VCS Matters Summer Summit 2010

National policies are a key driver of local change. The local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) is directly affected by policy changes but there can be scope for influencing local implementation. This is where the representative role of VCS Matters becomes important.

Under the title National policies – Local action the VCS Matters Summer Summit on Wednesday 23 June looked at local implementation of national policies. Main presentations and features included:

- An outline of the history and current situation regarding the Birmingham Youth Offer provided by Harry Fowler, Head of Youth Service, Birmingham City Council

- A description of the Big Society and what it means for the local VCS, with Professor Pete Alcock from the University of Birmingham (see presentation attached below)

- A presentation on Be Birmingham and Total Place by Karen Balfour, Be Birmingham  (see presentation attached below)

- A session introducing VCS Matters Representatives and their work for the sector

The Summit, which was fully booked, also featured a Funders' Marketplace with key funders including Big Lottery Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund and Birmingham Community Foundation, as well as discussion groups and networking opportunities.It was also an opportunity to get to know the meeting facilities and exhibition spaces of the recently redeveloped MAC in Cannon Hill Park.

The VCS Matters team would like to thank everyone that contributed to making the event a success.  If you participated in the Summit and have  not yet returned the Evaluation Form, please return the attached form as soon as possible and no later than Friday 23 July.