Third Sector survey shapes the future of skills provisions across the region

ORGANISATIONS within the Third Sector are being given a unique opportunity to get their voices heard about their current and future skills needs across the region.

A survey, in the form of a questionnaire, has been jointly developed by the Regional Learning Partnership (RLP) and partners within the county's five voluntary councils (CVC's).

This is part of a wider profiling exercise, funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), through the RLP, which seeks to define the regional picture of the third sector and demonstrate its contribution to education, skills and regeneration.

The CVC's include Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services, Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services, Swansea Council for Voluntary Service, Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service and Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations.

Looking at key themes including the role of each organisation within the community, the questionnaire also addresses the current impact of the various organisations, staff recruitment, volunteer and trustee numbers and how each organisation is being recognised.

Speaking about the importance of undertaking this survey, Executive Director of Carmarthenshire's Association of Voluntary Services (CAVS), Mandy Jones, said: "This questionnaire provides a real opportunity for the role of the voluntary sector across south west Wales to be recognised.

"It's an important piece of work and the support and input of organisations working within this sector is vital as the information gained through this exercise will help determine how services are delivered, if and how staff and volunteers access training and develop opportunities and help reinforce the impact of the sector to strategic decision makers and others."

Once all the questionnaires have been collated, the valuable information contained within each will help form the basis of a final report which aims to influence future funding and policy around the third sector.

This report will be available in late spring/early summer this year and will be launched at an event to an audience of policy makers.

To access the questionnaire, which should take no longer than a few minutes to complete, log onto the RLP website at www.rlpsww.org.uk. Follow the link to the 'Third Sector Questionnaire' and once completed, click submit. Alternatively, for a postal copy or further details, call the RLP Team on 01554 742430. The deadline for submission is February 20, 2012.

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