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Stratford-on-Avon District Council recognises the values and benefits that Third sector organisations, that is voluntary and community groups, bring to local people. The Council seeks to provide these organisations and groups with appropriate support and opportunities within its limited resources.
The collaborative working of third sector organisations is essential to the achievement of the Stratford-on-Avon Community Plan. Through their delivery of key services the third sector is also important for the achievement of the Council’s own Corporate Strategy and associated service plans.
Compact: 'working together, better together'
Many third sector organisations working across the District are signatories to the Warwickshire Compact, which was introduced to improve working relations and to set out the principles and standards which public agencies and third sector organisations can expect of each other when working together.
The District Council has also signed this document and holds Compact meetings quarterly, to ensure that it is operating at a local level within the recommendations and spirit of the Compact. For more information on Compact, please visit: www.warwickshirecompact.org.uk
Voluntary Action Stratford-on-Avon District (VASA)
VASA, formerly known as the Council for Voluntary Services Stratford-on-Avon (CVS) and Volunteer Bureau, is an independent local voluntary organisation with charitable status. It has a role of promoting and developing voluntary activity across the district and also supports third sector agencies, through direct involvement, training and information. The organisation provides outreach facilities via their volunteer centres in Shipston, Alcester and Southam.
VASA has a close working relationship with the District Council and has a good knowledge of issues at all levels that may be relevant to, or impact upon, the third sector.
VASA also co-ordinates a number of special projects some of which, such as the Community Links transport scheme, are operated in close liaison with the Council.
You can contact VASA on: 01789 298115 or visit their website www.stratfordcvs.org.uk.
The Council is keen to maintain and develop the relationship with the third sector and values the perspective that such groups and organisations can bring to assessing service performance and policies. It also undertakes to hold periodic meetings to ensure that the third sector is brought together and is consulted on Council and Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) issues.
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