Just Released:
The Story of the 700 Club, by John Elliston. Written in the Summer of 2008, this book charts the development of a very local housing charity across a decade of work within Darlington. The book narrates the highs and lows of a journey from the ‘concern for justice’ and the germ of an idea to a charity that is woven into the fabric of Darlington. It is available from the 700 Club Office (01325 366397), Grange Road Baptist Church, at a cost of £3.50.
The overall aim of Darlington's Third Sector Strategy is: "placing a vibrant challenging third sector high on the Council’s agenda in shaping a better quality of life for Darlington Residents"
View the Council's Third Sector Strategy document - [PDF]
The action plan details actions to be delivered over the next two years to improve:
- communication between the Council and the sector
- understanding between the Council and the sector
- the infrastructure and capacity of the sector and the council
- Procurement, Commissioning and funding
In Darlington it has been recognised for some time that the third sector has a vital role to play. The third sector contributes significantly to the delivery of Darlington's Community Strategy and receives over five million pounds in support from the Borough Council each year. A Local Compact with the third sector has been implemented to provide the framework for partnership working.
Over recent years the role of the third sector in the delivery of high quality public services has grown substantially and there is now the potential to do much more. This strategy, and accompanying action plan provides a framework for closer working between the Council and the third sector, ensuring that the knowledge, independence and expertise of the third sector is valued for the benefit of the whole community.
The Council has now appointed the Carers Federation as the host for LINk (Local Involvement Network) which will give communities an opportunity to influence health and social care services. Visit our LINk web pages to find out more.
EVOLution are the infrastructure organisation to support the Third Sector in Darlington and they currently offer a range of services. These services include:
- Information services through newsletters, e-bulletins and website facilities.
- Accredited and unaccredited training to meet the needs of individuals, community groups and organisations.
- Funding advice, information and support.
- Volunteering development, including the recruitment of volunteers.
- Direct services such as photocopying, room hire and equipment loan.
- Networking.
To find out more please visit our link to the Evolution webpage.
Third Sector Commissioning
In Darlington we are keen to ensure that third sector organisations have the opportunity to be considered for contracted work based upon the operation of an ‘even playing field’. In order to support this work we offer training and support to organisations so that they understand the processes and how to find out more about working with the Council.
The presentation below sets out key pointers when undertaking a tender bid for council contracts.
Please click on the link below to access the presentation that sets out ‘How to work with the Council’. It highlights the financial limits that identify when work will be subject to a tender process, where tenders will be advertised and tips when completing tenders.
If you require further help, training or support please do not hesitate to contact Mary Hall who is the Voluntary and Community Sector Liaison Manager at the Council on:
Mary.hall@darlington.gov.uk or by telephone on 01325 388676.
How to Support Business Presentation 14th July [pdf document]
All North East Councils advertise their tenders on the following site and to receive E-mail alerts about these you will need to register on the site and the following is a guide to registration. However if you have any problems please contact Mary Hall in the first instance who will arrange for someone to help.
North East Purchasing Organisation Oportunities Portal [external site]
Pro Contract Supplier Guide Presentation [pdf document, 2.5mb]
Become a Digital Champion
We are promoting this exciting regional initiative amongst the Community Partnerships and voluntary groups in Darlington. It's an opportunity to gain an amazing qualification and be supported through the process of becoming a Digital Champion for your community group! If we can generate sufficient interest we may see the training take place here in Darlington in the autumn, so please read the press release [PDF Document] to find out more and to register your interest.