New series of conferences to support partnership in the third sector opens in the North West (18/08/2006)

18.08.2006

Manchester is set to host the first in a series of 10 regional conferences highlighting how the public, private and voluntary sectors can work together to improve the quality of life in the communities they serve.

With 350 delegates from local authorities, social enterprises, charities, community groups, CVS networks, government bodies and regeneration organisations, the ‘3rd Sector 1st’ conference is taking place at the University of Manchester on 12 September 2006.

Supported by Futurebuilders and Capacitybuilders, the event offers organisations the opportunity to discuss the future work and funding of the third sector across the North West. Keynote speakers include Bill Brandon from the Office of the Third Sector and Gilbert George, Director of Resources and Planning at Capacitybuilders. Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, Groundwork North West and the Hibbert Street Community Regeneration Centre will also be sharing their experiences of partnership working.

Richard Gutch, Chief Executive of Futurebuilders said: “Third sector organisations have huge potential to deliver effective public services, but often need investment and support to release this potential. This conference is a great opportunity for organisations to hear how they can tap into the different types of funding available and for all sectors to think about how innovative partnerships can improve services.”

Simon Hebditch, Chief Executive of Capacitybuilders said: “The sector has changed a lot in the past 20 years. It is now a major service deliverer both in its own right and on behalf of the public sector. Attitudes are changing, and the amount of money and resources from contracts compared to giving has increased significantly. The 3rd Sector 1st series of conferences will provide an excellent opportunity to explore the future potential of partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors.”

As well as the numerous networking opportunities at the event, workshops will cover a range of topics including how to raise capital, using the web to market your services, creating effective tenders and funding and governance.

Local and national funding bodies including Futurebuilders, Capacitybuilders and the Big Lottery Fund, will also be on hand to answer questions on the alternative types of funding available for the third sector. The all-day exhibition will also give delegates the chance to talk to community groups already working in the public sector.

Delegates can book online at www.3rdsector1st.com. Places cost from £45 which includes a full exhibition pass, workshops and lunch. A full list of exhibitors and the programme for the day can be found at www.3rdsector1st.com.

Ends

For more information please contact Jenni Anderson at Futurebuilders on 020 7927 6356.

Notes to editors

  • The next regional conference and exhibition is taking place at the University of Nottingham on 28 November 2006. Organisations working in the East Midlands are invited to attend. More details on www.3rdsector1st.com.
  • Futurebuilders is the government-backed £125 million investment fund for the third sector. It offers a mixture of grants, loans and capacity building support to voluntary and community organisations that want to deliver better public services.
  • Futurebuilders has already invested £5.6 million in 17 organisations in the North West. Applications are welcome from organisations working in health and social care, education and learning, children and young people, crime prevention and community cohesion. For more details visit www.futurebuilders-england.org.uk
  • Capacitybuilders is a new agency with responsibility to manage initially the £70million ChangeUp programme for the financial years 2006/07 and 2007/08. Capacitybuilders will work in partnership with government and other bodies to help voluntary and community organisations work more effectively.
  • For further information about Capacitybuilders contact Jane Fewkes, Communications Manager, 0121 237 5100 or 07920 726522 or visit www.capacitybuilders.org.uk.

 The North West 3rd Sector 1st event is also supported by:

  • Office of the Third Sector
  • NCVO
  • Community Action Network
  • CEMVO
  • North West Development Agency
  • 3SE

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