Voluntary & Community Forum

The Forum was set up in March 2004. At its first meeting on 24^th March 04, it was agreed that the functions of the Forum should be:

• To act as a voice of the voluntary and community sector collectively.
• To discuss issues raised by groups and organisations and take actions, if appropriate
• To identify gaps and unmet needs in the voluntary and community sector in Swindon
• To act as a platform for consultations
• To network with other groups and share information
• To invite guest speakers from local and national bodies on various issues
  

Terms of reference were agreed as follows:

• The Forum meets four times a year
• Membership of the Forum is open to any voluntary and community groups in Swindon
• Voluntary Action Swindon will administrate, facilitate and organise the meetings in order to ensure the Forum is sustainable.
  

Apart from using various existing consultative mechanisms and networks, Voluntary Action Swindon also uses the Voluntary and Community Forum to consult with and collate the view of the sector, in order to influence policy making and development of the public sector and local authorities.

The next Forum meeting will be held on Thursday 24^th July 2008, 12 noon - 2 pm at the Broadgreen Community Centre. The following areas will be covered:

• Swindon LINk (Local Involvement Network)
• Third Sector Development Strategy

If you would like to attend the Forum please print the attendance form and return it to us.