Local support providers want to work with LEPs - Capacitybuilders report
85% of local voluntary & community sector (VCS) support and development organisations want to work with Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), according to research published by Capacitybuilders.
The report Local Enterprise Partnerships and Civil Society also finds, however, that only 15% of support providers have been approached to be involved.
In their original invitation to local public and public sector organisations to submit proposals for forming LEPs, Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills, and Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, made no mention of the VCS.
Research shows that VCS organisations make a very significant contribution to their local areas, but there is no specific requirement for them to be involved in the development of LEPs.
In response to urgent discussion, led by NAVCA, Minister for Decentralisation and Civil Society, Greg Clark, stated that VCS organisations were “welcome” to participate in LEPs.
In most areas, the membership of LEPs has yet to be finalised, so the local VCS is strongly encouraged to engage with public and private sector organisations to identify ways of working in partnership.
Note: NAVCA’s Policy and Communications team is collating evidence of VCS enagement in LEPs across the country. If you have experience to share, please contact Robert Beard.
- Local Enterprise Partnerships and Civil Society Infrastructure report
- Greg Clark ‘welcomes’ VCS engagement
17 December 2010
