OSCA
OVSDP Development Strategy 2008-2014
OCVA is the lead body of the Oxfordshire Stronger Communities Alliance (OSCA). This partnership brings together voluntary sector support providers and representatives of local councils and the Primary Care Trust. Prior to July 2009, the partnership was called OVSDP (Oxfordshire Voluntary Sector Development Partnership) before it took on the additional remit of the Stronger Communities.
In 2010 the partnership will meet on 13th January, 20th April, 13th July and 5th October.
Other members of OSCA include: Cherwell CVS, Churches Together in Oxfordshire, Co-operative Futures, Oxfordshire Racial Equality Council, Oxfordshire Rural Community Council, Volunteer LinkUp West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Children and Voluntary Youth Services, Oxfordshire Community Foundation, Oxfordshire PCT, Thames Valley Police and local authorities, including two elected members.
OSCA aims to help voluntary and community organisations understand and respond to the changing economic, social and policy environment, so that they design and deliver a range of inclusive, accessible activities and services that achieve the maximum benefits for all of Oxfordshire's diverse communities.
The Partnership's objective is to identify, design, coordinate and promote a comprehensive range of high quality, cost-effective support services that:
- are based on flexible and creative solutions;
- reflect the needs of different kinds of voluntary and community organisations at different stages of development and with differing ambitions, working in differing local circumstances;
- are available to all and offer equality of access in accordance with the National Compact Code of Practice on working with BME voluntary and community organisations;
- are outcome focussed; and
- cover both urban and rural parts of the county.
OSCA also acts as the Steering Group for the Oxfordshire Compact and is the lead body for delivering target NI6 of the Local Area Agreement. If you are interested in finding out more, or your organisation would like to join the partnership, contact OCVA and ask to speak to the Strategic Partnerships Manager.
Manage and deliver a community grant pot on behalf of OSCA
Oxfordshire County Council is seeking applications from suitable organisations to manage and deliver a grant to community and voluntary groups in Oxfordshire.
The Council is interested in organisations well versed in community development and networking. They should have experience of working with a wide range of voluntary, community groups and faith groups from all sectors of the community. Organisations will also need to demonstrate that they have experience and a good understanding of managing grants. The Oxfordshire Public Service Board wishes to allocate £500,000 towards a Community and Voluntary Sector Grants Pot.
OSCA will oversee the delivery of the reward grant and will need to report / be accountable to the Public Service Board for the delivery of the relevant targets and expenditure in relation to it. Oxfordshire County Council, on behalf of OSCA, is looking for a body to manage and administer this Grant on their behalf.
There will be two grant rounds per year. The contract will be for a period of two years with an indicative start date of March 2010.
If your organisation is interested in being considered for delivering these services then expressions interest should be made to Denise Kelly, Social and Communities Services Procurement Team, Oxfordshire County Council, 3rd Floor County Hall, New Road, OX1 1ND or email scs.procurement@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
Bids are invited via a request for quotation. The relevant documentation can be issued by the above contact and also accessed on the South East Business Portal at www.businessportal.southeastiep.gov.uk.
The completed request for quotation document must be submitted to Oxfordshire County Council before 5pm on Monday 15th February 2010.
