Representation
Championing Inverclyde’s third sector locally and nationally
Introduction
CVS Inverclyde plays a key role in strengthening collaboration between the third sector and key strategic bodies across Inverclyde. Through active representation on high-level boards, partnerships and forums, we ensure that the voice of voluntary organisations is heard in shaping policies and services that impact our communities.
Our involvement spans community planning, health and social care integration, employability, justice, poverty and recovery services. We recognise that a collaborative response to the Social Determinates of Health (SDOH) is critical to building a fair, inclusive and resilient Inverclyde.
Why It’s Important
Collaboration for Better Outcomes: Partnership working enables public, third and independent sectors to align efforts, reduce duplication and deliver services that truly put people first.
Securing Resources and Opportunities: Representation on groups like the IADP and LEP helps secure funding and shape programmes that tackle disadvantage and promote wellbeing.
Influence and Advocacy: By sitting at decision-making tables, CVS Inverclyde champions the interests of the third sector, ensuring community needs and perspectives inform strategic priorities.
Driving Inclusive Change: Our role ensures that voluntary organisations are recognised as key partners in addressing complex social challenges, creating pathways for community-led solutions.
Integration Joint Board (IJB)
The IJB is the body responsible for the strategic commissioning of local health and social care services and for overseeing the delivery of services on its behalf. CVS Inverclyde CEO represents our diverse third sector at Inverclyde’s IJB, advocating for the sector’s contribution to the health and wellbeing of our communities. Likewise, CVS Inverclyde’s role also ensures that the local third sector is actively involved in the integration of health and social care in Inverclyde.
People and Partnerships, Making a Difference 2024-2027: Read now
Local Employability Partnership (LEP)
The Local Employability Partnership (LEP) coordinates employability services and strategies to improve access to work, skills and training across Inverclyde. CVS Inverclyde champions the role of voluntary organisations in employability activity, ensuring the sector is recognised as a key delivery partner. Our involvement helps shape inclusive pathways into work for people facing disadvantage.
Inverclyde Alliance Community Planning Partnership
CVS Inverclyde represents the interests of the third sector at the local Community Planning Partnership, known as the Inverclyde Alliance. Our Chief Executive Officer is now the appointed Vice Chair. Membership on this group enables CVS Inverclyde to share information as to how the public, third and independent sectors work together more effectively and efficiently to keep people at the heart of community services.
Inverclyde Alliance Partnership Plan 2023–33: Read now
Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP)
The Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP) leads local work to reduce harm from alcohol and drugs, support recovery and promote community wellbeing through partnership working. CVS Inverclyde ensures that third sector recovery and support services have a strong voice in ADP planning and funding decisions. This representation helps secure resources for community-led approaches to tackling substance misuse.
Inverclyde ADP Strategy 2024: Read now
Greenock Town Fund Board
CVS Inverclyde’s Chief Executive sits on the Greenock Towns Fund Board, which oversees regeneration and investment plans for Greenock. This role ensures that the third sector perspective is embedded in decisions about economic development, infrastructure and community benefit. By representing voluntary organisations, Charlene advocates for inclusive regeneration that prioritises local people, supports social value and creates opportunities for community-led initiatives within the town’s transformation.
Community Learning and Development
Our role is to promote lifelong learning, skills development and community empowerment. CVS Inverclyde works to ensure that voluntary organisations are integral to delivering learning opportunities that are accessible and inclusive. We build capacity by supporting local organisations to develop skills and confidence to deliver high quality learning and development activities. Our involvement supports strategies that build confidence, reduce inequalities and enable people to participate fully in community life.
Have Your Voice Heard
CVS Inverclyde exists to champion the third sector, but we can only do that effectively when your views shape our work. As we sit on strategic boards and influence decisions that impact our communities, we want to make sure your priorities are front and centre.
Tell us what matters to you
· What challenges are you facing?
· Where do you see opportunities for change?
· How can we better represent your organisation and the people you support?
Your insight strengthens our advocacy and ensures the third sector has a powerful, united voice. Reach out today – let’s work together to make Inverclyde stronger, fairer, and more inclusive. Contact us now to share your ideas or arrange a conversation.