Salford Community Learning Plan 2006
1.
Background & Context Salford Community Network is Currently funded through the
Salford Community Network has been working in Salford for three years. The aims of Salford Community Network are to:
Community Empowerment Fund, one of the Neighbourhood Renewal Units Community Participation programme’s. From October 1st 2004 the funding of Salford Community
Support active involvement of the voluntary and
Network will move under the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit’s
community
Single Community Programme.
sectors
for
a
positive
working
partnership with the Local Strategic Partnership and other partners in Salford
aims to:
their confidence, knowledge and skills to effectively
neighbourhood renewal
the Single Community Programme. The second objective
Provide opportunities for local people to develop
articulate their own needs and contribute to
The Neighbourhood Renewal Unit has set four objectives for
Support community learning through small grants and the development of learning strategies to ensure that residents can access the skills and knowledge they
Promote a partnership approach at all levels
need to engage fully in neighbourhood renewal.
between service providers and communities, which
Learning and skill development should inform all of
supports tangible outcomes and explores the
the Community Network‟s activity and should not be
meaning and reality of local democracy in Salford
confined to a separate grant making function.
Develop the network into a vehicle for knowledge and information for Salford at grass roots level promoting an understanding of common interests
Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
“I Just feel that I could say more in a meeting if I really knew why everyone else was there and how it all fits” Page 2 of 16
Salford Community Network recognises that effective partnership
working
can
be
difficult.
Successful
Network. The plan is intended to be an organic
partnerships are found where there are benefits to all
document, offering a flexible framework that will be
partners and where equal, meaningful and honest
regularly evaluated, reviewed and adapted to meet local
involvement from partners leads towards a clear, shared
needs.
vision. Partnerships are by definition made up of
a
range
of
individuals
and
organisations who come together with
“I never think I can say I don‟t know what that means, you know? I miss most of the meeting wondering what one word or initial means!”
2.
Methodology
The first step in the development of this learning plan involved research on a local,
a shared goal in mind. Each of those
regional and national level to identify good
partners
practice and local issues related to learning
comes
from
a
different
background and brings a different range of skills and
and partnership working.
experiences. Often the gulf created by those differences
Next, a number of interviews were conducted with
can
standpoints,
people working and volunteering at different levels
learning new skills and gaining information will help level
throughout Salford Community Network, as well as from
the ground and bridge the gaps.
other local organisations.
Learning needs to become an entrenched part of
The interviews provided an opportunity to create a profile
partnership culture in Salford and the Salford Community
of skills and knowledge needed in order for a community
Network aims to create opportunities that enable
representative to be effective within Salford Community
partners to ‘share information, risks and rewards‟1.
Network.
This learning plan represents the first stage in a process
opportunity to gain an overview of current learning
that will develop a learning culture throughout the
opportunities throughout Salford.
appear
insurmountable.
Shifting
Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
In addition, the interviews provided an
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3. Learning in Salford Community Network
During the interviews it became clear that issues related to effectiveness
3.1
Skills & Knowledge Profile
fell into two clear
categories:
Almost thirty people took part in the interviews leading
Information based requirements – What
up to the development of this plan. The aim was to
people need to know, understand and/or
create a profile of skills and knowledge that would
be aware of
enable a community representative to be their most effective at a range of levels throughout Salford
Skills based requirements – including both personal and practical skills
Community Network. In the final analysis, a Local residents from across Salford are involved in Salford Community Network in a broad range of roles including:
Attending
general
meetings
at
a
neighbourhood level
Membership
of
the
Management
Group. A seat on the Local Strategic Partnership
Attendance at one of the five thematic
“There needs to be an understanding of accountability, of what representation means”
composite profile of over 40 types of skill and of varying
degree’s
of
“People come with their own issues and often don‟t see the „big picture‟”
importance
“We need the confidence to challenge”
The skills and knowledge
“a diagram of the structures we are working in would be easier to get to grips with”
was
developed.
profile
is
designed
to
highlight those skills and information considered to be essential for any role
forums
at any level. The skills and knowledge that may o o o o o
Disability Faith BME Groups Refugee’s and Asylum Seekers Lesbians, gay men and bisexuals
Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
be desirable at strategic levels or in issue based areas are of equal value but of a less general nature. Page 4 of 16
Skills and Knowledge Profile
Information Understanding and awareness
Awareness of diversity issues
Confidence
Skills Personal & Practical
Communication Listening
Understanding own Role
Sense of humour
Essential to effective involvement
Understanding Equal Opportunities Understanding role of the Network
Assertiveness Influencing
Info on Key contacts
Negotiating
Understanding the 'Big Picture'
Effect Change
Knowledge of Protocols
Skills Requirements Meeting Skills
Knowledge of local Structures
w Personal development plans for all reps to include training needs w Recognise the importance of the 'core skills' (top of circle) w Different skills/knowledge needed at different levels w Monitor effectiveness and impact of personal development plans and learning opportunities
How to reflect views of others
Understanding Accountability Understanding Representation
Diplomacy Creativity Group working Feed back to community
Jargon/Terminology Dealing with conflict Roles of Professionals
Analysing skills
Knowledge of local agencies
Desirable for some levels of involvement
National/Regional relevance Relationships between agancies
Minute Taking Presentation Financial Management
Legislative Issues
Recognising Relevance
Community Development Numeracy/Literacy
Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
ICT Skills
Good Memory
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3.2
A series of ‘bite-size’ learning opportunities will be
Learning Programme
Co-ordination and development of a learning programme will be contracted out In line with the recommendation in the recent review of Salford
developed
for
community
allowing them to access fundamental learning without having to make major time commitments.
Community Network. Expertise already exists
Written
across the city and in particular the CVS has an
programme
existing programme that will adapt well to the
Community Network, including:
skills and knowledge profile. People
are
involved
in
Salford
Community
Network at a variety of levels and in a number of different roles. In order to facilitate progression for community
representatives,
the
learning
programme will also need to be progressive.
representatives,
materials will
to be
support
the
developed
by
A guide to Network structures
Terms of reference for each forum
Role descriptions
Information
about
the
Local
learning Salford
Strategic
Partnership
The learning programme will be developed to
A key issue for the learning programme will be at
ensure that learning opportunities are available to
entry level. Getting local residents involved in
match the composite skills and knowledge profile.
Salford Community Network will require a co-
The programme will offer an accessible, flexible
ordinated and targeted approach. Community
range of learning opportunities, recognising the
events that have appeal to specific communities
varied
community
are a good starting point. Information will be
representatives. Learning opportunities should be
available and the Community Organisers can offer
accessible, high quality and fun.
face to face contact.
commitments
of
Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
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Locally
based
and
The Good Practice Project aims to promote good
development organisations are well placed to
practice in community involvement across local
direct
partners on the Local Strategic Partnership.
people
community
towards
learning
Salford
Community
Network. The Network will actively develop
To date over 250 officers from a range of
relationships
agencies
with
neighbourhood
level
and
organisations
have
received
organisations in order to bridge the gap between
training. In addition the Good Practice Project
entry
have developed Gold Standards and Principles of
level
involvement
and
community
representation.
community involvement.
Learning opportunities will be available at a range
Salford Community Network learning
of geographic locations to cater
“So much jargon; professionals should learn to speak plain English”
programme will complement the work
“Officers have as much to learn as local people”
and community sector counterpart
to need. The ‘bite-size’ learning opportunities will be linked to other
activities
possible.
wherever
Examples
might
include local launch’s, fun days
being
undertaken
by
the
Good
Practice Project, offering a voluntary
and thereby creating more balanced partnerships.
and exhibitions. The
Salford
Community
Network
learning
Salford Community Network will also promote
programme will also link strategically to other
learning across local partnerships and agencies.
learning programmes across the city. There are a
Mutual
meaningful
range of providers offering high quality learning
partnership working and learning opportunities
opportunities and the learning programme will
understanding
leads
to
need to be available to all partners for it to have
utilise existing resources wherever possible.
real impact.
Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
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Progressive learning will be promoted at all levels
Options should be explored with Salford Volunteer
of
opportunity
Bureau about positive ways to recognise the
order to
contributions of community representatives. The
the
network.
undertaken recognise commitment
Every
will be the
learning
certificated
personal
of
each
in
development
individual.
and
Wherever
Volunteer Bureau should also be involved in the development of role descriptions and protocols.
possible, accreditation by recognised bodies will be available to community representatives but
3.3
should be optional.
The Community Learning Grants in Salford are
Community representatives will be encouraged to
currently being administered by Salford CVS. This
attend
specialist
is likely to continue under the single programme
seminars. A separate budget should be defined to
from 1st October. Salford Community Network will
facilitate these opportunities and allow local
be considering a range of options for setting local
people to gain a wider strategic experience of
priorities for the delivery of this programme.
neighbourhood renewal.
Priorities will be linked to the skills and knowledge
relevant
conferences
and
Community Representatives who participate in external conferences and learning opportunities will be expected to cascade their learning to other representatives. This can be in the form of information sessions, reports and presentations to colleagues throughout the Network.
Community Learning Grants
profile in the Learning Plan.
“You can get involved in ways you never dreamed of” “There is plenty of advice around if you know where to look for it, people just need pointing in the right direction” “People get hung up on their own agenda‟s”
Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
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3.4
Personal Development Plans
We recognise that different roles require different skills
and
varying
levels
of
complexity
of
information. A tailored approach is needed and we aim for every community representative involved in the Network to have a personal development plan and bi annual review. The
personal development
plan
will
be
a
skills and experience and a learning needs analysis. The personal development plan’s will be and
piloted
using
the
Structural Development
Each role within the Network needs to be accompanied by a role description and a list of skill requirements as well as a code of conduct for the arena in which the role operates. If people understand the purpose of their role up front, they
comprehensive tool offering evaluation of current
developed
3.5
Salford
Community Network Management Group and the
will have more realistic expectations. In terms of information, basic guidance as to the processes and structure related to each arena should be available in printed form. In addition to printed information, an induction programme will be available.
LSP reps and will eventually be rolled out to include representatives operating at all levels.
The structural developments outlined above will be developed and piloted using the Management
Community Representatives will each have a different combination of the skills/knowledge outlined in the profile. A strong team would include people with different strengths who could
Group
and
the Local Strategic Partnership
Representatives. Again the aim is to roll out this programme
across
the
Network
after
the
developments
will
evaluation of the initial work.
support one another. We are not aiming for a network of super reps, but a co-operative team of
The
focus
on
structural
people with a range of skills, working together
strengthen the capacity of Salford Community
towards shared goals.
Network and add to the value of any learning opportunities.
Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
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3.6
Mentoring
People need support to fulfil their roles at every level of involvement. The most effective support comes from people who are doing the same type of work. Existing community representatives are best placed to offer support to people newly involved.
Key Points from this Section: Skills and knowledge profile with over 40 skills/knowledge requirements Learning programme to be developed to match the skills and knowledge profile
understand the purpose of their role in advance
Flexible, accessible learning opportunities including entry level activities in local neighbourhoods
they may have unrealistic expectations about
„Bite-size‟ learning opportunities
what
Structural issues to be resolved e.g. role descriptions, guide to structures
If a community representative does not fully
can
be
achieved.
Clear
information,
guidance and support from the outset will make a real difference. Mentoring or buddying is an effective way of
Induction Programme to be developed and piloted with Core Group
offering
Partner learning to be promoted
support.
Existing
community
representatives have the best kinds of experience to
support
newly
involved
representatives.
Links to other agencies and organisations to be developed
Increased confidence as well as reduced isolation
Grants to be offered to local groups
means that this approach has long term benefits.
Mentoring to be explored as a support mechanism
Salford Community Network will explore the options for mentoring and aim to have a pilot project in operation within a twelve month period. Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
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4. Overview of Current Provision Salford is a unique City and the learning
we expect within Salford Community Network and joint working should be explored.
opportunities available are equally unique. There
Salford College offer a very broad range of
are a large number of education, training and
learning opportunities some of which might be
learning providers operating at a wide range of
adaptable to meet the needs of the developing
levels and in a number of different areas.
learning programme. Existing learners in this
Salford is home to a prestigious University and
setting can also be targeted with information about involvement in Salford Community Network.
strategically
linked
colleges.
Neighbourhood
learning centres are based in a few of the towns that make up the city as well as a range of specialist training organisations.
Salford Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) offer a comprehensive programme of courses and learning opportunities tailored to the needs of the voluntary and community sectors. This is the
This overview is by no means comprehensive and
natural
is designed to offer a snap shot of what Salford
development of the Salford Community Network
has to offer. It will also serve as an indication of
learning programme, providing added value to
how existing provision can be effectively utilised in
current provision and complementing the capacity
the development of Salford Community Network’s
building work of the CVS.
home
for
the
co-ordination
and
Learning Programme. Salford Community Network employs a team of
4.1
Existing and Potential links
community organisers; local people trained and employed to work at neighbourhood level to
Salford University are leading a multi-agency project to encourage progression from entry level learning opportunities into higher education. This
stimulate
involvement
in
the
Network.
The
community organisers are well placed to engage people with entry level learning opportunities.
type of progressions is similar to the progression Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
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The Good Practice Project works with partner
Local people in Broughton have a surprisingly
agencies on the Local Strategic Partnership. Links
broad range of learning opportunities from Return
with this project will offer excellent opportunities to
to Learn and ECDL to Cake Decorating and
balance the learning opportunities across the
Counselling.
Local Strategic Partnership and the voluntary and
Broughton Trust and the Broughton Database
community sectors.
offer training and support to local people.
Salford Volunteer Bureau specialise in all things
The Broughton Trust employs and trains local
volunteering. Salford Community Network will
people to undertake research projects in the
seek advice from the volunteer bureau to develop
community around a range of issues. Most of
the protocols and structures that will strengthen
these
the voluntary roles across the network. In
neighbourhood
addition, with in-house expertise, the volunteer
approach is effective in keeping people involved.
bureau has extensive experience of providing
Salford Community Network will be reaching out
volunteer related learning opportunities.
to work closely with organisations operating at a
4.2.
Neighbourhood learning in Broughton
projects
are
local
of
renewal
organisations;
direct and
relevance the
The
to
‘buddying’
neighbourhood level; involving local people via the organisations that are developing their skills and understanding of the community in which they
Broughton is an example of learning opportunities that can be found at neighbourhood level. Broughton was placed 126
Two
in the national the
National indices of deprivation (out of 8000 wards nationally) in 2000 and has issues around literacy
live. The following table offers a snapshot of available provision, the learning opportunities listed are a small percentage of what each organisation offers.
and numeracy.
Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
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4.3
Table of Current Provision
Organisation
Examples of learning opportunities
Salford Council for Voluntary Service
Salford University
Salford Colleges
Broughton Trust
Extensive short course programme (see appendix)
Community Leadership Programme
Accredited Community Work Skills
Working in Partnerships
Networking
Grants Panel Training
Higher Education
Professional Qualifications
Life Skills Curriculum
Management curriculum’s
Broad programme of courses; ESOL, salsa, counselling,
Training in research and community work skills
Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
Access Limitations
Skills/Knowledge covered
People involved in the Voluntary or Community Sectors in Salford.
Most practical and organisational skills. All knowledge requirements.
Entry level requirements
Professional qualifications related to management, strategy, policy etc.
None
Basic skills, Computers for beginners, Intro courses.
Broughton Residents only
Entry level confidence. Support. Initial interest in community activity
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ECDL
Occasional special interest on demand
Personal development
Counselling
Salford Volunteer Bureau
Community Organisers
Good Practice Project
Broughton Database
SALVE
Broughton Residents Only
Entry level confidence. Support. Initial interest in community activity
Currently Seedley residents only
Key personal skills
Wide range of volunteer related training; Partner volunteer training; what does diversity mean? Effective communication
Working in Salford
Key personal skills & knowledge
Organisation of specific sessions as requested or identified need
none
Related to neighbourhood involvement
Consultation awareness
Working with people
Professional staff working across Partners in Salford
Complements and balances the Community Network Learning Plan
Facilitation
Designing and conducting surveys
Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
Statutory agencies welcome
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5. Implementation Objective Learning Programme
Key Priorities Set strategic learning Priorities
Co-ordination Outsourced to Salford CVS with a SLA
Develop Programme Management Group to develop strategic to match skills & priorities Knowledge profile Link to other organisations
Who’s Involved
Timescale
CVS, Management Group & other local providers TBC
Links to be promoted by Management Group
Use local providers
Structural Developments
Role Descriptions
Network Manager
Management Group
Terms of Reference for forums
Network Administrator
Community Reps
Management Group
Salford Volunteer Bureau
Code of conduct for community representatives
Local Strategic Partnership
Induction Programme
Information
Information pack about Salford Community Network & links to LSP
TBC
Good Practice Project
Network Manager Network Administrator Management Group
LSP, Other agencies Good example is City Pride Little guide to salfors
TBC
Guides to local Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
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structures
Personal Development Plans
Develop framework
Network Manager
CVS
Design Format
Network Administrator
VB
Include training need analysis
Learning Plan Coordinator
Community Representatives
Pilot with Management Group
Management Group
Community Organisers
Network Manager
Management Group
TBC
Plan roll out to all levels Link to support mechanisms Link to learning plans
Support
Neighbourhood network development – focus on local relationships Monthly drop-in’s linking to ‘bite-size’ learning
TBC
LSP representatives Community Representatives Local development and learning organisations
Explore mentoring opportunities
Salford Community Network Learning Plan 2006
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