The Third Sector Advisory Group can be set up within the Leader’s scheme of delegation (Section 3A) as the Voluntary Sector Liaison Committee, Chaired by Cllr Keiron Montague.

The group will:

• be complementary towards the current process for considering bids to run Council services or take on assets, advising officers of any improvements to be made within this process;
• assist the Council in identifying opportunities for the delivery of services by the third sector;
• agree and provide a programme of support for different types of interested groups;
• assist the Council in engaging with the sector on the opportunities available;
• provide information on funding opportunities for support of interested groups.  

In order to publicise the Council’s intent, Cabinet are asked to consider running an engagement event for third sector organisations and groups, to be held in late Autumn 2014.   If agreed, the Third Sector Advisory Group will be assisting officers in organising this event. Given the need for a more structured and proactive approach, it is recognised resources will be required to co-ordinate this work.  This will ensure :  

• support and co-ordination to the Third Sector Advisory Group;
• a dedicated liaison role between interested parties, other partners and the Council;
• a resource to gather and provide internal information and clarify issues;
• a co-ordination to the process by informing Elected Members of the expressions of interest and progress of applications;
• an additional resource in guiding and supporting interested parties;
• an additional resource in targeting and engaging individuals, communities and commercial organisations to make them aware of this opportunity; and
• the monitoring and review function of the transfer agreements put in place.

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