midlothian third sector interface – supporting and...

Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan

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MIDLOTHIAN TSI WORKPLAN 2015/16Full Year Monitoring Return

1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016

RAG:

Red - action required

Amber - slightly behind

Green - on track

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Purpose of this DocumentThis document is an outcome-focussed work plan outlining proposed activity by the Midlothian Third Sector Interface, detailing the organisations involved, work to be undertaken, costings, risks, and marketing strategy.

2.0 BackgroundMidlothian is a small local authority area adjoining Edinburgh’s southern boundary, and framed by the Pentland Hills in the west and the Moorfoot Hills of the Scottish Borders in the south. Most of Midlothian’s population, of 84,700*, resides in or around the main towns of Penicuik, Bonnyrigg, Loanhead, Dalkeith, Newtongrange and Gorebridge. The southern half of the authority is predominantly rural, with a small population spread among a number of villages and farm settlements.

The Strategic Interface Partnership brings together three key sectors of the voluntary sector/community groups in Midlothian to focus on achieving effective greater participation of the Third Sector in Single Outcome Agreements and Community Planning. Community planning is the process through which public sector organisations work together and with local communities, the business and voluntary sectors, to identify and solve local problems, improve services and share resources. The strategic interface partnership feeds into local community planning with a focus on the voluntary sector, social enterprises and volunteering.

*General Register for Scotland Mid-2013 Population Estimates

3.0 Organisational Summaries

3.1 OrganisationsThere are three organisations involved in the Interface:

Midlothian Voluntary Action is the Council for Voluntary Service in Midlothian. They support and facilitate the development and representation of the voluntary sector at a local level. MVA receives funding from Midlothian Council, the Scottish Government and a range of external funders. MVA also run a direct service, Woodburn Day Care Club, which provides a day care service for frail elderly people. This follows an inclusive model and has many volunteers with learning disabilities and/or mental health issues. Woodburn Day Care Club figures (e.g. staff, funders) have not been included in this plan.

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Volunteer Midlothian provides information, advice, training and support on all aspects of volunteering in Midlothian. Volunteer Midlothian receives funding from the Scottish Government, Midlothian Council and a range of external funders. Volunteer Midlothian also provides direct services to adults through its Connect projects and to young people through Transform.

The Social Enterprise Alliance Midlothian (SEAM) aim is to support and promote the development of social enterprise in Midlothian. SEAM is a multi-agency partnership with no legal identity. MVA chair SEAM and host the SEAM worker(s). SEAM is funded by the Scottish Government.

3.2 Client Groups

The Interface works with:

Individuals: For example, through the provision of support and advice on volunteering, engaging individuals in the community planning processes through the Community Care Forum, and support to key Forward Mid (physical disability user group) and Platform and Voice (older people user groups) representatives.

Community groups: For example, through the provision of funding advice.

Staffed voluntary organisations: For example, through access to an annual programme of training and good practice advice on how to recruit and support volunteers.

Social Enterprises: Many of which are also voluntary organisations and which we support through information provision and training.

Community Planning partners: We work directly with statutory agencies through the community planning processes.

4.0 Strategic Context

4.1 Midlothian Community Planning Partnership (MCPP) - Midlothian’s Community Planning Partnership is a network of public-service based partnership groups, led by a Steering Committee, which work together to achieve the shared vision for Midlothian. Partnership groups facilitate joint working between local agencies from

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the public, voluntary, private and community sectors. The Health and Social Care Joint Integration Shadow Board is in operation until approximately July 2015 when it will become a full Board. The list of core partner organisations is:

Midlothian Council Armed Forces Community Justice Authority Police Scotland Scottish Fire & Rescue Service NHS Lothian Midlothian Third Sector Interface (MVA; Volunteer Midlothian and SEAM) Midlothian Federation of Community Councils Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Edinburgh College JobCentre Plus South East Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) Scottish Enterprise Skills Development Scotland Scottish Government Scottish Water Federation of Small Businesses Chair of Joint Health & Social Care Board

The Single Midlothian Plan is currently being updated for 2015-16. The update will sets out objectives for Midlothian that have been agreed by partner agencies and local communities.

The Partnership’s vision for the plan is:

‘The means for promoting a higher quality of life for individuals and communities within Midlothian (measured in terms of the four dimensions of lifelong learning, health and wellbeing, safety and economic capacity) will be achieved while enhancing the environment, celebrating our cultural identity and diversity and combating social exclusion.’

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4.2 Scottish Government – The TSI is part funded by the Scottish Government. This funding, along with that received from Midlothian Council, is used to leverage in further funding to help us achieve our objectives. The TSI has built our business plan around the Common Services Framework for 2015/16. In addition, we will meet the strategic direction of the Scottish Government Budget for 2015/16 as follows:

4.2.1 Address issues of inequality and the needs of disadvantaged communities by enabling and building the capacity of the sector:

to be right at the heart of transforming lives, where it works directly with individuals and communities to co-produce solutions and approaches, which support resilience and well-being, and combat inequality; and

to give scale and pace to its impact in public service reform and prevention, and to developing enterprising and innovative solutions with communities to the challenges they face;

support the key themes in the European Structural Funds (ESF) Programme by:o creating more, better paid jobs in a strong, sustainable economy;o building a fairer Scotland and tacking inequality;o passing power to people and communities

The TSI will support the third sector to:

a) help tackle inequalitiesb) support communities and develop social capitalc) contribute to public service reform and preventionsd) develop good governance and management and collaboration within the sectore) engage with the Town Centre Action Plan

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a) Help tackle inequalities

Financial InequalitiesThe changes to welfare reform are currently one of the biggest challenges to the Third Sector and its clients. Examples of the way the TSI is working to address this include:

Close working relationships with Midlothian Financial Inclusion Network (MFIN), the umbrella body for advice agencies active in Midlothian. The MVA Deputy Manager is a Board member of MFIN, and line manages the MFIN staff, one of whom they also house (See Outcome 4, Partnership);

MVA coordinated a number of strategic funding applications to draw resources into Midlothian, including successful bids to the Big Lottery Fund Support and Connect, SLAB Making Advice Work, and the Scottish Government’s Welfare Reform Resilience Fund. We will continue to support these projects, and look for opportunities to draw down further resources (See Outcome 3, Funding);

We have secured funding from SCVO’s Digital Challenge Fund to upskill voluntary organisations, community groups, community councils and faith organisations to better support their clients with the challenges of the move to on-line benefit claims, and the Council’s policy of ‘channel shifting’ (See Outcome 3, Digital Participation).

Volunteer Midlothian has secured DWP Flexible Support funding to upskill jobseekers facing a digital challenge. This will ensure that unemployed people have local access to IT tuition and employability support (See Outcome 3, Digital Participation).

Volunteer Midlothian successfully sourced funding from a range of providers, including the Big Lottery and People’s Health Trust, which has enabled us to work with young people in or at risk of negative destinations. By enabling these young people to volunteer in a supported environment many have gained the confidence and skills to move into a positive destination (See Outcome 1).

Health Inequalities We recognise that the causes of health inequalities are complex and difficult to reduce. Examples of the way the TSI is working to address this include:

MVA will continue to manage the “Toot for Fruit” van, which supplies fresh fruit and vegetables to vulnerable and isolated people in outlying and deprived areas, on an interim basis on request of NHS Lothian;

MVA will continue to participate in the multi-agency Joint Health Improvement Partnership (JHIP); SEAM will continue to participate in the community planning group “Food and Health Alliance”; SEAM is co-ordinating a social media forum entitled Midlothian Food Network – to promote and support local food growing, catering and retailing; MVA and SEAM are overseeing NHS funded community engagement project supporting improvement of wellbeing and local involvement with design of public

services in Mayfield and Easthouses. Volunteer Midlothian is delivering intergenerational befriending and activity groups in areas of Midlothian which are most at risk of health inequalities. The

project, funded by the People’s Health Trust, brings together young people and isolated older people in community settings. Volunteer Midlothian will continue to deliver three projects for isolated older people and people with dementia aimed at improving health and well-being of

clients and carers as a result of becoming less isolated and feeling more included in the community.

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Volunteer Midlothian’s Community Links and Community Links Dementia coordinators will continue to be involved in preventative work with people with comorbidity issues.

Volunteer Midlothian’s’ Connect Online project will continue to include instruction in online shopping, emphasising healthy food options. Volunteer Midlothian will continue to address health inequalities issues for older people by participating in the Joint Older People’s Planning Group (and

Action Plan), Health and Social Care Reference group, Community Connecting Subgroup, and Community Practitioners’ group.

Tackling DiscriminationWe recognise that discrimination can occur for many different reasons. Examples of the way the TSI is working to address this include:

• We support the Midlothian Community Care Forum, working in partnership with other appropriate organisations/agencies, which will continue to support local disability organisations (e.g. Forward Mid) and older people’s forums to engage and support with their communities of interest, e.g. community cafes (See Outcome 4, Community Care Forum);

• We will continue to monitor and evaluate our activities, to ensure that we target our work to areas of deprivation, including Mayfield, Gorebridge, and Woodburn (See Outcome 3, Funding);

• The TSI will continue to participate in the Community Planning Research and Information Group (CPRIG) which gathers and disseminates statistics, including on inequalities, for example, through the Profile of Midlothian;

The TSI will continue to disseminate information on a wide range of inequality issues, e.g. through targeted email lists, social media, e-briefings, and forums.

b) Support communities and develop social capital

Community EmpowermentLocal communities are at the heart of what we do. Examples of the way the TSI is working to address this include:

MVA has received funding from NHS Lothian for a new 1 year post of Community Empowerment Worker. The purpose of the role will be to help identify ways to effectively engage and empower individuals to play a full and active role in the redesign of customer access and shared social service delivery arrangements. The project will involve bringing statutory agencies, Third Sector organisations, community groups and local individuals together in a process of dialogue and joint planning around the future delivery of key services. The worker will be located in community-based offices in, Mayfield which contains the most deprived Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 2012 data zones in Midlothian (See Outcome 3, Community Empowerment);

MVA will continue to support communities to respond to emerging needs, for example, by setting up new groups and organisations as required, with support to identify suitable structures and write governing documents (See Outcome 3, Knowledge);

Volunteer Midlothian is working within community planning to develop a volunteering strategy to (See Outcome 1) ensure that local people are empowered to volunteer in their local communities.

Volunteer Midlothian will continue to connect local communities through volunteer led services aimed at re-engaging socially isolated older people, people with dementia and their carers into the local community (See Outcome 1 – Connect)

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Building Social Capital

We will continue to facilitate volunteering in the more deprived communities within Midlothian, sourcing funding to engage harder to reach groups (Outcome 1 – Connect & Transform)

We will help volunteers build their own social capital by increasing their confidence and skills. We will develop accredited training for volunteers to enhance their employability and skill level (Outcome 1 – Transform).

We will build capacity and empower residents of Midlothian through our volunteer based ‘Connect’ services for socially isolated and vulnerable adults, helping them to re-engage with their local communities.

We will provide practical support and training to young volunteers in or at risk of a negative destination to enable them to improve their employability and secure a more positive future (Outcome 1 – Transform).

We will support local organisations undertaking poverty and employability work to access, and manage, European Social Fund monies (see Outcome 3, Funding);

We will promote resilience in communities, particularly at times of crisis (see Outcome 4, Community Planning). We will support local Third Sector employers to develop their workforce, and grow the local economy (See Outcome 3 Training and Workforce Development,

and Funding). We will support organisations to develop their policies and practices relating to volunteers (See Outcome 1B).

Community Asset Transfer

• We will support community groups to take advantage of the powers given by the Community Empowerment Bill, such as asset transfer support (See Outcome 2).

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c) Contribute to public service reform and preventions

The Midlothian TSI is committed to working closely with our statutory partners to promote public service reform. For example, both MVA and Volunteer Midlothian are partners in a strategic bid funded by the Scottish Government’s Welfare Reform Resilience Fund, which examines the business transformation required by Midlothian Council to meet the challenges of welfare reform. Other examples of our work in this area includes:

Prevention – The work of the Third Sector is highly preventative, and we will work with organisations to help them work in partnership with, for example, the new Health and Social Care Partnerships to ensure their contribution is recognised. We will support MFIN who are currently undertaking a review of the preventative aspects of their work, and assist other organisations to use this methodology to assess their work (see Outcome 3, Partnership);

Performance – We will continue to support organisations to consider their performance, for example, by providing training on evaluating their work, and delivering outcomes (See Outcome 3, Funding)

People – We will support Third Sector Organisations to get involved in co-production opportunities, such as participatory budgeting (see Outcome 3, Funding), and coproduction events with Social Work/Health, and users of services (See Outcome 4, Community Care Forum);

Partnership – We will continue to represent the interests of the Third Sector in a wide range of forums (See Outcome 4, Community Planning).

d) Develop good governance and management, and collaboration within the sector

Good governance and management

Good governance and management are key to a healthy and vibrant Third Sector. Examples of the way the Midlothian TSI promotes this include:

o We will continue to provide support to new and developing organisations to choose appropriate structures; write appropriate governing documents; and adopt good governance practices through information, one-to-one support, and training (See Outcome 3, Knowledge).

o We will continue to offer a FREE training programme to local Third Sector organisations, covering issues such as Management Accounts and Budgeting, Project Management, HR, and Committee Skills (See Outcome 3, Training and Workforce Development).

o We will support volunteer managers to adopt best practice policies and practice with regard to their involvement of volunteers (see Outcome 1).o Provide a model of good practice (see Outcome 5).

Collaboration within the sector

The Midlothian TSI facilitates a wide range of opportunities for collaboration and peer support. Examples of our work in this area include:

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o The Voluntary Sector Forum, and the Voluntary Sector Children’s Sub-group, provide an opportunity for the sector to come together around issues of common interest, and to feed into the local community planning structures and local and national consultations (See Outcome 4, Community Planning);

o The TSI will continue to engage with social media to share information and engage with local online communities (See Outcome 3, Knowledge);o The Volunteer Managers Forum will continue to provide an opportunity for staff who support volunteers to come together to discuss issues of

importance; access relevant training and feel connected to the community planning process.

e) Social Enterprise and the Town Centre Action Plan

On an ongoing basis, SEAM supports social enterprise developments which contribute to the sustainability, vibrancy and diversity of Midlothian’s town and village centres. Over the next year, our work will contribute to the priorities of the Town Centre Action Plan in the following ways:

Vibrant local economies

SEAM will provide 1-2-1 business support for social enterprises seeking to start up or expand, to provide goods, services, opportunities and amenities in Midlothian’s town centres. These are likely to include: office/workspaces, community cafes, play facilities, community ‘hub’ facilities, arts/crafts activities and others.

SEAM will support social enterprises based in specific geographic areas to work collaboratively to build local economies through social-to-social trading, co-location where appropriate, resource sharing and mutual business support and learning.

SEAM will support local community groups, including development trusts and other anchor organisations, to develop viable business proposals for the transfer of town centre assets to community ownership.

SEAM will provide support for local social enterprises to market their businesses throughout and beyond Midlothian.

Enterprising communities

SEAM will work in geographic areas, alongside Council and other Community Planning colleagues as part of the Neighbourhood Planning process to identify potential social enterprise-based solutions to local town centre issues

SEAM will work with Council and Community Planning colleagues to identify ways of supporting more young people to gain enterprise skills in a social enterprise context.

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Accessible public services

SEAM will support local social enterprises to engage with Midlothian Council and other public bodies to develop Public-Social-Partnership models for the design and delivery of services in town centres-- for example the maintenance of parks and greenspaces, and the development of community growing activity in and around town or village centres.

5.0 Project Resources

5.1 Funding

Resources for the activities outlined in this business plan come from the following sources:

Big Lottery Fund - Young Start Castle Rock Edinvar Clydesdale Bank Community Jobs Scotland Cruden Foundation Department of Work and Pensions External Consultancy income Lloyds TSB Foundation Midlothian Council NHS Lothian Peoples Health Trust Robertson Trust Scottish Government Scottish Natural Heritage SCVO Digital Challenge Fund

*Please note that this excludes the Woodburn Day Care Club

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5.2 Staffing

Over the last year a total of 20.24 FTE members of staff have provided the services of the Interface, broken down as follows:

Volunteer Midlothian

Director 30 hours per week

Head of Service – Transform 17.5 hours per week

Head of Service – Connect 20 hours per week

Volunteering Development Coordinator 35 hours per week

Volunteering Development Officer 12 hours per week

Volunteering Development Assistant 35 hours per week

Youth Support Coordinator 35 hours per week

Youth Support Coordinator 17.5 hours per week

Gardening Coordinator 20 hours per week

Connect Online Coordinator 35 hours per week

Connect Online Coordinator 25 hours per week

Volunteer Coordinator (Community Links) 35 hours per week

Local Area Coordinator (Dementia) 20 hours per week

AT Home Coordinator (Dementia Hub) 21 hours per week

Youth Support Coordinator 35 hours per week – post ended 31 October 2015

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Youth Support Coordinator 35 hours per week – post ended 30 September 2015

Senior Volunteering Development Officer 25 hours per week – employee retired January 2016

Total FTE equivalent 12.94 FTE

SEAM

SEAM Development Worker 21 hours per week

Total FTE equivalent 0.6 FTE

Midlothian Voluntary Action

Manager 35 hours per week

Development Officer (Funding)/Deputy Manager 28 hours per week

Community Care Forum Development Worker 28 hours per week

Information Officer 35 hours per week

Community Empowerment Worker 24 hours per week

Toot for Fruit Driver/Development Worker 30 hours per week *

Administrator 35 hours per week

Administrator 21 hours per week

Total FTE equivalent 6.7 FTE**

*Please note that MVA has been operating the Toot for Fruit van on an interim basis until a long-term solution is established

**Please note that this excludes the staff at the Woodburn Day Care Club

MVA has also been contracting a Social Media Consultant as and when required, e.g. for training as part of our project upskilling voluntary organisations.

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5.3 Scottish Government funded staff

Headcount of staff who are more than 20% funded by the Scottish Government TSI Grant

SEAM 1

Midlothian Voluntary Action 5

Volunteer Midlothian 3

Total = 9

Total FTE staff who are more than 20% funded by the Scottish Government TSI Grant

SEAM 0.51 FTE

Midlothian Voluntary Action 2.10 FTE

Volunteer Midlothian 2.42 FTE

Total = 5.03 FTE

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OUTCOME 1A: MORE PEOPLE HAVE INCREASED OPPORTUNITY AND ENTHUSIASM TO VOLUNTEER / OUTCOME 1B: VOLUNTEER INVOLVING ORGANISATIONS ARE BETTER ABLE TO RECRUIT, MANAGE AND RETAIN VOLUNTEERS

Volunteering Development

Key agency: Volunteer Midlothian

In 2014 we dropped the word ‘CENTRE’ and rebranded as Volunteer Midlothian. We believe that our new name and logo better reflect the work that we do to

develop volunteering in our local area. We are no longer just a 'centre' for people to find out about volunteering opportunities. In addition to our work with

organisations and individuals we run a number of projects which provide good quality volunteering opportunities for people of all ages but which also contribute

to Midlothian's Community Planning priorities by providing services to local residents.

Vision: Leading the way in volunteering

Objectives: We want to DEVELOP our volunteering services to ensure that more people in Midlothian experience the benefits of volunteering We aim to TRANSFORM the lives of young people in Midlothian by providing them with a positive volunteering experience We strive to CONNECT communities through a range of volunteer-based services We aim to SUSTAIN our current delivery, while improving the quality and effectiveness of the services we provide

Key activities: Information and guidance on volunteering Support and advice to help develop and promote volunteering opportunities Advice and information on volunteer management and recruitment Maintenance and promotion of a database of volunteering opportunities in Midlothian Training for volunteers and volunteer managers to increase skills and confidence Specialist advice and training for young people including access to the Saltire Awards scheme and supported volunteering opportunities Recruiting, training & supporting volunteers to work with vulnerable adults, older people and people with dementia Recognition for volunteering achievement and commitment

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OUTCOME 1 : PEOPLE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER AND ARE SUPPORTED TO DO SO

Service / Activity Outcome and Common Service

Key Performance Indicators (KPI)2015/16

Target 2014/15 12 month output2014/15

12 month output2015/16

Notes RAG

Advice & Guidance on Volunteering

Promote and inspire people to volunteer

1.7 8 information sessions held per year which promote volunteering

750 people attending a presentation on volunteering per year

8 sessions per year

750 per year

26 information sessions promoting volunteering have been delivered

1152 people have attended presentations about volunteering

34 information sessions promoting volunteering have been delivered

810 people have attended presentations about volunteering

Provide access to guidance and support in securing placement if required, ensuring that people interested in volunteering are guided to opportunities which reflect their interests, experience and capabilities

1.5 830 people registered on volunteering database (10% increase)

750 people 761 volunteers registered 466 volunteers registered – this is much lower than anticipated due to: 1. Loss of funding for two supported volunteering projects which would each have involved around 60 volunteers; 2. Due to restructuring in Midlothian Council, referrals of volunteers were greatly reduced between September and

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Notes RAG

50% of new registrations matched with a volunteering opportunity per year (415)

50% of people who engage with TSI that go on to active volunteering per year (415)

50% per year - 375

40% per year - 300

73% per year – 555

62% per year - 471

March; 3. Finally we had to move premises twice in 15/16 which greatly impacted on time/resources

71% matched

59% (274)

Have a procedure in place for volunteers to give feedback and get support in resolving any difficulties on their placement

1.3 75% of volunteers rate the TSI as excellent/good

75% of volunteers rate the TSI as excellent/good

96% of volunteers rated the TSI as excellent/good

97% of volunteers rated the TSI as excellent/good

Develop, Increase & Promote Volunteering Opportunities

Promote and market volunteering opportunities across Midlothian:

VM website Volunteer Scotland

website (via MILO) Social media Volunteer recruitment

fairs

1.1 300 online enquiries

8000 visits to the VM website

2 recruitment fairs organised per year

300 online enquiries

8000 visits

*new for 15/16*

583 online enquiries

11,345 visits to website

*new for 15/16*

265 online enquiries received

10,555 visits to website

2 Volunteer recruitment fairs organised – 25 orgs attended, 120

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Notes RAG

interested volunteers

Maintain and develop an online database of volunteering opportunities within Midlothian to meet the needs and expectations of a broad/diverse range of potential volunteers

1.41.15

450 locally available opportunities with 150 live at any one time

450 locally available opportunities with 150 live at any one time

526 opportunities registered with us

529 opportunities registered with us

OUTCOME 2: VOLUNTEER INVOLVING ORGANISATIONS ARE BETTER ABLE TO RECRUIT, MANAGE AND RETAIN VOLUNTEERS



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

Advice, Information & Training for VIOs

Provide guidance and support on developing and providing quality volunteering placements and practice

1.91.10

234 organisations supported annually

75% of VIOs who give feedback and who rate the TSIs support as excellent/good

75% of VIOs who give feedback and state that

234 organisations supported annually

75% per year

75% per year

246 organisations registered and supported annually

97% rated the TSI as excellent/good

85% stated that they feel better able to recruit,

261 organisations registered and supported annually

In the TSI Annual Survey 93% of VIOs who gave feedback rated the TSIs support as excellent/good

In the TSI Annual Survey 77% of VIOs who gave feedback stated that they felt better able to recruit, manage and

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Notes RAG

they feel better able to recruit, manage and retain volunteers as a result of using TSI

manage and retain volunteers as a result of using TSI

retain volunteers as a result of using TSI

Ensure VIOs receive effective communication on volunteer management practices e.g. regular email bulletins and information up-dates

1.91.10

Minimum of 12 of email bulletins/up-dates distributed annually

12 email bulletins/up-dates distributed annually

12 e-bulletins sent. 12 e-bulletins sent during this period

Ensure that volunteer managers and other staff receive relevant and up-to-date training on legislation/good practice relating to the employment of volunteers and how to effectively manage vols.

1.91.10

4 training sessions held per year

10 organisations represented per year

4 per year

No target set

9 training sessions delivered following consultation with Volunteer Managers.

10 training sessions delivered following consultation with Volunteer Managers. Topics included Volunteer Management – the Essentials, PVG Awareness, Recruiting Volunteers, Using Social media to recruit volunteers, Risk Assessment and Volunteers and Developing a Volunteering Strategy.

22 organisations representedProvide opportunities to network and discuss volunteering issues

1.11 4 meetings of Volunteer Managers Forum per year - minutes

4 meetings per year

4 meetings held. 4 meetings held during this period

Develop new links with local organisations and agencies, encouraging volunteer development and building capacity through bespoke training and advice

1.9 5 organisations receiving bespoke training and support per year

5 organisations receiving bespoke training and support per year

10 organisations worked with including Penicuik YMCA, MELD and the Corn Exchange Project

7 orgs receiving support on involving young volunteers during this period as well as 6 organisations receiving bespoke support on more general aspects of volunteering

Offer support to use quality standards in volunteering

1.12 10 organisations supported per year

10 organisation

11 organisations supported including Penicuik House

10 organisations supported with one achieving Volunteer Friendly

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Notes RAG

including: Volunteer Friendly IiV Good Practice

Toolkit

Develop full range of Good Practice guides - 10 guides accessible on VM website by Mar 16

s supported per year

*new for 15/16*

Ranger Service, Midlothian Council Mediation Service & Midlothian Libraries Bibliotherapist

*new for 15/16*Review of current Good Practice Guides undertaken in October 2015. 20 guides accessible

Encourage & support a diverse range of volunteers to sit on Boards / Committees of voluntary organisations

1.14 18 Board opportunities promoted

15 volunteers recruited to Boards

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15 Board opportunities promoted /7 volunteers recruited to Boards - This reflects the fact that many Boards recruit from known contacts and don’t advertise their opportunities with VM

14 to 18 Board opportunities regularly promoted

Statistics not available – this will not be included in next year’s Work Plan as we no longer have the resources to collect this information



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG(Red, Amber Green)

Provide guidance on PVG checks and support to help organisations meet their obligations

3.10 5 orgs advised and supported per year

5 orgs advised and supported per year

On target but we are getting far fewer requests since CRBS stopped using Volunteer Centres as ‘Trusted Partners’ to carry out ID checks. These are now carried out directly with CRBS.

2 organisations supported by phone and 13 attended a training session on PVG Awareness

ADDITIONAL SERVICES TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT IN MIDLOTHIANTRANSFORM - Specialist Advice and Training for Young People

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Notes RAG

Engage with young people from the Opportunities for All group to support them in the positive destination of volunteering through our Transform Project

Transform involves Intergenerational Befriending, Gardening, Activity Buddy and Beadazzling: Get Ready for Retail

1.71.8

120 young people signing up for the project per year

80% of participants who consider themselves to be more desirable to other positive destinations as a result of their volunteering

95% who register for Saltire

90% beneficiaries who rate their volunteering as desirable and positive

65 young people per year

80% per year

95% of participants per year

90% of beneficiaries

156 young people have volunteered with Transform.

89% consider themselves to be more desirable to other positive destinations as a result of their volunteering

100% registered for Saltire Awards

100% rated the volunteering as desirable and positive

96 young people have actively volunteered with our Transform Projects during this period – this figure is lower than anticipated due to the loss of funding for two Transform staff but exceeds the target set by the remaining funder

94% of the young people consider themselves to be more desirable to other positive destination as a result of volunteering

100% have registered for Saltire Awards

100% rated the volunteering desirable and positive



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

Deliver ‘Making Your Volunteering Count’ employability workshops for young people volunteering with Transform

1.71.8

4 courses held per year

80% of young people who feel better prepared for

4 per year

80% of participants

4 courses delivered

100% of young people felt better prepared for the

4 courses delivered

94% of young people felt better prepared for the recruitment process/for employment and/or

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Notes RAG

the recruitment process for employment and/or education

per year recruitment process/for employment and/or education

education

Inform young people of the benefits of volunteering and prepare them to start volunteering. The aim is to encourage young people to develop skills and experience through volunteering which will contribute to a more positive future

1.71.8

Deliver Get Ready for Volunteering Courses. 4 courses per year with 30 young people attending

90 young people receiving 1 to 1 support into volunteering per year

4 courses per year with 30 young people attending

90 young people per year

8 courses delivered with 39 young people attending

124 young people given one-to-one support into volunteering.

5 courses delivered with 25 young people attending

100 young people given 1 to 1 support into volunteering

Actively promote and deliver the Saltire Award to young people aged 12 to 25

1.2 50 Challenge Awards 250 Approach awards 115 Ascent Awards 6 Summit Awards 375 young people registered

7 schools engaged

502501156375

7

121 Challenge Awards issued470 Approach Awards issued185 Ascent Awards issued6 Summit Awards issued526 young people registered

7 secondary schools engaged

148 Challenge Awards issued276 Approach Awards issued134 Ascent Awards issued5 Summit Awards issued363 young people registered

7 secondary schools engaged

Service / Activity Outcome and Common

Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

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Notes RAG

Service 2015/16Supporting Older People

Community Links (Volunteer Coordinator)

Assess and support older people to re-engage with their local communities with the support of volunteers

N/A 50 older people assessed and linked into community activities per year

50 per year 88 older people have been assessed and linked into community activities with the help of a volunteer befriender

97 vulnerable people have been assessed and linked into community activities with the help of a volunteer befriender

Recruit and train volunteers to befriend isolated elderly people and help them engage with activities in the community – the volunteers will provide support and encouragement to elderly people who are isolated within the local community

1.7 35 volunteers recruited and trained per year

•80% of volunteers will feel better prepared to engage with vulnerable adults on completion of their training and induction.•80% of volunteers will report an increase in skills and confidence as a result of their volunteering with the project.

35 per year 37 volunteers were recruited and trained

38 volunteers were recruited and trained

94% feel better prepared on completion of training

90% report increase in confidence as result of volunteering with the project

Where appropriate assist the Red Cross to develop the capacity of existing groups and clubs. Continue to improve links/communication channels with a range of referrers Signpost service

N/A 75% of groups and individuals who rate the support given as excellent/good

75% of groups and individuals who rate the support given as excellent/good

80% of individuals rate the support given as excellent/good.

80% of individuals rate the support given as excellent/good.

24







Notes RAG

users (where appropriate) to existing/new groups developed or supported by the Community Coordinators



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

Community Links - Dementia Local Area Coordinator

More people with dementia are less socially isolated as they engage in activity groups of their choice

N/A 40 people assessed and linked into activity groups based on personal interest.75% of people assessed will regularly take part in activity groups

Through their involvement with the project 75% of people with dementia will become less socially isolated

40 people

75% of people assessed

75% of people with dementia will become less socially isolated

69 adults with dementia linked into activity groups

86% of people attend on a weekly basis.

100% stated that they fully appreciated the groups and having a place to connect thereby reducing their isolation

42 adults with dementia linked into activity groups over last 6 months. 3 groups have been running with average of 28 to 30 people attending on a weekly basis

81% of people less socially isolated

People with dementia will have improved health and wellbeing as a result of becoming less isolated and feeling more included in the

N/A 75% of people attending an activity group will have improved health and wellbeing

75% per annum

67% of the group had increased motivation. 70% increased mobility as a result of coming out to the groups. (

75% of people attending an activity group had improved mental health and wellbeing

25







Notes RAG

community

Through their involvement with the project 75% of people with dementia will feel more confident about engaging in activities either at home or in the community

75% per annum

3 people in particular mentioned their balance had improved)

67% said they felt more confident 33% could not comment on that due to memory issues and lack of self- awareness

100% felt that they had a greater sense of belonging and confidence and are able to participate in other external activities

Volunteers will have a positive experience of volunteering and an increase in skills and confidence when working with people with dementia

1.7 12 volunteers recruited and trained per year

80% of volunteers will report an increase in their skills and confidence as a result of volunteering with people with dementia

12 volunteers recruited and trained per year

80% of volunteers

34 volunteers recruited and trained

80%report an increase in skills and confidence and 6 people have secured jobs in the caring professions having had the opportunity to work with the project

30 volunteers recruited

80% report an increase in their skills and confidence in dealing with people with dementia

Carers will have improved health and wellbeing as a result of clients with dementia engaging with the project

N/A 80% of carers report that they are able to have a break from caring as a result of clients with dementia engaging with the project

80% of carers

80% of the carers said they were able to have a break.

80% of carers said that they were able to have some respite

26







Notes RAG

60% of carers report improved health and wellbeing as a result of these regular breaks

60% of carers

Due to their own comorbidity only 40% of the carers had improved health. This was also measured against the stress of the diminishing capacity of the person they were caring for.

Due to a combination of their own comorbidity and the diminishing capacity of their relative, only 45% of the carers had improved health

Midlothian is a more dementia friendly community

N/A Attend Dementia Single Team meetings

Work with 3 other Service partners*

*Outcomes revised following establishment of Midlothian Dementia Single Team

Work with 6 partners

Offered dementia awareness training to partner organisations

Worked in partnership with a range of organisations including Nordoff Robins (music therapists); Penicuik Estate rangers (walking group); Red Cross Community Coordinators; Vocal and Citadel Arts.

Provided Information, signposting and mapping data about dementia

Won the Age Scotland Patrick Brooke award for partnership work with Citadel Arts and Kingspark primary School

Developed a range of activities including walking; reading and story-telling

5 Single Team monthly meetings attended (out of possible 6)

Worked with other partners including Vocal, Nordoff Robins, Red Cross Community Coordinators, Penicuik Estate

27







Notes RAG

groups

Connect Online

Reduce social isolation in vulnerable adults and older people living independently in sheltered housing or in their own homes

N/A 80% of older people reporting an increase in social interaction

80% of older people

88% better able to keep in touch with family and friends.

89% better able to keep in touch with family and friends

Improve older people’s digital confidence and skills when using computers and the Internet

N/A 40 older people receiving 1 to 1 housebound IT tuition per year

72 older people attending group IT tuition per year

40 older people

72 older people

30 people received 6 week block of 1-1 IT tuition (10 on hold due to illness/comorbidity issues)

153 attended group IT tuition, 12 IPad learners (6 week course)

54 received 6 week block of 1-1 IT tuition at home or in library setting

123 attended group IT tuition, 20 IPad learners (6 week course)

Improve independence of vulnerable adults and older people

N/A 80%. of older people reporting an increase in skills and confidence

35 older people able to access other services by using the Internet independently

80% of learners per year

35 learners per year

100% reported increase in confidence and skills

72% of learners (118) able to access other services by using the internet independently

100% reported an increase in confidence and skills

74% of learners able to access other services by using the internet independently

Promote personal development of volunteer

1.8 25 volunteers recruited and trained to provide IT

*new for 15/16*

*new for 15/16* 26 volunteers recruited and trained to provide IT tuition

28







Notes RAG

tutors tuition

80% of volunteer tutors feel that their development needs are met through volunteering

80% of volunteers who rate the TSI as excellent or good

80% of volunteer tutors

80% of volunteers who rate the TSI as excellent or good

100% feel their needs are met.

100% feel their needs are being met and their confidence has grown due to involvement in VM’s Connect Online project

100% vol tutors feel their needs are met

100% feel their needs are being met and their confidence has grown due to involvement in VM’s Connect Online project.

Connect Online – Jobseekers

Deliver a programme of IT and employability workshops to Jobcentre Plus clients, with the support of volunteer tutors

N/A Up to 240 jobseeker referrals to workshops(actual number depends on DWP)

*new for 15/16*

*new for 15/16* 197 jobseekers referred by DWP to workshops – 178 started tuition with 108 completing. This is in line with DWP expectations.

A highly positive outcome was the fact that 17 people went on to secure employment

29







Notes RAG

Midlothian Growing Together

Improve confidence, self-esteem and skills of volunteers through gardening project, developing and maintaining a Community Garden in the grounds of Dalkeith Country Park and an allotment at Vogrie Country Park

1.71.8

80 volunteers engaged with Midlothian Growing Together per year

4 sessions per week each lasting 2-3 hours

70 volunteers (of which 30 with mental health problems and 20 young people)

4 sessions per week lasting 2-3 hours

86 volunteers have engaged with the project this year

46 adults 40 young people

591 sessions have taken place

80 volunteers have engaged with the project during this period

20 adults

60 young people

4 sessions have been regularly running each week

Recognition for Volunteering Achievement & Commitment

Host an annual awards ceremony for Midlothian volunteers to ensure that volunteers receive formal recognition for the contribution they make to the local community

1.71.8

45 nominations received for 6 awards

100 volunteers and guests attending

40 nominations received for 6 awards

100 volunteers attending

Successful event held in June during Volunteers Week. 43 nominations received for 7 awards

The Ceremony is becoming more widely recognised in Midlothian and is attended by over 100 people who are involved in volunteering as

Successful event held on 4 June. 46 nominations received for 8 awards. Over 100 people attended. This event continues to raise the profile of volunteering in Midlothian

30







Notes RAG

well as local dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant

OUTCOME 3: SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IS EFFECTIVELY SUPPORTED TO DEVELOP AND GROW

Social Enterprise DevelopmentKey agency: Social Enterprise Alliance MidlothianVision: To support and promote the development of social enterprise in Midlothian, including support for social entrepreneurs and enterprising behaviour amongst third sector organisations.Objectives: Assist social enterprises to access funding and maximise income generation Support and develop new social enterprise organisations in setting up Develop the infrastructure of support to social enterprise organisations Promote partnership working to strengthen the sector within Midlothian and nationally Promote community empowerment, development and regeneration through social enterprise development

Key activities: Developing the research base for social enterprise organisations Raising the profile of social enterprise Transfer of knowledge both locally and nationally Develop training opportunities and resources for social enterprises

31


One to one support to social enterprise organisations Support community groups to develop social enterprise models for securing and/or managing assets

Service/Activity Outcome and Common Service


Target 2014/15

12 month output 2014/15

2015/1612 mth output(red figures – 6 month)

Notes RAG

Support social enterprise based models of geographic community development and regeneration by providing capacity building and business support to community development trusts and other ‘anchor’ organisations.

2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.9

5 local community bodies supported

n/a n/a Ongoing business planning, funding, development, HR/staffing and marketing support given on a one to one basis to 6 organisations, including 3 development trusts, one steering group seeing to establish a development trust and two other geographic ‘anchor’ organisations that are not development trusts.

Full year: 6 in total

Also working alongside Miriam Leighton, the Community Empowerment Worker funded

32


by NHS Lothian, to facilitate the ‘In It Together’ group in Mayfield/Easthouses, a partnership of community-based 3rd sector organisations seeking to participate with Midlothian Council and other CP Partners to identify long-term vision for regeneration of centre of Mayfield.

Providing ongoing development support to new joint Midlothian Development Trusts network (now established and meeting quarterly). 1 meeting held.

Assist those setting up social enterprise or developing social enterprise behaviour to adopt sound structures through activities including: web content; 1-to-1 support; and dissemination of information through bulletins and social media etc, e.g. on First Port.

2.2, 2.3, & 2.4 1 web content

20 organisations and/or entrepreneurs receiving advice

6 bulletins/social media items

1

10

6

1

24

6

27 organisations given one to one support on single or ongoing basis in total for the year.

7 email bulletins for the year

Daily or weekly Facebook and Twitter items

Raise awareness of appropriate local and national services to

2.3, 2.4, 2.5 & 2.7

1 web content6 bulletin/social media items

1

6

1

6

Community Shares Scotland invited to deliver presentation to SEAM networking lunch.

33


support growth and sustainability e.g. Just Enterprise and First Port

distributed to 125 subscribersweekly social media items

80 123Attended by 8 social enterprises.

One to one meeting with Just Enterprise about how to increase uptake of Just Enterprise services in this area. Currently investigating whether there would be sufficient demand to deliver Just Enterprise procurement/tendering training locally (perhaps in partnership with East Lothian, West Lothian). Neighbouring Social Enterprise Partnerships don’t feel there would be sufficient demand for Just Enterprise training.

One Community Share Offer is currently live. The second organisation continues to investigate most appropriate business model for innovative housing project.

34


DTAS/COSS services flagged up via bulletins and to anchor organisations considering acquiring assets.

Social Enterprise Academy services: Social Enterprise in Education promoted to Midlothian Council Lifelong Learning and Employability Service and to all schools.

Worked with Social Enterprise Academy and national Growing Together project to design training programme on sustainable business for community gardens. This has been delivered to 6 organisations from Midlothian and others from other areas.

7 bulletins in total for year to 141 recipients

Promote networking within the social enterprise sector and

2.4 & 2.7 5 networking events 40 Participant numbers

540

540

3 SEAM networking lunches.

4 In It Together Network

Restrictions on operational budget mean there may be

35


across public and private sectors in Midlothian in order to foster learning, practice sharing and partnering, e.g. networking lunches.

Facebook page for SEAM – 40 likesFacebook page for Midlothian Food Network – 40 likes300 Twitter followers

No target

No target200

34

24265

meetings (Mayfield/Easthouses specific involving 3rd sector and public sector partners)

1 Feeding Community Event

8 Networking Events in total, 60 participants in total

Currently: 52 Likes on SEAM Facebook

62 Likes on Midlothian Food Network

454 Twitter followers

fewer than 5 networking events. We are looking at sources of external funding support.

Strengthen the capacity of local social enterprise by promoting access to business development training opportunities both locally and

2.1, 2.5 3 business dev. events facilitated30 participant numbers

6 bulletin/social

3 / year

30 / year

6 / year

3

37

6

Project Management Training delivered to 32 participants

Social Enterprise

36


nationally, e.g. through Social Enterprise Academy, Business Gateway and others.

media items distributed to 125 subscribersweekly social media items

n/a

n/a

234

n/a

Academy/Growing Together training co-planned with SEAM, delivered across region including 6 Midlothian participants.

Creative Advantage training delivered to 7 organisations

SEAM Pitch It peer-led workshop planned and fully booked (6 participants) but postponed due to high level of illness. This will be rescheduled for early in the 16/17 financial year.

3 events, 43 participants for year.

Ongoing participation in planning of social enterprise bid within the South East Scotland City Region Deal proposal, which would seek to create a region-wide Social

37


Enterprise Zone.

Weekly social media items ongoing, promoting a variety of opportunities for business development.

Participated in 1 Sustainable Midlothian Community Planning thematic group alongside Economic Development and other business partners.

Represented social enterprise and food-based work on Midlothian Food and Drink Forum focus group.

4 bulletins

7 in total for year

Research, support and development of opportunities to support the funding and growth

2.1 and 2.8 5 development opportunities (e.g. for increased trading)

5 5

Ongoing support to Penicuik Community Association

38


of enterprise development and growth opportunities for social enterprises in Midlothian.

Storehouse Project, which has led to successful funding application for £150k from Town Centre Communities Capital Fund from Scottish Government and current share issue.

Working in partnership with One Dalkeith, steering group seeing to establish a new development trust, on a programme of forthcoming community engagement events aiming to kick start small scale social enterprising activities in Dalkeith (i.e. community cafes, arts events, sport/leisure events) later building case for a new community hub.

Delivering one to one guidance to organisations on new Big Lottery programmes and potential to fund social enterprise and development trust activity.

39


Have had introductory conversations with Progress Through Learning Midlothian and Napier University around ideas for action learning programme supporting small scale social enterprise solutions to local neighbourhood challenges, focusing in targeted communities within Midlothian. Initial project planning now underway, with aim of piloting a programme in the autumn of 2016.

SEAM attended a VAS Social Enterprise event.

SEAM attended the Cross Party Parliamentary Group on Social Enterprise at Holyrood.

Work with the local social enterprise sector and local and national procurers and commissioners of services to increase opportunities for local social enterprises, e.g.

2.1 and 2.9 1 partnership initiative, e.g. training, meet the buyer, or other

7 participants

1

4

1

7

Full Year Outcome

We have not run additional training on Procurement or tendering. We have had conversations with Just Enterprise with the aim of

40


through Ready for Business.

bringing them to deliver training in Midlothian on tendering, but we are doubtful that there would be sufficient attendance to meet Just Enterprise’s minimum numbers.

This area is problematic for small social enterprises, because they tend not to have the capacity or scale to successfully tender or bid for contracts. There are few appropriate contracting opportunities within Midlothian that would be accessible to them. Those organisations within Midlothian that are of a scale to win tenders area already doing this. The makeup of our local sector tends to consist of smaller organisations whose business model does not immediately make it easy to service contracts. We will continue to work with new and existing organisations to look at how to make their

41


business models more sustainable and how to develop services for which there is a public sector market.

We regularly monitor notices through the portal and flag up appropriate notices to our mailing list.

SEAM feels that there is sufficiently good partnership working in Midlothian to support new Public Social Partnerships, and that this might form the basis of business relationships between statutory partners and social enterprises in the future. We will support this through brokering relationships and supporting social enterprises to proactively develop proposals for the co-design and delivery of services.

Strengthen networking and collaboration among sector-based social enterprises in areas including Food/Health and Arts

2.4 2 networks/year

2 partnership initiatives

n/a n/a We were unsuccessful in an Investing in Ideas application for a collaborative developmental project in the Dalkeith Arts Centre. However, in partnership with One

New project

42


Dalkeith, we are supporting a programme of 8 community events focusing on arts/leisure and other thematic activities to take place throughout 2016/17. These events have been funded by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

Full year outcome: 1 network event/partnership initiative Midlothian Food Network

1 formative partnership initiative with One Dalkeith and forthcoming programme of 8 events at Dalkeith Arts Centre (delayed into 2016/17 due to unsuccessful funding bid).

Assist community groups to take advantage of the Community Empowerment Bill, e.g. asset transfer.

2.5 1 community conference

1-2-1 support to 3 organisations

SEAM engagement

n/a n/a Full Year Outcome:

Community Empowerment Bill discussed at 2 SEAM networking lunches

New project

43


with Community Planning Partners on development of Asset Transfer Strategy

Also discussed in at events such as Big Lottery Funding seminar and partnership meetings with development Trusts.

In It Together group in Mayfield/Easthouses has been supported to work with statutory partners in the spirit of the community empowerment bill/ co-participation in the redesign of local provision, prior to launch of statutory guidance. It is possible that this could lead to an asset transfer in the future.

44


OUTCOME 4: THIRD SECTOR ORGANISATIONS ARE WELL MANAGED AND DELIVER QUALITY SERVICES

Supporting and Developing a Strong Third SectorKey agency: Midlothian Voluntary ActionMission: Midlothian Voluntary Action (MVA) exists to support and develop community and Third Sector organisations in Midlothian and facilitate the effective representation of the sector in powerful partnership working.Objectives:

The capacity of community and voluntary organisations’ staff and Boards is increased Community and Voluntary organisations are better able to meet their legal obligations and are fit for purpose Community and Voluntary organisations are better able to demonstrate the impact of their activities Community and Voluntary sector organisations have increased capacity to be sustainable Community and voluntary sector services are purchased or supported by the statutory sector Greater partnership working between community and voluntary organisations

Key activities: Training and Workforce Development: Support organisations and people within them to grow & learn by the provision of a training programme for staff and

Board members; Funding: Continue to provide advice, information and support on accessing funding and enable and support organisations to generate sustainable sources of

income via e.g. contract tendering; Knowledge: Provide information to organisations on issues including new legislation, policy, OSCR, start-up, Board development, legal structure, health and

safety, or refer on to other organisations as appropriate; Organisational development: Build capacity locally by providing one-to-one advice on relevant issues, for example, full cost recovery, board development,

strategic and financial business plans, with additional support to community care providers. Facilitating voluntary action: Providing infrastructure resources to voluntary and community groups, such as meeting space.

45


Partnership: Facilitate voluntary sector involvement in delivery of economic development and employability initiatives. Responding to contracting budgets: provide training and guidance aimed specifically at groups and organisations who lost Midlothian Council funding in the

grants review; Digital Participation: responding to the Welfare Reform requirements, and increasing expertise in the sector in social media, computers etc; Community Empowerment: engage and empower communities including supporting communities take advantage of Community Empowerment Bill.

MVA alone has a shortfall of over £20,000 in our projections for the year and has lost one part-time Development Worker. This is likely to impact on our outputs unless we can obtain additional funding.

Service / Activity

Outcome and Common Service


Target 2014/15


12 mth output2015/16

Notes RAG

TRAINING & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Give staff and Board members the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to run their organisations through running an annual free programme of training, and conferences, in partnership with other agencies. We will continue to oversee the upskilling of the

3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.11

20 training sessions

160 individuals attending training events

400 individuals receiving Training News

80% rate training Excellent or very good

7 events

50 individuals

400 individuals

n/a

17 events

90 individuals

450* individuals

n/a

17 open training events plus 1 additional course given to an individual organisation)

184 individuals (85 organisations) attended training events

482 individuals (11 issues)

94% of those who completed feedback forms rated the training Excellent or Very Good.

Ran training on Committee Skills for Loanhead After School Club Board.

17 FREE training sessions (HR for Board; Intro to Project Management; Inspiring Customer Excellence; Mobile Phone training; Help Clients online; Dealing with the Public at Work; Roles & Responsibilities of Management Committees and

46


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

sector through the provision of a monthly Training News.

Met with Councils and Skills Development Scotland regarding Third Sector recruitment issues. Met with Council to discuss in-work training issues.

Published a Workforce Development document “Reaching Your Potential: What do you need to succeed in the voluntary sector?”

The TSI produced a 24 page joint Training publication which was sent out to 770 e-mail addresses

MVA Deputy Manager has joined the Health and Social Care Workforce Planning Group, along with Midlothian Council & NHS. Has attended two meetings.

We are working with Midlothian Adult Learning Partnership to integrate voluntary sector in-work career development into their Adult Learning event.

Board Members; Getting Clients Online x 2; How Secure is your Data?; Facebook & Twitter Basics; Introduction to Midlothian x 2); Creative Advantage; Support , Supervision & Appraisal x 2;Introducing Excel for Budget Management

3 additional courses were cancelled because of lack of bookings: Third Sector Employers and Auto-Enrolment (2 sessions) (however, Business Gateway had already held a number of sessions); and Business

47


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

Continuity.

Updating of online Training & Events Calendar

3.4, 3.6, 3.8 On-going Ongoing Updated regularly

Updated regularly

FUNDING

Continue to assist organisations to access the funding they need to maintain and develop their services, including the new opportunities provided by the new ESF programme. We will continue to offer a funding service to local organisations, offering 1-2-1 support by drafting funding strategies

3.3 28 community groups and voluntary organisations receive 1-2-1 support

28 481-to-1 support given to 32 organisations

In partnership with the Council, MVA ran four information sessions on Midlothian Council’s Small Grants.

Large numbers 2014/15 were due Midlothian Council requiring all 6oo funded organisations to apply for funding on new application forms.

48


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

for organisations, and reading draft applications.

Continue to ensure that 250 people have access to up-to-date information on funding sources through the provision of a monthly Funding e-newsletter and the provision of thematic Funding Signposts.

3.3 250 individuals receiving Funding Signpost

20 Funding Signposts and other funding communications distributed

200 individuals


253 individuals


279 individuals received Funding Signpost

12 Funding Signposts distributed

MVA Guidance on Midlothian Council Small Grants applications distributed

Additional information sent out by targeted email and through “Midlothian Info” e-briefing

Monthly Funding Signposts plus other Guidance as required

We will continue to work strategically, identifying opportunities for joint bids (writing them where necessary) and providing a voluntary sector voice on funding panels.

3.2, 3.3, 5.7 3 bids 3 bids 1 bid Five bids written:Wrote Awards for All strategic bid on dog fouling to work with Fed of Community Councils & Neighbourhood Planning Groups (unfortunately not successful)

Wrote a Legacy 2014 Physical Activity Bid on behalf of Midlothian CPP, to promote volunteer-supported physical activity work with elderly. Partners are Midlothian Council Ageing Well & Volunteer Midlothian. Received £66453.

Two bids were written on behalf of Midlothian

49


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

2 funding panels Responsive 3

Financial Inclusion Network – one to Community Capacity Building & Resilience Fund to promote the banking options for low income individuals (£10k secured) and one to Midlothian Council’s Small Grant Fund around fuel poverty.

Bid written on behalf of MFIN to the Robertson Trust for a Power of Attorney Week (pending).

Liaised with Midlothian Council re grant monitoring forms.

2 panels: Was represented on Tyne-Esk LEADER shadow Local Action Group (LAG) during process of applying for next tranche LEADER funding. As such, was actively involved in production of amended Local Development Strategy (LDS) and Business Plan for resubmission to Scottish Government. Now, following success of resubmission, and a recruitment process, TSI is now represented on the new Tyne-Esk LAG. Attended 5 Shadow LAG/LAG meetings plus provided guidance re possible structure.

Represented on Arms Covenant Funding Panel – 2 meetings attended.

Participated in a meeting to help Big Lottery develop new funding application forms.

Met with Localgiving fundraising platform and promoted their free membership scheme to our members.

Number of funding panels not foreseeable – depends on panels operating and requests for panel members.

LEADER programme closed most of period – reopened 2016.

50


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

Supported Big Lottery Fund applicants to promote their potential projects to the Community Planning Working Group and receive CPP letter of support for their application.

Run an annual thematic funding conference, in conjunction with Third Sector Interface partners.

3.3 1 conference

20 organisations attending

1

20

1

28

A very successful Big lottery Event was held on 23 February 2016 – attended by 44 individuals from 31 organisations. Approximately 30 took part in 1-2-1 surgeries with BIG Scotland advisers. The Robertson Trust ran a stall and answered funding queries.

Run two training courses per year, on themes such as Writing Better Funding Applications; Developing Your Project Outcomes; Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation.

3.2, 3.3, 3.4 2 courses 2 courses 4 courses Introducing Excel for Budget Management (March) was held on 8 March (attended by 6 people from 6 organisations).

2 workshops held on the Big Lottery’s “3 Approaches”, as part of the Big Lottery event.

The following training event has been arranged: Writing Better Funding Applications (April).

We ran additional seminars in 2014/15 to respond to the new MC application process.

KNOWLEDGE

Provide up to date information on relevant issues including: setting up and running voluntary

3.1, 3.3, 3.11, 4.9

200* individuals receiving Midlothian Info per year

10 issues of

200 individuals 226 individuals* 227 individuals over the year (current list 205) *we do not anticipate a large increase in the number of individuals subscribed to the

51


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

organisations, including information on charity law and other relevant legislation; funding and training and Midlothian organisations, projects and services.; TSI.

Midlothian Info distributed

900 e-mails sent to targeted e-mail lists

10 issues

900 emails

14 issues

1145**

11 issues published by email– also available on website, facebook and sent out by Twitter

Number emails: c1,440 info e-mail forwarded/sent to targeted e-mail lists (over 40 lists)

Number on targeted email lists c585

6 items of Good Practice Guidance produced:1. Beginners Guide to Membership Charities;2. Changing to a SCIO from an unincorporated

organisation or trust;3. Whether to Become a SCIO?4. Leaflet on “Choosing a Structure”;5. Leaflet on “Writing a Constitution”;6. Leaflet on “Using Your Constitution – Good

Practice.

“Charity Accounts Made Easier” leaflet updated.

Adult and Child Protection Glossary amended and distributed to Voluntary Sector Children and Young People sub-group.

Midlothian Info list because of the likelihood of redundancies in both Midlothian Council and the voluntary sector – also because some organisations prefer briefing to come into one email address and be distributed onwards internally

**variable – depends to a large extent on what organisations want distributed

MVA website to be kept up to date.

3.1, 3.6, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12

5,500 number visits

5,500 6,808 sessions MVA website http://www.mvacvs.org/Was updated regularly

7,446 sessions4,235 users

52

http://www.mvacvs.org/


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

20,130 page views

In addition, MVA’s Heritage Lottery Funded Midlothian Community Activism website was developed further - http://midlothiancommunityactivism.org.uk/

MVA & VM Social Media continues to be developed as a model of good practice. Continue to develop TSI as a model of good practice.

3.9, 5.11, 5.12

# number “likes” on Facebook:150 MVA likes241 VM likes40 SEAM likes

#number “Followers” on Twitter600 MVA followers734 VM followers300 SEAM followers

100 MVA likes194 VM likes350 MVA followers484 VM followersSEAM – no targets

132 MVA likes248 VM likes34 SEAM likes583 MVA followers782 VM followers265 SEAM followers

224 MVA likes on Facebook340 VM likes55 SEAM likes65 Midlothian Food Network likes (SEAM)819 MVA followers on Twitter1020 VM followers467 SEAM followers

Mapping of Midlothian voluntary sector use of Social Media carried out and a list distributed widely to encourage organisations to engage. Continues to be updated.

Publication of TSI e-newsletter(s) (with hard copies to appropriate groups without e-mail)

3.11 180 organisations receiving newsletter

2 issues

180

0

0

0

The TSI produced a 24 page joint Training publication which was sent out widely to 770 e-mail addresses.

Volunteer Midlothian have had to reallocate twice during this period – which has impacted on non-essential joint work

Maintain a resource base on voluntary sector issues for

3.1, 3.11 1 Community Toolkit

230 views

n/a Online Community Toolkit – viewed 226 times

Online Community Toolkit – 269 views

53

http://midlothiancommunityactivism.org.uk/


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

organisations to use.

Community Care Forum: Publication of Directory for Disabled People 2015-16

3.9, 3.11, 4.2, 4.9

1 issue of Directory for Disabled People produced

400 printed of Directory for Disabled People

1 issue

500 copies printed

1 issue

300 copies printed – larger directory with higher print costs

Also online

2015 Directory for Disabled People Living in Midlothian was published by Forward Mid with intensive support from MVA.

The 2016 Directory for Disabled People was launched on 29 March 2016.

The 2016 Directory is now available to access online and to download as a pdf file from the Forward Mid website. http://www.forwardmid.org.uk/directorypage1.html

s

The Community Care Forum development worker will work together with members of Joint Physical Disability Planning Group, Joint Older Peoples Planning Group Community Planning Equalities Forum, to produce newsletters.

3.11, 4.6, 4.9

400 individuals receiving newsletters;

10 newsletters

400 individuals

8 newsletters

400

9 newsletters

C400 individuals received

The following 12 newsletters were co-produced: 6 Forward Mid newsletters (including Preparing

for Winter; and Special Edition Transport in Midlothian);;

4 x new Older People’s Community Connecting Newsletter;

Older People’s Self Directed Support Newsletter reprinted and redistributed;

1 x Midlothian Older People Assembly (MOPA) Transport newsletter.

Providing information on training and other issues to

3.11 50 e-mails sent/forwarded

50 e-mails 65 e-mails 55 e-mails forwarded to Providers Forum (excluding Learning Disability Providers)

This depends largely on amount of relevant

54

http://www.forwardmid.org.uk/directorypage1.html


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

Community Care Providers Forum

information received.

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENTWe will continue to support organisations to be compliant with charity, company, HR, IT and other legislation, through the provision of information, guidance, best practice models, troubleshooting and signposting.

3.1, 3.7, 3.8 6 new groups receive support

10 existing groups receive support to choose/amend appropriate legal structures

10 groups receive advice and guidance on governance and charity law

4 items of good practice guidance produced and/or highlighted

6 new groups

10 existing groups

10 groups

4 items

3 groups;1 individual re new group

10 groups

23

6 items

9 new/potential groups given support

15 groups given support re legal structures e.g. becoming incorporated/amending governing documents etc as at 8 March 2016

13 groups given information, guidance and support on governance and charity law/meeting OSCR’s requirements

7 items of Good Practice Guidance produced:1. Beginners Guide to Membership Charities;2. Changing to a SCIO from an

unincorporated organisation or trust;3. Whether to Become a SCIO?4. Leaflet on “Choosing a Structure”;5. Leaflet on “Writing a Constitution”;6. Leaflet on “Using Your Constitution – Good

Practice;

MVA alone has a shortfall of £20,000 in our projections for the year.

One part-time Development Worker retired and will not be replaced due to funding cuts.

55


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

100 organisations (200 individuals) receive the monthly Midlothian Info e-briefing

250 organisations receive information through targeted e-mail lists

(pls see Knowledge)

(pls see Knowledge)

7. Infographic on “Do you need a Constitution?”

“Charity Accounts Made Easier” leaflet updated.

99 organisations (227 individuals)

Number of e-mail addresses on targeted email lists over the year c585 (excluding Funding Signpost and Training News) (current number 560)

249 organisations (585 individuals) over period

Liaison with EVOC regarding secure e-mails for children and young people organisations e.g. NHS Lothian.

In addition to training, Maureen Falconer, Information Commissioner’s Officer, gave a session on “Getting data sharing right for every child”.

FACILITATING VOLUNTARY

56


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

ACTION

Continue to develop a central accessible base for TSI to function effectively and develop its role as a resource and umbrella organisation for Midlothian voluntary and community groups.

5.11 28 organisations using meeting rooms

35 organisations 41 organisations 35 organisations (excluding MVA/SEAM)

259 bookings (excluding MVA/SEAM organised meetings)

Some organisations block book for the year which limits number of groups that can use it (e.g. for fortnightly or monthly meetings); also Capacity for external bookings limited by the increasing number of staff using our offices (MVA, SEAM and MFIN) and their requirement for meeting space.

Continue to provide and develop comprehensive accessibility and facilities for disabled people and relevant organisations, so as to create an

5.10, 5.11 9 disability/mental health organisation using meeting room

11 organisations 9 organisations 8* disability/mental health groups

81 bookings

*There has been a slight increase in the availability of accessible meetings places locally – one of which, the Dalkeith Old People’s Welfare Committee’s Hall

57


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

enabling environment

– is now supported by the TSI to make it easier to access (VM & MVA hold keys)

PARTNERSHIP

Help facilitate and initiate new projects in partnership with other Midlothian organisations, specifically Welfare Reform and other Community Planning priorities.

5.7 responsive Responsive 0 An Awards for All strategic bid on dog fouling to work with Fed of Community Councils & Neighbourhood Planning Groups was submitted by MVA. This was not successful, but MVA has met with Midlothian Council to discuss doing a scaled-down project to raise awareness of the issue.

Wrote a Legacy 2014 Physical Activity Bid on behalf of Midlothian CPP, to promote volunteer-supported physical activity work with elderly. Partners are Midlothian Council Ageing Well & Volunteer Midlothian. Received £66,453.

We have secured continuation funding for the Community Engagement Worker.

Continue to support Midlothian Financial Inclusion Network (MFIN), for example, through provision of premises, administrative support and line management of

5.7 Staff line managed Continued to support MFIN e.g. line management of 3 members of staff (at peak, now 1); provision of administrative and payroll support; provision of office space for 1 member of staff.

58


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

staff.

Manage Toot for Fruit van, which supplies fresh fruit and vegetables to vulnerable and isolated people in outlying and deprived areas, on an interim basis on request of NHS Lothian.

5.7 1 van n/a 1 van MVA continued to manage Toot for Fruit van on behalf of NHS Lothian, including employment of the staff member.

Lengthy discussions took place by NHS Lothian with another organisation re takeover by a more appropriate organisation – this is likely to be achieved by May 2016.

MVA have been managing van until another organisation takes over on an interim basis

Continue to develop partnership with Midlothian Council Library Service (VCM) to ensure that citizens are not disadvantaged by the digital divide

5.7 3 partnership meetings


4 partnership meetings


7 volunteers recruited and trained in response to Library demand.

The partnership continues to develop. Computer tuition is still being provided by volunteers but is now part of the Connect Online project

4 partnership meetings held and 12 volunteers recruited

DIGITAL PARTICIPATION

Enhance the skills of voluntary and community sector around ICT, to

5.73.11

40 people per annum receive assistance to gain the three core

n/a – new project

n/a – new project for 2015/16

MVA received funding from SCVO for the “Getting IT” project to train voluntary and community organisations in Midlothian to help them to support their clients, service users or members to get online.

59


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

respond to the twin agendas of the DWP moving to on-line applications, and the Council’s policy of channel shifting.

competencies needed to support people to get on line, through training sessions & presentations to organisational team meetings

MVA Training courses carried out as follows: Mobile Phone Training (10 orgs,11 people); Getting Clients Online x 2 courses (3

organisations,3 individuals); Facebook & Twitter Basics (12 organisations; 15 individuals;

In addition, Digital Inclusion work has been done with 6 individual groups:

Melville Housing Association The Bridges Project Association for Real Change The Orchard Centre Intowork Midlothian Libraries Midlothian Sure Start

Talks have been given to forums/networks, e.g. The Federation of Community Council; Voluntary Sector Children’s sub-group

Liaised with DWP to be involved in Universal Credit rollout

Following initial success of project, received funding from SCVO to extend project from December to the end of the financial year.

In addition, MVA ran training on “How Secure is your Data?” (in conjunction with the Information Commissioner’s Office and Midlothian Council) and the ICO gave a presentation “Named Person and Data Protection” at a Voluntary Sector Children and

60


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

Young People’s sub-group meeting.

MVA successfully bid to SCVO for a OneDigital contract to provide training for voluntary organisations at TSIs around Scotland.

Contribute to the Midlothian Technology Steering Group

5.7 3 meetings attended

n/a 3 We have supported the ICT needs of Midlothian vol orgs and community groups by: Securing SCVO Digital Challenge funding to

provide organisational support to use social media and respond to welfare reform & channel shifting;

Supporting MFIN’s Digital Hub project; Writing a response to the Scottish Government

Cyber Security consultation highlighting impact on Third Sector;

Working with EVOC to roll out their model of secure NHS e-mail address to Third Sector orgs;

Contributing to the SCVO One Digital programme (Midlothian events still to be scheduled)

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

Engage and empower communities to play a full and active role in the redesign of customer access and shared social

4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.7, 5.13

1 Community focused action plan supporting health and wellbeing in target area of Mayfield and Easthouses.

n/a – new project

n/a – new project for 2015/16

The Community Empowerment Project (CEP) has resulted in formation of the ‘In It Together Community Partnership’, an alliance of five key local anchor organisations with a common vision to redevelop the town centre in Mayfield and Easthouses. There have been 6 partnership meetings to date, two of which have involved council officials and Directors. A total of 11

NHS funded

61


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

service delivery arrangements.

regular participants have been in attendance from 6 separate organisations including MVA. A further two participants are set to join the group and funding to strengthen the partnership development process has been/is being sought from various different funding providers.

Two ‘spooky soups and smoothies’ street-based events tool place in October 2015 to engage local people in conversations about mental health and well-being. This was followed by formation of a well-being and happiness group in partnership with Health in Mind. The group has 7 regular participants and two facilitators who have met ona weekly basis for the past 7 weeks. It is set to continue after the Easter holidays to take action around the issue of loneliness within the local community. The group has also been conducting its own research to test out the links between expressed gratitude and improved mental well-being.

Discussions are underway to form a pop-up recovery café (or similar) in Mayfield. It is hoped that this will also lead to other community-based local recovery projects in due course. A meeting was held in March 2016 with six separate organisations present, to discuss how to take plans forward. A working group is to be formed within the next two weeks and a short-term consultation process will take place before piloting an initial café project. A further three organisations plus volunteers are set to get involved with this

62


Service / Activity



Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

work in the coming weeks/months.

OUTCOME 5: THIRD SECTOR ORGANISATIONS FEEL BETTER CONNECTED AND ARE ABLE TO INFLUENCE AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE SINGLE OUTCOME AGREEMENT OUTCOMES AND COMMUNITY PLANNING OUTCOMES

Building the Third Sector Relationship with Community Planning Representing the Third Sector In Community Planning: Midlothian Voluntary Action will continue to represent the voluntary sector at all levels of the

Community Planning Partnership process, including the Community Planning Partnership Steering Committee (highest level), the Community Planning Partnership Working Group (2nd level), and a range of thematic groups. MVA will also continue to represent the sector on the Midlothian Community Health Partnership Management Committee. SEAM will continue to represent the social enterprise sector through the Improving Opportunities Midlothian (IOM) subgroup of community planning and through working with the Food and Health Alliance Midlothian steering group, which feeds into the Community Planning process. Volunteer Midlothian will promote and represent the interests of volunteer involving organisations through membership of the IOM and a number of key strategic community planning groups.

Ensuring vulnerable individuals have a voice in community planning: MVA will continue to facilitate the involvement of users of community care services in community planning. Volunteer Midlothian will represent the interests of volunteers and service users through membership of a number of strategic partnerships and networks such as the Health & Social Care Reference Group, Health & Wellbeing Forum, Joint Older People’s Planning Group (including the ‘Being Part of my Community’ sub group) and Technology Steering Group.

Ensuring voluntary action, volunteering and social enterprise are key elements of the policy agenda: MVA will continue to facilitate the Voluntary Sector Forum and to feed their responses into the community planning structure. The Voluntary Sector Children's sub-group (VSCsg is now represented on the Midlothian Child Protection Committee (and some CPC sub-groups), and other relevant groups (for example, Getting It Right For Every Child [GIRFEC]) and feed back to the VSF, and from the VSF to the groups. Volunteer Midlothian will raise the profile of volunteering in the community planning process through active membership of the strategic groups: Community Planning Working Group (CPWG) and Improving Opportunities in Midlothian (IOM); membership of

63


the IOM sub-groups Midlothian Employment Action Network (MEAN), Developing Midlothian’s Young Workforce (DMYW) and Midlothian Adult Learning Partnership (MALP). Responses are fed in from members who attend the Volunteer Managers’ Forum. SEAM will continue to exist as a community planning sub-group, feeding into the Improving Opportunities Midlothian group.

The Compact: All three organisations are represented on the Midlothian Compact Monitoring Group. Midlothian Community Care Forum: The Forum aims to provide effective and meaningful communication link for local Service Users and Carers on issues to

do with the planning and delivery of Community Care through a range of forums, and to work with Users of Community Care Services and their Carers and support them to build capacity to participate in opportunities to comment on and influence the services that affect their lives.

64




Target 2014/15


12 mth output31 March 2016

Notes RAG

Community Planning

We will continue to represent VIOs and volunteering at CPWG, IOM and sub-groups (DMYW, MEAN & MALP)

1.6, 4.4, 4.8, 4.9 20* meetings attended

*Figure incorrectly listed as ‘20’ – this should have been ‘12’

12 per year 12 attended 12 meetings attended including the new Developing Midlothian’s Young Workforce group

Seek to ensure volunteering is embedded into social policies within local authority through contribution to community planning groups

1.6, 4.4, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9

attendance at IOM and sub-groups; approx. 20 per year

12 per year 12 meetings attended, inc sub groups and special consultations including sessions on Positive Destinations and Participatory Budgeting

20 meetings attended, inc sub groups and special consultations including sessions on Positive Destinations and Participatory Budgeting

Develop and help embed a volunteering strategy amongst CP partners

1.6, 4.7 number of meetings to support developmentapprox. 3 per year

Approx. 3 per year

Consultation and meetings were held to develop a volunteering strategy for Midlothian. A draft has now been produced

Consultation and meetings were held to develop a volunteering strategy for Midlothian. A draft has now been produced which will be launched during Volunteers Week in June

We will continue to develop the Volunteer Managers Forum as a strong and cohesive group which offers practical support and

4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6

Number of meetings

approx. 4 per year

*new for 15/16*

*new for 15/16* 4 meetings held

65




Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

information and which will act as a reference group for volunteering issues within the community planning structure in Midlothian

Involvement in local emergency response meetings and other emergency planning events as appropriate Involvement in dealing with emergencies as required.

MVA to continue maintain an Emergency Planning e-mail contact list to allow for flexible responses.

4.1, 4.8 4 meetings

contribution to emergency response(s) – as required

1 emergency planning email list

4

n/a

1

3

n/a

1

0 meetings held in this period

MVA attended Scottish Government Community Resilience Conference

MVA continued to maintain Emergency Planning list

Lead consultation and development of voluntary sector input to SOA/Community Plan

4.1, 4.2, 4.7 20 e-mails distributed on the SOA/Community Planning issues

3 consultations on SOA/Community Planning issues participated in

20 e-mails

Responsive

22

3

57 e-mails distributed on Community Planning issues including on Health & Social Care Integration; Single Midlothian Plan; the Midlothian Council “Shaping Our Future” consultation; and Community Empowerment Act etc

1 - Contributed to Single Midlothian Plan and widely publicised consultation to sector. Distributed information

More e-mails than anticipated due partly to Health & Social Care Integration

66




Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

on the Midlothian Council “Shaping our Future” consultation – which is still at an early stage.

In addition, the Midlothian TSI is taking part in Phase 2 of Voluntary Action Scotland's Community Planning Improvement Programme, led by the Improvement Service. As the Midlothian Community Planning Partnership Board is also working with the Improvement Service, the programmes have been running in parallel. TSI staff attended 2 development sessions held with Improvement Scotland, Midlothian Community Planning Partnership Board members, and Midlothian TSI members.

The TSI organised an extremely well attended voluntary sector focus group meeting held in the Dalkeith Arts Centre on 22 February with the

67




Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

Attendance at Midlothian Community Planning Conference(s)

n/a 1

involvement of the Improvement Service and VAS.

The Improvement Plan has been drafted and will go back to the Voluntary Sector Forum in June 2016.

MVA’s Manager and Depute Manager attended the Midlothian Community Planning Conference on 22 October and chaired sessions. The TSI was also represented by the Director and Senior Manager of Volunteer Midlothian

We will continue to grow and develop the Voluntary Sector Forum to be an effective voice for the sector, and feed the Third Sector’s views into the community planning structures.

4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.7

Meetings held:

5 Midlothian Voluntary Sector Forum

5 VSF Children’s Sub-group

5

4

6

6

6 Voluntary Sector Forum meetings took place plus 1 Community Planning Improvement VSF Focus Group held 22 February

6 Voluntary Sector Children and Young People’s sub-group meetings took place within this period.

No. of meetings relates to Community Planning

68




Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

Continue to represent the voluntary sector on:

Community Planning Board,

Community Planning Working Group,

Improving Opportunities Midlothian Group (IOM),

Adult and Social Care group,

Getting It Right For Every Midlothian Child (GIRFEMC) Board,

Midlothian Safer Communities Board;

Community Health Partnership (CHP)/Health & Social Care Integration Shadow Board

Lothian Clinical Strategic Group;

Joint Health Improvement Partnership (JHIP)

And other groups as appropriate

4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.7

20 Community Planning Board/Group/sub-group meetings-

20 meetings attended

36 meetings attended

36 meetings attended by MVA as follows: Community Planning Board (4) Community

Planning Board Improvement Service events (2); CP Working Group (7); IOM (4); GIRFEMC (5) (Midlothian Safer Communities Board (2); CHP (1); Health & Social Care Integration Shadow Board (2); Health & Social Care Integration Board Strategic Planning Group (2); JHIP (Joint Health Improvement Partnership) (7)

MVA Deputy Manager is the Chair of the Working Group and also attended pre-meetings for both Working Group and Board.

MVA and VM are key member s of the voluntary sector Reference Group which supports the voluntary sector representative on the Health and Social

Difficult to predict how many meetings will take place

Numbers increased due to discussion on Midlothian Grants Review – we anticipate a decrease in organisations attending as funding cuts start to bite

Lower numbers so far than in 2014/15 – 2 main reasons: numbers

69




Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

20 organisations attending Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF)

12 organisations

20

12

24

13

Care Shadow Board

6 meetings held in this period. The voluntary sector is represented by Alzheimer Scotland with support from the Reference Group.

MVA coordinate a Peer Support Group reviewing and exploring Peer support in Midlothian – main Health focus on Health and Social Care Integration - 3 meetings held.

25 voluntary organisations (44 individuals excluding MVA staff) attended 7 VSF meetings (including CPP focus group)

12 voluntary organisations attended Voluntary Sector

boosted last year by attendance at Midlothian Council Grant Review sessions; and following grants cuts some organisations struggling to attend

*interested staff members left organisations and despite 2 new organisations joining up, still slightly lower than before

70




Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

attending VSF sub-group meetings

73 members of Voluntary Sector Forum

37 members of VSF sub-groups

n/a

n/a

73

37

Children and Young People sub-group meetings (15 individuals excluding MVA staff)(29 voluntary organisations in total between VSF and VSCsg)

72 voluntary organisations as members of Voluntary Sector Forum* (122 e-mail addresses)

37 voluntary organisations as members of Voluntary Sector Children and Young People’s sub-group

*84 voluntary organisations between VSF and sub-group)

Briefing paper on Health and Social Care Integration prepared and distributed.

Health and Social Care

71




Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

3 CPRIG (Community Planning Research and Information Group) meetings attended

6 consultations responded to

1 CPRIG meeting

5

2 CPRIG meetings

14 consultations and surveys

Integration page added to MVA website.

MVA gave presentation at Health and Employability event.

Met with Communications Officer, Health and Social Care Partnership re publicity

MVA successfully tendered for delivery of IT training to libraries staff and 6 training sessions have been held – the training is targeted at training libraries staff to support users with digital skills development and welfare reform

2 CPRIG meetings attended: chapters updated for Profile of Midlothian 2015

7 consultationsresponded to: Tyne-Esk LEADER; OSCR consultation Charity Test

Number of consultations

72




Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

Guidance; coordinated voluntary sector response to Scottish Government Cyber Resilience Strategy consultation; Single Midlothian Plan;Fairer Scotland (including attended event 14 October); Charity Trustee Guidance; questionnaire re Community Planning Improvement Project.

Responsive – also dependant on resources available

Compact

Continue to promote and monitor the use of the Voluntary Sector Compact.

4.3, 4.4 1 meetings#VSF minutes

1 meeting 0 Voluntary Sector Forum Compact sub-group set up to discuss the future of the Compact and look at options.

2 meetings held of sub-group.

Following meetings, a Hustings is being arranged for voluntary sector organisations on to meet Scottish Parliament candidates before the election

73




Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

Community Care Forum

The Community Care Forum Worker will build relationships with and focus on the interest, views and concerns of service users, via collective groups and organisations, regarding Community Care within the Council, NHS Lothian and all stakeholders across Midlothian.

Participation and membership of Joint Planning Strategy groups for 1. Older People and, 2. Physical Disability Services. Provide Support to at least one service user to participate in each meeting.

Clear actions contained in Joint Strategy Documents focussing on Service User influence/perspective and involvement and co-production. Specific named outputs and actions linked directly to Service User Influence and Co-production ethos.

The Community Care

4.1 – 4.6 1 service user represented / meeting

8 Older People Strategy Group meetings / year

8 Physical Disability Strategy Group meetings / year

#named outputs and actions*

*Specific outcomes are detailed in the Midlothian Joint Physical Disability

1 service user represented / meeting

8 meetings

8 meetings

At least 1 service user was represented per meeting

8 meetings

8 meetings

At least 1 service user was represented per meeting

Attended 8 “Full of Life” sub-group meetings re Older People consultation event and follow-up

Participated and supported service user participation at 5 Joint Older People’s Planning Groups

Participated and supported service user participation in 5 Joint Physical Disability Planning Group.

Supported 3 Forward Mid members to attend 8 Physical Disability Strategy Group/sub-group meetings to progress new Strategic Action Plan for Disabled

74




Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

Forum will gather views of service users and their carers within communities , via collective groups and organisations, to allow service users to influence the policy makers within Local Community Care Planning Structures;

40 Forward Mid (physical disability group/sub-group supported by MCCF Development Worker) meetings per year.Attendance at twelve Older People Forum (supported by MCCF Development Worker) meetings.

One large scale Public engagement event for Older Peoples Services.One large scale public event for Physical Disability Services. Sub Group meetings in response to local need with Older People Representatives (minimum eight meetings annually) and Disabled people’s representatives

Action Plan 2015-2018 and also the Midlothian Older People’s Action Plan 2015-2018.

40 Forward Mid sub-group meetings

12 Older People Forum meetings

40 meetings

12 meetings

40 meetings

14 meetings

People Living in Midlothian 2015-18. Chaired 4 Joint Planning Group subgroups.

7 Forward Mid sub-group meetings including partner agency involvement plus c50 regular informal Forward Mid sub-group meetings (minimum 5 times monthly)

12 x Café Connect events jointly with Forward Mid/Enable Midlothian Local Area Coordinators aimed both at people with disabilities and older people, including wider community.

75




Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

(minimum 40 meetings annually)

3 events Older People

1 Event Disabled People

1

1

1

1

2 Midlothian Older People’s Assembly public meetings (44 people attended ?May and 45 attended September) in conjunction with SOPA.2 Midlothian Older People’s Assembly representatives attended SOPA parliament session October 2015.

Co-produced 1 “Full of Life” consultation event with Midlothian Council, and British Red Cross Community Coordinators.Co-produced “Towards a Good Life, Towards an Equal Life” consultation event for Physically Disabled Adults, June 2015. 55 attendees.

Held Forward Mid public meeting to comment on Midlothian Strategic Commissioning Plan, Health and Care Services, 2015-2018

76




Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

Activities of the Community Care Forum worker shall seek to promote bringing people together, information sharing, advocacy (speaking out), skill training, service user participation and building bridges.

Continued Development of Forward Mid website.

4.1 – 4.640 sub-group meetings

40 meetings 40 meetings 7 Forward Mid sub-group meetings including partner agency involvement plus c50 regular informal Forward Mid sub-group meetings

Support provided to Forward Mid website and newsletter volunteer

Develop consultation events in co-production partnership with Social Work and Health and Users of Services.

Public Participation/ Consultation Events;Older Peoples Strategy – 2Joint Physical Disability Strategy – 1Disability Directory 2015-2016

4.1 – 4.6 3 Older People Strategy events

1 Joint Physical Disability Strategy events

400 copies directory

1

1

500

1

1

300

2015 Directory for Disabled People Living in Midlothian has been produced by Forward Mid with intensive support from MVA (300 copies)

2016 Directory of Disabled People in Midlothian has now also been produced (100 copies).

2016 Directory now available to access online and to download as a pdf file from the

77




Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

Forward Mid website.

The Community Care Forum Worker will provide representation for the service users and encourage service user involvement in regular dialogue and group meetings.

Development worker will ensure membership and participation of service users at the following meetings;

Joint Physical Disability Planning Group.Joint Older Peoples Planning Group.Community Planning Equalities Forum.

Dialogue and meetings with;Forward MidPeople FirstVOCALMidlothian Access PanelMS Society Lothian.Midlothian Equality and Diversity Network.Easy Does It.

4.1 – 4.6 #attendance by Worker

In response to identified and emerging need

45 meetings

Participated and supported service user participation at 5 Joint Older People’s Planning Groups

Participated and supported service user participation in 5 Joint Physical Disability Planning Group.

In response to identified and emerging need.

78




Target 2014/15



Notes RAG

The Community Care Forum Worker will support the development of 2 peer support groups/training opportunities in Midlothian for Disabled People.

4.1 – 4.6 2 groups 2

n/a

2

52Cafe Connect held 12 times.

The Community Care Forum Worker will organise and resource a new Midlothian Older Peoples Advisory Panel. This will be user led by older citizens with support.

5 meetings per year n/a n/a

MOPA (Midlothian Older Peoples Alliance) met twice

new

79


OUTCOME 6: THE THIRD SECTOR INTERFACE IS WE RESPONSIVE TO THE DIVERSITY OF THE COMMUNITY AND IS WELL MANAGED, GOVERNED AND EFFECTIVE

We will: Approach / Status / Plan Achievement 31 March 2016 RAG

6.1 Understand the landscape of community, third sector and volunteering activities in our local area by collecting intelligence and maintaining a database of local third sector organisations, volunteers and volunteering opportunities, including the MILO Core Minimum Fields.

All organisations that we work with are surveyed once every three years with 1/3 of organisations sampled in each year. This is done through a combination of printed, face to face, online and telephone surveys.

Survey was carried out in February 2015 using the standard Evaluation Questions provided in the “Third Sector Interface’s Monitoring and Evaluation” document. A further survey was carried out in March 2016.

Work continues to utilise MILO 2. Considerable time has been spent updating organisation entries.

MVA has recently started carrying out a new mapping exercise of voluntary organisations, community groups, in Midlothian to update our understanding of the sector. In due course this will be used to inform the Milo database.

A member of staff attended a “Think Data! Better data, better third sector event” and attended a webinar “Dealing with data: Defining 'Big data' and research opportunities in studying civil society with secondary and administrative data”.

Workforce Development: In light of the current contraction of the sector, we undertook research with local Third

80


Sector employers to see if there remained areas which they were struggling to recruit to. Social care, childcare, and welfare rights were all identified, along with other recruitment issues.

6.2 Use the intelligence to develop and deliver services in response to community need.

Our knowledge of the sector enables us to design services that meet the needs of the breadth of the sector. It also enables us to target services to those whom we can make the biggest difference.

Workforce Development: Based on our research noted above, we established a short-life working group with Midlothian Council and Skills Development Scotland to draft a comprehensive document of all the issues that Third Sector staff should be thinking about in terms of making themselves as employable as possible in the current climate. It includes information on careers guidance, funding for training, and skills gaps. This was widely circulated and well-received.

Preventative spend: We are currently working with a statistician from the Scottish Government’s Analytical Exchange programme, VAS and an outside consultant to establish the preventative spend impact of MVA’s work. ‘Critical friend’ support is being provided by Midlothian Council and the Big Lottery Fund, and we have consulted with our fellow TSIs on our methodology. This included a survey

81


sent out to users of the Funding Service. The report is currently being finalised.

On-going. We are continuing to build up knowledge of the sector through a variety of means, e.g. discussions at Forums and other events; use of “Milo” database; feedback forms from training and events; research for Profile of Midlothian.

MVA carried out a Voluntary Sector Children and Young People’s sub-group survey on Impact of Midlothian Council Funding Cuts.

6.3 Engage relevant stakeholders in the design, delivery and review of policies and services.

We include our local networks, e.g. Voluntary Sector Forum; Volunteer Managers Forum and SEAM; in the design of our services to ensure they are fit for purpose We will continue to incorporate feedback (e.g. end of year review) from stakeholders into the development of our services.

TSI Annual Survey was completed in March 2016.

The new Midlothian Volunteering Strategy was drawn up in consultation with the Volunteer Managers Forum and other key community planning partners

MVA training programme was adapted to take into account the responses to the Third Sector Employers Survey.

Communication and Promotion

6.4 Develop communications strategy and plans to improve our reach to stakeholders, to raise our profile, to promote our services and values. The communications plans will take

Work will be carried out to update the Third Sector Interface Communication Strategy, together with the communication strategies of partner organisations.

The Midlothian TSI has a web page with links to the partner organisations’ websites. A Midlothian TSI e-mail address has been implemented.

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consideration of the range of needs of different audience groups.

The partner organisations currently have their own Communications strategies which aim meet the needs of our particular client groups.

6.5 Promote the impact the sector has on the communities we live in.

We will provide information on the sector, e.g. for the Profile of Midlothian; and will publicise the impact of the sector through appropriate media, e.g. our websites; social media; conventional media etc.

We supplied the Community Planning Partnership with a number of voluntary sector case studies for the Community Planning Development Day in October, which emphasised the impact of voluntary sector activity.

MVA applied successfully for Scottish Government Analytical Data support and began work on preventative spend evaluation of MVA. Gave presentation at VAS Preventative Forum.

We regularly promote the impact of the sector through social media, the local press and community planning forums.

Information was provided to the Community Planning Research and Information Group (CPRIG) for inclusion in the Profile of Midlothian 2015 on the Third Sector and Volunteering and work is underway on the 2016 Profile. The TSI was an active member of the CPRIG involved in the production of the Profile.

We have previously contributed to regional and national initiatives/forums such as participation

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in the Stitch in Time Programme where we were able to promote the innovative work that the sector did with older people in Midlothian.

6.6 Communicate the interests of communities to wider stakeholders

We will support communities to communicate their interests e.g. through our e-briefings/e-mail lists/newsletters/websites and social medias; and forums.

The TSI communicated the interests of communities through MVA, SEAM, and VM newsletters, websites and social media, and through Forums, e.g. Volunteer Managers Forum; Voluntary Sector Forum; and the Social Enterprise Alliance Midlothian.

At least 115 voluntary organisations (local, regional and national) plus 23 statutory agencies/other organisations advertised services through the MVA targeted email lists.

Partnership Working

6.7 Develop partnership approaches and identify opportunities for partnership working locally, regionally and nationally to achieve better outcomes.

The Interface is a Partnership between Volunteer Midlothian; Midlothian Voluntary Action; and SEAM (Social Enterprise Alliance Midlothian). We will continue to hold at least one joint meeting of MVA & VM Board and SEAM representatives annually; we will continue to hold at least one joint meeting of MVA/VM/SEAM staff. We will input into each other’s events, e.g. Conferences.

Following the development of the Midlothian Technology Action Plan, MVA co-ordinated a successful bid to the Welfare Reform Resilience Fund of £44,752 to run a digital access pilot in Gorebridge Library (partners included MFIN, CABx and Volunteer Midlothian). This project ended in

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June 2015 – taking learning forward.

MVA and VM are key member s of the voluntary sector Reference Group which supports the voluntary sector representative on the Health and Social Care Integration Shadow Board. 6 meetings held in this period. The voluntary sector is represented by Alzheimer Scotland with support from the Reference Group.

The TSI produced a 24 page joint Annual Training Programme for September 2015 to May 2016.

We held our annual joint TSI Board meeting in June 2015 which was well attended.

A joint sub-committee meeting was held in October.

Senior staff keep in touch regularly which is consolidated with meetings.

MVA provided premises and support for the SEAM worker and worked closely together, e.g. provision of training. MVA continued to host the SEAM website on the MVA website.

MVA, SEAM and VM publicised each other’s events.

MVA’s Midlothian Community Care Forum Development Worker works closely with Midlothian Council; Forward Mid; Volunteer Midlothian’s Connect Team; Midlothian Local Area

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Co-ordinators (Enable); NHS Lothian; Red Cross Community Co-ordinators; Gorebridge Seniors Forum; Bonnyrigg & Lasswade Seniors Forum; Dalkeith Older People’s Welfare; Scottish Older People’s Assembly (SOPA) and other agencies; to improve services for local people with disabilities, and older people.

MVA continued to provide volunteering opportunities for a trainee from Midlothian Council’s “Services in Training and Employment in Midlothian” (STEM) service.

6.8 Engage local community representatives, Councillors, MSPs, MPs and others.

There are Councillors and community representatives on our Boards as advisors; we will continue to inform them of our activities.

Councillors and other community representatives attend events such as the Volunteers Week Awards Ceremony, volunteer recruitment fairs and conferences.

On-going, including minutes of staff meetings to councillors on Boards;

Targeted e-mail list members include; Midlothian’s MP, some councillors and community council members, as well as a wide range of voluntary sector organisations, community groups, and statutory staff.

The Voluntary Sector Forum Compact sub-group met twice during this period and is discussing how best to engage with and influence both politicians and Community Planning Partnership officers. Information published on our websites, facebook and twitter.

Have worked with individual local councillors to support community groups.

6.9 Work positively with Voluntary Action Scotland and our peers in the network.

Continue to attend partnership meetings outside Midlothian including:

attendance at Voluntary Action Scotland

On-going

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network meetings; attendance at VAS Funding Officers Group

meetings; attendance at TSI Youth Forum and

Volunteering Forum Contribute to joint consultation responses.

Please see previous sections.

MVA Depute Manager gave a presentation at VAS Preventative Forum.

MVA attended OSCR consultation event for TSIs/Advisers on Charity Test Guidance.

MVA attended Evaluation Support Scotland Conference.

MVA met with EVOC, STRiVE and Age Scotland re support to older people’s organisations.

Volunteer Midlothian attended meetings of the TSI Volunteering Forum and the new Lothian & Borders Volunteering Forum

Volunteer Midlothian gave a presentation on the Transform model to the TSI Youth Forum

MVA co-hosted first meeting of VAS Funding Officers Group and attended two subsequent meetings, plus 2 Lothian TSIs Organisational Development meeting.

MVA attended Big Lottery session for TSI Funding Officers.

SEAM attended a VAS Social Enterprise

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event.

SEAM attended the Cross Party Parliamentary Group on Social Enterprise at Holyrood.

SEAM attended a VAS workshop on Enterprising Community Asset Transfer.

SEAM attended a meeting of Edinburgh Region City Deal for social enterprise networks discussing support for social enterprise as part of proposed City Deal package.

MVA participated in the “Think Data! Better data, better third sector” event.

The Midlothian TSI is taking part in Phase 2 of Voluntary Action Scotland's Community Planning Improvement Programme, led by the Improvement Service. As the Midlothian Community Planning Partnership Board is also working with the Improvement Service, the programmes have been running in parallel. TSI staff attended 2 development sessions held with Improvement Scotland, Midlothian Community Planning Partnership Board members, and Midlothian TSI members. The TSI organised an extremely well attended voluntary sector focus group meeting held in the Dalkeith Arts Centre on 22 February with the involvement of the Improvement

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Service and Allan Johnstone, VAS.


Equalities

6.10 Develop flexible responses to meet different needs; e.g. opening times, drop-in facility, outreach locations, telephone helplines and online facilities.

Organisations/individuals can drop-in to our premises, contact us by telephone or email. We also use websites; and social media. Events are arranged at suitable locations. Outreach work is carried out where required, e.g. in rural areas. We will continue to be sensitive to the needs of community groups.

We continue to offer a flexible response to the needs of individuals, community groups and other partners who require our services.

Visits to individual groups have taken place throughout Midlothian (including in the evening).

We will engage with stakeholders at appropriate venues throughout Midlothian.

MVA subscribe to the online “Community Toolkit”, provided by SCLVO, which is linked to MVA website. This provides community groups with instant access to a wide range of resources.

MVA received funding from SCVO for the “Getting IT” project to train voluntary and community organisations in Midlothian to help them to support their clients, service users or members to get online.More information under Outcome 4.

In addition to our core services, MVA also coordinated a “Toy Drop” at Christmas where toys received are distributed through two local

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organisations working with families in need: Midlothian Sure Start and Women’s Aid East & Midlothian.

We also successfully applied to World Book Night and distributed books to local organisations.

6.11 Make our services, publicity materials and premises as accessible as possible.

The TSI has accessible offices and meeting rooms. The meeting rooms can be booked by community groups. The MVA meeting room is available at evenings and weekends as well as weekdays and a loop system can be provided. The VM meeting room is available to book on weekdays and evenings. The meeting rooms have accessible toilets and kitchens attached. We endeavour to make our premises welcoming to all users. MVA’s Community Care Development Worker supports older people’s groups and physical disability groups, e.g. Forward Mid (physical disability user group). We tailor our publications for particular groups e.g. older people and provide information in other formats, e.g. large print, where required.

On-going

Please see Outcome 3.

6.12 Be proactive in engaging all of our stakeholders.

The TSI engages with the voluntary sector and statutory sector primarily through e-mail lists, e-briefings, website and social media, training and events; also through our participation in Community Planning groups and through organisations such as the Voluntary Sector Forum, Volunteer Managers Forum and sub-groups. We are continuing to develop our new project to engage with small groups and intend to do more capacity building work with VIOs. Our Community Care Forum Worker engages specifically with disability and older people groups to support them with influencing policy and taking part in the Community Planning process. SEAM engages with social enterprises through SEAM meetings, training, events, website, e-mails and social media.

We continue to engage widely with the sector through emails; bulletins; websites; social media; training and forums; hard copy newsletters (e.g. Forward Mid, and Midlothian Community Care Forum).

The Volunteer Managers Forum is proving popular as a source of information sharing; training and peer support.

The Voluntary Sector Forum and Voluntary Sector Children’s sub-group have continued to meet.

The Midlothian TSI is taking part in Phase 2 of Voluntary Action Scotland's

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Community Planning Improvement Programme, led by the Improvement Service. As the Midlothian Community Planning Partnership Board is also working with the Improvement Service, the programmes have been running in parallel. TSI staff attended 2 development sessions held with Improvement Scotland, Midlothian Community Planning Partnership Board members, and Midlothian TSI members. The TSI organised an extremely well attended voluntary sector focus group meeting held in the Dalkeith Arts Centre on 22 February with the involvement of the Improvement Service and VAS.


SEAM and MVA have both issued a number of e-briefings; and the targeted e-mail lists have continued to be popular – please see Outcome 3.

Increasing use has also been made of Facebook and Twitter.

6.13

Focus limited resources towards those who need them most

We are focusing on assisting the Voluntary Sector to be prepared to respond to Welfare Reform, e.g. in particular we will be targeting people in poverty, and people who are isolated, e.g. older people and people with disabilities; and people in crisis.

Please see Outcome 3. MVA works closely with Midlothian Financial Inclusion Network (MFIN). MVA continued to publicise Welfare Reform training, and other relevant issues, to

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voluntary sector.

The MVA Depute Manager continued to provide line management support to the MFIN Development Worker, the MFIN March (Midlothian Area Resource Coordinator for Hardship) Hardship Coordinator and the MFIN Project Officer.

The MVA Community Empowerment Worker, funded by NHS Lothian, carries out engagement work in Mayfield/Easthouses, which contains some of the most deprived data zones in SIMD 2012.

Internal Management

6.14 Use EFQM to develop and maintain organisational quality.

Both the VM and MVA achieved “Committed to Excellence” (and SEAM contributed to achieving the MVA award). We undertake to build on that achievement to continue to develop and maintain organisational quality.

The TSI has signed up to ‘TSIs Making Quality Count’. Several people have now attended the training provided by Quality Scotland. The partners have carried out the self-assessment process and are now choosing Improvement Projects for evaluation.

6.15 Demonstrate good practice in people management

Volunteer Midlothian recently achieved the Investors in Young People Award. We will strive to be an employer of choice for staff of all ages continuously improving our management systems and focusing on developing the potential of our employees.

We continually review the structure of our Boards and recruit additional skills where required. Volunteer Midlothian recently recruited a new Treasurer and HR consultant.

In addition to EFQM Volunteer Midlothian became the first organisation in Midlothian to achieve the Investors in Young People Award

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which recognised VM as an employer of choice for young people in Midlothian

Staff are encouraged to undertake relevant training.

Staff and volunteers are given encouragement through Support & Supervision. VM show appreciation through specific events such as the Volunteer Midlothian Quiz night for volunteers and the staff Festival outing. Two ‘thank you’ events were held in Penicuik and Dalkeith for our Connect volunteers (our older people’s services). This was an opportunity for the volunteers to network with each other and for us to show our appreciation for their hard work. Over 30 volunteers attended each event.

We continue to encourage our Board members to attend training and information events to ensure that they are fully equipped for the role. The Chair of Volunteer Midlothian represented the TSI at the VAS Chairs meetings and a recent event run by OSCR.

MVA/SEAM have continued to work with Law at Work.

To further develop its staff Volunteer Midlothian held two staff away days.

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The first was a training session on ‘Developing a Coaching Culture’ and the second was a walk on the Penicuik Estate followed by lunch (as a way of thanking the staff for their patience and hard work during the move)

6.16 Ensure a good working environment, good conditions of employment and recognition for people's contribution.

We will continue to strengthen and develop the Boards of Interface organisations.

We will continue to implement quality framework within Interface organisations (EFQM).

We will continue to make the TSI fit for purpose, e.g. MVA and VM are signed up to Law at Work who assist us with our HR policies. We support staff to undertake appropriate training. We work hard to ensure that our staff and volunteers experience a good working environment and feel supported and appreciated for the contribution that they make to the work of the TSI.

The TSI has signed up to ‘TSIs Making Quality Count’. Several people have now attended the training provided by Quality Scotland. The partners have carried out the self-assessment process and are now choosing Improvement projects for evaluation.

Volunteer Midlothian recruited an HR consultant to its Board. As a result of this and financial constraints the organisation has ended its contract with Law at Work.

MVA/SEAM continued with Law at Work.

Despite having to move premises at short notice Volunteer Midlothian have worked hard to find a good working environment for our staff. We recently moved into good premises in Eskbank

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