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 The latest from Urban Forum
August 2008
COMMUNTIES IN CONTROL - ANALYSIS - FAQS
Following the publication of the government's Empowerment White Paper - Communities in Control, Urban Forum has produced an analysis and some Faqs (frequently asked questions) to supplement its policy briefing.
STRICTLY COME THINKING
In May and June we ran three ‘Strictly Come Thinking’ events for Urban Forum members. The events focused on recent policiy developments concerning community empowerment in the lead up to the Empowerment White Paper. To find out about the ‘thinking’ that went on read the report. Now that the White Paper has been published (see below) we will be exploring what it means for Urban Forum members at Autumn events in the North West, Yorkshire and Humber, and the West Midlands. Details will be available soon but in the meantime you can contact nick@urbanforum.org.uk to find out more.
July 2008
COMMUNITIES IN CONTROL - EMPOWERMENT WHITE PAPER
Following the publication of the Empowerment White Paper, Urban Forum has produced a Policy Briefing giving you the lowdown on what's in it. We will publish an analysis next week and we are keen to hear the views of members on the White Paper.
URBAN FORUM MEMBERS' SURVEY 2008
It’s time for Urban Forum’s annual members’ survey and we need your help to tell us how we’re doing and what we could do better to meet your needs. One lucky member will receive a free place to our Annual Conference as a thank you for completing the survey. Please go to the members' page to take part.
FAIR GROUND?
URBAN FORUM 2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Our Annual Conference this year – Fair Ground? – will focus on tackling poverty and link wit the Get Fair campaign. It will be held on 8th & 9th December at Manchester Conference Centre. More information will be available soon on our website but for now . . . put the date in your diary!
CEN – sible?
Reaction to Urban Forum’s research on the funding of Community Empowerment Networks (CENs) has been rapid. With seven more CENs forced to close recently have a look at what people are saying. You may wish to read articles about the research by Urban Forum Chief Executive, Toby Blume and Deputy Chief Executive, Caroline Gaunt.
May 2008
Unlocking the Talents - a response
Urban Forum has submitted a response to the Unlocking the Talents of our Communities consultation document. Read it here.
April 2008
Community Empowerment Network (CEN) research published by Urban Forum
Urban Forum has published research which details the current state of Community Empowerment Networks (CENs). It shows that up to 40 per cent of CENs are set to lose funding and that quarter of CENs are doing less empowerment work at the same time as empowerment is rising to the top of the Government's policy agenda. If you have a comment to make on the research please send us your thoughts as we will be highlighting the report in the next issue of our house magazine, Clearway.
STRICTLY COME THINKING
Urban Forum Events For Members (and invited friends)
Midlands - May 20th
(Nottingham, Castle Cavendish Business Centre)
South - May 21st
(Reading, International Centre)
North - June 5th
(Chester le Street, Durham County Cricket Club)
New Date
London - June 10th
(Bethnal Green, Oxford House)
Come and join other Urban Forum members and get the latest low-down on Government policy, share experience and good practice, and help influence our work and national policy. Put on your "thinking shoes" and book your free place now!
On the day you will be able to:
-
Get information and updates on the latest in government policy, practice, trends, and future developments
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Exchange experiences about interpreting the policy maze, influencing decisions and community engagement and empowerment at a local level
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Share your ideas and influence our work and national policy that we are currently involved with
All events will run from 11.00am-3.30pm (including lunch).
‘Bring a Friend'
A number of members approached us to see if they could bring a non-member with them to the event. We've listened and now each member can bring one friend, from a non-member organisation, with them if they want.
See our events page for programme and booking details.
URBAN FORUM IS LOOKING FOR A NEW CHAIR
If you are interested in applying for this position or just finding out more click here.
March 2008
UNLOCKING THE TALENTS - URBAN FORUM BRIEFING
Urban Forum has produced a Policy Briefing on Communities and Local Government’s recent document ‘Unlocking the Talent of our Communities’ which sets out their plans for a new Empowerment White Paper.
URBAN FORUM RESPONSE TO STREAMLINING LDF CONSULTATION
Urban Forum has submitted a response to the Government's Streamlining Local Development Frameworks consultation.
February 2008
POLICY BRIEFING ON THE PRINCIPLE OF REPRESENTATION
Urban Forum has produced a Briefing on the Principles of Representation. The idea of the principles originated in the Local Government White Paper (2006). DCLG committed to working with national third sector umbrella bodies to come up with draft principles. These guiding principles are aimed to help local third sector bodies develop arrangements that strengthen their representation and widen participation with LSP partners.
POLICY BRIEFING ON LOCAL PETITIONS
In the Governance of Britain Green Paper (2007) and the Local Government White Paper (2007) the Government said it wanted to strengthen communities’ influence on local authority decision making through petitions and calls for action. Urban Forum has produced a Briefing on the Government's consultation on local petitions.
Where are the Women in LSPs
Urban Forum launched its joint report with Oxfam and the Women's Resource Centre at an event in London in late 2007. Read the report of the event and have a look at the powerpoint presentation.
National Conference for NDC Residents 2008
This year's National Conference for NDC Residents is taking place in Hartlepool and is being organised by Hartlepool NDC. All residents of NDC schemes are urged to attend this residents-only event, where residents' concerns are at the front of the queue. It's also the best chance to network with other residents from across the country. This year, the main speaker will be Iain Wright, Hartlepool's local MP and a Minister at the Department of Communities & Local Government.
For more details of how to book and a flyer go here
The Empowerment Game - podcast
At Urban Forum's annual conference in December, some young people from the Community Radio East Leeds were interviewing delegates for a podcast. If you want to listen to that pocast you can find it here. You'll also be able to find out more about the ELFM project. And when you've listened, give some feedback – the young people like to know what people think.
January 2008
LAA GUIDANCE BRIEFING
Urban Forum has produced a new briefing, providing information about new Local Area Agreements (LAAs), drawing on several documents published recently by the Department for Communities and Local Government. Find out what New LAAs are, how they work, and some handy hints on how you can be more involved.
The Empowerment Game - first results
First results from the three strands of The Empowerment Game - Urban Forum's ambitious anual conference held in December - are available here. The document also briefly describes the way ahead.
December 2007
YOUR CHANCE TO JOIN NEW PLANNING POLICY FORUM
Urban Forum is carrying out research to find out what access people have to shops and services, how they feel about these, and whether it is possible to have a voice and influence the local environment. As part of our research, we will be bringing together a small group of Urban Forum members in three Policy Forums to discuss these issues and come up with recommendations for policy-makers. Further information on the Policy Forums can be found here. If you would like to be involved in this exciting piece of work, please complete the booking form and send to planning@urbanforum.org.uk by 9 January 2008. All expenses are covered but places are strictly limited.
The Empowerment Game
– a big thank you
A big thank you to all delegates who worked so hard at our annual conference in Leeds and made it such a success. We are sifting through the mass of information and results gathered and will produce a full report in the new year, which of course we will be presenting to CLG Secretary of State, Hazel Blears.
November 2007
Action Plan for Community Empowerment
Urban Forum has produced a handy policy briefing which explains the Plan in a digestible format.
October 2007
Comprehensive Spending Review 2007
Urban Forum has had a first look at the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) and has come up with a not-quite-comprehensive look at some of the decisions that affect our world. Save yourself time with our first look.
September 2007
 THE EMPOWERMENT GAME - CHANCE OR COMMUNITY CHEST?
URBAN FORUM ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2007
This year's conference features a keynote address from Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears MP.
The conference will tackle issues of neighbourhoods and local governance, diversity, equalities and cohesion, and places and built environment in a interactive format featuring themed visits and expert witnesses.
Click here for full programme details and a booking form.
THIRD SECTOR STRATEGY DISCUSSION PAPER RESPONSE
Urban Forum has responded to the Government's discussion paper on its Third Sector Strategy. Read it here.
LOCAL LEADERSHIP SURVEY
Urban Forum and NAVCA are conducting a survey to explore the relationship between councillors and local community groups.The Government wants stronger relationships between local community groups and councillors. It wants councillors to be better community leaders and it wants the voluntary and community sector to be more involved in making local decisions. The trigger for this research is the Local Government White Paper; Strong and Prosperous Communities, published in October 2006, which sets out the vision for localities in England.
To fill in the short questionnaire please click here.
DESIGNING IN DIVERSITY
At it’s 2006 Annual Conference, Urban Forum piloted a Participatory Budgeting exercise enabling participants to decide how £10,000 should be spent.
One supported proposal was ‘Designing in Diversity’. Submitted by Andrew Van Doorn from Housing Association Charitable Trust, it was developed at the Ideas Marketplace at the conference and involves Urban Forum conducting research to explore and highlight the contributions made to regeneration by those who experience discrimination.
We now want to start collecting inspiring stories and need help to uncover them.
If you feel that a group experiencing discrimination has made a positive contribution in your area please let us know. Initially all we need are a few details of the group, what contribution they have made, how it has benefited the wider community and who we can contact to find out more. Please send any ideas to nick@urbanforum.org.uk
Where are the Women in LSPs?
Urban Forum has launched a major new report which, based on research over the country, points up the severe inbalance of men and women at senior levels in Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs). The report, published jointly with Oxfam Uk and Women's Resource Centre, finds that whilst women are fairly represented at lower levels of these structures, the percentages drop alarmingly higher up the scale. The report calls on government to address this by monitoring women's involvement and disseminating good practice from those LSPs that are performing well.
Download a copy of the report here
August 2007
URBAN FORUM LAUNCHES NEW REPORT
Where are the Women in LSPs?
Urban Forum is launching a major new report which, based on research over the country, points up the severe inbalance of men and women at senior levels in Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs). The report, published jointly with Oxfam Uk and Women's Resource Centre, finds that whilst women are fairly represented at lower levels of these structures, the percentages drop alarmingly higher up the scale. The report calls on government to address this by monitoring women's involvement and disseminating good practice from those LSPs that are performing well. Hard copies of the report will be available after it is launched. Meanwhile, you can get a sneak preview here.
Urban Forum invites you to a special free launch event for this report on Monday September 10. The programme is here. Places are on a first come, first served basis and you can find out how to book here.
Planning White Paper consultation
Urban Forum has submitted a response to the above. Read it here.
Unclaimed Assets consultation
Urban Forum has submitted a response to the above. Read it here.
Third Sector Review
You may have seen the Government's Third Sector Review (scroll down for full report). Now Urban Forum has produced a policy briefing which gives an overview of the Review.
July 2007
Review of Third Sector
The final report of the government's third sector review has been published.
Urban Forum has a had a first look
at the report's headlines. The full report can be found here.
Blears to speak at Urban Forum conference
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government , Hazel Blears,
will be making the keynote address at Urban Forum’s Annual Conference 2007. The conference,
The Empowerment Game – Chance or Community Chest? will be held on 3rd-4th December 2007 in Leeds. Places are already being booked
so, even though it’s a way away, reserve your place
now.
Designing in Diversity
At it’s 2006 Annual Conference, Urban Forum piloted a Participatory
Budgeting exercise enabling participants to decide how £10,000 should be spent.
One supported proposal was ‘Designing in Diversity’. Submitted by Andrew Van Doorn from Housing Association Charitable Trust, it
was developed at the Ideas Marketplace at the conference and involves Urban Forum conducting
research to explore and highlight the contributions made to regeneration by those who experience
discrimination.
We now want to start collecting inspiring stories and need help to uncover
them.
If you feel that a group experiencing discrimination has made
a positive contribution in your area please let us know. Initially all we need are a few details
of the group, what contribution they have made, how it has benefited the wider community and who
we can contact to find out more. Please send any ideas to nick@urbanforum.org.uk
Planning White Paper - briefing and consultation
Urban Forum has produced a policy briefing on the recent Planning
White Paper. We would be grateful if you would spend a few minutes filling in this survey on the White
Paper, which will help shape Urban Forum's response to the government consultation.
June 2007
THIRD SECTOR STRATEGY CONSULTATION
Urban
Forum is carrying out research in response to the Department of Communities and Local
Government’s discussion paper on its strategy for the Third Sector. Urban Forum is
keen to get the view of members to inform our response to the consultation. Urban Forum has
produced a briefing of the Third
Sector Strategy which provides more detailed information to help you complete this survey.
If you have any questions, please email us.
10 Things you need to know about the Third Sectpr Strategy
Urban Forum Membership Review 2007
Our
membership survey for 2007 is now available for you to complete. It shouldn't take very long to
fill in and helps us to make sure that our activities and services reflect your needs and
aspirations.
The survey is available electronically at Survey Monkey or
it can be completed by downloading this Word
document. The Survey Monkey version will be saved automatically and you can return a completed
hard copy version of the questionnaire by fax on 020 7253 4817 or by post
to: Urban Forum, FREEPOST LON21379, 70 Cowcross Street , London EC1B 1NB.
Everyone who returns their questionnaire by 16th
July will be entered into our prize draw with the winner receiving a free place to our annual
conference in December. May 2007
PB - an idea whose time is arriving?
What is PB? Participatory Budgeting, of course. This idea of getting
people to make direct decisions on funding was trialled successfully at Urban Forum's last Annual
Conference. We believe Urban Forum is the first national voluntary and community sector
organisation to try this, although it is catching on in local government circles. Find out more
from our policy report on our experiment.
Sustaining Grants
Urban Forum
has teamed up with nine other national organisations to produce Sustaining Grants a pamphlet explaining why grants
are vital for a healthy voluntary and community sector and thriving local communities.
Making Assets Work: The Quirk review of community management and ownership of
public assets
This report recommends that local people should
be given greater control in how key assets in their communities are run. The report concludes
that:
- There are no substantive barriers to transferring assets from local authorities and
other public bodies to the community sector
- Transferring public assets to communities not
only leads to more responsive services but can also create more confident empowered communities
with greater civic spirit.
The Development Trusts Association has produced a briefing on the review.
LSPs and the Third Sector Conference
27/28 June
2007
This year Urban Forum has teamed up with Ealing Council,
Ealing Community Network and LSP Futures to bring you this conference. The conference has four
key themes. They are Investment, Leadership, Partnership, and Engagement.
Unlike previous
years, LSPs and the Third Sector is a smaller event where places are extremely limited, so they
will be alloted on a first come-first serve basis. Also accommodation is not provided, but we can
supply a list of suitable venues if required.
A flyer providing more
details of the conference and a booking form can be found here. If you wish to book, please send
the booking form to the name and address on the flyer - NOT Urban Forum.
Details of new ??f80m small grants fund
Following Urban Forum research which showed that Community Empowerment Networks
were losing funding, the government announced a fund of ??f80 million for small grants in the
Budget. The Office of the the Third Sector has been working up details of delivery of the
programme and Urban Forum has produced a short policy briefing. If you have any
thoughts or opinions you would like to share, send them to info@urbanforum.org.uk
April 2007
Grappling with Lyons
Urban Forum has produced a short Policy briefing covering the Lyons
Inquiry into Local Government. You can read or download it here.
NDC2007 Conference presentations
The
recent Urban Forum conference for residents of NDC pathfinders was held in partnership with
Aylesbury NDC in South London. Over 120 delegates enjoyed a successful two day meet which had as
its theme 'Putting residents at the Heart of Succession'. Some of the presentations are listed
below. We will put up more as and when they arrive. Aylesbury NDC Powerpoint Presentation NEW
David Ralph, Chief Executive, NELM NDC Powerpoint Presentation
NEW
June Dawes - Department of Communities and Local Government
Powerpoint Presentation
June Dawes notes
Jamie Robinson - Shared Intelligence
Powerpoint Presentation
Jamie Robinson notes
Will Blagdon - Devonport NDC
Word presentation March 2007
Budget 2007
Urban Forum Chief Executive, Toby Blume, has given the Budget some thought and
says that, although largely fiscally neutral, the Budget is nothing if not political. He also
talks about what the announcement of ??f80 million for the Third Sector could mean. Read his full
thoughts here.
Trial Interactive Clearway
Urban Forum is
publishing this issue of Clearway as a pdf document to see what people make of it. You can see
the issue - featuring news of our fist Policy Forum, recent Annual Conference and the Budget here. The issue also includes the a piece from
Richard Clarke giving us the latest on Community Land Trusts - an idea whose time has surely
arrived. Let us know what you think about this issue by email. February 2007  NDC 2007
CONFERENCE FOR RESIDENTS BOOKING NOW
This year, Urban Forumi?Ls
conference for New Deal for Communities (NDC) residents will be held at Aylesbury NDC in
Southwark, London. Iti?Ls the first time wei?Lve held this conference in the Capital and demand
is likely to be high. The conference theme is 'putting residents at the heart of succession' and
includes a rich mix of relevant workshops taking in youth, physical regeneration, sklils,
community cohesion and succession. There will be visits to local NDC projects with residents and
sessions taking in practical examples of succession strategies and action learning on how to put
residents at the heart of that process. This year the conference also features a visit from local
MP and Minister of State for Constitutional Affairs, Harriet Harman MP QC. If you are an NDC
resident make a date in your diary for this unmissable event ? March 29th-30th ? and download a flyer for booking details. If you have any
questions about this event, please email ndc@urbanforum.org.uk
Urban Forum CEN research reveals massive loss of funding
Research into the current state of Commmunity Empowerment Networks (CENs) has
shown that nearly 80 per cent have suffered a drop in funding since the introduction of Local
Area Agreements (LAAs). 83 per cent of CENs who responded to the research survey said that their
ability to carry out outreach work had reduced and 81 per cent said that small grants to
stimulate neighbourhood activity had "stopped or decreased significantly". Read the full research report. Do you have a comment to make
on this issue? If you do, email elin@urbanforum.org.uk January
2007 Online Forum closes
Urban Forum is
developing a new website which will allow members greater interaction with each other on topical
issues, policy matters and more. In the meantime, Urban Forum has closed down its Online Forum
due to persistent problems with offensive spam. We regret this decision but feel it is the right
one given the circumstances. Please also accept our apologies for multiple emails that you may
have received informing you of this decision.
November 2006 Urban Forum Analysis of Local Government White
Paper Urban Forum has produced its thoughts on the Government's
recently published Local Government White Paper. Read it here.
Bursaries ARE
Possible
There are still bursary places available for Urban
Forum's Annual Conference in Birmingham on 5th and 6th December. If you have not booked your
place at the conference, please book soon as places are strictly limited this time around.
Conference now features a video address from Third Sector Minister, Ed Milliband; all the latest
on the Local Government White Paper; and a chance to say how Urban Forum shoulkd spend ??f10,000
in a participatory budgeting exercise - the first of its kind at this level. Go here for more details and booking forms. October 2006 Local Government White Paper
Briefing
Urban Forum has produced a Policy brieifng on the Government's recently
released Local Government White Paper. Read it here. September/October 2006
Reaching Out ? An Action Plan on Social
Exclusion
The Socialm Exclusion Taskforce, which replaced the
Social Exclusion Unit in the last government reshuffle, has published it's first report. It
addresses government efforts to reduce social exclusion and VCS issues. Urban Forum has produced
a policy briefing on this important
report.
  Urban Forum Annual Conference
2006 5th-6th December, Hilton Metropole, Birmingham Urban Forum’s Annual
Conference 2006 is concerned with the future of our urban society and what shape it might take.
Mission IS possible looks optimistically to the future, with positive debates, practical
workshops and illuminating visits that point us towards a coherent and fully functioning
relationship between the sector and the state and the wider society we live in.
Your mission,
should you choose to accept it, is to bring your voice and your ideas and your experience to the
table and share with others. You will also receive unrivalled networking opportunities. Your
mission IS possible.
Go to
the events page to get programme and booking details. Urban
Forum Response to Treasury Review.
Third Sector Review response
Urban Forum has produced a response to the Treasury's review of the Third
Sector. Read it here.
Stan Greenberg gives first ever Urban Forum Lecture
Renowned pollster and political adviser, Stan Greenberg, gave the first Urban
Forum Lecture on 13th September. Speaking at the Royal Bank of Sctotland in London, Mr Greenberg
called for greater devolving of power to communities in towns and cities as a way of stimulating
voting patterns. You can read Urban Forum's press release or the whole speech.
Barker Review response
Urban Forum has
produced a response to the second Barker Review on Planning from the Treasury. Read it here. August 2006
What Good Looks Like
Urban Forum is part of a
group of voluntary sector organisations, local government support agencies and central government
departments set up to look at the relationships between local government and the VCS. A document
called What Good Looks Like has been developed as a joint aspiration of what a successful
VCS-local government relationship might look like. View a copy here. June
2006  The Handy Guide to Planning
Urban Forum's handy guide to
England 's planning system, produced with assistance from Planning Aid This new guide has been written for community and
voluntary organisations, and individuals, with limited experience of the planning process but
would like to get involved. It gives a good overview of the planning system and helpful
tips on how to get more involved and influence decision-making at both regional and local
level.
For a free copy, available to all voluntary and community sector groups, please email
info@urbanforum.org.uk
Otherwise, copies are available at a the following charges:
1-9
copies - £4.95 each
10-49 copies - £3.70 each
50-99 copies - £2.50
each
100+ copies - £1.50 each
Prices do not include postage and packing.
An electronic
version of this guide is available here.
APPLICATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS
POST
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Urban Forum is looking for a
Network Development Officer to contribute to our research and policy work. The ideal candidate
will be able to involve community groups in policy development and research in a creative way:
good communication skills and an understanding of the diverse needs of disadvantaged urban
communities.Salary up to £29,000 (including ILW plus 9%
pension contribution) depending on experience.The post is open to flexible working (out of office
working, job share etc).
Interviews will take place on 5th July 2006. Documents: APPLICATION
LETTER JOB PROFILE
APPLICATION
FORM APPLICANTS MONITORING FORM GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS
Partnership working between the Voluntary
and Community Sector and Local Authorities
Urban Forum's Research Report on its snapshot survey
conducted in April/May 2006 can be found HERE.
May 2006
Ministerial Reshuffle details
Following the
recent reshuffle, Urban Forum has provided a list of Ministers (current and new) and their
departmental responsibilities. April 2006  New LSP Guide published
Urban Forum and Community Development Foundation (CDF) have
published a third edition of their highly-popular LSP Guide, aimed at voluntary and community
sector groups. Go here for more details and how obtain
copies. An electronic version of the Guide is available here.
Praising the
Guide, Minister for Local Government, Phil Woolas MP, said: "Effective involvement of the voluntary and community sectors in Local Strategic
Partnerships is increasingly important as various organisations and agencies work together with
local people and businesses to build sustainable communities. I am pleased that ODPM has been
able to support Urban Forum and the Community Development Foundation in the revision of this
guide, which reflects important developments such as the introduction of Sustainable Community
Strategies and Local Area Agreements as key tools for improving the quality of life in our
communities."
Planning Research
Urban Forum conducted
some short snapshot research to find out whether community groups were sufficiently aware of the
Planning system. Find out the results here.
March 2006 Budget 2006
Following the Budget speech by Chancellor, Gordon Brown, we are happy to
provide brief details of budget headlines relevant to the voluntary and community sector - and of
the proposed new Office of Charity and Third Sector Finance at HM Treasury. Both of these
documents have been released by HM Treasury. IF YOU WANT A COPY,
PLEASE EMAIL US.
New Chair elected
Urban Forum members have
elcted a new Chair. He is Ed Cox, Co-ordinator of Community Pride in Manchester. Ed becomes Chair
with immediate effect, following the decision of former Chair, Paula Hirst, to step down due to
work commitments. We welcome Ed and would like to thank Paule for all her hard work on behalf of
Urban Forum.
LSP Consultation response
After a series of nine regional events, where the views of over 300 delegates
were sought, Urban Forum ahs produced its response the the Government's consultation on the
future of Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs). You can get a copy here.
Calling all NDC residents!
This is a reminder
that Urban Forumi?Ls 6th annual NDC conference for residents is being held in Brighton, with
eb4u, on 30/31 March. If you haven't booked
up yet, then it is time to act now as places are filling up. This year's conference promises the
usual mix of updates from the year just gone, together with topical debates and workshops. This
year features a new practical advice section on sustaining your NDC scheme, and of course offers
unrivalled networking opportunities with other residents from NDC areas around the country.
Booking forms and the full programme are available here. If you need further information. please email us. February 2006
Community Manifesto
Urban Forum's
Community Manifesto, launched to coincide with the 2005 General Election, was worked on
extensively at Urban Forum's Annual Conference in December. Get a copy here.
LSP Consulation
In December, the government launched a major consultation on the future role
of LSPs, seeking views on a wide range of issues from; how to incorporate sustainable development
into the work of LSPs, to what the role of backbench councillors should be.
Due to the wide
range of issues included in the consultation and the short timescale, we have decided to focus on
the issues and areas of most direct relevance to community groups. We are keen to receive
feedback, on any aspect of the consultation, to include in our response to ODPM.
The
consultation runs until 3rd March, however to give us time to prepare our submission we would
like all responses by Friday 17th February.
Our submission will be posted here so you can see
what people across the country said and how we have conveyed those messages to ODPM. Beyond the
specific consultation process, we will also ensure that any strong messages and themes that
emerge are pursued and we will continue to press for policy changes where necessary. Get all the
the relevant documents here. January 2006
Towards an Urban Renaissance 2006
Way back in 1998 Lord Rogers and his Urban Task Force published a
comprehensive report on urban regeneration: Towards an Urban Renaissance. At the end of 2005, the
Task Force released a follow-up report which checks progress on the original recommendations.
Urban Forum's Research and Policy Officer, Elin Gudnadottir, has produced a Policy Briefing on the report.
REGENEX
This major conference will be taking place at Earl’s Court in London
on 22nd and 23rd February. Urban Forum is a supporter of the event and will be playing a full
part: Chief Executive, Toby Blume, will be speaking at the main event and Urban Forum will be
running a seminar which will discuss the practicalities of involving communities in regeneration,
and understanding and engaging with the planning system. Attendance to
the seminar is free. For details go here.
URBAN FORUM SEEKS CHAIR Urban
Forum is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the organisation. The role requires a dynamic
leader with excellent communication skills and the ability to work with Government at the highest
level.
We need someone to reflect the interests of the community sector with policy makers
and a community development work background and an understanding of urban regeneration policy is
essential.
If you are interested and want to find out more details go here or call 020 7253 4816.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 31ST JANUARY 2005.
URBAN FORUM REGIONAL SEMINARS
DATES AND VENUES
If it's the New year, then it's time for Urban Forum's annual tour of the
nine English Regions. This year we're working with the regional voluntary sector networks and
Government Offices to hold the events. and we'll be putting together the Urban Forum response to
the major LSP consultation that is
going on at the moment
Meet fellow members, tell Urban Forum what you think and make sure
your voice is heard.
Dates and Locations
Eastern Region - 26th January 2006, Cambridge
East Midlands - 30th January 2006, Nottingham
London - 31st January 2006
North East - 24th January 2006, Newcastle
North West - 27th
January 2006, Manchester
South East - 23rd January, Guildford
South West- 25th January
2006, Exeter
West Midlands - 30th January 2006, Birmingham
Yorkshire and Humber - 23rd January 2006, Leeds
Full details
about the seminars, including a schedule for the day, can be found HERE. Please email the
address below if your require further information.
Please complete a BOOKING FORM for each
attendee and email to info@urbanforum.org.uk or fax
to 020 7253 4817.
FAB FOUR FAB
Urban Forum's annual
conference, The Fab Four, held in Liverpool, was another roaring success. Delegates participated
fully in the conference - the results of which will be put into a conference report in the new
year. In the meantime, go here. November 2005  The Fab Four
Urban Forum Annual Conference 2005 - Liverpool 6/7 December
Make sure you're booked for the networking event of the year. Take a look
at the entire packed programme and book up at the same time here.
September
2005 Sustainable Development Briefing
Urban Forum has produced a Briefing on the UK's Sustainable development Strategy
- Securing the Future. You can find it here.
The Fab Four
Urban Forum Annual Conference 2005 - Liverpool
Urban Forum's annual conference this year will be held in
Liverpool.
The Fab Four title refers to the four over-arching themes of the conference -
social, economic, cultural and environmental. It is also a nod to the great cultural heritage of
the city of Liverpool as it gears up towards becoming European City of Culture in 2008. Please
visit our conference page to find out more and sign up. We
look forward to seeing you there. August
2005
New Membership page
A new Membership Page is now available on this site.
The
page contains a variety of information about membership to the organisation, both for existing
and potential members. Check it out and find out more about Urban Forum. July 2005 POWER Inquiry response
Following a member consultation, Urban Forum has submitted a response to
the ongoing POWER inquiry. The Inquiry is investigating the drop off of people's participation in
politics. Read what our members think here.
ACTION
NOT JUST TORQUAY
Urban Forum LSP Conference 2005
4th & 5th July
Palace Hotel, Torquay
The conference was a
great success with speakers inspiring and challenging delegates. As promised the presentations
are on the conference page.
Read them here.
May 2005 Active Partners Evaluation
published
The evaluation of Urban Forum's three year Active
Partners LSP Project has been published.
Summary
Full Report
Five new Briefings for you!
Urban Forum staff have
been working hard to produce more of their very well-received Briefings on publications or issues
of current interest. These Briefings distill the information into manageable summaries for easy
reading, enabling you to quickly get up to speed on the matter in hand.
The May Briefings are
Developing
Capacity:Next Steps for ChangeUp
Detailing the changes to
the Home Office's ChangeUp programme Strengthening Partnerships:Next Steps
for
Compact
Highlighting the consulation document on
The Compact Sustainable Communities:People,Places
and Prosperity
Three documents published by the government
detailing a five year plan from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM)
People, Places, Prosperity
Citizen Engagement and Public Services:
Why Neighbourhoods Matter
Vibrant Local Leadership
April 2005
Community Manifesto launched
Urban Forum
has launched a Community Manifesto to coincide with the General Election. Based on consultations
with community groups wotking in regeneration it is based on three three core principles c
Community Participation, Community Development and Community Ownership. You can read the
Community Manifesto here.
March 2005 NRF CONSULTATION
RESPONSE
Urban Forum has sent a response to the Government's
consultation on the future working of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) based on member's
responses. See the submission in full here.
MAKING LOCAL AREA AGREEMENTS WORK
Urban Forum has released a paper called Making Local Area Agreements work: a VCS
perspective that seeks to give the sector's thoughts on the introduction of LAAs. The paper has
been released jointly with the Community Development Foundation, NACVS, ACRE and Community
Matters and has also been endorsed by the Community Sector Coalition. Through our extensive
memberships and networks we have been able to produce this response based on the experience of
community groups operating at a local level. See the full document here. February 2005 Safer and Stronger Communities
Fund
Urban Forum has produced a Briefing on the implementation
of this fund. To get the lowdown on the ins and outs of this new arrangement read our briefing. Also you can get a copy of ODPM's
full Implementation Guidance here.
The Compact
How does it work, how is
it reviewed and how is it being rolled out. Everthing you need to know in a short Urban Forum Briefing. January 2005 Valuing Volunteers standards
launched
Urban Forum and New Start magazine have launched the
Valuing Volunteers standards campaign, which provides a minimum set of standards for resident
volunteers in new deal for communities areas. Find out more here.
Safer and Stronger Communities Fund
Urban Forum will be producing a Briefing on the implementation of this fund
shortly. In the meantime, you can get a copy of ODPM's full Implementation Guidance here. December 2004 Annual Conference success
 Urban Forum's annual conference, Our
Trek:the next regeneration, held in Gateshead, was a resounding
success. 450 delegates enjoyed a range of keynote speakers, workshops and seminars aimed at
informing the debate surrounding sustainable communities. Details and presentations are available
here. We will add more as they arrive and a conference
report will be produced in January.
LAA Pathfinder briefing
Urban Forum
Board member, John Routledge, has written a short summary of the Local Area Agreement guidance
published recently by ODPM. Read it here.
November 2004
Queen's Speech 2004
A short round-up of the
relevant bits of the Queen's Speech for
your information.
LSP Briefing published
The LSP conference briefing for our 2004 Leicester
conference is available to view. Including what happened at conference and the recommendations
from it, it is available here. October 2004
LAA Pathfinders announced
The government has
announced the areas that will pilot Local Area Agreements (LAAs) and in a surprise move has
increased the number from the previously announced nine areas to 21. The areas are Greenwich;
Hammersmith and Fulham; Dorset; Devon; Kent; Brighton and Hove; Suffolk; Peterborough; Derby;
Derbyshire; Telford and Wrekin; Coventry; Wolverhampton; Wigan; Knowsley; Stockton-on-Tees;
Gateshead; Barnsley; Sheffield; Doncaster; and Bradford.
The Agreements will be structured
around three key themes: children and young people; safer and stronger communities; and health
and older people.
Authorities and their partners will negotiate clear targets and outcomes
for these areas with central government, but will have the freedom to decide how best to achieve
them. Local Public Service Agreements (LPSAs) will form a key part of the Agreements, offering
reward grants for performance. You can read the ODPM press release at http://www.odpm.gov.uk/
pns//DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2004_0234
And you can read urban Forum's briefing on LAAs here
Introduction to Regeneration
Following the success of several 'by request' training days, Urban Forum is now
running a scheduled one-day training event to introduce people to the Government's regeneration
agenda. The day covers how the voluntary and community sectors are engaging in regeneration and
what government departments fit where and do what, bringing understanding to the confusion. Our
Introduction to Regeneration training day will be held on Thursday 28th October 2004 in
Leicester, 9:30am-4pm. Cost: Urban Forum members £65 non-members £95. Lunch and
tea/coffee included. Further details with confirmation.
Places are
limited so please enquire without delay to training@urbanforum.org.uk September 2004
NDC Conference briefing
The Briefing for
the New deal for Communities residents conference has been published. A pdf version is now
available here. August 2004 The Big Answer
In June the Big Lottery Fund (BLF) was launched, merging the New Opportunities
Fund (NOF) and the Community Fund. The BLF is consulting on how and what they should fund. Urban
Forum will be responding to the consultation. If you would like to feed into our answer please
download this briefing which
includes a questionnaire. Please return the questionnaire before 7th September 2004 to elin@urbanforum.org.uk
Single Community Programme confusion
Urban
Forum has been assured of the following by Alan Riddell, Director of Operations at the
Neighbourhood Renewal Unit: “allocations which have already been made under the ODPM/NRU
Single Community Programme for 2005/6 will be honoured.”
We understand this means that
the single Community Programme will be generally unaffected until 2006. The April 2005 date
refers to the beginning of work/discussion in each area to go into the new system described in
the Local Area Agreement prospectus.
This follows the
publication of the Comprehensive Spending Review in July where these proposals first came to
light. Urban Forum has produced a briefing on Local Area
Agreements. Download a copy here.
ChangeUp launched by Home Office
ChangeUp’ or Capacity Building and Infrastructure Framework for the
Voluntary and Community Sector has been launched by the Home Office. Urban Forum's briefing is
available here. What changes will there be to the Planning system as a result of the Planning and
Compulsory Purchase Bill?
Urban Forum has produced a short
briefing of the changes that will occur when this bill takes effect in September 2004. Download a
copy here.
July 2004 Comprehensive Spending Review
2004
As usual, it is hard to find the detail of the spending
review in the mainstream press. Urban Forum has produced a short briefing on the issues relevant
to members and interested parties. Download a copy here June 2004
May 2004 Check out our listings page for other organisations. For a small fee
you can reach the thousands of Urban Forum Onliners and get an entry on a members email. Find out more...
Residents Charter
Following a lively debate on the thorny issue of rewards for resident volunteers at the NDC
conference it was agreed that Urban Forum will work in partnership with New Start magazine to
launch a Residents Charter, setting out minimum standards for NDC partnerships to follow.
If you are an NDC resident with a contribution or you want to let us know
what happens in your area contact caroline@urbanforum.org.uk
April 2004 SRB project
– phase three report
Urban Forum has released its report
of phase three of its research into the winding-down of the Single Regeneration Budget and its
replacement by RDA single pot funding. More...
March 2004
February
2004 SRB wind-down research latest
Our
SRB project looking at the winding down of SRB and its replacement by single pot funding has
reached phase three. More...
January 2004 Community empowerment in the
singular
Urban Forum has produced a briefing to explain the
Single Community Programme guidance issued by the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit. This guidance
explains how the Community Empowerment fund, Community Chest and Community Learning Chest will
merge sometime in the next year. Download a copy here December 2003
 Minister addresses UF Annual Conference
Yvette
Cooper, MP, Regeneration Minister at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) gave the
keynote speech to Urban Forum's Annual Conference in Docklands London. She urged delegates to
give government regeneration progames more time to bed down. For powerpoint presentations from
the conference follow this link
More on the
conference
November 2003 Infrastructure Strategy (IS) - Home Office consultation
Urban Forum is holding a small series of events and consulting the sector on
their views. Check back for more information. Meantime, here is some reading.
Urban Forum Briefing note on the
Infrastructure Strategy.
Caroline Gaunt
article on first impressions of IS (first appeared in regeneration and Renewal
magazine) Government review of New Deal for Communities
(NDC)
What did the document say? Get our briefing note here.
October 2003 £60m lost to voluntary and community sector
Out
of SRB ... into the Pot
 This
important and thorough report covers a year of research into the winding down of the Single
Regeneration Budget(SRB) and the move towards RDA single pot funding. The full report is
available from info@urbanforum.org.uk and you can download an Executive Summary here.
Urban Forum is based at:
33 Corsham
Street
London
N1 6DJ
Tel: 020 7253 4816
Fax: 020
7253 4817
Email: info@urbanforum.org.uk
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