Policy Pulse Newsletter

After a break of several years, the Hertfordshire Funding Fair is returning on Tuesday 10 September at the University of Hertfordshire.

The event is being organised by Community Help Hertfordshire and Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership. This free event allows you to:

• Talk to funders and browse the information stands
• Take part in workshops delivered by experts
• Learn more about the latest funding and development opportunities
• Look at wider issues around sustainability
• Network with other voluntary sector colleagues to share news, views and ideas

Book your place using the button below.

Community groups, charities, voluntary organisations, sports clubs, faith groups and social enterprises in Hertfordshire are welcome to attend.

Book your place here.

The aim of this conference is to provide a platform for carers from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities in Hertfordshire, professionals and practitioners to come together to discuss and explore various aspects of health and well-being, focusing on holistic approaches that address physical, mental and social well-being.

Date: Wednesday October 2 2024                Time: 10:00am - 3:30pm                   Location: Focolare Centre for Unity in Welwyn Garden City

Book your place here

Black History Month (BHM) in October celebrates Black contributions to UK life. This year’s theme, “Reclaiming Narratives,” focuses on correcting historical accounts. if you have ideas or want to get involved; email memberservices@communities1st.org.uk

For more information about Black History Month click here

Earthworks supports people with learning disabilities, alongside volunteers, to manage 3.5 acres of beautiful eco-gardens in St Albans, through the practice of social and therapeutic horticulture.

They grow fruit and vegetables using organic methods and build wildlife habitats using traditional techniques. Over 27 years, they have transformed waste land into beautiful eco-gardens; maintaining a focus on sustainability in everything they do.

They engage with the local community through their monthly stall at the St Albans Farmers Market, where they sell the produce they have grown in their garden and allotments. At their seasonal events and workshops, they champion social inclusion, protection of the environment, and sustainable living.

Find out more about Earthworks here.

Everyone deserves the best experience possible at the end of life, with access to high quality care and support when and where they need it most.

That's why Marie Curie is inviting people living in the East of England who have been affected by terminal illness to share their experiences. This includes people that are:

• Currently living with a terminal illness
• Supporting and/or caring for someone living with a terminal illness – whether family, friends, volunteers or health or social care professionals
• Bereaved family or friends of someone who has died from a terminal illness in the last two years.

Your input to this survey will help to highlight what is working well with regards to care as well as priority areas for improvement.

Complete the survey here

St Albans City and District Council is conducting a survey as part of its continuing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion within the Council and community. This survey is designed to gather your experience of equality, diversity, and inclusion and what you would like to see improved.

Your feedback will be used to shape the new Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy for 2024-2029, helping to create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

Complete the survey here.

This interactive and engaging one-day course will explore the challenges of recruiting, retaining and managing volunteers. It is ideal for staff who have this responsibility as their role. If you have not already achieved 6 Point Promise accreditation this is an ideal opportunity to get started!

Herts Voluntary Organisations: £70
Statutory & Non-Herts Organisations: £400

Date: Wednesday 25 September 2024 Location: Ver House, Park Industrial Estate, Frogmore, AL2 2WH
Time: 10am - 1pm: Recruiting & Retaining Volunteers 2pm - 5pm: Volunteer Management.

Do you have staff or volunteers who do not have a GSCE grade C/4 level Maths? We can offer courses free of charge to improve the number confidence of your workforce. A wide range of short learning sessions including Excel, Managing Personal Finances and Presenting Data, can all be accessed online in your own time. If you, your staff or volunteers are interested please email training@communities1st.org.uk for more information, or call us for a chat on 01727 649950.

Para Dance UK aims to develop and promote dance as an inclusive leisure activity across the country for those who would otherwise be excluded. Para Dance UK offers and runs courses online for people who want to provide their own inclusive dance classes.

A limited number of fully funded courses (worth £650) are available to those who live or work in Hertfordshire. (A deposit is required) Once you complete the IDT course, you can run your own dance sessions and will receive six-months of Affiliate Membership for free. Benefits include support to develop your professional practice, and guidance to set up groups and run sessions within your community under Para Dance UK's ethos and ethics, insurance cover and access to CPD courses.

This is useful for anyone who needs to deliver a presentation to clients, colleagues or the public. If the thought of public speaking makes you a little nervous, this course is for you. It requires no prior knowledge.

This online session is fully funded to staff and volunteers from Hertfordshire's voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations.

Date: Wednesday 11 September 2024    Time:12:30pm-1:30pm                    Location: Online

Hertfordshire Sports Partnership is hosting The Black and Faith Experience webinar in October. In this webinar, the intersection of race and faith within the Black community will be explored. They will delve into the rich diversity of experiences, perspectives, and challenges faced by Black individuals who belong to various faith traditions. They will also aim to foster a deeper understanding of the unique dynamics and contributions of the Black and Faith experience. Join them and learn how to cultivate an environment that respects and embraces the intersectionality of race and faith.

Date: Monday 9 October 2024                    Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM                      Location: Online

Click here to register

St Albans City and District Council are hosting a Gypsy and Traveller Awareness Session run by GATE. GATE is leading the session and are a community led organisation, working in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas to promote awareness of the issues that affect the Gypsy Traveller Communities.

Date: Wednesday 9 October 2024      Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM                Location: St. Albans Civic Centre

To book onto this session please contact equality@stalbans.gov.uk.

Join Hertfordshire County Council's  diversity and inclusion team to address the impact of the increasing and varying level of needs and marginalisation within our communities. This course is designed for individuals passionate about creating positive change in their communities and will help them to build their knowledge and skills on what really works to bring people together, tackle injustice, and increase cohesion. This event is free to attend.

• Hours: Full time/ Part time
• Salary: £35,745- £39,186 per annum (pro -rata)
• Location: Hertfordshire

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Salary: £35,745 - £39,196 per annum
• Location: Base locations in Stevenage and Apsley

• Hours: 30 - 37 hours per week
• Salary: £26,370 p.a. pro rata
• Location: Ver House, Frogmore, St Albans AL2 2WH

• Hours: 24 hours per week

• Salary: £24,649 p.a pro-rata

• Location: Ver House, Frogmore, St Albans AL2 2WH