CCF AGM 2009
Calderdale Community Forum (CCF) and Calderdale Forward (the Local Strategic Partnership) staged a joint event 18th June 2009, at the King's Centre in Halifax. Attended by around 70 people, the event combined information stalls from voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations, presentations from VCS and statutory representatives, CCF's annual general meeting and the VCS Summit. Attendees included elected members, VCS and statutory representatives and partners.
25 VCS groups hosted information stalls, showcasing the work they do within Calderdale. Attendees were able to browse these stalls, providing opportunities to network, raise awareness and improve links. During this time, CCF's annual general meeting took place. Clare Jones, Chair of CCF, opened the meeting and reported on the work of CCF and the Network Development Projects.
The opening presentation, given by Owen Williams, Chief Executive of Calderdale Council, outlined the positive benefits of working in partnership with the VCS in Calderdale. David Gavagan, Head of Partnerships and Performance, Blackburn Council, gave the next presentation. Mr Gavagan outlined Blackburn's approach to partnership working with their VCS groups, as Blackburn Council has been recognised as performing well in this area. Dr Soo Nevison, Chief Executive of Voluntary Action Calderdale, then went through the results of the recent VCS survey, giving indications on how VCS groups felt partnership working was progressing in Calderdale.
The VCS Summit consisted of two sets of workshops. Information was gathered and disseminated, enabling partners across organisations and sectors to explore ways to work together better, and to further their common aims to improve the quality of life for the people and environment of Calderdale. Key priorities were identified through this process.
CCF is a network of VCS groups and organisations within Calderdale. CCF provides a voice for the VCS by strengthening and developing the sector into a cohesive body to articulate the views of the wider community effectively, in a climate of equal partnership with statutory and other partner agencies. CCF provides a medium for consultation, between the VCS and statutory agencies and a platform for organisations from both sectors to identify and discuss issues of common concern, and agree action to address these issues. CCF provides a means to enable the participation of VCS organisations in the planning of services and issues relating to changes to services.
CCF provides a representational structure for the VCS to participate as a partner within Calderdale Forward to influence and engage with the Local Area Agreement (LAA) and the Calderdale Futures plan, and to contribute to the primary objective of the LAA, which is to develop genuinely sustainable communities and better outcomes for local people.
The feedback received after the event has been extremely positive, and the possibility of staging an event of this kind each year is being looked into. CCF and Calderdale Forward would like to thank all those who took part and attended the event.