VOICES

VOICES is a network of County Wide Voluntary organisations and Councils for Voluntary Service in East Sussex. The network has been in existence for some 4 years, and was established to:

• Be a focal point for the Voluntary and Community Sector in East Sussex
• Share information
• Promote the interests of the sector
• Be a channel of communication internally for members, and externally with other agencies.
• Champion the Voluntary Sector in East Sussex

The network meets six times a year, and communicates extensively via email. In its representation remit, it has representatives on various partnerships and working groups, including the East Sussex Strategic Partnership, the East Sussex Economic Partnership, the East Sussex Learning Partnership, the Compact Working Group and the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Members of the network also meet regularly with senior officers of the County Council, to discuss issues of mutual concern.

VOICES can also act as a representation channel, in providing a path, usually through its constitution members, for smaller organisations to engage in consultation processes. It is recognised that it is not possible for one body to represent the wider voluntary sector, but representation can be facilitated by good and effective channels of communication.

The Voluntary and Community sector recognises the importance of being involved in partnerships such as the ESSP, to which it brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and grassroots engagement. The sector believes partnership involvement brings mutual benefit, and wants to be able to contribute to the planning and development of community services in East Sussex.

For further information contact the Co-ordinator
Robin Olivier
01273 405456
robin.olivier@ruralsussex.org.uk