Background

Local Area Agreements (LAA) have been introduced with the intention of improving co-ordination between local authorities and other local agencies, with the overall objective to improve services and ensure better outcomes for local people.

LAAs and the creation of the Safer and Stronger Communities Fund (SSCF) provide significant opportunities and challenges for the Voluntary and Community Sector - they impact on the VCS role in relation to supporting community empowerment and in influencing and delivering services.

Several agencies contributed to a GOYH survey in August 2006 around strengths, issues and needs with regard to SSCF and LAAs and this programme aims to build on this, update where agencies are at and share experience and learning. 

Programme of activity

This programme of activity is aimed directly at VCS forums, networks and infrastructure organisations to support engagement in the Safer and Stronger Communities Fund and in Local Area Agreements.

It provides an opportunity to improve awareness, knowledge and communication.  The programme has included facilitated meetings, production of a series of information sheets, and events covering the key themes of:

• an introduction to LAAs - download briefing sheet
• roles of VCS networks and infrastructure bodies, negotiation skills and working with power holders - download briefing sheet
• governance and VCS representation and accountability – the skills required, support and information mechanisms and feedback loops - download briefing sheet
• procurement and commissioning processes for VCS delivery of services - download briefing sheet
• design of outcomes frameworks – particularly in relation to outcomes and indicators for the capacity building and community empowerment themes which underpin the whole of the LAA - download briefing sheet

There is also likely to be an ‘all partner event’ in Summer 2006 which will provide an opportunity to further focus on practice and issues raised during the March events, and to generate deeper understanding amongst a wide range of partners, including local authorities and LSPs involved in LAAs.