IYSS Gateway Contract

In March 2009 Connexions released the criteria for the IYSS (Integrated Youth Support Service) Gateway contract. We are excited to announce the IYSS gateway contract was awarded to VCS Matters.

Essentially, Integrated Youth Support is about providing co-ordinated services to all young people according to their needs – in locations and at times that suit them, with more flexible provision shaped by their interests, wishes and aspirations.

This new arrangements will align a range of funding streams and resources for young people, to provide a fully integrated service with the aim of improving outcomes for young people.

The IYSS Gateway Contract aims to develop the processes for integrated working within the third sector, thus enabling it to influence and engage within the IYSS agenda.

The core objectives are to:

• To coordinate the third sectors work with IYSS both at a strategic and operational level.

• To develop and manage a thematic network of third sector organisations working with young people in the IYSS age range.

• To develop a two way process between the third sector and IYSS to enable effective information sharing, consultation and communication.

VCS Matters IYSS Strategy:

The VCS matters IYSS strategy will be developed using a three tier model.

1. Tier One - Awareness
Tier one involves scoping and identifying the level of awareness and understanding in the third sector. We are keen to highlight examples of good practice within the voluntary and community sector and that’s where you might come in.

If you would like us to highlight how your organisation delivers integrated youth work with statutory sector or private partners give us a call.

2. Tier Two - Raising the Profile
Tier two will see a raised profile of the agenda with specific IYSS developments being communicated via the VCS Matters website.  We also anticipate at this stage the establishment and full operation of an IYSS reference group and detailed discussions in our VCS Matters new look quarterly summits.

3. Tier Three - Engagement
VCS Matters in Tier 3 will aim to have systems in place to enable the sector to fully engage and be able to influence the IYSS agenda in Birmingham.

This strategy is dependent on acquiring accurate information and developing  efficient communication systems ensuring network members are fully abreast of the latest developments and the impact upon young people.

This being the case, we intend as soon as reasonably possible, to co-ordinate regular meetings between the third sector and the IYSS lead officers.

In addition, we will shortly be circulating a brief questionnaire designed to help us develop an understanding of the level of support and information requirements of Birmingham based voluntary sector organisations engaging with the IYSS programme.

We greatly appreciate your support in completing this questionnaire.

For more information contact:
Jason Wright: jasonw@bvsc.org 0121-678 8832 (Thursdays & Fridays)
Leonard McDonald: leonardm@bvsc.org 0121 - 678 8884