Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
MIDLOTHIAN TSI WORKPLAN
2013 to 2014
1
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Purpose of this Document
This document is an outcome-focussed work plan outlining proposed activity by the Midlothian Third Sector Interface, detailing the organisations involved, work
to be undertaken, costings, risks, and marketing strategy.
2.0
Background
Midlothian is a small local authority area adjoining Edinburgh’s southern boundary, and framed by the Pentland Hills in the west and the Moorfoot Hills of the
Scottish Borders in the south. Most of Midlothian’s population, of 82,370*, resides in or around the main towns of Penicuik, Bonnyrigg, Loanhead, Dalkeith,
Newtongrange and Gorebridge. The southern half of the authority is predominantly rural, with a small population spread among a number of villages and farm
settlements.
The Strategic Interface Partnership brings together three key sectors of the voluntary sector/community groups in Midlothian to focus on achieving effective
greater participation of the Third Sector in Single Outcome Agreements and Community Planning. Community planning is the process through which public sector
organisations work together and with local communities, the business and voluntary sectors, to identify and solve local problems, improve services and share
resources. The strategic interface partnership feeds into local community planning with a focus on the voluntary sector, social enterprises and volunteering.
*General Register for Scotland Mid-2011 Population Estimates
3.0
Organisational Summaries
3.1
Organisations
There are three organisations involved in the Interface:
Midlothian Voluntary Action is the Council for Voluntary Service in Midlothian. They support and facilitate the development and representation of the voluntary
sector at a local level. MVA receives funding from Midlothian Council, the Scottish Government and a range of external funders. MVA also run a direct service,
Woodburn Day Care Club, which provides a day care service for frail elderly people. This follows an inclusive model and has many volunteers with learning
disabilities and/or mental health issues. Woodburn Day Care Club figures (e.g. staff, funders) have not been included in this plan.
2
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Volunteer Centre Midlothian provides information, advice, training and support on all aspects of volunteering in Midlothian. The Volunteer Centre receives
funding from the Scottish Government, Midlothian Council and a range of external funders. The Volunteer Centre also provides direct services to older people
through its Community Links project and to young people through Transform.
The Social Enterprise Alliance Midlothian (SEAM) aim is to support and promote the development of social enterprise in Midlothian. SEAM is a multi-agency
partnership with no legal identity. MVA chair SEAM and host the SEAM worker(s). SEAM is funded by the Scottish Government and the Fairer Scotland Fund.
3.2
Client Groups
The Interface works with:
Individuals:
For example, through the provision of support and advice on volunteering, engaging individuals in the community planning
processes through the Community Care Forum, and support to key Forward Mid (physical disability user group) and Platform
and Voice (older people user groups) representatives.
Community groups:
For example, through the provision of funding advice.
Staffed voluntary organisations: For example, through access to an annual programme of training and good practice advice on how to recruit and support
volunteers.
4.0
Social Enterprises:
Many of which are also voluntary organisations and which we support through information provision and training.
Community Planning partners:
We work directly with statutory agencies through the community planning processes.
Strategic Context
Midlothian’s Community Planning Partnership is a network of public-service based partnership groups, led by a Steering Committee, which work together to
achieve the shared vision for Midlothian. Partnership groups facilitate joint working between local agencies from the public, voluntary, private and community
sectors.
3
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
The list of core partner organisations is:

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service

NHS Lothian

Lothian and Borders Police

Scottish Enterprise

Midlothian Voluntary Action

Midlothian Federation of Community Councils

Midlothian Council

Midlothian Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise

Jewel & Esk College

Job Centre Plus

South East Scotland Transport (SEStran)

Skills Development Scotland (SDS)

Scottish Water

Community Justice Authority

Armed Forces
The Midlothian Community Plan 2012-13 Update sets out objectives for Midlothian that have been agreed by partner agencies and local communities.
The Partnership’s vision for the plan is:
‘The means for promoting a higher quality of life for individuals and communities within Midlothian (measured in terms of the four dimensions of lifelong
learning, health and wellbeing, safety and economic capacity) will be achieved while enhancing the environment, celebrating our cultural identity and
diversity and combating social exclusion.’
4
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
5
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
5.0
Project Resources
5.1
Funding
Resources for the activities outlined in this business plan come from the following sources:
5.2

Big Fund Young Start

Big Lottery Fund

Community Jobs Scotland

European Social Fund

External Consultancy income

Fairer Scotland Fund

LEADER

Lloyds TSB Foundation

Midlothian Council

Robertson Trust

Scottish Community Foundation

Scottish Government

Scottish Library Information Council

Voluntary Action Fund
Staffing
A total of 16.9 FTE members of staff provide the services of the Interface broken down as follows:
Volunteer Centre Midlothian
Director
35 hours per week
Volunteering Development Manager
21 hours per week
6
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Health & Wellbeing Coordinator
25 hours per week
Youth Services Manager
35 hours per week
Youth Support Coordinator
35 hours per week
Transform Coordinator
35 hours per week
Office Administrator
30 hours per week
Volunteering Development Officer
35 hours per week
Local Area Coordinator (Elderly)
20 hours per week
Local Area Coordinator (Elderly)
20 hours per week
Local Area Coordinator (Dementia)
20 hours per week
Youth Support Assistant
16 hours per week
CJS Admin Assistant
25 hours per week
Total FTE equivalent
10 FTE
SEAM
SEAM Development Worker
14 hours per week
Total FTE equivalent
0.4 FTE
7
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Midlothian Voluntary Action
6.0
Manager
35 hours per week
Development Officer (Funding)/Deputy Manager
25 hours per week
Community Care Forum Development Worker
28 hours per week
Information Officer
35 hours per week
Outcomes Officer
18 hours per week
Projects Officer
14 hours per week
Social Media Consultant
17.5 hours per week
Administrator
35 hours per week
Administrator
21 hours per week
Total FTE equivalent
6.5 FTE
How the Business Plan was Developed
The entire staff team from the Interface met in early December. Midlothian Council facilitated a session on the implications of the Welfare Reform Act. Staff
reflected on this in small groups, and identified what activity should be included in the business plan to support the welfare reform agenda, namely training for
staff and volunteers, communication, and organisational development.
8
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
OUTCOME 1A: MORE PEOPLE HAVE INCREASED OPPORTUNITY AND ENTHUSIASM TO VOLUNTEER
OUTCOME 1B: VOLUNTEER INVOLVING ORGANISATIONS ARE BETTER ABLE TO RECRUIT, MANAGE AND RETAIN
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteering Development
Key agency: Volunteer Centre Midlothian
Vision: To encourage and inspire more people in Midlothian to volunteer and ensure that organisations have access to the best possible expertise and guidance on
volunteering policy and practice.
Objectives:

Encourage people of all ages to volunteer

Reduce barriers to volunteering

Support the development of good practice in the management of volunteers

Raise the profile of volunteering in the community planning process
Key activities:

Free advice and guidance on volunteering, including specialist advice for those who want to use volunteering as a positive step to paid
employment or further education

Support and advice to help develop, increase and promote volunteering opportunities

Provide organisations with advice, information and training on volunteer management and recruitment

Training for volunteers to increase skills and confidence

Specialist advice and training for young people including access to the Saltire Awards scheme and supported volunteering opportunities

Additional support and guidance for volunteers with individual needs

Recruiting, training & supporting volunteers to work with older people

Recognition for volunteering achievement and commitment
9
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
OUTCOME 1A: MORE PEOPLE HAVE INCREASED OPPORTUNITY AND ENTHUSIASM TO VOLUNTEER
Service / Activity
Outcome and
Common Service
Performance Indicators
Target / Timescale
1.7
No. of information sessions held
which promote volunteering
8 sessions per year
No. of people attending a
presentation on volunteering
750 per year
% increase in the number of people
encouraged to volunteer
No. of people registered on
volunteering database
10% per year
% of new registrations matched with
a volunteering opportunity
50% per year
% of people who engage with TSI
that go on to active volunteering
No. of people who rate the TSI as
excellent/good
40% per year
15% increase in the number
of online enquiries
6/12 mth output
Advice & Guidance on Volunteering
Promote and inspire people to volunteer
Provide access to guidance and support in securing placement if
required, ensuring that people interested in volunteering are
guided to opportunities which reflect their interests, experience
and capabilities
1.5
Have a procedure in place for volunteers to give feedback and get
support in resolving any difficulties on their placement
Develop, Increase & Promote Volunteering Opportunities
1.3
Provide access to quality online opportunities, giving people a
choice of placements with up-to-date information:

VCM website

Volunteer Scotland website
Ensure that there are a wide range of available volunteering
opportunities within Midlothian to meet the needs and
expectations of a broad/diverse range of potential volunteers:

Liaise with VIOs to promote, develop and increase
volunteering opportunities
1.1
No. of online enquiries
1.4
1.15
% increase in the number of people
accessing the VC website
Increase in the number of locally
available opportunities
10% increase in no. of
people registered per year
75% of volunteers per year
25% increase per year
10% increase in the number
of opportunities registered
10
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
OUTCOME 1B: VOLUNTEER INVOLVING ORGANISATIONS ARE BETTER ABLE TO RECRUIT, MANAGE AND RETAIN
VOLUNTEERS
Service / Activity
Advice, Information & Training for VIOs
Provide guidance and support on developing and providing
quality volunteering placements and practice
Outcome and
Common Service
Performance Indicators
Target / Timescale
1.9
1.10
No. of organisations supported
150 organisations per year
% of VIOs who rate the TSIs support
as excellent/good
75% per year
% of VIOs who feel better able to
recruit, manage and retain
volunteers as a result of using TSI
No. of email bulletins/up-dates each
year
75% per year
Ensure VIOs receive effective communication on volunteer
management practices e.g. regular email bulletins and information
up-dates
Ensure that volunteer managers and other staff receive relevant
and up-to-date training on legislation/good practice relating to
the employment of volunteers and how to effectively manage
volunteers
Provide opportunities to network and discuss volunteering issues
1.9
1.10
Develop new links with local organisations and agencies,
encouraging volunteer development and building capacity through
bespoke training and advice
Offer support to use quality standards in volunteering including:

Volunteer Friendly

IiV

Good Practice Toolkit
Promote and advertise VIOs opportunities:

VCM website / Volunteer Scotland website

E:Bulletins

Directory of Opportunities, leaflets etc
Carry out visual ID checks for voluntary orgs as part of the CRBS
Trusted Partner Scheme and provide guidance on PVG checks
1.9
Minimum of 12 email
bulletins/up-dates
distributed annually
4 per year
1.9
1.10
No. of training sessions held
1.11
No. of meetings of Volunteer
Managers Forum - minutes
No. of organisations receiving
bespoke training and support
4 meetings per year
No. of organisations supported
10 per year
No. of organisations achieving
Volunteer Friendly
No. of volunteering opportunities
promoted
Minimum of 4 per year
No. of checks carried out annually
3 per year
No. of orgs advised on PVG
5 per year
1.12
1.13
3.10
6/12 mth output
5 per year
150 annually
11
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Service / Activity
Outcome and
Common Service
Performance Indicators
Target / Timescale
Encourage & support a diverse range of volunteers to sit on
Boards / Committees of voluntary organisations
1.14
No. of Board opportunities
promoted
10% increase per year
No. of volunteers recruited to
Boards
No. of new opportunities developed
in response to volunteer demand
10% increase per year
Seek to develop new volunteering opportunities in response to
volunteer demand
1.15
Recruit and Train Volunteer Sidekicks, ensuring smooth transition
from induction to initial placement with the Library Service
1.7
No. of Sidekicks recruited and
trained
15 per year
1.7
1.8
No. of young people signing up for
the project
115 per year
% of participants who consider
themselves to be more desirable to
other positive destinations as a
result of their volunteering
80% per year
% who register for Saltire
95% of participants per
year
No. of beneficiaries who rate the
volunteering as desirable and
positive
No. of courses held
90% of beneficiaries
No. of young people who feel better
prepared for the recruitment
process for employment and/or
education
80% of participants per
year
Specialist Advice and Training for Young People
Engage with young people from the More Choices More Chances
(Opportunities for All) group to support them in the positive
destination of volunteering (Transform Project)
Transform involves supported befriending, supported
environmental volunteering and supported volunteering in Primary
Schools.
Deliver ‘Making Your Volunteering Count’ employability
workshops for young people volunteering with Transform
1.7
1.8
6/12 mth output
5 per year
4 per year
12
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Service / Activity
Outcome and
Common Service
Performance Indicators
Target / Timescale
Inform young people of the benefits of volunteering and prepare
them to start volunteering. The aim is to encourage young people
to develop skills and experience through volunteering which will
contribute to a more positive future
1.7
1.8
Deliver Get Ready for Volunteering
Courses
4 courses per year with 35
young people attending
No. of young people receiving 1 to 1
support into volunteering
90 young people per year
Actively promote and deliver the Saltire Award to young people
aged 12 to 25
1.2
No. of Challenge Awards issued
No. of Approach awards issued
No. of Ascent Awards issued
No. of Summit Awards issued
No. of young people registered
50
250
150
10
200
No. of schools engaged
7
1.7
1.8
1.5
No. of potential volunteers with
mental health difficulties who have
received advice and information
70 per year
35 per year
Deliver ‘Preparing to Volunteer Courses’ to volunteers with mental
health difficulties
1.8
No. who receive individual support
to help them access volunteering
opportunities
No. of 4 week courses held
Provide training to VIOs on the issues relating to the involvement
of volunteers with mental health difficulties – to ensure that
volunteer managers, staff and volunteers are fully aware of the
issues involved and are up-to-date on legislation/good practice
relating to the involvement of volunteers with mental health
difficulties
1.9
1.10
No. of course participants
No. of organisations receiving
training (including bespoke sessions)
18 per year
3 per year
We will enable potential volunteers to experience ‘taster sessions’
to allow them to try volunteering in a supported environment
1.7
1.8
No. of people participating in taster
sessions
12 per year
Additional Support and Guidance for Volunteers with Individual
Needs
Provide support in the form of information, advice & training on
all aspects of volunteering for people with mental health
difficulties – to encourage and enable people with mental health
difficulties to be involved in volunteering and benefit from the
experience, thus promoting positive health & wellbeing
6/12 mth output
4 per year
13
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Service / Activity
Outcome and
Common Service
Performance Indicators
Target / Timescale
N/A
No. of older people assessed and
linked into community activities
70 per year
Recruit and train volunteers to befriend isolated elderly people
and help them engage with activities in the community – the
volunteers will provide support and encouragement to elderly
people who are isolated within the local community
1.7
No. of volunteers recruited and
trained
40 per year
Support local groups and individuals to expand their activities and
develop new community activities for older people based on their
social needs and interests. The aim is to improve opportunities for
older people to re-engage with the local community; make new
social contacts and develop new interests
N/A
% of groups and individuals who rate
the support given as excellent/good
75% per year
N/A
No. of people with dementia
assessed and linked into activities
30 per year
No. of people with dementia
supported by a befriender
No. of volunteers recruited and
trained
18 per year
% of volunteers reporting an
increase in their skills and confidence
as a result of volunteering with
people with dementia
80% of volunteers per year
No. of older people reporting an
increase in social interaction
80% of those receiving
tuition per year
6/12 mth output
Supporting Older People
Community Links (LACs)
Assess and support older people to re-engage with their local
communities with the support of volunteers
Community Links - Dementia Local Area Coordinator
People with dementia will be engaged in activities of their choice
at home or out in the community with the support of volunteers.
As a result the older people will feel less socially isolated and have
improved health and/or wellbeing
Volunteers will have a positive experience of volunteering and an
increase in skills and confidence when working with people with
dementia
Connect Online
Reduce social isolation in older people living independently in
sheltered housing or in their own homes
N/A
N/A
25 per year
14
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Service / Activity
Outcome and
Common Service
Performance Indicators
Target / Timescale
Improve older people’s digital confidence and skills when using
computers and the Internet
N/A
No. of older people receiving 1 to 1
IT tuition
50 elderly housebound per
year
No. of older people attending group
IT tuition
72 older people per year
No. of older people reporting an
increase in skills and confidence
80% of learners per year
No. of older people able to access
other services by using the Internet
independently
% of volunteer tutors who feel that
their development needs are met
through volunteering with Connect
Online
35 learners per year
% of volunteers who rate the TSI as
excellent or good
80% per year
No. of nominations received
40 nominations received
for 6 awards
No. of attendees
100 volunteers attending
Improve independence of older people
Promote personal development of volunteer tutors
N/A
1.8
6/12 mth output
80% per year
Recognition for Volunteering Achievement & Commitment
Host an annual awards ceremony for Midlothian volunteers to
ensure that volunteers receive formal recognition for the
contribution they make to the local community
1.7
1.8
15
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
OUTCOME 2: SOCIAL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPS AND GROWS
Social Enterprise Development
Key agency: Social Enterprise Alliance Midlothian
Vision: To support and promote the development of social enterprise in Midlothian, including support for social entrepreneurs and enterprising behaviour
amongst third sector organisations.
Objectives:

Assist social enterprises to access funding and maximise income generation

Support and develop new social enterprise organisations in setting up

Develop the infrastructure of support to social enterprise organisations

Promote partnership working to strengthen the sector within Midlothian and nationally
Key activities:


Developing the research base for social enterprise organisations
Raising the profile of social enterprise

Transfer of knowledge both locally and nationally


Develop training opportunities and resources for social enterprises
One to one support to social enterprise organisations
16
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Service/Activity
Outcome and
Common Service
Performance Indicators
Target /
Timescale
Understand and communicate what social enterprise is in Midlothian
amongst all sectors and the general public and promote its useage, e.g. by
survey and production of a brochure.
Assist those setting up social enterprise or developing social enterprise
behaviour to adopt sound structures through activities including: web
content; 1-to-1 support; and dissemination of information through
bulletins and social media etc, e.g. on Just Enterprise.
Signpost organisations developing social enterprise or enterprising
behaviours to appropriate local and national services to support growth
and sustainability, e.g. to Just Enterprise.
Promote networking within the social enterprise sector in Midlothian in
order to foster learning, practice sharing and partnering
Strengthen the capacity of local social enterprise by promoting access to
business development training opportunities both locally and nationally,
e.g. through Social Enterprise Academy.
2.5 & 2.8
#Survey
#social enterprise brochure
1 / year
1 / year
2.2
#web content
# organisations receiving advice
#bulletins/social media items
1 / year
10 / year
24 / year
2.3
#Web content
#organisations given referral advice
#bulletin/social media items
#networking events
#Participant numbers
# business dev. events facilitated
#Participant numbers
#No of bulletin/social media items
1 / year
70 / year
24 / year
3 / year
15/ year
2 / year
10 / year
24/ year
Research, support and development of opportunities to support the
funding and growth of enterprise development and growth opportunities
for social enterprises in Midlothian
Work with the local social enterprise sector and local and national
procurers and commissioners of services to increase opportunities for
local social enterprises, e.g. through Ready for Business.
Network and work with the private sector to promote opportunities for
shared learning and joint working, e.g. by working with Chamber of
Commerce.
2.2
Internal report
1 / year
2.1
#partnership initiatives
#Participant numbers
1 / year
4 / year
2.7
#partnership initiatives
#Participant numbers
1 / year
4 / year
2.9 & 2.6
2.4
6/12 mth
output
17
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
OUTCOME 3: THIRD SECTOR ORGANISATIONS ARE WELL MANAGED AND DELIVER QUALITY SERVICES
Supporting and Developing a Strong Third Sector
Key agency: Midlothian Voluntary Action
Mission: Midlothian Voluntary Action (MVA) exists to support and develop community and Third Sector organisations in Midlothian and facilitate the effective
representation of the sector in powerful partnership working.
Objectives:

The capacity of community and voluntary organisations’ staff and Boards is increased

Community and Voluntary organisations are better able to meet their legal obligations and are fit for purpose

Community and Voluntary organisations are better able to demonstrate the impact of their activities

Community and Voluntary sector organisations have increased capacity to be sustainable

Community and voluntary sector services are purchased or supported by the statutory sector

Greater partnership working between community and voluntary organisations
Key activities:

Training: Support organisations and people within them to grow & learn by the provision of a training programme for staff and Board members;

Knowledge: Provide information to organisations on issues including new legislation, policy, OSCR, start-up, Board development, legal structure, health and
safety, or refer on to other organisations as appropriate;

Organisational development: Build capacity locally by providing one-to-one advice on relevant issues, for example, full cost recovery, board development,
strategic and financial business plans, with additional support to community care providers.

Funding: Continue to provide advice, information and support on accessing funding and enable and support organisations to generate sustainable sources of
income via e.g. contract tendering;

Facilitating voluntary action: Providing infrastructure resources to voluntary and community groups, such as meeting space.

Partnership: Facilitate voluntary sector involvement in delivery of economic development and employability initiatives.

Ensuring voluntary sector is informed and supported to implement the changes to data protection practice required by Midlothian Council
18
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Service / Activity
Outcome and
Common Service
Performance Indicators
Target / Timescale
3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.11
#individuals attending
training events
#organisations attending
training events
#number of training events
40 / year
6/12 mth output
TRAINING
Provision of an annual training programme for voluntary sector and
social enterprise staff.
30 / year
6 events and 1 seminar / year
Provision of training for Board/Management Committee members.
Publication of Training News e-briefing
Updating of online Training & Events Calendar
3.7
3.4, 3.6, 3.8
3.4, 3.6, 3.8
#individuals attending
training events
#organisations attending
training events
#number of training events
#individuals receiving
Training News
#organisations receiving
Training News
#Training News and other
training communications
distributed
n/a
12 / year
10 / year
3 / year
300 / year
150 year
20 / year
On-going
19
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Service / Activity
Outcome and
Common Service
Performance Indicators
Target / Timescale
3.3
# organisations supported
18 / year
3.2
200 / year
6/12 mth output
FUNDING
Continue to support 18 organisations active in employability and
anti-poverty work with 1-2-1 support on identifying funding
sources, applying for grants, and coping with grant funders
requirements per annum.
Continue to ensure that 200 organisations/groups in Midlothian
have access to up-to-date information on funding sources through
the provision of a monthly Funding e-newsletter and the provision
of thematic Funding Signposts.
Build the capacity of 10 smaller community groups, self-help groups
and grass-root organisations to access grant funding per annum.
Facilitate a strategic approach to grant applications to support key
activities highlighted in the Addressing Child Poverty in Midlothian
Action Plan, by bringing together organisations to make partnership
bids in response to identified gaps in service (3 strategic bids).
Develop guidance on how to access grant funding available to
individuals in need in Midlothian for use by organisations to support
clients.
Run an annual thematic funding conference, in conjunction with
Third Sector Interface partners.
Run two training courses per year, on themes such as Writing Better
Funding Applications; Developing Your Project Outcomes;
Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation.
TSI will provide a representative on funding panels, e.g. Army
Covenant Funding; Fairer Scotland; LEADER; Midlothian Themed
Tourism Event Fund.
3.3
# individuals receiving
Funding Signpost
#organisations receiving
Funding Signpost
# Funding Signposts and
other funding
communications distributed
# groups supported
3.2, 3.3, 5.7
# bids
3 / year
3.2
#guidance published
1 / year
3.2
#organisations supported
20 / year
3.2, 3.3, 3.4
# courses
2 / year
4.8
# meetings attended
variable
Support voluntary organisations to maximise opportunities in
relation to the Older People’s change fund for primarily social
enterprises and other Change Funds that are coming on stream,
including Community Justice, and Youth Justice. All relevant
organisations are aware and informed about the Change Fund.
3.2, 3.3
#organisations receiving
information
10 / year
150
20 / year
10 / year
20
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Service / Activity
Outcome and
Common Service
Performance Indicators
Target / Timescale
3.1, 3.11
# individuals receiving
Midlothian Info
# Midlothian Info distributed
#e-mails sent to targeted email lists
200 / year
6/12 mth output
KNOWLEDGE
Provide up to date information on relevant issues including: setting
up and running voluntary organisations, including information on
charity law and other relevant legislation; funding and training and
Midlothian organisations, projects and services.
10 / year
900 / year
New MVA website to be developed to comply with accessibility
legislation.
3.1, 3.6, 5.19, 5.11
# website launch
1 website, launched by June
13
MVA & VCM Social Media continues to be developed as a model of
good practice.
3.9, 5.10, 5.11
# number “likes” on
Facebook
#number “Followers” on
Twitter
70
#organisations receiving
newsletter
#number issues
All orgs on database
Continue to develop TSI as a model of good practice.
Publication of TSI e-newsletter(s) (with hard copies to appropriate
groups without e-mail)
3.11
150
2 / year
Maintain a resource base on voluntary sector issues for
organisations to use.
3.1, 3.11
n/a
n/a
Community Care Forum: Publication of Directory for Disabled
People 2013; Publication of Directory for Older People 2013.
4.2, 4.9
#number issues of Directories
for Disabled People produced
#number of issues of
Directories for Older People
produced
#numbers printed of
Directory for Disabled People
#numbers printed of
Directory for Older People
1 / year
1 / year
1000 Directory for Disabled
People / year
4100 Directory for Older
People / year
21
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Service / Activity
Outcome and
Common Service
Performance Indicators
Target / Timescale
The Community Care Forum development worker will work
together with members of Joint Physical Disability Planning Group,
Joint Older Peoples Planning Group Community Planning Equalities
Forum, Person Centred Planning Implementation Group and Joint
Community Care Executive Group; to produce newsletters.
4.6, 4.9
#individuals receiving
newsletters;
#numbers on Joint Planning
Group’s Communication Map
#newsletters
3 / year
Providing information on training and other issues to Community
Care Providers Forum
3.11
#number e-mails sent
25 / year
Provide advice and guidance on establishing new groups.
3.1
#organisations supported
4 / year
Provide support to existing groups to choose and/or amend
appropriate legal structures.
3.1, 3.8
#organisations supported
4 / year
Provide advice and guidance on governance and charity law (other
than legal structures) issues to existing organisations and groups.
3.1, 3.7, 3.8
#organisations supported
4 / year
Produce and/or highlight good practice guidance on issues relevant
to voluntary sector organisations e.g. constitution templates.
3.1
#guidance produced and/or
highlighted
4 / year
Voluntary organisations, social enterprises and community groups
are supported to develop and implement social media strategies.
3.9
#organisations supported
3 / by May 2013 project end
Continue to develop a central accessible base for TSI to function
effectively and develop its role as a resource and umbrella
organisation for Midlothian voluntary and community groups.
5.11
#organisation using meeting
rooms
35 / year
Continue to provide and develop comprehensive accessibility and
facilities for disabled people and relevant organisations, so as to
create an enabling environment.
5.10, 5.11
#disability/mental health
organisation using meeting
room
11 / year
6/12 mth output
ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
FACILITATING VOLUNTARY ACTION
22
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Service / Activity
Outcome and
Common Service
Performance Indicators
Target / Timescale
Help facilitate and initiate new projects in partnership with other
Midlothian organisations, specifically Welfare Reform.
5.7
responsive
responsive
Carry out a review of adult computer training provision within
Midlothian (VCM) to enable community planning partners to
consider if additional provision is required to increase the number
of people with digital competence within Midlothian.
4.3, 5.7
number of survey
responses/report
Completed report by end
May 2013
Continue to develop partnership with Midlothian Council Library
Service (VCM) to ensure that older people are not disadvantaged by
the digital divide
5.7
No. of partnership meetings
4 per year
No. of volunteers recruited
15 per year
6/12 mth output
PARTNERSHIP
23
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
OUTCOME 4: THIRD SECTOR ORGANISATIONS FEEL BETTER CONNECTED AND ARE ABLE TO INFLUENCE AND
CONTRIBUTE TO PUBLIC POLICY
Building the Third Sector Relationship with Community Planning

Representing the Third Sector In Community Planning: Midlothian Voluntary Action will continue to represent the voluntary sector at all levels of the
Community Planning Partnership process, including the Community Planning Partnership Steering Committee (highest level), the Community Planning
Partnership Working Group (2nd level), and a range of thematic groups. MVA will also continue to represent the sector on the Midlothian Community Health
Partnership Management Committee. SEAM will continue to represent the social enterprise sector through the Improving Opportunities Midlothian (IOM)
subgroup of community planning and through sitting on the Food and Health Alliance Midlothian steering group, which feeds into the Community Planning
process. The Volunteer Centre will promote and represent the interests of volunteering through membership of the IOM and a number of key strategic
community planning groups.

Ensuring vulnerable individuals have a voice in community planning: MVA will continue to facilitate the involvement of users of community care services in
community planning. Additionally the Volunteer Centre will represent the interests of volunteering through membership of a number of strategic
partnerships and networks such as the Volunteer Managers Forum, Voluntary Sector Forum and Mental Health Forum.

Ensuring voluntary action, volunteering and social enterprise are key elements of the policy agenda: MVA will continue to facilitate the Voluntary Sector
Forum and to feed their responses into the community planning structure. The Voluntary Sector Children's sub-group (VSCsg is now represented on the
Midlothian Child Protection Committee (and some CPC sub-groups), and other relevant groups (for example, Getting It Right For Every Child [GIRFEC]) and
feed back to the VSF, and from the VSF to the groups. Volunteer Centre Midlothian will raise the profile of volunteering in the community planning process
through active membership of the strategic group: Improving Opportunities in Midlothian (IOM); membership of the IOM sub-groups Midlothian Employment
Action Network (MEAN), Opportunities For All (MCMC) and Midlothian Adult Learning Partnership (MALP). SEAM will continue to exist as a community
planning sub-group, feeding into the Improving Opportunities Midlothian group.

The Compact: All three organisations are represented on the Midlothian Compact Monitoring Group.

Midlothian Community Care Forum: The Forum aims to provide effective and meaningful communication link for local Service Users and Carers on issues to
do with the planning and delivery of Community Care through a range of forums, and to work with Users of Community Care Services and their Carers and
support them to build capacity to participate in opportunities to comment on and influence the services that affect their lives.
24
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Service / Activity
Outcome and Common
Service
Performance Indicators
Target / Timescale
4.1, 4.2, 4.7
#VSF minutes
responsive
4.6
#e-mails
20 / year
4.2, 4.5
#consultations
Represent the voluntary sector at the following community
planning forums: Community Plan Steering Committee,
Community Planning Working Group, Improving Opportunities
Midlothian Group, Adult and Social Care group, Getting It Right For
Every Midlothian Child Partnership, and CPO Stakeholders Group
Represent SEAM at IOM
4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9
#meetings
20 / year
4.4, 4.8, 4.9
#meetings
4 / year
Represent volunteering at IOM and sub-groups (MCMC, MEAN &
MALP)
1.6, 4.4, 4.8, 4.9
number of meetings
attended
approx. 12 per year
Seek to ensure volunteering is embedded into social policies within
local authority through contribution to community planning groups
1.6, 4.4, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9
attendance at IOM and subgroups;
approx. 12 per year
Develop a volunteering strategy amongst CP partners
1.6, 4.7
approx. 3 per year
MVA and VCM to continue to represent the voluntary sector on the
Community Planning Research and Information Group (CPRIG)
4.8
number of meetings to
initiate development
#meetings
#publications
Involvement in local emergency response meetings and other
emergency planning events as appropriate
4.1, 4.8
#meetings
4 / year
MVA manager will continue to represent the voluntary sector on
the Community Health Partnership (CHP)
4.6
#meetings
4 / year
MVA will continue to facilitate representation of the voluntary
sector on Community Planning groups through the Voluntary Sector
Forum (including sub-groups).
To organise and service Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF)
4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.5
#organisations
#planning groups
9 / year
12 / year
4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6
#meetings #orgs attending
5 / year 5 / year
Community Planning
Lead consultation and development of voluntary sector input to
SOA/Community Plan 2013-16.
Publicise key information on changes and developments within
community planning
Participation in consultations/surveys for other organisations.
6/12 mth output
1 / year
1 / year
25
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Service / Activity
To organise and service Voluntary Sector Children’s sub-group, and
other sub-groups as required.
Compact
Continue to promote and monitor the use of the Voluntary Sector
Compact.
Outcome and Common
Service
4.3, 4.4, 4.6
Performance Indicators
Target / Timescale
#meetings
#orgs attending
4 / year
12 / year
4.3, 4.4
#meetings
#VSF minutes
1 / year
4.1 – 4.6
#service users supported
#named outputs and actions*
1 service user represented /
meeting
8 Older People Strategy
Group meetings / year
8 Physical Disability Strategy
Group meetings / year
6/12 mth output
Community Care Forum
The Community Care Forum Worker will build relationships with
and focus on the interest, views and concerns of service users, via
collective groups and organisations, regarding Community Care
within the Council, NHS Lothian and all stakeholders across
Midlothian.
Participation and membership of Joint Planning Strategy groups for
1. Older People and, 2. Physical Disability Services. Provide Support
to at least one service user to participate in each meeting.
*Specific outcomes are
detailed in the Midlothian
Joint Physical Disability
Action Plan 2012-2015 and
also the Midlothian Older
People’s Action Plan 20122015.
Clear actions contained in Joint Strategy Documents focussing on
Service User influence/perspective and involvement and coproduction. Specific named outputs and actions linked directly to
Service User Influence and Co-production ethos.
The Community Care Forum will gather views of service users and
their carers within communities , via collective groups and
organisations, to allow service users to influence the policy makers
within Local Community Care Planning Structures;
12 Forward Mid (physical disability group supported by MVA)
meetings per year.
Attendance at twelve Older People Forum (supported by MVA)
meetings.
One large scale Public engagement event for Older Peoples
Services.
One large scale public event for Physical Disability Services. Sub
Group meetings in response to local need with Older People
Representatives (minimum eight meetings annually) and Disabled
people’s representatives (minimum eight meetings annually)
# Forward Mid meetings
# Older People Forum
meetings
# attendance
# events
12 / year
12 / year
26
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Service / Activity
Activities of the Community Care Forum worker shall seek to
promote bringing people together, information sharing, advocacy
(speaking out), skill training, service user participation and building
bridges.
Outcome and Common
Service
4.1 – 4.6
Performance Indicators
4.1 – 4.6
#Older People Strategy
events
#Joint Physical Disability
Strategy events
2 / year
1 / year
4.1 – 4.6
#attendance
In response to identified and
emerging need.
# attendance
Target / Timescale
6/12 mth output
15 / year
Development worker will ensure membership and participation of
service users at the following meetings;
Joint Physical Disability Planning Group.
Joint Older Peoples Planning Group.
Community Planning Equalities Forum.
Continued Development of Forward Mid website.
Develop consultation events in co-production partnership with
Social Work and Health and Users of Services.
Public Participation/ Consultation Events;
Older Peoples Strategy – 2
Joint Physical Disability Strategy – 1
The Community Care Forum Worker will provide representation for
the service users and encourage service user involvement in regular
dialogue and group meetings.
Development worker will ensure membership and participation of
service users at the following meetings;
Joint Physical Disability Planning Group.
Joint Older Peoples Planning Group.
Community Planning Equalities Forum.
Person Centred Planning Implementation Group.
Dialogue and meetings with;
Forward Mid
People First
27
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
Service / Activity
Outcome and Common
Service
Performance Indicators
Target / Timescale
The Community Care Forum Worker will support the development
of 2 new peer support groups in Midlothian for Disabled People.
4.1 – 4.6
#groups
#participants
2 / year
The Community Care Forum Worker will support the development
of 2.2 Community Cafes
4.1 – 4.6
#cafes
#attendance
2 / year
6/12 mth output
VOCAL
Midlothian Access Panel
MS Society Lothian.
Midlothian Equality and Diversity Network.
Easy Does It.
28
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
OUTCOME 5: THE THIRD SECTOR INTERFACE IS WELL MANAGED AND EFFECTIVE
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
We will:
Understand the landscape of community, third sector and volunteering activities
in our local area by collecting intelligence and maintaining a database of local
third sector organisations, volunteers and volunteering opportunities, including
the MILO Core Minimum Fields.
Use the intelligence to develop and deliver services in response to community
need.
Approach / Status / Plan
All organisations that we work with are surveyed once every three years with 1/3 of organisations
sampled in each year. This is done through a combination of printed, face to face, online and
telephone surveys.
Engage relevant stakeholders in the design, delivery and review of policies and
services.
We include our local networks, e.g. Voluntary Sector Forum; SEAM; in the design of our services
to ensure they are fit for purpose We will continue to incorporate feedback (e.g. end of year
review) from stakeholders into the development of our services.
Communication and Promotion
Develop communications strategy and plans to improve our reach to
stakeholders, to raise our profile, to promote our services and values. The
communications plans will take consideration of the range of needs of different
audience groups.
Promote the impact the sector has on the communities we live in.
Our knowledge of the sector enables us to design services that meet the needs of the breadth of
the sector. It also enables us to target services to those whom we can make the biggest
difference.
Work will be carried out to further develop the TSI Marketing and Communications strategy by
September 2013, with implementation complete by November 2013.
We will provide information on the sector, e.g. for the Profile of Midlothian; and will publicise the
impact of the sector through appropriate media, e.g. our websites; social media; conventional
media etc.
5.6
Partnership Working
Develop partnership approaches and identify opportunities for partnership
working locally, regionally and nationally to achieve better outcomes.
5.7
Engage local community representatives, Councillors, MSPs, MPs and others.
There are Councillors and community representatives on our Boards as advisors; we will
continue to inform them of our activities.
5.8
Work positively with Voluntary Action Scotland and our peers in the network.
Continue to attend partnership meetings outside Midlothian including:

attendance at Voluntary Action Scotland network meetings;

attendance at Supporting Voluntary Action events, including Monitoring and Evaluation
Group;

Participate in joint funding activity, e.g. TSEIF (Third Sector Early Intervention Fund).
The Interface is a Partnership between the Volunteer Centre Midlothian; Voluntary Sector Forum;
and SEAM (Social Enterprise Alliance Midlothian). We will continue to hold at least one joint
meeting of MVA & VCM Board and SEAM representatives annually; we will continue to hold at
least one joint meeting of MVA/VCM/SEAM staff. We will input into each other’s events, e.g.
Older People’s Funding Conference.
29
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
5.9
Equalities
Develop flexible responses to meet different needs; e.g. opening times, drop-in
facility, outreach locations, telephone helplines and online facilities.
5.10
Make our services, publicity materials and premises as accessible as possible.
The TSI has accessible offices and meeting rooms. The meeting rooms can be booked by
community groups. The MVA meeting room is available at evenings and weekends as well as
weekdays and a loop system can be provided. The VCM meeting room is available to book on
weekdays and evenings. The meeting rooms have accessible toilets and kitchens attached. We
endeavour to make our premises welcoming to all users. MVA’s Community Care Development
Worker supports older people’s groups and physical disability groups, e.g. Forward Mid (physical
disability user group). We tailor our publications for particular groups e.g. older people and
provide information in other formats, e.g. large print, where required.
5.11
Be proactive in engaging all of our stakeholders.
5.12
Focus limited resources towards those who need them most
The TSI engages with the voluntary sector and statutory sector primarily through e-mail lists, ebriefings, website and social media, training and events; also through our participation in
Community Planning groups and through organisations such as the Voluntary Sector Forum,
Volunteer Managers Forum and sub-groups. We are starting a new project to engage with small
groups. Our Community Care Forum Worker engages specifically with disability and older people
groups to support them with influencing policy and taking part in the Community Planning
process. SEAM engages with social enterprises through SEAM meetings, training, events,
website, e-mails and social media.
We are focusing on assisting the Voluntary Sector to be prepared to respond to Welfare Reform,
e.g. in particular we will be targeting people in poverty, and people who are isolated, e.g. older
people and people with disabilities.
5.13
Internal Management
Implement monitoring and evaluation procedures for continuous improvement.
5.14
Treat our people well, ensuring a good working environment, good conditions of
employment and recognition for people's contribution.
Organisations/individuals can drop-in to our premises, contact us by telephone or email. We also
use websites; and social media. Events are arranged at suitable locations. Outreach work is
carried out where required, e.g. in rural areas. We will continue to be sensitive to the needs of
community groups.
We are working towards the production of an Annual Performance Monitoring Plan, linked to
MILO development.
We will continue to strengthen and develop the Boards of Interface organisations.
We will continue to implement quality framework within Interface organisations (EFQM).
We will continue to make the TSI fit for purpose, e.g. MVA and VCM are signed up to Law at Work
who assist us with our HR policies. We support staff to undertake appropriate training. We work
hard to ensure that our staff and volunteers experience a good working environment and feel
supported and appreciated for the contribution that they make to the work of the TSI.
30
Midlothian Third Sector Interface Business Plan
5.15
Communicate the interests of communities to wider stakeholders
We will represent the interests of the Third Sector in Midlothian through attendance at meetings
and events outside Midlothian: This will include VAS network meetings; SVA Monitoring &
Evaluation Group and the NHS Lothian Volunteering Steering Group.
We will continue to ensure that the voice of communities is heard in the community planning
process e.g. through research into older people’s services as part of A Stitch in Time and our
involvement in emergency planning.
31