An Introduction
Partnership working is central to the work of Children Matter East. It exists to provide the necessary forums, networks and links for a wide range of VCS organisations working at local, regional and national level to provide services to children, young people and families in the East of England.
The independent and diverse nature of the organisations that make up Children Matter East means that it can operate in a number of distinct roles: shaping and designing effective services; representing and advocating for children, young people and their families; and lobbying and influencing policy. In particular, it can:
Act as a catalyst for improving services and outcomes for children, young people and families.
Advise on strategies and priorities in commissioning, at local and regional level.
Facilitate innovation and continuous improvement by developing, pioneering and promoting new forms of service delivery.
Represent and support VCS organisations that deliver high quality services to children, young people and their families.
In order to achieve this, Children Matter East is working via the VCS Engage programme to improve links to Children's Trusts and put in place arrangements to secure the effective engagement of all of its members and stakeholder organisations. In practice, this means there is an expectation that:
- Representation of the VCS is visible, transparent and achieved preferably by election.
- Top-tier VCS forums for organisations working with children, young people and families do not introduce barriers to membership.
- Representatives of the VCS will be suitably experienced and qualified for the role and receive appropriate organisational support to contribute effectively. They will also operate effectively for the benefit of the wider network, i.e. turning up at relevant meetings and reporting back to others.
- Any fiscal support for VCS representation received from a Children's Trust does not inadvertently shape or influence the voice of the sector.
