ChangeUp

What is ChangeUp?

ChangeUp is a government funded programme, aimed at supporting the development of the Voluntary and Community sector (VCS) over the next ten years. Operating at a national, regional and local level ChangeUp aims to ensure:

"that by 2014 the needs of frontline voluntary and community organisations will be met by support which is available nationwide, structured for maximum efficiency, offering excellent provision which is accessible to all while reflecting and promoting diversity, and is sustainably funded."

The Changeup Infrastructure Framework outlines the basic support structure the Government expects to be offered by infrastructure organisations. It has identified six strategic priorities or strands that are key to the development of the infrastructure of the sector. These are:

Performance Improvement
Developing a Highly Effective Workforce
ICT
Governance
Financing the Voluntary Sector
Recruiting and Developing Volunteers

ChangeUp in Havering

A great deal of work has taken place through ChangeUp in Havering over the past few months including:

Setting up of a Steering Group with second tier agencies and others in the borough providing infrastructure support to Voluntary and Community Organisations (VCOs).

Mapping exercises of infrastructure support needs and current provision. Focus Groups and consultations held with both second tier and frontline VCOs to identify infrastructure needs and the barriers currently experienced in accessing relevant services and support.