For some time a number of us in the voluntary & community sector have been concerned about our representation on Lewisham’s partnership boards.

Lewisham values partnership highly and we are fortunate to be in a borough where this is the case. Lewisham Council, and the other bodies that make up the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), have always recognised our sector and valued our involvement.

However, the widely varying nature of our sector, with its many different organisations, means that it is not easy for individuals to fully represent the sector as a whole. In addition, we do not have a well-developed infrastructure to support our representatives and the work they do.

Whilst we may not be able to make everything perfect, we believe it is possible to make some improvements. In order to do this we want to consult with as many people as possible so that what we put in place uses all the best ideas and has the widest possible support.

Review of current representation

The LSP has agreed that the Stronger Communities Partnership Board and VAL should lead a review. Some early work has already been done by Kate English and the CYP Forum regarding the Children & Young People Partnership Board.

We now want to build on this for the other 5 thematic partnerships and the LSP.

A discussion paper has been prepared. This can be downloaded (see below) or you can contact VAL on 020 8314 9411 to request a copy by email or post. Some of the issues it considers are:

• What representation means
• Accountability of reps
• Support for reps – knowledge, information, links with other reps
• Suggestion: an annual VCS ‘summit’ event?
• Democracy and election procedures
• Reimbursing organisations for reps’ time
• Does the present arrangement for electing LSP reps need to be changed?

Consultation Meetings

During 2009 we arranged two consultation meetings to present the discussion paper and receive feedback. More information on the outcome of these meetings can be found here.

The representation thread can be followed here.