To consider approval to delivering more sustainable and enhanced local services through the Voluntary and Community Sector that are operating within South and East Lincolnshire.

1.    That the important role that the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) plays in supporting local communities/residents in enjoying healthy fulfilling lives within South and East Lincolnshire be noted.

2.    That current progress made between the SELCP and VCS be noted. This includes the SELCP Trusted Volunteers Scheme.

3.    That the proposed South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership ‘Volunteer Charter’ be agreed.

4.    That a transition from grant giving to VCS organisations and move to a commissioned services model (where appropriate) that meet the aims and objectives of the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership be approved.

A report was presented to provide an overview of Voluntary and Community Sector work/activity that was being supported and further developed by the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) and to seek approval to delivering more sustainable and enhanced local services through the Voluntary and Community Sector that were operating within South and East Lincolnshire.

As sovereign councils and as the ‘South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership’ the Council recognised the important work of the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS).  This included supporting the communities in South and East Lincolnshire to lead longer, safer, and healthier lives. 

What made South and East Lincolnshire great, was its people and its communities.  Notably, local communities played a significant part in respect to playing an active volunteering role in their localities.  This may be for community or personal advantage, with volunteering showing positive physical and mental health benefits to participatory individuals.

The report provided an overview of activity that had taken place in the last year with the Voluntary and Community Sector.  This included a summary of the SELCP ‘Trusted Volunteer Scheme’ funded through UK Shared Prosperity Funding, forming part of the Partnership’s strategic approach to working with the VCS within the Sub-Region.

In addition, the report sought Member approval to consolidate the Council’s position with the Voluntary and Community Sector through appropriate commissioning to third sector organisations to deliver community wellbeing related services. 

During his introduction of the report, the Leader of the Council highlighted that it was important to recognise the great work that was done by the volunteer sector and all that the Council could do to enhance that role, and to assist to a degree and enhance to make it more efficient.

During discussion, the Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy highlighted Recommendation No. 4 and fully supported the transition from grant giving and moving to a commissioned services model as this provided certainty with cash flow for the charity and would allow the voluntary groups to plan better.

The Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy further considered that the volunteers in the communities should be annually celebrated with an awards scheme as they worked extremely hard, above and beyond what was expected of them and should be recognised.  In response, Emily Spicer, Assistant Director Wellbeing and Community Leadership advised Members that a Community Awards Celebration ‘Community Ambassador’ was planned for November 2024.  Nominations were currently open for the awards and closed on 4 October 2024.

The Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing added that many of the services that residents came to expect would not happen without volunteers and highlighted the community hubs across the district whereby various Council teams supported them together with partner organisations.

RESOLVED

1.     That the important role that the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) plays in supporting local communities/residents in enjoying healthy fulfilling lives within South and East Lincolnshire be noted.

2.     That current progress made between the SELCP and VCS be noted. This includes the SELCP Trusted Volunteers Scheme.

3.     That the proposed South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership ‘Volunteer Charter’ be agreed.

4.     That a transition from grant giving to VCS organisations and move to a commissioned services model (where appropriate) that meet the aims and objectives of the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership be approved.

Reasons

VCS organisations offer huge amounts to local areas, through the services they provide, the wealth they generate, and the people they connect, engage, and empower. At a time of rising pressure on services and tough financial constraints, it is more important than ever that councils can harness their local strengths and build successful partnerships with their local VCS.

Other Options

Do nothing – this option will not support additional benefits that working with our VCS provides.