Empower Swindon
Empower Swindon is a new consortium made up of organisations which offer support to voluntary and community sector and social enterprise organisations (sometimes called the “third sector”) in Swindon Borough. It was formed in April 2008 in response to national government initiatives to strengthen third sector organisations through strengthening the support available to them, and local requirements to focus this support on the Swindon Borough area.
Empower Swindon members are all well established organisations that provide support to the third sector in Swindon. What Empower Swindon brings is:
A new commitment to working together to ensure that the available resources are targeted more effectively and without overlap
An opportunity to attract more resources through a joint approach to funders
A more effective voice for the third sector, through a more strategic approach to representation and participation
Our Vision:
A diverse and thriving Third Sector for Swindon.
Our Mission:
To provide and enhance effective support services to the Third Sector, to enable it to develop a stronger voice in the Borough of Swindon and better service delivery.
Our Aim:
To be responsive to the changing needs of frontline Third Sector organisations by coordinating the delivery of support services that are accessible, inclusive and high quality.
Our Objectives:
To improve collaboration and joint working between infrastructure support services.
To develop a stronger voice and greater strategic influence for the Third Sector.
To identify and address potential opportunities and threats facing the Third Sector.
To increase access to high quality, proactive support services for frontline organisations.
To develop and promote good practice in equality and diversity in the Third Sector.
To raise the profile and increase understanding of the role of Empower Swindon in the Third Sector and the statutory and private sectors.
Empower Swindon Achievements 2008 - 2009:
Strategy, business plan, communication plan, terms of reference developed
Funding applications to Big Lottery (BASIS) and Capacitybuilders
Capacitybuilders “Fit for Purpose” status achieved
First Stakeholder meeting
Open Space event for community groups
Equality and Diversity sub-group set up with workplan and terms of reference
Staff development sessions to upskill development workers
Skills bank project bringing professional volunteer support to 10 organisations
Youth Leader training in sport activity, first aid, child protection
Accreditation of young people’s volunteering
Empower Swindon proposed projects 2009 - 2011:
Promote and develop Empower Swindon
Enhance support to frontline organisations (including support to small groups, BME groups, youth groups, equality and diversity support, funding and income generation support, workforce development and ICT support)
Strengthen the Third Sector’s voice and strategic influence