Introduction
In Sept 2006, the Leaders of the seven Councils in Gloucestershire identified that part of their commitment to 'working better together' as Councils should include funding the voluntary sector in a more joined-up manner.
This had previously been discussed and agreed in principle by the seven Chief Executives and Managing Directors, who delegated to the Strategic Directors Group the task of overseeing the Funders Group to achieve this, starting with legal advice and infrastructure services.In January 2008 the Councils published a feasibility study for jointly commissioning advice and infrastructure services. It was subsequently decided to progress with the procurement of advice services and to defer a decision concerning infrastructure provision to enable further discussions to take place.
The feasibility study (download below) sets out the background and reasons behind the Councils moving towards a commissioning-led approach to advice services. More latterly the opportunity arose to work with the Legal Services Commission (LSC) and this has been taken. Because Cheltenham Borough Council let a 3 year contract for advice services from 1st April 2008, CBC are not actively involved in the this joint work. However, the LSC will be commissioning specialist legal advice services in Cheltenham borough as part of the countywide network service.
Progress
This web page will be used to post the latest versions of key documents, including timetable, Joint Working Group minutes, presentations form consultation events, draft needs analysis and draft service specifications. A joint steering group has been established to oversee the work of developing a contract for the provision of advice. There will be a consultation period in the autumn, and further information on this will be published on this webpage.
Feasibility Study
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PDF
Feasibility Study - Jan 2008 - 06/05/2008 : 884Kb
Timetable
The timeline is currently being updated, following the decision to avoid the peak summer holiday months for the three month consultation period. A new one will be uploaded soon.
Joint Working Group Minutes
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PDF
1st Steering Group Minutes - 06/05/2008 : 50Kb
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Glos Funders Joint Working Group Minutes - 21 May - 12/06/2008 : 92Kb
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PDF
Glos Funders’ Joint Working Group Minutes - 11 June - 26/06/2008 : 70Kb
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PDF
Glos Funders Joint Working Group Minutes - 10 July - 04/08/2008 : 26Kb
Consultation Events
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PDF
Materials from the May 9th Event held at Stroud District Council Offices - 12/05/2008 : 141Kb
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PDF
Notes from the stakeholder meeting - 9th May - 19/05/2008 : 89Kb
Letter to Gloucestershire MP's
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Letter - 12/06/2008 : 105Kb
Draft Needs Analysis
To be posted once available
Draft Service Specification
To be posted once available
Further Information
If you would like further information then in the first instance please contact:
Nigel Riglar
Strategic Director
Stroud District Council
Ebley Mill
Stroud
Gloucestershire
GL10 2QR
Tel: 01453 754300
Email: nigel.riglar@stroud.gov.uk
