DECISION

1.    To agree the Strategy and action plan for delivery from May 2016.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Acting Service Head, Corporate Strategy and Equality (K. Kewin)

(Service Manager – Community Cohesion, Engagement and Commissioning)

Councillor Rachael Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, introduced the report. She highlighted that the Council’s relationship with the voluntary sector was extremely important.

She highlighted the key objectives of the strategy set out in the report on increasing volunteering, maximising use of resources, promoting co-production and engagement with businesses. She also highlighted work to prepare the strategy including the consultation exercises that had been undertaken. Finally, she introduced Kirsty Cornell, Chief Executive of the Tower Hamlets Council for Voluntary Services (THCVS).

Kirsty Cornell, addressed the meeting. She welcomed the strategy and thanked the Mayor and Lead Member for their work in engaging with the third sector in the preparation of the strategy. She highlighted that for the strategy to work it would require significant commitment from the Council.

The Mayor welcomed the report and the proposed strategy. He noted that concerns had  been raised about ensuring less experienced organisations were not excluded and the value of having THCVS help in monitoring this issue. He agreed the recommendation as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the Strategy and action plan for delivery from May 2016.