Issue - meetings

To note and comment on the contents of the report.

The Chair welcomed Councillor Vanier and Barbara Nicholls to the meeting.  Barbara Nicolls introduced the report as set out.

NOTED:

·               Voluntary sector activity was integrated into the portfolio three years ago.

·               A strategy was developed to begin the process of shifting from grant based activity to commissioning.

·               The voluntary sector investment fund was available for organisations to bid for up to £50k.

·               A report would be presented at Cabinet on 12 February to discuss how Healthwatch would be delivered from 1 April 2013.

·               There was a shift to match funding.

·               A North London consortium had been founded (Together North London), which would enable organisations to work together to bid for competitive tenders.  The management and support of the consortium was being hosted by HAVCO.

Councillor Adamou stressed the importance of encouraging organisations in the community to bid for funding in order to continue the valued voluntary organisations in the borough.  She added that people needed to know where to find information on the bidding process and support could be provided to those smaller organisations who may not be used to the bidding process.

Councillor McNamara requested that OSC be provided with a sense of the timescales for a final documents and related information.  Barbara Nicholls agreed to report back on this.

Councillor Winskill requested a written note on how the contracts were monitored.

ACTIONS:

Adults agreed to look into a webpage which has information on what grants/pots of money are coming available when and who can bid for what.  Relevant forms should also be on the webpage.

ACTION: Barbara Nicholls

Yvonne Denny and Barbara Nicholls to meet to discuss charges to leaseholders who apply for grants on Haringey estates.

ACTION: Barbara Nicholls

OSC requested a short briefing on how contracts under the Voluntary Sector strategy are monitored.

ACTION: Barbara Nicholls

OSC requested an update to be scheduled at OSC in approximately 6 months.

ACTION: Melanie Ponomarenko