Presented by the Voluntary Action Stoke-on-Trent's Sajid Hasjmi MBE. Tackling the challenge of infrastructure for 2020 and beyond was the main theme the presentation. Find out about details about the Evolve conference: http://www.ncvo.org.uk/training-and-events/evolve-conference

1. Infrastructure
Challenges
Sajid Hashmi MBE
The Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST1 5DD
Tel: 01782 683030 | Fax: 01782 683199 | enquiries@vast.org.uk | www.vast.org.uk
VAST Services (1920) is a Co. Ltd by Guarantee Co. No. 2000818 Registered Charity, No. 1049663

2. Infrastructure Challenges
• Definition – What is Infrastructure
• Rationalisation
• Marketing
• Modern v Traditional
• Sustainability
• Way Forward

3. What is Infrastructure
• What does it say on the tin? “Infrastructure”
• Why do we need it ?
• Offer to funders/ Offer to service users?
• What is our USP?
• Competition/alternative providers
• Shouldn't groups demand it
• Fact - Ultimately benefit local communities

4. Rationalisation
• LDSO; LIO; CVS; RCC; Vol Action; Community
Service; Volunteer Centre; Foundation; Youth
Council; Faith support; etc.?
• Generic; Specialist; Local; National?
• Differences/Similarities/Duplication
• Lots of reforms – Change Up, Grassroots, TLI,
Assist – why?
• Local largely ignored- BIG’s
ASSIST/Community Champions

5. Marketing
• So what? - Demonstrating Effectiveness
• Beating our drum – publicity, marketing
• Providing High Quality Services
• Recognising & accepting competition
• Access to Private Sector/Philanthropists
• VCS Infrastructure v Chamber of Commerce
• Branding - One identifiable brand; Logo?

6. Modern v Traditional
• Service Provider in each district/LA/TTLA?
• Multiple infrastructure in each district?
• What is local ?
• Independence or shared resources
• Volunteering independent of others?
• Social Enterprise – new providers
• Consultants; Training Providers; Housing RSL’s

7. Sustainability – VAST
• Charging for unfunded services
• Sharing Back office services
• Saying no
• Utilising social media
• Emphasis on Quality in all aspects
• Staff Targets & rewards
• Business Services - Accounts; Training; Graphic
Design, Training & Corporate Social Responsibility

8. National Level
• Clear precise & uniform definition/One brand
• Demonstrating Effectiveness
• Recognised Quality mark
Locally
• Exceptional Quality
• Professional Image
• Shared Services – less competition more collaboration
• Work with private sector
Way Forward

9. Social Economy– Staffordshire
• 449 registered Charities based in Staffordshire
• 1250 Voluntary Organisations – with paid staff,
• 1900 + Community Groups – volunteers no paid staff
• 50 + National Charities Operate in Staffordshire
• A combined annual income of over £132 million (average
income £35,000)
• Employs over 7,500 paid staff 19,000 volunteers
• Larger than tourism, agriculture & automotive industries
• Very few collaborations/Joint working partnerships
• Main issues – Trustees and funding

10. Social Economy– Staffordshire
• 449 registered Charities based in Staffordshire
• 1250 Voluntary Organisations – with paid staff,
• 1900 + Community Groups – volunteers no paid staff
• 50 + National Charities Operate in Staffordshire
• A combined annual income of over £132 million (average
income £35,000)
• Employs over 7,500 paid staff 19,000 volunteers
• Larger than tourism, agriculture & automotive industries
• Very few collaborations/Joint working partnerships
• Main issues – Trustees and funding