working
  • Develop potential of technology
  • Make explicit the links between regional-local-national
  • Coordinate sharing of information
  • Coordinate networks and interest groups
  • Coordinate research
  • Coordinate capacity building
  • Coordinate practice sharing and standard setting
  • Workforce development
  • Develop governance – small and large organisations
  • Build the capacity of the VCS to meet national standards

 

It was agreed that these ambitions need to be realised through specified activities that are realistic and achievable and that can be monitored against performance indicators.

Opportunities

Various opportunities were identified, in addition to the resources outlined in the mapping exercise, of which the group might consider taking advantage.

 

These included:

  • The Child friendly cities programme
  • Big Lottery funding for infrastructure (due to be announced)
  • Change Up funding

 

Action and decisions

It was agreed to create a thematic bid for funding from Change Up to support work outlined above, though it was recognised that the purpose and valueof the group extends beyond funding.

 

It was decided that the Growing Up Strategic Group would carry forward the work from this meeting and that all those attending were welcome to become a part of that group and be involved in its development.

 

The Growing Up Strategic Group (supported by the Youth Involvement Project) will oversee the development of the Change Up bid, collaborating closely with WMVYSF and NCVCCO’s regional group, and other organisations operating within the region.

 

Full notes from the meeting are attached at the bottom of this page.