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REGIONAL BME POLICY PARTNERSHIP OFFICER BECON is seeking an individual with drive, passion and vision to work on a Policy Partnership Project with key regional organisations in the Third Sector for more information please go to the Jobs page
Clore Foundation and V4CE Last chance to apply for BAME Fellowship in Close Social Leadership Programme Voice 4 Channge England (V4CE)
Does your MP value the BME Third Sector?
V4CE has launched a Valuing the BME Third Sector campaign to increase recognition of the vital contribution made by BME Third Sector organisations to civil society and we need your support in promoting this to MPs.
V4C believe that the BME Third Sector does a fantastic job in delivering services that meet the needs of marginalised communities and build equality. Yet this contribution often goes unnoticed and frequently unappreciated. Therefore, Early Day Motion 620 Voice4Change has been put down by Alun Michael MP in the House of Commons to raise awareness of the role of the Sector and to highlight some of the crucial issues it faces.
To help V4CE develop the campaign outside Parliament individuals and organisations need to contact their local MP to request they support the EDM. Guidance on contacting your local MP is available. Through this EDM lobbying V4CE aims to raise the profile of the excellent work being done by organisations delivering services that met the needs of disadvantaged communities.
For more information please go to http://www.voice4change-england.co.uk/valuing_the_bme_third_sector_campaign.html
Cabinet Office Investment in regional voice The Cabinet Office announced £1.5m funding for Third Sector regional networks. This is £1m from OTS for 2009-11, and £500K from Capacitybuilders for 2009-10.
Voice4Change England are working on a response and the following is BECON's comments. BECON believes it is good news that funding to the networks is to continue but disappointing that it is only for two years with a drop in the second year.
BECON (Black Minority Ethnic Community Organisations Network) the regional infrastructure organisation for the Black Minority Ethnic (BME) voluntary and community sector in the North East of England welcomes the announcement by Government to continue to invest in regional infrastructure organisations. However the news is somewhat overshadowed by the fact that the allocation of funding is a reduction in current funding allocations to regional infrastructure organisations.
At a time when the services of the VCS are going to be stretched due to the economic downturn and a national indicator on a thriving third sector has been established to measure the performance of local authorities in supporting locality based VCS organisations we believe that Government has missed out on the opportunity to demonstrate the true value of regional infrastructure organisations.
The Right to Work for Asylum Seekers
To assess the extent of discrimination, two enquiries have been launched. London Mayor Boris Johnson has asked MPA independent member Cindy Butts to lead an enquiry into racism in the Metropolitan Police. Similarly, the Home Minister Jacqui Smith has asked for a nationwide assessment of how black minority communities are treated by police. The Police Minister, Vernon Coaker, is leading the enquiry to assess recruitment and promotion prospects of people from black minority communities.
The Public Administration Select Committee recently released reports on involement of the voluntary and community sector in public services. The reports do not find 'compelling evidence' to support the claim that the voluntary and community sector provides public services any differently.
![]() In 2007 the LSC commissioned the Wood Holmes Group to carry out research and identify recommended approaches to address two of their 2007 Regional Equality and Diversity Impact Measures (EDIMs):
Equalities and Human Rights Commission has released a briefing on the proposed counter-terrorism bill to be debated this week in the parliament. Commenting upon the leagal merit of the bill, the Commission has announced that it would consider judicial review of the proposed bill if enacted by the Parliament. The bill seeks to extend the pre-charge detention of individuals allegedly invovled in terrorism activities from 28 days to 42 days. Further information is available on the Commission's website.
Helping people and businesses to access the range of support that’s now available to them in the region is vital at this time.
That’s why One North East, Job Centre Plus, Learning and Skills Council and Business Link North East are working together to ensure that firms and individuals understand who to talk to about getting support and funding.
These key agencies have joined forces to get a clear message of support out across the region and will be giving regular updates on new products and services.
There are three key contact numbers for anyone wanting information, advice or assistance. These are:
For businesses wanting advice and to understand what help and support is available including free business health checks, online business support and access to appropriate finance, Call Business Link on 0845 600 9006 or visit http://www.businesslinknortheast.co.uk
For people who are in work, but may be at risk of, or worried about possible redundancy, for free confidential face to face advice on changing jobs and updating skills, Call nextstep on 0800 027 7944 or visit www.nextstepnortheast.org.uk
For those who have been made redundant or who are out of work, for free confidential support to get back to work quickly, update skills and help with job search. Call Jobcentre Plus on 0845 606 0234 or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
For more information and for regular updates on behalf of the partner agencies working in the North East, please contact the One North East press office on: 0191 229 6200
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