LSPs and the Voluntary/Community Sector

Voluntary and Community Sector engagement has its own set of challenges.  The following challenges have been cited as the most common:-

•    Lack of resources
•    The time to engage
•    Not being paid to participate takes away resources from the organisation in delivering their services. 
     In comparison all statutory sector involvement is paid for
•    Complicated systems
•    Style of governance
•    Unequal division of power and approaches to leadership

Despite these challenges, Voluntary Action North Lincolnshire (VANL) is an active and committed member of the North Lincolnshire Strategic Partnership (NLSP) and is involved in activities including outreach and consultation amongst groups and organisations in disadvantaged communities and the selection, support and training of representatives from the community and the voluntary sector that participate in LSP processes.  Another member of the LSP Board, the Humber and Wolds Rural Community Council (HWRCC), is also involved in a number of projects, including the LEADER programme.  This programme involves bidding for funding to help disadvantaged communities within rural areas to grow and develop and improve the area that they live in, something that the NLSP is passionate about.  Other active and committed members of the LSP Board from the voluntary and community sector include the Crosby Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder (Crosby NMP) and the Local Involvement Network for North Lincolnshire.