Let’s stick together
20/09/2012
Joe Irvin, NAVCA’s Chief Executive, addressed Community Links Bromley’s AGM on Wednesday 19 September. He told the audience, including leading figures from Bromley’s local voluntary sector and public sector bodies, that although reduced funding and competitive contracts could turn charities against each other, the sector needs to stick together to support the people who need our help most.
Joe’s comments chime with remarks made by ACEVO Chief Executive Stephen Bubb to Devon CVS. Stephen Bubb said the sector needs to recognise that its diversity is a strength and should harness this strength rather than concentrate on our differences and divisions.
Joe Irvin said;
“The sector needs to stick together during the hard times. Reduced funding and competitive tendering will encourage division but turning against each other will do nothing for the individuals and communities we are here to help. The voluntary sector is stronger when it works together.”
“And this is a message for NAVCA as well. We need to work together better with other national umbrella organisations, something I have made a priority since becoming Chief Executive in January. You may know we are looking into a merger with Community Matters. We are also talking with other national umbrella organisations to see how we can give the best possible support to the voluntary sector. One example of this is that we are meeting with ACEVO to explore how we can break down barriers between big and small charities.”
Joe Irvin also highlighted the impact the cuts were having, using figures from NAVCA’s recent cuts research. He said cuts are affecting all areas, although the most deprived areas were suffering most. Joe Irvin told the local charities at the AGM to be knowledgeable of commissioning processes. He warned that poor commissioning by statutory bodies fails local people and that commissioning achieves the best results and best value for money when it involves the voluntary sector in all stages. He told the audience to think about how commissioning in Bromley can recognise social value.
