North-West Community Network - Future Direction

Following a recent evaluation of the work of the North-West Community Network the organisation is currently assessing its future role within the community and voluntary sector in the North-West.

The Network was established ten years ago and over time the role and functions of the Network have remained largely focused on face-to-face group support. The Network is considering re-focusing its work to concentrate most of its efforts on influencing policy that affects the community and voluntary sector in the North-West.

The time has come for the Network to re-examine its role within the sector for a number of reasons.

• The most recent strategic vision for the Network (Development Plan 1999-2002) is out of date
• After 10 years there is a need for a re-focus of the work of the organisation to reflect the changes in the sector over the period
• The sector is facing a time of massive policy change – there is a need for a strong representative organisation to reflect the views of the sector in the North-West
• There is a need for the community sector to take a strategic role – this needs to be co-ordinated

The Network is keen to consult with its member organisations to ensure that:

• The needs of the sector in the North-West will still be serviced by the Network if this new policy direction is to be followed
• That the Network members have the chance to influence how any change to the organisation will be shaped
• The Network is keen to ensure that is has the support of its member organisations in taking the organisation in a new direction

The following consultation sessions will be held during the month of May at which the proposed new direction of the Network will be detailed.