The latest product of the Baring Foundation’s programme on ‘Strengthening the Voluntary Sector – Independence’ provides yet more evidence of the emasculation of voluntary action as an independent actor on the policy stage and a distinctive voice for social justice by Government, not just in England but in the other countries of the UK, in … Continue reading
We didn’t know where to put this on the website. It’s a story of all
the bad things that are going on which led to the Coalition. But it
also shows bravery and resilience in response to abuse of power. So
you’ll find this story under both good and bad news.
Advocacy in Darlington is
… Continue readingThis is the latest hare to have been set running by Government and the Commission on Integration and Cohesion. It’s a policy which encourages funders to cut money to groups working with marginalised peoples, particularly those from secular black and minority ethnic groups such as Southall Black Sisters – while at the same time encouraging … Continue reading
Bob Widdowson describes the slow drip drip of what is being lost and
what is taking its place in “a small advice service in a northern town.
Been around for 20 years. Well used, three staff, run down premises and
not much in the way of technology. Only such service for miles around.
Lottery funding … Continue reading
We bumped into a community researcher, a local resident, who had
been busy talking to fellow tenants about their concerns and what they
needed on the Estate. She had been doing this with the support of a
local voluntary group. She was worried and didn’t know what to do. She
had been asked by the … Continue reading
Then there’s the tale about the innovative initiative which
supported local people to assist their communities to access health
services. It was done with such success that it was lauded by the local
Primary Care Trust and elsewhere, and who then asked for advice on how
to replicate this. And who then withdrew the money … Continue reading
A friend sent me this and it is apparently being added (or proposed
to be added) to contracts for all staff at a University. It is so
bizarre that it could be a hoax, but it’s not.
1 I have clear performance goals that encompass task delivery and demonstration of my competences.
2 These goals … Continue reading
As a “lefty American” traversing the ground of the voluntary sector in the UK, I have often had a strange mixture of feelings:
Professionals of my vintage – my career started in the Beatles’ era – have lived and worked through some revolutionary changes in the lives of people with learning disabilities. We have gone a long way towards the abolition of isolated and isolating ‘institutional’ provision. We are all person centred. We protect peoples’ rights and safeguard … Continue reading
Surely I cannot be the only community activist to see what’s happening? In fact I know I’m not. So why, oh why, is there so little fuss about it?
Today, I logged on, and there it was as usual. Invitations to participate in this and that forum pedantically plodding their way through the verbiage of … Continue reading