GENERAL UPDATES

 

Review of Children’s Services

We understand that there have been a number of cuts to funding for organisations involved in delivering services to children and young people across West Norfolk.  Whilst we have not been involved in the decision making process we are aware of the impact that this will have.   WNVCA is also very keen to ensure that any changes are implemented in accordance with Compact principles.  The Compact exists to ensure that the ethos of good practice is applied throughout and a fair period of consultation is conducted before any decision is made.  The principle of the Compact has been recognised by statutory funders as well as voluntary and community organisations. It is designed to ensure that there are fair and transparent processes in place in particular when dealing with the subject of commissioning and de-commissioning.  Dennis Mawson is the Compact Officer for Norfolk and can be contacted on 01603 883828 or email dennismawson@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk for more information.  If you have been affected by the proposed cuts to funding please contact either Peter Morris or Maxine Fiander at WNVCA on 01553 760568 and we will make arrangements to discuss how we can assist you.

The outcome of the Boundary Review in Norfolk
The Secretary of State has announced that he has concluded that the Boundary Committee's proposal for a Unitary Norfolk does not have a reasonable likelihood of meeting the broad cross section of support criteria and therefore the Government will not be implementing this proposal. 

He has concluded however, that a Norwich Unitary should be implemented based on the existing City Council boundaries and a draft statutory instrument will be laid before both Houses of Parliament to give effect to this decision.  All other districts will remain as they are.

King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Local Development Framework

Core Strategy – Proposed Submission document

Following the consultation on the Core Strategy Regulation 25 document in February/April 2009 the Council has considered the responses and the evidence collected and has prepared a proposed submission Core Strategy document.  The document was formally published on Wednesday 13 January 2010.  This follows on from the previous stages of preparation and consultation.  The Council is proposing to submit this version to the Secretary of State for independent examination in Spring 2010.  The document will be available under Regulation 27 of the Town and County Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2008 as amended.  Representations about the ‘soundness’ of the document can be made from the 13th January 2010 until 5pm on 24th February 2010.  More information can be found at http://consult.west-norfolk.gov.uk/portal or by telephoning the Borough Council King’s Lynn & West Norfolk on 01553 616604.

 

Trustee Required

West Norfolk Carers is a thriving local independent charity.  The organisation is a growing charity with a very good reputation offering support to unpaid family carers. Their projects support carers of all ages including Young Carers & Carers of someone with a substance misuse concern. They are currently seeking to appoint new trustees to enhance their existing board.  If you are interested in sharing a little bit of time and some of your talents with them, or would like more information please contact either Judith Brown (Chair of Trustees) on 01553 841622 or Jane Evans WNC Manager on 01553 768155.

 

EVENT NEWS FOR FUTURE DIARY DATES

 

Park House Concert Programme for 2010

On Sunday 4th July at 5.00pm Chapterhouse Outdoor Theatre Company will present “Pride & Prejudice”, tickets for adults: £12, children: £8, family ticket is £35 and gates open for picnics from 2.30pm onwards.  On Sunday 10th October at 3.00pm the Wandering Minstrels will present the “Gilbert & Sullivan Savoy Operas”, tickets are £12.50.  Ticket sales and further details are available from Park House Reception, telephone number 01485 543000.

 

Reffley Wood Events for February

Following on from the success of the January winter walk, there is going to be another one on Sunday 21st February - meeting at 10.30am at the Sandy Lane entrance to Reffley Wood. It’s far too cold to sit around so it will be a stroll which will run around the inner perimeter of the wood. Wellies or very sturdy boots highly recommended – and old clothes for the kids. It’s very muddy in places.  Following on from that, on Monday 22nd February from 10am to 1pm there will be the usual Woodland Workout, continuing to coppice down the south east path, meeting in the central clearing at 10am. It is all signposted so don’t worry if you’re late.  Everyone is welcome.  Parking is available in the wood on both days. Enter via Sandy Lane and follow the signs. There is also have a portaloo for the events. Contact Nicola Marray-Woods at reffleywood@googlemail.com or on 0771 256 7479. Or just turn up on the days.

Quiz night – 25th February 2010
PALMS are holding a Quiz night on Thursday 25th February at Gayton Village Hall.  The doors open at 7.15pm and the quiz starts at 7.45pm.  Entry fee is £2.50 per person with teams holding a maximum of 6 people.  There will be a raffle and bar and all proceeds will go towards PALMS, Charity Number 1075587.

Community Groups Networking Meeting

The next Community Groups Networking Meeting will be on Thursday 25th February 2010 in Feltwell Methodist Church, Feltwell from 2pm to 4pm.  These meetings are informal and you will be made very welcome.  Come along for self interest reasons or if you have a wider community involvement such as being part of a voluntary or community group. 

The meetings are aimed at sharing information and learning from practice and experience; find out about training opportunities, attracting volunteers and funding information. 

Network with groups and individuals and build relationships with other communities.  Networking meetings enable communities to feel supported.

 

For more information please telephone Jackie on 01553 616657 or email jackie.squires@west-norfolk.gov.uk

 

Norfolk County Council – Norfolk Vetting and Barring Conference

Two half day briefings for schools, voluntary and public sector organisations and Norfolk County Council teams has been organised to take place on Monday 15 March 2010 at the John Innes Centre, Norwich.  First session is from 9am to 12pm and the second session is from 1pm to 4pm.  The sessions have been organised by Norfolk County Council and there will be no charge for attending the event.  The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 comes into force in July 2010. The Act creates new responsibilities for organisations to vet individuals working with children and vulnerable adults.

 

By end of the briefing you will know……..

Ø      How the vetting & barring scheme applies to you and your organisation.

Ø      Your legal duties and responsibilities as an employer.

Ø      How the scheme will help your organisation, business or voluntary group.

Ø      When you have a duty to refer someone to the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

Ø      How the scheme fits with CRB checks, safeguarding and safer recruitment practices.

Ø      How the scheme will help to protect children and vulnerable adults.

 

The conference will be chaired by Anne Gibson, Head of HR and Organisational Development for Norfolk County Council who will introduce the speakers.  The keynote speaker is Simon Morrison from The Home Office. Simon is part of the Vetting and Safeguarding Policy Unit, who are leading on the new legislation. He is making a special visit to Norfolk to deliver this brief on the new Independent Safeguarding Authority and the requirements for Vetting and Barring.  Debbie Beck, Employee Service Centre Manager for Norfolk County Council, will make a short presentation to explain Norfolk County Council’s approach to meeting the new vetting and barring requirements.

 

To book a place please email Sarah Foster on sarah.foster@norfolk.gov.uk.  The deadline to book your place is Monday 1st March 2010.  They have sufficient places for one delegate per school or organisation. If you wish to book an additional place they will do all they can to accommodate. But places are limited and they will reserve the right to alter second bookings to allow space for delegates who cannot otherwise attend. 

 

CEILIDH

This event is being held by Unicef Supporters Group in North and West Norfolk on Saturday 20th March at South Wootton Village Hall from 7pm to 10pm.   They are holding a Ceilidh to raise funds for Immunisation in Liberia, which is helping to reduce the very high under 5’s mortality rate.  Tickets are £10 each and include a baked potato with a choice of fillings.  Dancing "called" by the Rusty Relics.  There is a bar and raffle.  If you would like tickets or more information please contact Anne Truman on 01553 760829.

 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

 

FUNDRAISING AND LOTTERY ADMINISTRATOR £14,000 - £16,000 (pro rata) - 31.5 hrs pw

Working for The Norfolk Hospice, you know that what you are doing makes a real difference to the lives of others.  They are looking for a very special person, someone who:

 

If you are this person and you are looking for a part-time role, with a degree of flexibility, then they would like to hear from you.  Whilst this role is initially to provide cover for maternity leave, it is hoped that the post-holder will be able to move to a similar but new role which will become a long term position.  For more information see below or ring Dianne Rowe - Director of Fundraising, on 01485 542891.  For further details of this role including job description, personal specifications and an application pack, please contact the Hospice by telephone on 01485 543163 or by email to tom.fhoward@norfolkhospice.org.uk or visit their website at www.norfolkhospice.org.uk.  Closing date for this role is Monday 1st March 2010.