Decision details

To review the current support that the Council funds for the voluntary sector, consider alternative means of support that is available across the Borough and propose a new approach to securing this valued support for the period 2023-2026.

Fareham Borough Council recognises the tremendous value of the voluntary sector throughout the Borough.  To ensure local charities and voluntary organisations are thriving to the best of their abilities, the Council funds the provision of support around the ‘Big 3’ of governance, volunteering and funding.  For the last 7 years One Community has provided this service on behalf of the Council.

One Community’s current contract expires on 31 March 2023

The report reviews the support that has been provided for the voluntary sector in recent years and proposes a new approach to securing this support for the period 2023 -2026.

RESOLVED that the Executive approves the following annual allocations and commitments for the next 3-year period:

(a)  the allocation of £7,500 from the Community Fund budget to which local charitable organisations can apply to secure their first year’s membership to Action Hampshire and /or access their specialist advice around a governance issue of particular concern, with the applications for these grants being agreed by the Executive Member for Leisure and Community;

(b)  the award of a grant agreement to Communities First Wessex for £10,000 for the provision of support around securing and retaining volunteers;

(c)  the development of a new Council webpage providing clear links to support around governance, volunteering and funding for charitable organisations, with a one-off allocation of £2,000 for the development of the webpage and promotion of the new package of services; and

(d)  the allocation of £2,000 for the planning and delivery by Communities First Wessex of an annual Community Showcase event, to celebrate the local voluntary sector and encourage networking between organisations that are located within the Borough and provide a service to the residents of Fareham.