Prevention and Communities Grants

Programme

Application Guidance

Overview and contents

Section No.

Section Title

1. Introduction and summary

2. Background and context to the “Prevention & Communities Programme”

3. Outline and eligibility - what we will consider investing in

4. Key dates and timeline

5. Minimum criteria, restrictions and exclusions

6. Grants application, assessment and award process

7. Pre-application stage (including key contacts)

8. Application stage

9. Assessment stage

10. Award stage

11. Monitoring and support stage

12. Annual review and award stage

13. Hints, tips and useful information to consider

Introduction and summary

In support of Birmingham’s Adult Social Care Vision & Strategy and the Council’s investment in “Prevention First” a new “Prevention & Communities” programme of grants are being made available to voluntary, community and social enterprise sector groups and organisations. Over two years BCC is looking to invest up to £4.9million (£2.45million per annum) into activities, services, projects, facilities, groups and organisations which can support the Adult Social Care vision for every citizen to be able to live healthy, happy and independent lives in their own homes and communities. This is a replacement and renewal of BCC’s investment in the Third Sector Grants Programme, which comes to an end later this year.

The primary focus of the “Prevention & Communities” programme is on prevention and early intervention, creating the opportunities and environment which can prevent or delay the need for citizens’ dependence on statutory social care and health services. This also includes providing alternative opportunities and options for citizens already in receipt of those services to help maximise health, happiness and independence.

To fulfil the ambitions of the programme, several priorities and themes have been identified where BCC’s investment might have the best and most significant impact. These are:

Retaining and evolving existing investment in community and day opportunities, prevention and early intervention already being achieved through the existing Third Sector Grants Programme;

Supporting communities to be more inclusive of older people, people with disabilities and/or mental health conditions, who might otherwise feel excluded in their own neighbourhoods;

Recognising new and emerging evidence of what works, and in doing so developing new relationships with networks, sectors, groups and organisations where Adult Social Care is currently underinvested.

Background and context to the “Prevention & Communities Programme”

Older people are living longer, whilst funding for social care and health services is failing to keep up with demand. This is the summary position of the financial situation facing the social care and health system, which is leading to a point of crisis. In addition to older people living longer, this isn’t being matched by the number of healthy years they are living. This creates two demand issues, firstly in the overall volume of people needing support increasing, but also the number of people with complex needs also increasing. This isn’t a position which can be continued and change is needed.

To respond to these increasing pressures on social care, Birmingham City Council has committed to a vision for Adult Social Care and investment in “Prevention First” where “citizens lead healthy, happy, independent lives within their own homes and communities”. This vision underpins a new approach to commissioning prevention based services and activities in the Adult Social Care Directorate, focused on four domains of “Citizens”, “Communities”, “Behaviour and Culture” and “Social Care and Health System”:

In November 2017 Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet approved new investment in prevention services, activities and community assets as part of the report “Putting Prevention First: Supporting the implementation of the vision for adult social care and health”. This included funding to set-up Neighbourhood Network Schemes across Birmingham’s Constituencies and the Three Conversations social work model, for instance. It also included an extension to investment in the Adult Social Care Third Sector Grants Programme until 30th September 2019.

The Council’s commitment to prevention and communities is also becoming a joint commitment with the NHS through the Birmingham & Solihull Sustainability and Transformation Partnership, particularly the Ageing Well Strategy and Prevention work stream. The scope of the “Prevention & Communities Programme” supports that work and complements NHS commissioning activity concerned with social prescribing and mental health, for instance. It is expected for instance that activities and services which are supported through this renewed investment will be included in and referenced in community social prescribing activity, via the Constituency Neighbourhood Network Schemes.

At a national level there is also change happening which recognises the importance of social isolation, loneliness and prevention, as well as collaboration and integration between social care and health. This includes the government’s launch of its loneliness strategy, “A connected society: a strategy for tackling loneliness” and the launch of a new health and social care vision, “Prevention is better than cure: government’s vision to help you live well for longer”. Both documents outline that a collective effort which extends beyond national and local government is needed, recognising the important role of individuals, families, communities, the voluntary and community sectors in being able to make national and local progress on these issues. It also includes the recently launched NHS Long-Term Plan, which sets out a strategic approach and priorities for the next ten years, including “a focus on prevention”.

Prevention and early intervention can be considered in terms of three tiers, which this new programme of activity seeks to invest in. These are:

Universal prevention – creating and enabling the conditions, opportunities and activity in communities, which can prevent or delay the need for citizens to require statutory care and support services;

Early intervention and crisis – providing the earliest possible engagement with citizens to prevent and delay a deterioration in their circumstances which might create a long-term dependency on statutory care and support services;

Alternative interventions – providing alternative services and activities, outside of statutory requirements, which can improve the quality of life and a more cost effective solution for citizens than statutory services.

There is another lens through which prevention can be viewed, which is in reducing avoidable demand on public services. In providing information, advice and guidance services to citizens (and their carers), with new and emerging conditions (which may at some point in the future require statutory care and support services), this can help citizens navigate through adult social care and health and benefit processes and systems as quickly and easily as possible. This reduces unnecessary costs on resources and provides quicker, better outcomes for citizens.

Through this new programme of investment there are aspirations to bring significant innovation and new approaches to delivering adult social care and health outcomes. Within the prevention and early intervention agenda there are now well understood benefits to older adults, people with disabilities and mental health conditions from participating in a whole range of activity not currently funded through Adult Social Care. This includes arts and cultural activity, sports and physical activity, digital inclusion for instance, Additionally there is a much greater understanding of the role bereavement can play in social isolation, loneliness and behaviour disorders such as hoarding, as well as the benefits of employment, volunteering and community facilities in fostering inclusion of older people and people with disabilities, for instance. Likewise, through emerging Three Conversations practice we are now appreciating the importance and demand for services and activities, which can specifically address hoarding for instance.

At the same time there is an appreciation that BCC does not have the solutions or detailed knowledge and understanding of the best ways of delivering these new areas of activity, or their feasibility in particular circumstances. However, there is extensive interest and expertise in Birmingham, the region and nationally which BCC can invite proposals from. The proposed grants approach can create new partnerships, share and develop expertise in Adult Social Care, as well as provide assurance that the Council is investing in the best possible ideas, activities and services which can benefit citizens and communities. The programme has the potential to change the way adult social care is perceived both within the social care and health system, as well as outside of it. This is particularly in placing older people, people with disabilities and mental health conditions as part of the considerations and agenda for a broader range of stakeholders and funders, as well as more firmly in their own neighbourhoods and communities. These aspirations are also consistent with the emerging Adult Social Care Transitions and Day Opportunities Strategies, and will add to their potential reach and ambition over the next couple of years.

The Commonwealth Games will be delivered in Birmingham and the West Midlands in 2022, which creates a whole range of opportunities for the city’s citizens and communities. This will need to extend to older people, people with disabilities and people with mental health conditions, who are at the heart of this investment in prevention and communities. To align Adult Social Care’s investment with the Commonwealth Games and to create an opportunity for organisations, groups, citizens and communities to make the most of the excitement and interest which the Games will create, the “Prevention & Communities Programme” will run for only two years, until 2021. This is with the intention of creating a subsequent programme of investment in 2021 which can provide opportunities for older people, people with disabilities and mental health conditions to engage with and participate in the Commonwealth Games, through a whole range of activities, events, volunteering and employment.

Outline and eligibility - what we will consider investing in

BCC will invest up to £4.9million in grants over the next two years and will consider awarding grants to proposals, which can evidence a benefit to older people, people with disabilities and/or people with mental health conditions. To be successful proposals must also evidence how they will support Adult Social Care’s investment in “Prevention First”, particularly the following outcomes:

Citizens: Increased social participation; Healthier lifestyles; Maximised income; Living in housing which supports independence; Carers feel more supported; Better experience of the social care system

Communities: Access to a relevant and diverse community offer; Access to more opportunities to participate in neighbourhoods

Behaviours and culture: Better internal partnership working across Council and NHS; Better cross-sector partnership working between the statutory, voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors; Embedding of a culture which focuses on and supports the strengths, assets and positive outcomes for citizens

Social Care & Health System: Reduced demand on statutory services; Financial savings; Additional investment in the social care and health system; Happier, more productive workforce

A number of priorities and themes have been identified, which BCC would like to particularly support and invest in. They complement and respond to the investment in Neighbourhood Network Schemes, Three Conversations and community social work practice, emerging social prescribing practices, as well as the city’s existing strengths, assets and gaps.

Advice and support (including peer support) – recognising the value of good advice and information in supporting citizens to make informed decisions about their options and opportunities.

Affordable warmth and fuel poverty – recognising the importance of living in safe and warm homes to maximise the health and independence of citizens.

Arts and culture – recognising the social benefits, as well as the benefits to cohesion, health and wellbeing of arts and cultural activities.

Bereavement, personal loss and death – recognising the significant negative impact that unresolved grief and loss can have on social isolation, loneliness and future crisis;

Community and day opportunities – recognising the importance and value to citizens of being able to regularly access safe, fun, interesting and social activities and services.

Capital (including adaptations and improvements of buildings, which can support community inclusion) – recognising the importance of local facilities and equipment which can increase the accessibility of places, activities and services to older people, people with disabilities and/or mental health conditions.

Digital inclusion – recognising the opportunities presented by the internet and new technology in connecting people, improving wellbeing and inclusion.

Employment, volunteering and skills – recognising the benefits of work and volunteering to people’s income, health and inclusion, as well as the gap in support available to some people to get into or return to work.

Housing and hoarding – recognising the benefit of handy person and gardening schemes, as well as services which can respond to hoarding, in helping people live independently in their own homes. This also recognises the significant gap and underinvestment in these services across the city.

Partnerships – recognising the role of meaningful collaborations and partnerships in achieving a wider and deeper range of outcomes for citizens and communities.

Sport and physical activity - recognising the social benefits, as well as the benefits to cohesion, health and wellbeing of sport and physical activities.

Transport and mobility – recognising the barriers which can prevent citizens accessing activities and services in their community and city. This includes both physical transport, but also barriers concerned with physical mobility, urban design and community safety.

Proposals can be submitted through four sub-programmes, each with their own eligibility, criteria and restrictions. You can read more about the restrictions and exclusions in the next section. In summary the Council will consider investing in the following activities and services:

Community and Day OpportunitiesThis is restricted to organisations with a current grant agreement with BCC through the Third Sector Grants programme. Approximately £700K per annum has been allocated to these grants. We will award grants:

For two years; With a value of up to £200K per annum to proposals involving a single organisation; With no upper value to partnership proposals, though funding is limited to a maximum of £100K

per annum for each named partner; For both revenue and capital; Which benefit people with and without assessed care needs.

Community InclusionWe will consider proposals from any group or organisation, which comply with the relevant annual income restrictions which support the inclusion of people with disabilities and/or mental health conditions in community activities, services and networks. Approximately £500K per annum has been allocated to these grants, though this could increase if the allocation for other sub-programmes is not used in full. We will award grants for:

One-offs (capital), one year or two years up to a maximum value of £25K per annum; The provision of community based activities and services; The training and development of community groups and organisations to enable them to be

more inclusive; Physical improvements and changes (capital) to improve the accessibility of local facilities; Equipment which can improve the offer and accessibility of local facilities, activities and

services.

Prevention and Early InterventionThis is restricted to organisations with a current grant agreement with BCC through the Third Sector Grants programme. Approximately £750K per annum has been allocated to these grants. We will award grants:

For two years and with a value of £25K or more per annum; With a value of up to £200K per annum to proposals involving a single organisation; With no upper value to partnership proposals, though funding is limited to a maximum of £100K

per annum for each named partner; For both revenue and capital; Which support one or more of the programme’s priorities and themes.

New and Emerging relationships with Adult Social CareThis is restricted to organisations and organisations which currently don’t have a current grant agreement with BCC through the Third Sector Grants programme. Approximately £500K per annum has been allocated to these grants, though this could increase if the allocation for other sub-programmes is not used in full. We will award grants:

For two years and with a value of £25K or more per annum; With a value of up to £200K per annum to proposals involving a single organisation; With no upper value to partnership proposals, though funding is limited to a maximum of £100K

per annum for each named partner; For both revenue and capital; Which support one or more of the programme’s priorities and themes.

Key dates and timeline

The following sets out the timeline and key dates for the programme, including application and award dates. Please note that all dates listed are not confirmed and subject to change.

Date

Activity

May 2019

24th May - Stakeholder briefing event w/c 27th May - Weekly surgeries commence

June 17th-21st June - Stakeholder briefing event Friday 28th June at 12pm – deadline for proposals for “Community Opportunities” and

“Prevention & Early Intervention”

July

1st-12th July - Technical Panel assessment of proposals for “Community Opportunities” and “Prevention & Early Intervention”

8th-19th July – Citizen Panel assessment of proposals for “Community Opportunities” and “Prevention & Early Intervention”. Groups and organisations invited to present and pitch their proposals to citizens.

22nd July-2nd August – Award Panel for “Community Opportunities” and “Prevention & Early Intervention”.

23rd July-5th August – Notifications to groups and organisations about the outcome of proposals

End of July – weekly surgeries finish Friday 26th July at 12pm – deadline for proposals for “Community Inclusion” and “New &

Emerging” 29th July-9th August - Technical Panel assessment of proposals for “Community

Inclusion” and “New & Emerging”

Aug

5th August-16th August - Citizen Panel assessment of proposals for “Community Inclusion” and “New & Emerging”. Groups and organisations invited to present and pitch their proposals to citizens.

19th August-30th August – Award Panel for “Community Inclusion” and “New & Emerging”. 20th August-2nd September – Notifications to groups and organisations about the outcome

of proposals

Sept Conditions of Grant Aid agreed with successful groups and organisations Mobilisation and recruitment period Technical, Citizen and Award Panels – assess resubmissions

Oct-Nov

From 1st October – new programme and grants commence Technical, Citizen and Award Panels – assess resubmissions

July-Nov 2020

Grants reviewed and assessed by monitoring officer and Commissioning Manager, with recommendations to renew or change grants for second year

New “Community Inclusion” proposals submitted for assessment and award Grants renewed or changed for second year New grants awarded for “Community Inclusion”

For further details about any of the events or dates set out please contact PreventionandCommunities@birmingham.gov.uk, visit Find It In Birmingham (https://www.finditinbirmingham.com) or the Neighbourhood Network Scheme blog (https://brumnns.wordpress.com), as appropriate.

Minimum criteria, restrictions and exclusions

General – applicable to all grants:Consistent with all grants awarded by Birmingham City Council, there are some activities which cannot be considered for funding from this programme. These include:

Cost of ongoing staff who are not working directly on or contributing to the project – including salaries of permanent of fixed term staff;

Costs incurred in putting the application together; Core costs of the organisation – utility bills, rent, management cost etc. which are not directly

related to the project activity; Contingency cost e.g. funds to provide a source of income or for fundraising activities; Political or religious activities; Projects that take place outside of Birmingham; VAT that you can recover; Loans or interest payments; Purchase of alcohol or illegal substances;

In addition, proposals will not be considered or successful where:

There has been no engagement with either the relevant and named representatives of the Adult Social Care Commissioning Team or BVSC (See also the “Pre-Application” and “Application” guidance);

Application forms have been submitted without being completed in full or to a satisfactory level which prevents them from being evaluated and assessed;

A case has not been made that there will be a positive impact on the Adult Social Care vision and associated Prevention First outcomes;

Proposals do not comply with the Council’s policies concerning the Living Wage and No Platform Policy, and are unable to provide the supporting documents to evidence the mandatory policies and procedures.

By grant sub-programme:The Prevention & Communities Programme is divided into four sub-programmes, each with their own restrictions and exclusions, which are set out below.

Restriction of Exclusion Reason(s) for these restrictions or exclusionsCommunity Opportunities

Restricted to existing Third Sector Grants recipients (all organisations which have an existing grant agreement with the Council through that programme)

We recognise that there is significant value in a number of the activities and services already delivered through the Third Sector Grants programme grants. As a result it is important to retain investment in these where there is clear evidence of value and outcomes for citizens and the Council.

Maximum value of grant to be awarded to proposals from a single organisation is £200,000 per annum (or £400,000 over the two year period)

The total funding available is limited compared to the overall scale of need and opportunity. It is important that the Council retains an investment in a wide number and range of organisations, to benefit the health of the VCSE sectors in the city, as well as spread risk across the programme.

There is no upper limit on the grants which can be awarded to partnership proposals, though the maximum funding which can be allocated to any partner is limited to £100,000 per annum

We recognise that the best outcomes for citizens and communities are often achieved through working in partnership. Additionally, one of Birmingham’s assets is the scale and diversity of its VCSE sectors and where skills, expertise and knowledge can be brought together within the sector there can be tremendous benefits.

We have placed an upper limit on the amount any single partner can receive to enable equality between organisations and groups in partnership proposals, which we receive.

A minimum of 50% of attendees or users of the proposed activities or services must not have an assessed care need

This programme is focused on prevention and early intervention, which means in this context preventing or delaying the need for adults to require statutory social care services. Additionally for those with assessed care needs, this is already significant funding, investment and services being supported by Adult Social Care.

However, we also want to promote inclusion and diversity, providing alternative options for adults with care needs to participate in their communities, services and activities

Restriction of Exclusion Reason(s) for these restrictions or exclusionswhich aren’t exclusively for them.

The maximum value of the grant to be awarded to proposal is 70% of the total costs of the activities and services to be delivered

The care market is changing and with the advent of direct payments, now adding to the existing opportunities presented by self-funders and volunteering there are now a wider range of options available to organisations to fund and support their activities and services. It is important that we encourage engagement with those other options and reduce dependence on the Council for funding activities and services.

Community Inclusion

Maximum value of grant to be awarded to proposals is £25,000 and the minimum is £10,000

The Neighbourhood Network Schemes being established across the city will be commissioning activity in neighbourhoods up to a maximum value of £10,000. This programme is aimed at complementing that investment and supporting investment which might not be otherwise be possible through the Schemes.

This sub-programme is also aimed specifically at small and medium sized organisations to enable and facilitate change and inclusion of potentially excluded groups in communities. This is reflected in the grant value.

Revenue grants are restricted to organisations and groups with an income of less than £100,000 per annum

We recognise that the best outcomes for including people in their neighbourhoods and communities can be achieved through the smaller, genuine community based and focused organisations and groups.

Capital grants are restricted to organisations with an income of less than £500,000 per annum

We recognise that often a barrier to including people with disabilities and/or mental health conditions can be access to buildings and local facilities. Additionally, many medium sized organisations which are responsible for those buildings and facilities, and the range of activity delivered by smaller groups and organisations from them, need financial support to be able to make improvements to those facilities.

Proposals must reference a specific neighbourhood, Constituency or locality which will benefit from a potential grant award. Generic proposals will not be considered.

We want to be able to invest in proposals, which can have a clear and credible impact in neighbourhoods and communities.

Prevention & Early Intervention

Restricted to existing Third Sector Grants recipients (all organisations which have an existing grant agreement with the Council through that programme)

We recognise that there is significant value in a number of the activities and services already delivered through the Third Sector Grants programme grants. As a result it is important to retain investment in these where there is clear evidence of value and outcomes for citizens and the Council.

Maximum value of grant to be awarded to proposals from a single organisation is £200,000 per annum (or £400,000 over the two year period)

The total funding available is limited compared to the overall scale of need and opportunity. It is important that the Council retains an investment in a wide number and range of organisations, to benefit the health of the VCSE sectors in the city, as well as spread risk across the programme

There is no upper limit on the grants which can be awarded to partnership proposals, though the maximum funding which can be allocated to any partner is limited to £100,000 per annum

We recognise that the best outcomes for citizens and communities are often achieved through working in partnership. Additionally, one of Birmingham’s assets is the scale and diversity of its VCSE sectors and where skills, expertise and knowledge can be brought together within the sector there can be tremendous benefits.

We have placed an upper limit on the amount any single partner can receive to enable equality between organisations and groups in partnership proposals, which we receive.

Proposals must be relevant to one of the listed themes (see “Outline and Eligibility” section) but community and day opportunities are excluded for these grants

The themes identified are those where it has been identified that investment has the potential to have the biggest outcomes and impact. This is based on existing gaps within the city, as well as new or emerging evidence and opportunities for investment.

Restriction of Exclusion Reason(s) for these restrictions or exclusions

Community opportunities are excluded because there is a specific sub-programme of grants dedicated to these.

New & Emerging

Restricted to organisations, which the Council does not have an existing grant agreement with through the Third Sector Grants programme

Since the grants within the Third Sector Programme were agreed there have been significant changes within Birmingham’s VCSE sectors. We therefore want to be able to recognise that and provide specific opportunities to organisations and groups, which have not previously been funded by Adult Social Care. In doing so we recognise that this can be bring new ideas, skills and expertise to the whole programme.

Maximum value of grant to be awarded to proposals from a single organisation is £200,000 per annum (or £400,000 over the two year period)

The total funding available is limited compared to the overall scale of need and opportunity. It is important that the Council retains an investment in a wide number and range of organisations, to benefit the health of the VCSE sectors in the city, as well as spread risk across the programme.

There is no upper limit on the grants which can be awarded to partnership proposals, though the maximum funding which can be allocated to any partner is limited to £100,000 per annum

We recognise that the best outcomes for citizens and communities are often achieved through working in partnership. Additionally, one of Birmingham’s assets is the scale and diversity of its VCSE sectors and where skills, expertise and knowledge can be brought together within the sector there can be tremendous benefits.

We have placed an upper limit on the amount any single partner can receive to enable equality between organisations and groups in partnership proposals, which we receive.

Grants are restricted to organisations and groups with an income of less than £1,000,000 per annum or which have the registered address in Birmingham

We recognise how important grants are to the health and sustainability of micro, small and medium sized organisations which may not have the skills and capacity to compete for public sector contracts. We also recognise the added value for communities from investing in Birmingham based organisations and groups, which can offer more to communities than is included in the scope of this programme.

We would also like to recognise the skills, knowledge and expertise offered by Birmingham’s larger organisations and the wider benefits that can be bring to all organisations and groups, which might be funded through this programme.

Proposals must be relevant to one of the listed themes (see “Outline and Eligibility” section)

The themes identified are those where it has been identified that investment has the potential to have the biggest outcomes and impact. This is based on existing gaps within the city, as well as new or emerging evidence and opportunities for investment.

Grants application, assessment and award process

Application and initial assessment

Applications received – written, video and photographs (as appropriate)

Initial assessment against minimum criteria

Citizens and communities assessment

Citizens Panel Applicants invited to present and

pitch to citizens Assessment of citizen and

communities outcomes, as well as appeal of proposal to citizens and communities

Award Panel

Chaired by Director or Assistant Director, with representatives from Commissioning, Finance, Legal, Corporate Procurement and Cabinet Advisors

Review recommendations and ratify panel decisions

Review samples of applications for quality and health-check

Decisions passed to Commissioning Manager Senior Commissioning Officers to award grants

Monitoring & Support

Via named /allocated Commissioning staff

Quarterly reviews of evidence, value and impact

Pre-application process

Advertised and promoted to communities, networks and market

Initial queries and clarifications

Applicant consultation and engagement with citizens and social workers

Annual review and award

Review of evidence, value and impact

Recommendation for continuation of grant award by Commissioning Manager

Technical assessment

Officer and expert panel (including reps from BCC Commissioning, BCC Social Care, NHS, BVSC)

Assessment of whether proposal is fit for purpose, achievable, sustainable and meets with wider/longer-term aims and outcomes

Assessment of system outcomes, behaviour and culture outcomes

Recommendations to Award Panel/Board of full awards, partial awards, grant conditions, development grant, or no award

Grant Awards

Conditions of Grant Aid agreed with providers, including any recommended improvements or changes to original applications

Initial grant payment made, monitoring and support arrangements put into place between Council and provider

Development Grant

To further develop evidence base where not conclusive but significant potential shown in application

Application resubmitted with enhanced evidence base or logic model

Pre-application stage (including key contacts)

Please note that we will not consider any proposals we receive, which have not been discussed with one of the name contacts in BCC or BVSC (see list of representatives below). It is therefore important for all organisations and groups considering applying for a grant through this programme to engage with this “stage”.

We want to invest in the ideas, projects, activities and services which can deliver the best possible outcomes and impact for citizens, communities and the social care and health system. This is in the context of the Adult Social Care Vision and Prevention First. There is sometimes a difference between the quality of the applications received and the quality of delivery and outcomes, so we therefore want to ensure that organisations and groups have access to advice, support and guidance to enable them to make the best possible case and submit the best proposals they can to the programme.

Until the deadline for the submission of proposals has closed there will be the following opportunities available to access advice, guidance and support for your proposals. We cannot help you write your proposal, but we can try and ensure you are equipped with as much knowledge and confidence as possible to present your case for investment as well as you can.

EventsBetween May and July 2019 there will be events, which you can attend to find out more about the programme and how to apply. These are open to any group or organisation with an interest in the programme and will cover key issues and considerations for your proposal.

For details about these please contact PreventionandCommunities@birmingham.gov.uk, visit Find It In Birmingham (https://www.finditinbirmingham.com) or the Neighbourhood Network Scheme blog (https://brumnns.wordpress.com), as appropriate.

SurgeriesBetween May and July there will also be weekly surgeries hosted by BVSC, which any organisation and group can register to attend and drop-in. These surgeries will be supported by relevant representatives of BVSC and BCC, to help guide and coach organisations and groups through the development of ideas and proposals.

For details about these please contact PreventionandCommunities@birmingham.gov.uk, visit Find It In Birmingham (https://www.finditinbirmingham.com) or the Neighbourhood Network Scheme blog (https://brumnns.wordpress.com), as appropriate.

Questions, queries and arranging one to one conversationsYou can also contact BCC and BVSC on a rolling basis if you have specific questions or queries about the programme or your proposal. If you already receive a grant through the Third Sector Grants Programme, please speak to your existing named contact in BCC to discuss your proposal and any specific queries you might have about it.

The named representatives who can support you with your proposal and queries about the programme are listed below. In the first instance please use the programme e-mail address and your query will be directed to the appropriate representative from the following. The e-mail address is PreventionandCommunities@birmingham.gov.uk.

Community opportunities; Prevention & Early Intervention – Rita Adams, Jason Bartlett, Susan Coke and Austin Rodriguez (BCC Adult Social Care Commissioning); Rosie Barrett and Benita Wishart (BVSC).

Community Inclusion – Emil Prysak and Matthew Bick (BCC Adult Social Care Commissioning); Rosie Barrett and Benita Wishart (BVSC).

New and Emerging – Emil Prysak, Matthew Bick and Austin Rodriguez (BCC Adult Social Care Commissioning); Rosie Barrett and Benita Wishart (BVSC).

Application stage

Deadlines and submitting your applicationWhen you are ready to submit your application, there are two deadlines to consider:

Community and day opportunities; Prevention & Early Intervention – 12pm on Friday 28th June. Community Inclusion; New & Emerging – 12pm on Friday 26th July.

Proposals must be submitted to the Prevention & Communities inbox – PreventionandCommunities@birmingham.gov.uk. Any which are received after this time and date may not be considered.

Application form overviewThe application form is configured to be able to capture the basic and essential information about your group, organisation, as well as some of the minimum requirements and criteria being applied to this programme. The questions asked will also help us be able to identify the best ideas, activities, services, outcomes, groups and organisations to invest in, specifically:

The merits, relevance and credibility of your proposed activity, service or project; The potential outcomes, value and impact of your proposal, including their credibility and

relevance; The strength and credibility of your organisation or group, as well as any additional support

which might be provided in addition to a grant.

In completing your application, please refer to and follow any guidance notes included in the form, as well as any proposed word limits on your answers. Any answers exceeding the word limits provided may not be considered. If you have any queries or questions you can also contact BCC and BVSC for advice and guidance (as per the details set out in the pre-application stage).

Please refer to the hints, tips and useful information section for advice and guidance about how you can submit a proposal which is sufficiently well presented, informed and evidenced to be considered for investment through this programme.

Alternative ways of presenting your ideas and case for investmentIn addition to completing the written application form, there are sections within the form where you are invited to present your ideas, evidence or case for investment through alternative means. For some people this might present a better alternative to presenting your proposal to BCC. The alternatives we will consider are:

A short video (e.g. up to 3 minutes); A short slide-pack (e.g. up to 10 slides); A photo album with accompanying narrative.

How you decide to answer these sections is for your determination, but a conversation with the relevant representatives of BCC and BVSC is recommended. This is in part to ensure that we are

not restricted by technology in terms of what we can and can’t receive, subsequently review and assess.

If you are considering submitting a short video, slide-pack or photo album please also remember to seek permission from any service users and citizens who might feature in these. Likewise please be mindful of and compliant of legal requirements in the Data Protection Act and GDPR.

Assessment stage

On receiving your proposal, it will be assessed and evaluated through three stages:

Initial assessment – on receipt of your proposal it will be reviewed by a BCC Officer to ensure it meets the minimum criteria for consideration.

Technical Panel – for proposals meeting the minimum criteria for consideration, they will be reviewed by a multi-agency panel. The panel will consider the merits and credibility of the proposal, proposed outcomes, as well as the strength and credibility of the organisation and group applying for funding.

Citizens Panel – for proposals meeting the minimum criteria for consideration, the proposing organisation or group will be invited to provide a short presentation to a citizen panel. Citizens are best placed to assess and evaluate the benefits and relevance of proposals to citizens and communities.

Initial assessmentAll proposals received by the Council within the relevant deadlines will be initially reviewed and assessed by a BCC Officer. This assessment will consider whether proposals meet the minimum criteria, restrictions and exclusions to be considered. Please refer to the minimum criteria, restrictions and exclusions section for more information.

Where the initial assessment shows that minimum criteria have not been met proposals will be referred to the Commissioning Manager for a further review. Where the Commissioning Manager also decides that the minimum criteria have not been met proposals will be returned to the submitting organisation and group, and excluded from further consideration.

Technical panelsThese panels will consider proposals submitted across the sub-programmes and involve officers and representatives from BCC, BVSC, NHS and other relevant organisations which can provide subject matter knowledge and expertise to the assessment and evaluation process. The panels will consider and review the merit, strength, relevance and credibility of the:

Proposed activity, service or project, as well as the delivery details Proposed outcomes, value and impact Organisation or group submitting the proposal

The panel will provide recommendations about which organisations and groups should be invited to present to the Citizens Panel, as well as recommendations to the Award Panel about how or whether proposals should be awarded a grant.

Citizens panelFor organisations and groups invited to present to a citizens panel, they will be required to provide a short presentation and answer any subsequent questions. The citizen panel will consider how relevant and accessible the proposal is to citizens, as well as whether it is something they would directly benefit from or be able to recommend to friends and family.

The citizen panel will make recommendations to the Award Panel about how or whether proposals should be awarded a grant.

Award stage

Proposals, which have been assessed by both the Technical and Citizens Panels will be passed to a final Award Panel where a decision will be made about how or whether to award a grant to proposals. Decisions will be made based on recommendations made by the Technical and Citizens Panels, as well as any additional strategic commissioning, financial, legal or best practice considerations. The Award Panel will consist of BCC representatives from the following:

Assistant Director for Commissioning and/or Head of Service for Commissioning; Corporate Finance Legal Services Corporate Procurement Commissioning Manager Cabinet Advisors

Based on the merit of the proposals received and how over or undersubscribed the programme is, the decisions available to the Award Panel are to:

Award a grant for the full funding requested; Award a grant for part of the funding requested; Award a grant with conditions, where improvements or changes might be required; Award a development grant to organisations or groups to help them develop their proposal

further, so it can be resubmitted at a later date. This would only be to organisations and groups not already in receipt of a grant through the Third Sector Grants Programme;

Not award a grant, but request improvements or changes for resubmission at a later date; Not award a grant, with no further opportunity for resubmission.

Grant awardWhere a full or partial grant award has been recommended, proposals will be passed to the Commissioning Manager and Senior Commissioning Officers to notify and discuss with successful groups and organisations. Any subsequent grant awards made will then be subject to:

The satisfactory supply or relevant documents, such as policies and procedures; The agreement of any grant conditions; Compliance with and agreement of BCC’s “Conditions of Grant Aid”

Where these conditions are not met a grant will not be awarded. This includes the provision of a “development grant”. Where grants are agreed, payment will be 30% at the start of the grant funded activity, 40% at a mid-way point and 30% at the end of the year (subject to satisfactory compliance with grant conditions).

Resubmit at a later dateWhere a recommendation is made to award a development grant and/or for a proposal to be resubmitted at a future date with changes or improvements, proposals will be passed to the Commissioning Manager and Senior Commissioning Officer to notify and action with proposing groups and organisations. A future date will then be agreed to resubmit the proposal, which will undergo a further assessment and submission to the Award Panel.

No grant awarded

Where no grant award is recommended proposals will be passed to the Commissioning Manager and Senior Commissioning Officers to notify and provide feedback to the proposing groups and organisations.

Monitoring and support stage

Where grants have been awarded, groups and organisations will be allocated a Commissioning Officer, Senior Commissioning Officer or Commissioning Manager to support them with the delivery of their proposed activity, service or project. The role of these officers is to:

On behalf of BCC, monitor compliance with the grant conditions (as per the “Conditions of Grant Aid”);

Work with groups and organisations to support the delivery and maximise potential outcomes, value and impact;

Work with groups and organisations to identify areas and opportunities to support the capacity and development of groups and organisations, including assessment and referral to BVSC or a BCC social value partner for additional skills, expertise or support. This is sometimes referred to as “Grants Plus” activity;

Work with groups and organisations to share learning and develop BCC’s corporate knowledge and understanding of the activity, service or project – particularly its relevance to the Adult Social Care vision and Prevention First.

Throughout the life of the grant, support will also be available from BVSC as BCC’s commissioned programme partner. This will include advice, guidance and support with following grant monitoring and compliance processes, organisational development and capacity building, as well as maximising the outcomes and impact of the grant.

A requirement of the Conditions of Grant Aid will also be the provision, submission and presentation of reports to evidence progress in delivering agreed outputs and outcomes. This may include the following and will be directed by BCC:

Monthly or quarterly reports submitted to BCC; Presentation to Ward Forums or relevant Constituency groups, where grants have a specific

geographical focus

Where groups and organisations are considered to be failing to comply with the “Conditions of Grant Aid” and/or failing to engage with support offered BCC may consider and take steps to end the grant. Conversely, where groups and organisations are considered to be over-achieving in terms of the scope and conditions of the grant, BCC may be able to consider increasing its financial investment.

Annual review and award stage

All grants which are made on a two year basis will be reviewed towards the end of the first year. If there has been sufficient progress and compliance with the Conditions of Grant Aid, the allocated BCC Officer and/or Commissioning Manager will recommend to the Awards Panel that the grant is renewed for a second year and/or with increased funding. If insufficient progress has been made or where there is only partial compliance with the Conditions of Grant Aid a recommendation might also be made to renew the grant but with reduced funding, or not to renew the grant at all. The Awards Panel will subsequently decide and recommend the following:

Renewal of the grant on the same terms and conditions; Renewal of the grant with increased or decreased funding; Renewal of the grant with changes to the conditions: Not to renew the grant. Recommendations will be passed to the Commissioning Manager and Senior Commissioning Officer to notify groups and organisations, provide feedback and agree the renewal of or changes to the Conditions of Grant Aid for a second year.

Hints, tips and useful information to consider

There are three key tips for producing a relevant and successful proposal:

Ensure you read and follow the application guidance, including criteria, restrictions and exclusions, particularly understanding why we are asking particular questions or emphasising certain things.

Try and be honest and sincere about what your proposal will do and what it can achieve, as well as any risks or limitations to what you propose. The assessment process will identify how realistic and credible proposals are, as well as what types of support can be provided in addition to a grant.

Know the difference between outputs, outcomes and impact. We are interested in what you will achieve and the difference your proposal will make, i.e. outcomes and impact and without credible evidence or logic about how you will achieve relevant outcomes your proposal will not be successful. For more information visit https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/organisation/impact/about-impact-and-evaluation/understanding-the-language-1

In terms of more specific tips and guidance for this programme:

Ensure you discuss your proposal with BCC or BVSC before submitting it, to ensure you understand the process, what we are looking for and you can make the best possible case you can.

Be clear about how your proposal will support the Adult Social Care Vision and Prevention First outcomes. This will be fundamental to whether your proposal is successful.

Only reference outcomes you are confident you can achieve and evidence, rather than speculate about what might be possible. Less can be more, but if in doubt contact BCC or BVSC.

Make use of the information and links provided to help build the case for your proposal. Make use of the alternative options for submitting information as part of your proposal.

Some useful links and information:

Birmingham Adult Social Care & Health - https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20018/adult_social_care_and_health

Birmingham’s Adult Social Care & Health Vision and Strategy - https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20018/adult_social_care_and_health/1473/vision_and_strategy_for_adult_social_care_and_health

Neighbourhood Network Scheme blog https://brumnns.wordpress.com/ - this contains a range of useful links, resources, ideas and evidence which might support your proposal. Updates about the programme will also be regularly posted on the blog.

Local area health profiles https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50120/public_health/1332/local_area_health_profiles - which contain a wealth of information about the health and wellbeing of Birmingham’s communities.

Birmingham’s Ward profiles https://public.tableau.com/profile/bcc.ck#!/vizhome/2018BirminghamWardProfiles/2018BirminghamWardProfiles - which contain a wealth of information about Birmingham’s population.

Market position statements https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50173/providers_of_care_services/131/birminghams_market_position_statements - these contain detailed information about older adults, people with learning disabilities and physical disabilities in the city.

Birmingham Adult Social Care Day Opportunities Consultation (including the proposed draft strategy) - https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20018/adult_social_care_and_health/1522/adults_social_care_day_opportunities_consultation_2019