The Changing Landscape Conference
On September 14th over 130 people packed the Duckworth Suite at Worcester Rugby Club to find out first hand about some of the changes taking place in the County and to look at how the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in Worcestershire can help to shape and influence local policies.The conference was co-ordinated by Community First on behalf of a wide group of VCS organisations keen to see the sector having a more lively presence in the County. Most of those attending were from Community, Voluntary and Social Enterprise organisations – both large and small –eager to find out how we might find a ‘voice’ for the sector.
It was a busy morning in which the speakers not only enthused about the possibilities opened up by better communication both within the VCS and with other sectors but also outlined new developments with the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and the Health and Wellbeing Board.
At the heart of the conference though was the presentation of a simple model to improve the way VCS groups communicate with each other and to provide a ‘route’ to influence the many boards and panels making decisions in the County. It was also an opportunity to re-think the traditional idea of ‘consultation’ with the VCS and to begin to think about ‘dialogue’ instead. By the end of the conference several people had volunteered to join a project group to look at taking the project further.
We were absolutely delighted with the number of people who came along and with the fact that so many were from the VCS, but it did mean that some people were unable to take away handouts. If you would like to access the presentations from the day please click the link below. You can also find a simpler explanation of the model for communication.
We will be updating this information as the project develops and would welcome your feedback and ideas!