During the transition of Birmingham and Solihull Connexions into the respective local authorities, VCS Matters is ‘co-ordinating' the CVSF (Connexions Voluntary Sector Forum) in Birmingham.  This section of the website has all the relevant information on the CVSF around transition & next steps, signposting & contact details, achievements & testimonials and the Bursary Fund. In addition, future arrangements once known will be available here.

CVSF was originally set up in 2002 to ensure that Connexions and the VCS were working in partnership in ensuring better outcomes for young people (13-19) and to ensure the VCS had far more strategic influence on relevant policy. The CVSF has been led by elected representatives from the VCS in partnership with Connexions and BVSC

During the transition period (3-6 months) of Connexions into the local authority, VCS groups who have worked with Connexions, CVSF and the wider children's agenda will still have access to the services as previously provided.

VCS Matters is taking the lead for the CVSF in Birmingham during transition.  The first port of contact for VCS groups working in Birmingham is Jason Wright at VCS Matters on jasonw@bvsc.org or 0121 678 8832 (Thursdays and Fridays).  Jason is co-ordinating the work of the CVSF for the transition period and will assist you accordingly.

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Connexions - The Way Forward

Following the transition of Connexions to the local authority at the beginning of October, VCS Matters hosted the "Connexions Way Forward Event" at St. George's Post 16 Centre on 9 October to look at the future direction of the Connexions Service and the wider "worklessness" agenda in Birmingham.

In her presentation on "Worklessness - As A City Priority" Chrissie Garrett (Assistant Director for Inclusion Services, Children, Young People and Families Directorate at Birmingham City Council) highlighted some of the initiatives that will be adopted in Birmingham including the Working Neighbourhoods Fund and an apprenticeship scheme. Dave Foster, the newly appointed IYSS (Integrated Youth Support Service) Lead Officer for Connexions spoke with optimism about the opportunity an Integrated Youth Support Service provided, to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people, through a service structure that promotes working co-operatively rather than in isolation.

Key messages of the afternoon included the allocation of £114 million to Birmingham in the form of the Working Neighbourhoods Fund over a three year period from 2008 - 2011. The fund is aimed at supporting a concentrated approach to getting people in the most deprived areas of Birmingham into work and will be distributed through Area Based Grants.

CESPS (Constituency Employment and Skills Plans) and NESPS (Neighbourhood Employment and Skills Plans) NESPS will be developed in areas of the City with high concentrations of worklessness, defined by areas having 12 or more SOAs (Super Output Areas) with a worklessness rate of 25% or above. 7 NESPS have been identified: Aston, Lozells and East Handsworth, Kingstanding, Nechells, Washwood Heath, Sparkbrook and Shard End.

Although the Connexions Service is changing it will continue to provide services to young people through the existing voluntary sector hub arrangements for at least the duration of the transition period of 3-6 months.

The Third Sector Assembly Birmingham and VCS Matters are planning a seminar for December 2008 to continue the policy discussion on worklessness and will consider the implications of worklessness as a key strategic priority both nationally and locally. Details to follow soon.