Chief Executive's Comments

Ian Paterson, ACVO Chief Executive

16th July 2010

Last Monday, with the office fairly quiet due to the public holiday, I managed to get some more of the final touches carried out at our premises. Although it is now over six months since we arrived at Greyfriars House, with the Volunteer Centre joining us,  ACVO  becoming The Single Interface for the City’s THIRD SECTOR and as ever a limited budget,  it has taken longer than I had wanted to have the premises suitable for the role that we now carry out. After the holiday break we are arranging an Open Day and will welcome you all, well nearly you all, to our new premises.

This week and last saw our new colleagues Alexis Craig, Andrea McDougall and Luthien Lark join us in their new roles as Community Animators. ACVO will manage this project and the “Three Musketeers” have taken up the challenge of getting as many people as possible back into employment. I know the ladies have already been contacted by some of you and for any others, they can now be contacted at ACVO.

AND FINALLY…. what a great Wednesday evening at Edinburgh Castle listening to Rod Stewart in the torrential rain as a birthday gift from my wife and what a fantastic celebration in the office at lunch time yesterday with my colleagues and Chairman. Thanks guys.  Still some birthday cake left for anyone at the office today!     

9th July 2010

The ingredients were right and from all comments the end product pleased all!  Last Saturday’s THIRD SECTOR FAYRE of course! With a great day outside, many who had been attending the International Market in Union Terrace then  drifting up to the Music Hall and nearly fifty THIRD SECTOR organisations represented in the hall and on the stage, our 2010 event has convinced us that this will now be an annual event and we are looking toward other changes following comments from those attending.

The entertainment provided a welcome break for the 1,000 people attending and it was particularly pleasing to see the wide array of organisations, large and small, which showed the value and volume of the THIRD SECTOR in Aberdeen. A big thank you to all the ACVO team for their work prior to and on the day. An even bigger thanks to MICHELLE DUFF for her co-ordination.

AND FINALLY….. Please click here for information about our colleagues the COMMUNITY ANIMATORS  and then follow up by contacting them.  More about them next week.  

2nd July 2010

With everybody in the office packing all the materials that will be required for the THIRD SECTOR & VOLUNTEERING FAYRE at the Music Hall tomorrow between 10am and 3pm, I feel a little guilty sitting here doing “my bit”, that is reminding you all of the event. However we need you to be there to make the day the success it must be. With challenging days ahead of us once again, we need to show the citizens of Aberdeen, no matter what Sector they work in, what the THIRD SECTOR can and will do. I regularly remind YOU and others of the value and volume of the Sector but on this occasion with what is on show,  we must all display  what the THIRD SECTOR is doing at present and tell all those attending what we can do in the future. Remember it is an Aberdonian’s fayre, with FREE ADMISSION !!!!  

The Fayre could be a good start for those of you who are already counting the number of shopping days until Christmas. More importantly however are the THIRD SECTOR Christmas events. This year’s Celebration of Christmas will again be at the Citadel and will be held on WEDNESDAY 8TH DECEMBER. You will be provided with more detail as the weeks roll on but get the date in your diaries now! The previous week, on FRIDAY 3RD DECEMBER you are ALL invited to the ACVO and Friends Christmas Party at TIGER TIGER. More details to follow but again get the date in your diary.  If you want to more information on any of the ACVO Events, please contact Michelle Duff.

Last week I told you about the consultation that Aberdeen City Council wants us all to take part in about the inevitable budget cuts for 2011/12 and onward. On Tuesday I went to another similar briefing with Community Planning Partners.

We heard again about how the Council want to hear your views in order that the cuts can reflect what our Sector and the citizens of Aberdeen think the Council should be doing on our behalf. A 5-year business plan is being prepared to tackle the solution in that period rather than simply deal with the issue on an annual basis. Details of how you can involve yourself are provided here. Remember a plan with no action is a dream but action with no plan is a nightmare !

AND FINALLY……. we have done it ! We have found someone who is willing to work as the ACVO Communication Assistant, WITH MICHELLE DUFF!!!!!!!! Seriously,  ACVO welcomes SARAH McGARVA and we all look forward to working with her.   Sarah’s start date is Wednesday 28th July 2010. 

25th June 2010

As you should all be aware on the 1st April 2010, ACVO became the THIRD SECTOR INTERFACE for Aberdeen. This new role came as a result of an agreement between The Aberdeen City Alliance, the senior group in the Community Planning Process within Aberdeen and VSA. The latter were involved as they were responsible for the Volunteer Centre Aberdeen whilst it was situated in Castle Street, Aberdeen. Since April the Volunteer Centre has been part of ACVO and based at Greyfriars House.

The main role of the INTERFACE is to act as a “One Stop Shop” for those in the THIRD SECTOR and those wishing to communicate in any way with members of that Sector. Specifically the Scottish Government looks for ACVO, wearing its “One Stop Shop” hat,  to be the link between the Community Planning Process and the THIRD SECTOR and to promote and support social enterprise, the voluntary sector and volunteering.

As part of this role, on Tuesday, I,  colleagues from ACVO and  representatives of a cross section of the Third Sector attended a briefing held by Aberdeen City Council within the Council Chambers. Partners from the private sector as well as a number of Council colleagues and others heard from Councillors John Stewart and Kevin Stewart, Chief Executive Sue Bruce and Stewart Carruth, Director of Corporate Governance.

We were advised by them of the reasons that further difficult decisions, in relation to the budget of Aberdeen City Council, need to be made. In order to make the substantial cuts in the budget it will be necessary  for them to review ALL that the Council does and consider that against what it is required to do by law. Priorities will require to be established and provision made on the basis of these. This information will be part of the consideration that will be carried out within the Council as they construct their Business Plan for the next five years.

In order that those who live and work in Aberdeen have an opportunity to be involved in the process and that the Council can have the “honest engagement with citizens of  Aberdeen” that it wishes, a number of briefings have taken place and a further has been arranged for next Tuesday, a project team has been established to carry out the work and a programme of work that includes further opportunities for consultation in August and September has been initiated.

In order that the views of the THIRD SECTOR can be heard it is vital that YOU give your views. Last year when there were over £300,000 of cuts identified by the Council in relation the THIRD SECTOR grants, after consultation that sum was reduced to just over £70,000 and a number of organisations which thought that they would not survive, are still operating. As we are provided with further detail of the consultation so we will pass it on to the members of ACVO and those generally in the THIRD SECTOR.

It is vital at this difficult time that we engage, to ensure our views are heard and that we can convince our colleagues in the Public and Private Sectors that  the volume and value of the work presently carried out by  our Sector, can be extended further.

AND FINALLY…… last Friday evening I and my wife enjoyed the hospitality of  Buchan Dial a Bus at their 10th birthday celebrations at the Ban Car Hotel, Crimond. The service started over ten years ago with volunteer drivers using local authority vehicles one day a week providing a service to their local communities. And as they say, the rest is history!  Now using sixteen vehicles with more to be purchased soon, a turnover of nearly £400,000 and an enthusiastic committee, staff and group of volunteers they are a real example to all of us.      

18th June 2010

We are still very keen to complete the “biggest jigsaw in Aberdeen” and map out what THIRD SECTOR organisations exist in or operate in Aberdeen. As we go into even more difficult times in terms of finance this information WILL HELP US TO HELP YOU. Please complete our online survey.

11th June 2010

“You don’t have to be mad to work here,  but it does help” must have been the motto of my colleagues Sarah Irvine and Michelle Duff, when last weekend they took part in a firewalk in aid of the Terence Higgins Trust at Colpy, Oldmeldrum.

They apparently enjoyed themselves, but more importantly a big thank you to all who sponsored them in order to raise nearly £400. Well done ladies! 

AND FINALLY…… on Wednesday I chaired the Integrated Children’s Services event at the Beach Ballroom. Some great speakers, views exchanged and identification of suggested priorities for the new plan. Kay Dunn of Aberdeen City Council will provide further information in a future bulletin. Great to see the real integration of over 150 members of staff for such an important day.

4th June 2010

This week I am looking forward in my diary to a meeting on Monday with the Scottish Government Minister, Fergus Ewing MSP, and some of my colleagues from the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership. As you may recollect the Partnership is a Challenge Forum of the Community Planning Partnership and at present I and a number of colleagues from that team are putting together a drugs strategy for Aberdeen for the next few years. This will undoubtedly be a large part of our conversation but there will be an opportunity for other issues.

If you have something you would like me to raise and it is connected with the work of the ADP, please either phone me at 0778 9892 639 or e-mail me and I will look for an opportunity to raise it with the Minister.

Most of you will recollect all of the attention that was given to the question of changes to Union Terrace during the last few months. This week at the Aberdeen Homes Forum, another of the Challenge Forums of The Aberdeen City Alliance, I heard of an even greater problem that is with the city now and will continue to be a difficulty for the next few years – the lack of affordable housing in Aberdeen.

I have been aware of this issue for some years but in being provided with detail by colleagues on the Forum I now appreciate even more how serious the situation is and will be. Sandy Murray, the Chair of the Forum will be providing the information to TACA and at that time we will include that information in this bulletin.

Following our very successful Social Economy Breakfast and Business Know How event last week at the Arts Centre, and there is a picture below showing me being nice to our RBS colleague Duncan Sloan.

Could all delegates from the Business Know How Event on the 27th May 2010 send back their action plans/evaluations or just email their comments.
    
AND FINALLY……   We had a day at ACVO, during the week, preparing our three year Business Plan. We have already consulted a good number of our members, clients and partners but if you have views as to what you think we should be doing for you please let us know.

21st May 2010

On Tuesday I and my colleagues from the Aberdeen Works Challenge Forum of the Aberdeen Community Planning Partnership attended the Aberdeen Works Conference 2010 at the Beach Ballroom. We welcomed nearly 150 others who are all involved in employment and employability issues.

The Conference delegates all appeared to enjoy the plenary speakers which included the Scottish Government Minister for Employment, Keith Brown, Councillor John Stewart, leader of Aberdeen City Council and Colin Mackenzie, Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council.

I am sure they would agree with me however, the "main speaker" of the day turned out to be STEVE MIDDLETON who is now working at Union Square but for more than 8 years struggled with employment and mental health issues. He spoke quietly but eloquently about his difficulties, how the system helped him and of the individuals, particularly "Agnes" who saw him back along the path to recovery, employment  and a more stable life for his partner and him. If evidence was ever needed that the type of process Aberdeen Works Employment Pipeline has instituted was of value, it is there in the story of Steve Middleton. A well done to Ailsa Duncan and Gillian Robertson of the LOAN Team and our Michelle Duff for a worthwhile day, which was very well organised and particularly thought provoking.

As many of you will remember, at the end of last year the ACVO Team were devastated when Sarah Dickinson and her family were involved in a serious road accident which resulted in her receiving injuries to a shoulder and arm and her 17 year old son Sam fracturing his spine. Since that time Sarah has been unable to return to work supporting The Civic Forum of The Aberdeen City Alliance through her post in ACVO. Over the last few months I have updated you from time to time with Sam's progress and within the last few weeks he has had his first weekend home, HAS BEEN STUDYING FOR HIS EXAMS and the Dickinsons have been preparing for Sam to come home. The story of Sam's tenacity is worthy of many more than these few lines but for his Mum, Dad, brother, family and friends it has been a long and difficult path, which their faith has helped them travel along. As Sarah and her family carry out the next part of the journey, she has decided it would be easier for them if she did not have the additional concerns of her work with ACVO  and so she resigned at the end of April. I know from what Ross Grant, the present Chairman of the Forum, Lavina Massie his predecessor and others involved in the work of The Forum have said, she has achieved much in the three years she has in the post. She has been an excellent colleague to all at ACVO and has shown the type of enthusiasm and energy that we at ACVO benefit from. We wish SARAH and her family all the best for the future.  

AND FINALLY....... keep completing our surveys please!!!!!!!

14th May 2010

As many of you will know over the last few weeks we have been carrying out a number of changes at Greyfriars House, in the main to ensure that Volunteer Centre Aberdeen is totally integrated as quickly as possible.

These works have meant a degree of inconvenience to all our members, clients and stakeholders and I need to apologise for this. By the end of the month we will be able to provide the better meeting rooms and other facilities that we saw Greyfriars House providing for all that we do business with.

During the last few months there has been much going on at ACVO and more than a little extra work for all of the staff. They have responded magnificently and I know from my discussions with our Chair Doug Duthie and other members of the Executive Committee, that their efforts have been really appreciated. This particularly applied to Rod, Mike and Sonya who have coped well with a reduction of space, difficulty with IT and us not being able to resolve a number of issues, a bringing together to form THE SINGLE INTERFACE, can create. Over the next few weeks these issues will also be dealt with.

AND FINALLY…… remember  about our surveys:

• Aberdeen's Third Sector Jigsaw
• Helping ACVO Plan The Future - With You In Mind!

7th May 2010

I want to speak to you all about the “buzz” in the office these last few days due to the physical changes we are making in order to provide better facilities for staff, members and clients.

I want to tell you about how well Rod, Mike and Sonya have accepted the associated problems of the “flit” of Volunteer Centre Aberdeen to Greyfriars House. I need to ensure that you are aware how quickly the concept of  “The Single Interface” has been already understood.

However with builders working in different parts of the office, boxes spread throughout our premises and a number of tasks to be completed for colleagues, things are a little busy.

I hope you have all had a less hectic week than my colleagues and I!

AND FINALLY…… remember  about our surveys:

• Aberdeen's Third Sector Jigsaw
• Helping ACVO Plan The Future - With You In Mind!

30th April 2010

This week we say “BYE”  to our two temporary colleagues from Robert Gordon University, Chi Chi and Bernardo. Both have been with us for a month carrying out different tasks within our Communications Department and have been of real value to Michelle, not only on the basis of the work they have been carrying out but also in lifting her spirits as she “ploughs through” the work that she has been doing since David Young left some weeks ago. Never mind Michelle help is at hand, post to be advertised next week!!

Chi Chi is from Nigeria whilst Bernardo is Venezuelan and both are attending RGU for a course of study which lasts for a year. This means that both are away from home for that period and so have that added stress to their course and heavy workload for their studies. You may have already seen some of their work and not realised it and you will be seeing more in due course. ACVO thanks them both for their work but more importantly for their friendship and good humour whilst part of our team.

Some of our team have VOLUNTEERED to take part in the FireWalk, a real walk over hot burning coals, in Oldmeldrum on June 4th this year. The walk is in aid of the Terence Higgins Trust and there is a link so that you can support Michelle Duff and Sarah Irvine in their efforts. Well done ladies, keep us informed.

Judith Robson has her first day today as a VOLUNTEER with ACVO,  helping Alison Chandler with the arrangements for our Social Economy Breakfast and  Business Know How Showcase on 27th May 2010. Spaces available but filling fast so see the link to book. Now that we have settled into our new home at Greyfriars House I will be asking the various volunteers who have submitted their names to us over the last few months, to meet with us to see what they can do for us, and more importantly,  what we can do for the them.

As I speak I hear the sound of workmen from Foyer Works, carrying out improvements within our offices, in order that we can provide better facilities for our members, clients and partners. When some of the work has been completed this will allow our colleagues Rod McDermid, Mike Melvin and Sonya Walker to move home to the VOLUNTEER CENTRE at Greyfriars House. When Catriona Hogg has completed her maternity leave she will have the same opportunity. The Centre will be carrying out the same role but under the ACVO banner. Their “flit” takes place on Thursday 6th May 2010, so more in next week’s bulletin.  
AND FINALLY…….. since my arrival my colleagues and I have been endeavouring to have the work that is carried out by the Third Sector more recognised for it’s value and volume and I think, that is happening. HOWEVER, you need to help us!!

We have expressed at various meetings that the Sector thinks it is not being listened to but we can only improve this by you speaking with us!! Next Friday I will be meeting with partners to continue our work in preparing a Drugs Strategy for the City. This team will be  considering various items of work and ANY relevant statistics or information that can be provided by Third Party Organisations involved in such work is essential.  Please provide this information in order that our partners can see what the Third Sector is doing to reduce the menace of drugs.

AND FINALLY FINALLY. how many of you have not completed our Aberdeen Jigsaw survey? Help us help you.

23rd April 2010

Last Wednesday, I attended the official launch at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel at the Beach Boulevard of the Warm Zone Project in Aberdeen.

The launch was carried out by Lord Provost Peter Stephen and Councillor John Stephen. The Grampian Housing initiative is being progressed by the Cash In Your Pocket Partnership within Councillor Stewart’s ward which covers George Street and the harbour area. The pilot for the project was based in George Street specifically and was the first in Scotland.

The service will advise you if you are receiving all the income you are entitled to in relation to energy and energy saving measures. Contact them on (01224) 200221 or info@ciypp.co.uk

I am about to go to another meeting in relation to the Drugs Strategy we in the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership are bringing together for the City. I asked last week that any organisation or group which is carrying out work in relation to drugs, users and their families contact me with any data that our group can consider. As yet I have not had any responses and as I am really keen that we in the Third Sector are listened to, I request again for contact in relation to such information.

AND FINALLY…… apologies if you are inconvenienced when you visit us at Greyfriars House over the next two weeks. We are having work carried out in order that the Volunteer Centre can be established here and that we can provide better meeting space for our members and clients.                                    

16th April 2010

We are progressing!  The first meeting of the THIRD SECTOR LIAISON GROUP has just taken place at ACVO offices this morning. This group replaces The Voluntary Sector Liaison Group which “had initially been purposeful and effective, but  over the last three years the Group had lost focus and direction and was as a consequence now failing to make the necessary impact.”

The TSLG will meet every three months and will have the Chairs of all THIRD SECTOR FORA, the Director of Social Care and Wellbeing of Aberdeen City Council, Pauline Gerrard and myself from ACVO present.  The Director, Fred McBride may bring other officials to meetings and the Chief Executive, Sue Bruce will attend at least one of the meetings.

A process co-ordinated by Pauline Gerrard on behalf of ACVO will encourage and ensure issues and views of THIRD SECTOR organisations are brought to the attention of the City Council via Mr McBride, who is the Council’s designated liaison person with the Sector. If any of these matters are of an operational nature, Pauline will ensure they are passed to the appropriate person in the council as speedily as possible and will look for responses in a similar timescale. The main business of the group will be “matters of shared interest including strategic planning”.  

At our first meeting we agreed all of the above and how we will ensure the process works for you. The work you need to do is to be aware what the various fora are and who represents you on them. Pauline Gerrard can provide this information to you.

Once again I need you help. As many of you will be aware a 10 year alcohol strategy for Aberdeen was recently launched by the Aberdeen City Alcohol and Drugs Partnership or as many of you will remember it, JADAT. Wearing my Community Planning hat, I am a member of the ADP and am now working with other partners to produce a drugs strategy for the City. As part of our work we need to identify all of the information we can as to drugs, drug users and services provided within the city. Details of these and any statistical information any of you or your organisations have, would be of real value for us to consider along with the information we are able to glean from our Public and Private Sector partners. If you are able to advise me what detail or information you have by the 23rd April, I and my colleagues would be very obliged. The actual data is not required until our meeting on the 7th May but I will be happy to see all that is available as soon as you can.

AND FINALLY…… thank you for all you support for the THIRD SECTOR & VOLUNTEERING FAYRE which will take place on Saturday 3rd July 2010 at the Music Hall, all of the stalls (44) have now been booked.

9th April 2010

With Easter public holidays, whenever they were taken, and sickness in the ACVO camp, this week has been a “batten down the hatches” period for those of us left.

With our colleagues from the Aberdeen Volunteer Centre joining us shortly, I have spent much of my week trying to make best use of our premises for those calling at the soon to be opened Volunteer Centre. When the builders have confirmed details they will be passed on to you.

Like many of you I attend a considerable number of meetings during the week and indeed at this time I await the arrival of partner colleagues for a meeting of the Aberdeen City Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, Drug Strategy Task Group. We are working together to have a strategy for drugs in the City in place within the next six months, similar to the recently launched Alcohol Strategy. More as we move it along.

One of the difficulties following the attendance at such a meeting is keeping everyone up to date and indeed a few weeks ago when I was at a Fairer Scotland Fund meeting, a number of those attending were asking about the work and figures in relation to the Aberdeen Works Group and the spending of the  Alcohol and Drugs Partnership. To address these questions is usually quite easy, as most of the information is on one website or another. However as it is not always easily found in websites and not everyone has easy access to this information my colleague Pauline Gerrard and I will, in future try to have as many updates as possible within these pages.

AND FINALLY……. remember about the ACVO Business Plan consultation. Your chance to hep us help you!

2nd April 2010

“THINGS THEY ARE A CHANGING” here at ACVO!   In March two years ago the Scottish Government wrote to all Volunteer Centres and Councils for Voluntary Service to tell them about  the process for funding from 2008 to 2011. Within that letter they stated that “As you know, the Scottish Government has identified its purpose as being to increase sustainable economic growth for Scotland and believes that the third sector in all its forms has a major contribution to that purpose and ensuring that all of Scotland flourishes.” The Government linked the resources to be made available to CVS’s, to the commitment made by the network in the national business plan “Thrive and Connect” to a greater involvement with local authorities and Community Planning Partners and to the achievement of a quality standard in a process known as PQASSO.

In a number of other letters, documents and meetings since then, greater detail of how the Government wished the Sector to move toward  “the new stronger interface” was provided albeit it was stated clearly that decisions on form or structure should be a matter for decision at the local level. Following this, discussions were held between Community Planning Partners, VSA who managed the Volunteer Centre and ACVO with a view toward ACVO becoming the single interface within Aberdeen.

Whilst this work was ongoing the Government suggested that the functions of the interface should be supporting voluntary organisations, supporting and promoting volunteering, supporting and developing social enterprise and ensuring connection between the Community Planning Partnership and the third sector and this is what those partners detailed above, have agreed.

So, yesterday after much work by all partners ACVO became the ABERDEEN SINGLE INTERFACE. There is still much work to be done with the establishment of the VOLUNTEER CENTRE here, the highest of the priorities, but the first objective of setting up the INTERFACE has been completed. Much more about this in the weeks to come.

As we move forward we are trying to decide what we should be doing for the membership of ACVO, clients and partners generally and at this particularly difficult time financially. To assist us in this part of our business planning we have set up a survey monkey and I would be very grateful if YOU would help us to help you by completing the survey. It will only take you a few minutes, will have an influence on what we will be doing and an impact on the 3rd SECTOR.

Since I came to ACVO I have realised very quickly the VALUE of the 3rd SECTOR and all that it does. What I have had difficulty with, is the volume. All of my colleagues know of a great many organisations and groups, but all of us agree, we do not know about all that is out there in the 3rd SECTOR. So with the support of THE GRAMPIAN FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE,  my colleagues Pauline Gerrard and Louise Farmer are helping me to complete the ABERDEEN THIRD SECTOR JIGSAW. We need YOUR help with this item of work also, but in June we should be able to help you by having a database of 3rd SECTOR organisations which will help GFRS to carry out more of their Community Safety work and initiatives and you with future projects or items of work.

You more than anyone, know of the benefits the 3rd SECTOR within Aberdeen and indeed the North East, gains from this E-Bulletin. Over the last year, as I indicated last week, the funding situation of the  E-Bulletin has changed and indeed now only NHS Grampian contribute toward the costs of the publication. Our Executive Committee are aware of this situation and are considering how we should best address this issue. However this E-Bulletin is the life blood of ACVO and it will continue. Michelle Duff and I have spoken about how we can move the E-Bulletin forward and how we can communicate with you generally. A major part of our communication strategy will be the soon to be launched  3rd SECTOR MAGAZINE.  We hope to produce these quarterly with the first now at the preparatory stages. We have had a huge response to people wanting to be become involved in this. 

AND FINALLY….. During the next month, Michelle Duff will have two RGU Communication’s students, Chi Chi and Barnardo, working with her. As I told you previously, Stephen Watson our last student, was of real benefit to ACVO and I am looking forward to these colleagues joining us.   

26th March 2010

I am told some of you have expressed comments over the limited bulletin last Friday and wanted to clarify why we published a restricted document. The E-bulletin is obviously of real benefit to the 3rd Sector and all those who receive it, but what many of you may not appreciate is that the document consumes a fair amount of ACVO time to prepare and circulate and last week with Michelle Duff on holiday it was impossible to provide anything further.

Although the front page identifies a number of sponsors, in reality for some time, only NHS Grampian and ourselves have been contributing toward the running costs. When I became Chief Executive I decided there should be an E-Bulletin sent out every week.  Since David Young left ACVO, we have been trying to cover all of the work he and Michelle in the Communications Team used to carry out and last week it meant a restricted edition. The items covered were important and resulted in responses to us, so in my view it proved it’s worth once again. Be assured that although it does at times pressurise us, the E-bulletin will continue albeit at times in a restricted form.

As you will see from the front page of this weeks E-Bulletin, at present we at ACVO are carrying out a review of all that we do and next week you will hear of some of the changes that will be occurring in the new financial year. Completion of the Survey Monkey is part of our change process which should in turn help us to help you. Please complete it by Friday 14th May 2010.

19th March 2010

Since my appointment in July last year I have enjoyed sitting down, usually on a Friday, to put a few words together as to my week and some of the issues that affect ACVO members, those clients we do business with and the numerous contacts on the E-bulletin circulation list, as well as the various others who have it “sent on”. I endeavour when I am putting my blog together not to be political with a BIG P and although I think I have done so successfully, you may think otherwise. If that is the case, apologies.

TODAY may be different,  but this is not done intentionally. Many of you will have had your say, formally or otherwise, publically or privately,  quietly or with some volume in relation to THE CITY SQUARE PROJECT and today I am going to tell you what ACVO has said as part of the consultation process.

In the early 1990’s I was involved in a work group established to discuss what could be done to improve access to and use of Union Terrace Gardens. There were various organisations represented and although there were some really interesting and sensible suggestions considered and supported, basically nothing happened. Even in those days finance was a problem !

At that time I was there representing my organisation, but also as an “Aberdeen loon”. It was as  the latter however,  that some months ago on hearing of Peacock’s Visual Arts Plan I was supportive of something that made better use of the Gardens and yet also provided a real facility for the benefit of Aberdonians.

Following my appointment, I then heard of professionally,  the City Square Concept and asked in a previous bulletin,  that you made your thoughts and opinions known both to  the official consultation process and  ACVO.  Since that time I as an individual and as Chief Executive of ACVO have been involved in discussions, focus groups and kept up with the media coverage of the issue.

Having seen the benefits of similar projects in Edinburgh, enjoyed using the green spaces of London and seen the better access similar projects have provided to areas elsewhere in the world,  I have told www.thecitysquareproject.com that ACVO are supportive of a project that makes best use of the Gardens.

Within my response I have said that I would like the project to include what Peacock started but I think it could be on a grander scale in order that we can make better use of that area of the city centre. The twists that I have put into the ACVO view however, are that I would like to see the space that would be created as a result of a City Square,  physically becoming the  3rd Sector area in  Aberdeen and that the long history of the city and it’s stone, GRANITE, be continued within that area !

Many of you will be aware that for some time ACVO has been considering the establishment of a location for a 3rd Sector hub and to me the space available at an enlarged project area would be ideal for the numerous organisations within the 3rd Sector. With over 800 Aberdeen charities registered with OSCR ,  an estimated 45,000 people being within 3rd Sector organisations within Aberdeen and the local economy being bolstered by over £270 million by the Sector,  this would be the ideal place within the city.

What better a place to look at the grace of the granite buildings in Union Terrace, the majesty of education, salvation and damnation and to pay homage to those who have died on our behalf in  conflicts throughout the world in the past ?         

12th March 2010

Apologies to all who had to carry on working last Friday afternoon rather than read their most popular publication  of the week, we had GREMLINS. Michelle has been working hard all week to recover the material and it is included in this week’s bumper edition. It is only when we have IT difficulties we appreciate how reliant we are on hardware and software.

Over the last six weeks we have had the pleasure of working with Stephen Watson, a third year student from RGU. He has been working with Michelle and has produced some excellent work for us.

From my point of view a particularly important aspect of his attachment to ACVO has been how well he has settled into the TEAM. We are hoping Stephen does not forget us when he returns to his studies. Thanks Stephen.

One of the shortcomings of him being with us however and of having two further students to be working with us in a few weeks time, is that Michelle has needed to put on her Tutor’s hat. She has done it well but needs a weeks holiday to recover, so don’t look for her next week!

We had a good day at the Blood Donor Session at the Citadel yesterday. With nearly 100 donors GREC and ACVO showed once again what the 3rd SECTOR can do. Well done to all who donated. Please note in the photograph the “medal” I was awarded for my donation – maybe because it is 40 years since my last donation!

5th March 2010

Many of you over the last few weeks and months will have been concerned in relation to the future of The 3rd Sector generally and your organisation specifically,  as the effects of the recession impact on the financial position of Aberdeen City Council.

As many of you will recollect, when the Council started to look at how it could make the savings required of it for 2010/11 it identified over £300,000 of voluntary organisation grants as part of “the cuts”.

At that time my then Chairman, Gordon Kyle, and I started lobbying and making representations to elected members and officials of the City Council.

Others of you did likewise and those much criticised representatives of the City Council have shown that they were listening to the Aberdeen community! As a result, over two thirds of the finance involved as part of the “the cuts” has been restored in some way,  albeit new processes for the future have or will be put in place for the payment of monies .

Since that time and as part of us working with the Council, one of my colleagues has contacted all of the organisations, whether they are receiving grants or not,  to offer the assistance of ACVO in relation to fundraising or governance. If you have not taken up that offer please do so.

AND FINALLY….. nearly half of the appointments that are available at the Blood Donation Session at the Citadel on the 11th March 2010 have been taken up. Please help us to help others by volunteering to give blood. I understand there are various discussions that can take place about the giving of blood but the most important point in all of these, surely, is that donating blood CAN SAVE LIVES ! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE book an appointment on (01224) 812459.

26th February 2010

Along with my colleague Pauline Gerrard last Friday evening I attended at the AECC for the annual GLOBAL ROCK competition arranged by Grampian Police and the Be your Best Foundation. Thirteen academies from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire served us with a fantastic evening of music, drama and dance with Westhill Academy winning the overall award for the evening.

I was really pleased to be at the event, see the standard of those taking part and be able to appreciate the months of work that needs to be done by students, staff and parents to achieve the standard and yet enjoy themselves.  

During the week a number of you may have been contacted by ACVO to tell you whether your funding from Aberdeen Council is to continue or not. We are working with the Council to ensure that those who are not to receive funding or are changing from grant funding to service level arrangements are fully aware of what can be done and by whom. More detail next week.

AND FINALLY……. Have you booked a session at the BLOOD DONOR EVENT on 11th March 2010 ? Please do.  

19th February 2010

As I am off for a couple of days this week to celebrate a SPECIAL birthday for my wife, I have only a few notes for you.

I need to ask you to diary the Blood Donor Session on the 11th March 2010 at the Citadel, full details are available on our website. I was pleased to attend the 80th Birthday celebrations of The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service at The Scottish Parliament last Thursday.

The reception was hosted by Christine Grahame MSP and had three hundred interested colleagues attending. Whilst there I learned of the extremely valuable work carried out by the Service, not only in relation to emergencies, but also in relation to cancer treatment.  “Every minute of every day, someone in Scotland is receiving blood as part of a life-saving or life-enhancing treatment. To meet that demand, we have to collect 5,000 donations every week from people like you.”

AND FINALLY…….I hope to see a good number of you on Friday evening  at the AECC for the annual GLOBAL ROCK  EVENT. Cool man!!!!

12th February 2010

As someone who often complains about colleagues from various organisations, including partners, not being willing to attend meetings and events in “far flung” Aberdeen, this week is different in two ways.

At the ACVO Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 10th February 2010,  my colleague Margaret Wilson the CVS Networks Development Office from SCVO came up from Edinburgh for our AGM. Well done Margaret, someone else that takes her job to heart.

Having been invited to attend the 80th birthday celebrations of the Blood Transfusion Service at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Thursday evening, it would in my mind be wrong not to attend there,  so in a few minutes I’m off to Edinburgh. Give you more detail next week.  

We have a new recruit working with us - Stephen Watson,  who is an RGU placement student working with ACVO’s Communications Officer, Michelle Duff, for six weeks. Stephen has been with us now for two weeks although it seems much longer. He settled very quickly and has proved of real benefit to ACVO and more importantly to Michelle.  

On Monday evening along with Pauline Gerrard I attended the Inaugural Annual Reception of the Aberdeen Students’ Forum. The ASF was formed in 2009 to represent the 60,000 students living and studying in Aberdeen. It is a confederation of the four local Students’ Associations in Aberdeen and is affiliated to the National Union of Students. With an estimated £185 million going to the Aberdeen economy from this sector,  £95,000 being raised in the city for charities and a huge potential for volunteering, as ACVO move toward becoming THE SINGLE INTERFACE within Aberdeen it is vital that we keep in touch with our hosts.

The same evening along with Pauline, Michelle, Stephen and our colleague Rod McDermid from the Volunteer Centre I attended the Fishermen’s Mission Annual Quiz Night at the Ashvale Restaurant on Great Western Road. As well as having a great evening with the other hundred people attending from a variety of organisations, P.R.I.S.M. (the ACVO team), were joint first  until the “tie breaker”,  where even with Rod’s great knowledge of 60’s music, we were beaten. A prize for the person who can decide why we were called P.R.I.S.M. !

AND FINALLY……… remember about the Blood Donation event on the 11th March 2010 between 2.00 – 4.00pm and 5.15pm – 8.00pm, the Blood Transfusion Service with the support of ACVO, GREC and the Quantum Foundation, will an be holding a Voluntary Sector Blood Donation Drive at the Aberdeen Citadel in the Castlegate, Aberdeen. 

5th February 2010

During the last few weeks, my colleagues and I from ACVO have been very involved in discussions with organisations which are grant funded by Aberdeen City Council. The various representatives from the Council have endeavoured to work with us and the clients concerned to produce solutions which will allow the continuation of the services provided and yet ensure the Council is able to work within their budget. The decisions as to these proposals will be made at a meeting of the Council next Thursday (11th) so I intend to update you with as much detail as I can next week.   

On Wednesday, I attended The Aberdeen City Alliance meeting which saw one of the best attendances of the group I have seen for some time. The cross section of organisations represented showed the value of the Community Planning process and that it is representative of the City.  

On the domestic front, the excellent  SEE ME photography exhibition is now in place within our reception area and you must  come along to see the photographs and read the stories detailed  with each. All are worthwhile of a mention but the overall winning photograph and associated words, submitted by MICHELLE JONES and entitled  “IT BREAKS MY HEART TO SEE YOU CRY”  will break you heart  and make you smile!  

We are preparing ourselves for our EFQM assessment with Sandy Mathers taking the lead and for the consultation over our three year Business Plan which  Alison Chandler is co-ordinating. 

AND FINALLY….. if you intend to come along to our AGM at Greyfriars House at 4pm on Wednesday  10th February,  please let Sarah Irvine at 686058  know.  Additionally, ACVO were also asked to develop the Aberdeen City Alcohol and Drugs Partnership website, this has been launched today so please take a look.

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29th January 2010

A very busy week in terms of meetings which should result in benefits to the 3RD SECTOR. I will update you about these issues over the next few weeks.

Earlier in the week I was invited to be part of the consultation process with regard to the CITY SQUARE proposals for Union Terrace Gardens. I am of the firm view we need to make better use of the  Gardens and that the proposals I listened to are worthy of further consideration. However I have also listened to a presentation in relation to the Peacock proposals and see the merit in them also. Please take part in the consultation by visiting the Compare the Square web site at and if you are willing, copy your thoughts to us at ACVO. 

AND FINALLY...... as I type I am being told some of the good news in relation to Council decisions about grants within the sector. For those who have been successful in gaining funding I think we all now need to look ahead and plan a more business like year in order that we do not return to the same  position at the end of the next financial year. ACVO is there to develop, support and represent, why not ask us to help you in these ways?

22nd January 2010

During my years in the Public Sector, for a good number of those years, I found that the best way of getting things done was by working together with others. In more recent years we have referred to this as PARTNERSHIP and this is the way most people think they are doing business.

When I came to work within the 3RD SECTOR I was sure that there would more real PARTNERSHIP working and I was right, albeit there was room for improvement. This week has shown some improvement but has also shown how much more could be done and how much more benefit there could be for all.

Whether you like it or not Aberdeen City Council have found themselves between a rock and a hard place in relation to resolving their budget issues and many within our sector have felt or fear the worst as a result. Prior to this round of budget considerations ACVO generally, were trying to get our 150 members and the 200 plus clients we dealt with last year to appreciate the difficulties in relation to grant funding. Alison Chandler in particular, either through some of her formal discussions, workshops or during informal meetings and discussions has been trying to show how organisations need to review their funding and how much time this may take.

The other side of this difficulty is with those that fund and since my first few weeks with ACVO I have been meeting with colleagues from Council, Health and various other partners to try to ensure they understand our difficulties. It is clear that within the next few years they will be unable to provide all of the services they currently do and clearly they are hopeful we within the 3RD SECTOR can take some of these on and I think we can. Before doing so however we need to ensure the processes to do so are in place and are actual and not simply detailed in a document, often referred to but not actually adhered to.

This week I and my colleagues have been involved in various meetings which show that we are now complying with the hopes and wishes of those that we represent and meet with from the 3RD SECTOR.

On Monday Alison Chandler, Sandy Mathers and I met with a colleague from the City Council to discuss the situation of two member organisations. The basis of these discussions was the acceptance that the Council cannot continue to provide the same funding or indeed any funding in some cases, for all of the organisations currently being provided with finance. However in moving from grant funding to Service Level Agreements or some other such agreement, the Council must accept that if they withdraw support from all of the groups that they have identified and/or are considering, the 3RD SECTOR will be unable to take up some of the slack that has been caused due to the current financial situation. If a sensible timescale is applied many of the problems can be resolved.

The ethos of our discussions is contained within a draft document now with the Council and which we hope will be the subject of discussions at Director level. I know that those involved would like the pace to be faster but if we can get agreement as to the process I think that will greatly assist.

Having met with Fred McBride, Director of Social Care and Wellbeing and one of his senior colleagues the previous week I know that they are also keen to resolve this situation as soon as possible.

During the week I and Pauline Gerrard met with colleagues from the Social Enterprise Network in order to strengthen their relationship with ACVO and to try to have them pass their views to the Community Planning process within Aberdeen via ACVO. I also met with colleagues in The Aberdeen City Alliance Executive Group to discuss how we can have a set of common priorities for the City and we will be producing in March a document which details them.

Yesterday Pauline, Sandy and a colleague from Aberdeen City Council met with nearly thirty representatives of the sector to consider and discuss the Council's draft Commissioning Strategy. I understand the meeting went well and to me this is a practical example of how ACVO can work with the sector and the Council. Further details next week.

During the week I visited Sarah Dickinson at home in Stonehaven. She is looking well although the arm injured in the accident is still causing her pain. She and her family have a very organised routine which allows her to be in Glasgow most of the week with her son Sam. He is progressing well and is now taking part in some fairly arduous sessions in a wheelchair. Sam and the family are to be admired for their spirit.

AND FINALLY......if you have any ideas for "actions designed to tackle local priorities and improve the quality of life for those living and working in Aberdeen" why not contact Elaine Sinclair of Aberdeen City Council. She is co-ordinating such issues before working with her colleagues Ruth Morris, Alan Mulvie and Patricia Frazer to produce Community Plans for each neighbourhood in the City.

Please respond directly to Elaine at Aberdeen City Council, Education, Culture & Sport at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, Conference Way, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8AQ or call her on (01224) 814526 or by e-mail at esinclair@aberdeencity.gov.uk

15th January 2010

As some of you may recall, late in 2008 my predecessor, along with members of the Board of ACVO and a select few interested individuals issued a consultation to consider and create a representation and communication structure for the sector, this I believe was agreed early in 2009.

This was only the initial stages of a process which has been continued by our Liaison Officer, Pauline Gerrard, throughout 2009. ACVO had been tasked to review the Compact which was created in 2005 to support the development of relations with the third sector and community planning partners detailing expectations of each other and how partnership working may become  a reality to benefit the city of Aberdeen.

Through informal conversations with some ACVO members, the third sector fora and others in the sector, Pauline discovered that there are many individuals and organisations in the third sector who very much want to see purposeful partnerships develop. The sector is also ready and willing to begin working collectively as a community, in order to be recognised and valued for the contribution they make to the City and it’s people.

For this reason, since my arrival at ACVO, I have been encouraging the development of the Voice of the Sector. It is crucial that ACVO listen to the sector, hear the challenges they face, to better understand the sector’s needs and offer the appropriate support. This will enable ACVO, as well as developing and supporting 3RD SECTOR organisations, to genuinely represent the sector. I also hope that armed with this information as well as addressing ongoing issues that a more strategic approach to the sector’s needs could be taken, addressed and solutions reached through purposeful dialogue with our partners.

So how will this happen?  Our plan is to bring the sector’s issues and concerns to my attention via the various forums that exist and also via ACVO members. These will be considered at a 3RD SECTOR ACTION GROUP prior to being passed by appropriate channels, to The Aberdeen City Alliance, Challenge Forums, council officials, council committees or perhaps to Government level.

We also want to raise your awareness of the valuable work that has begun to establish robust engagement processes initially with the local authority. I will update you as these are agreed and implemented. In the meantime we need your help to answer some questions to inform our thinking regarding the updating of the Compact. In order to gather your views we have devised a very brief survey monkey which we will distribute in the near future.  It will be even more important in the next few years that the 3RD SECTOR is co-ordinated and well organised, for with the financial changes that we have seen and will see the VOLUME and VALUE of the sector will be even more recognised and in my view even more called upon. HELP US TO HELP YOU.      

AND FINALLY ….. over the last few weeks I have been involved in discussions with partners in relation to how we can further develop the HEALTH AND HOMELESSNESS website. During these discussions, which were based on the responses from a users’ survey it has been made even clearer to me the value of the site and updates provided.  Over three hundred people received the document and most of them are housing professionals. In their valuable responses to the survey they made it clear that the site and updates were one of, or perhaps even, “the” most valuable reference they had as professionals.  All of this and more is testament to the work carried out by ACVO’S David Young and I am disappointed that after nearly four years he is now moving on. I have been impressed with the standard of work that David has carried out for ACVO and the numerous clients it serves. On the other hand I am pleased for David  as he will be working for RGU in a post that will allow him to develop his skills and knowledge further and yet make use of the experience gained while at ACVO. All the best David and thanks for your assistance, both from those at ACVO and all it’s clients you have assisted.

With David away, Michelle will require to keep an eye on a number of other issues for a short while, so please be kind to her!

8th January 2010

As we all drag ourselves back to work, whether due to the weather or just that post festive season down, let me WISH YOU ALL THE BEST FOR 2010. Last year was difficult for society worldwide, the Aberdeen public in general and the 3RD SECTOR specifically. I would like to think it may be better this year and I am hoping it will be.

We have all settled at Greyfriars House albeit we have a few odds and ends to tidy up yet. The meeting rooms are now available for use and if you wish to arrange this you should contact Sarah Irvine on our new main number of (01224) 686058. ACVO is there to help it's members in the first instance but we do not turn non-members away, without seeing what we can do. If you are reading this and are not part of a member organisation why not give me a phone on (01224) 686050 and see if I can convince you of the benefits of ACVO membership.

Our next task is to arrange for the move of the Aberdeen Volunteer Centre to Greyfriars House. Over the next few weeks I will give you the details.

As most of you are aware, in the few weeks immediately before the Festive Season, the City Council had to make various recommendations in relation to the £25 million savings it needs to make in 2010/11. Part of these savings include 3RD SECTOR organisations and over the last few weeks I and my colleagues have been in various discussions with ACVO members, Elected Members and senior officials of the City Council  in order to see what can be done in relation to these recommendations. The Council is in a difficult position having carried out £60 million savings in previous years but they and us need to face these realities.

At this time we have arranged meetings with Council colleagues to see if we in ACVO can be part of the discussions in relation to the establishment of a Service Level Agreements structure to replace the Grants structure. If you are a member of ACVO and you wish to sit down to discuss your position,  please contact us and we will spend some time with you, as we are already doing with others. If you are not members but would still benefit from meeting with us, please contact us. There is always someone or some other organisation that is worse off, I can assure you.

AND FINALLY....... many of you will have met Sarah Dickinson, who is the Development Officer for the Civic Forum of the Aberdeen City Community Planning Partnership but is an employee of ACVO. In the week before Christmas, Sarah and her family were involved in a serious road accident on the A90. As a result of the accident, Sarah's 17 year old son Sam, who had just been told he had gained a place at University, was seriously injured and Sarah damaged her shoulder quite badly.  In the family's view, had it not been for the actions of a paramedic, who happened to be passing, the consequences for Sam could have been even more severe.

Sam damaged his spine and required emergency treatment at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where he was cared for until he was transferred by air to a specialist unit in a Glasgow Hospital, where he is presently. I have spoken with Sarah and my colleague Pauline Gerrard is acting as a liaison officer with her in order that we in ACVO can do all that we can for them. Her husband James and her younger son Andrew are "having to bothy" while Sarah spends as much time in Glasgow with Sam. They have a close and large circle of friends and family who are all pulling their weight to do what they can.  Some of Sam's friends from school have put together a facebook page (which now has 978 members) which you can go to if you wish to be kept updated. The update yesterday indicates "Some more positive developments to report"

So, at a time when most of us have some pretty serious issues to consider, lets all appreciate the scale and impact of others things.  

18th December 2009

HOWEVER, my main reason for writing today, is to thank you all for reading and commenting, whether formally or informally, on the work of ACVO and it's staff during the last year. In my six months as Chief Executive I have learned much of the value and volume of the 3RD SECTOR and have seen a number of areas that we could all be working together at,  better. It has been a difficult year for all of us and no doubt it will be the same in 2010.  Always look at the top of the mountain!!!!

AND FINALLY...... a happy festive season to you all.    

As ACVO's involvement with Aberdeen Council and the partners in The Aberdeen City Alliance increases, so the opportunities to represent the interests of the 3RD SECTOR in Aberdeen also increase.

And finally....... we are in! Same e-mail address, same phone numbers. Come along and see us in our new home!   

3rd December 2009

An early blog this week, so that we can all get our boxes packed on Friday for our move on Monday! After all the months of preparation Monday cannot come too soon. For us it will provide a base closer to many of our day-to-day contacts but more importantly for the members of ACVO and the many colleagues and contacts, Greyfriars House will provide a more central and convenient  venue for us all to carry out business.  

As we had hoped to be in our new offices a week earlier, I had invited my colleagues of the Scottish CVS Eastern Network to Aberdeen for our quarterly meeting. These colleagues had not been up to Aberdeen for some time and I am pleased they are to be here on Friday. One of our partners, the Aberdeen Arts Centre, will be the venue for the meeting and if I have been able to organise my office by a week on Friday, I will update you on some of the matters raised and discussed at the meeting.

Before applying for my current post I saw ACVO as a large family within the 3RD SECTOR and during my four months here I have been trying to perpetuate this image. The 3RD SECTOR Showcase gave many sector colleagues an opportunity to tell others of what they do. Last night was the family party with over one hundred 3RD SECTOR "family members" and friends enjoying each other's company within the Carmelite Hotel. It was really pleasing to see the cross section of 3RD SECTOR organisations, both large and small, which attended the event but even more pleasing to hear the comments last night and read the e-mails this morning, as to how much everyone enjoyed themselves.  I must thank, on behalf of all that attended, Michelle Duff for all her and Sarah Irvine's hard work, which made the event the success it was.  I now realise what "Meesh" does all day!

A real thank you to Roadrunner Disco, the Carmelite Hotel and all those organisations and individuals who donated prizes for the raffles. As you will see from page 3, our special guest "Sandy Claus" came all the way from the south to distribute gifts to all of the "boys and girls" who had behaved during the year!

This evening we will be enjoying our Christmas Carol Celebration at the Citadel and as I type I hear the voices being tuned in the offices around me. Whatever your faith or belief why not join us this evening (7pm) to enjoy the spirit of Christmas. After the service a mince pie and drink for all attending.  It's not too late to change your mind, join us at the Citadel.

Yesterday afternoon along with my colleague Pauline Gerrard I attended a meeting of the Social Enterprise Network. A good number of the most well known social enterprises were represented and we all listened with interest as Geoff Pearson of the Third Sector Division of the Scottish Government provided us with the Government's view of the 3RD SECTOR generally and Social Enterprises specifically. The group has agreed to carry out some work and then meet again. Catch up by viewing their website and in the coming weeks in our E-Bulletin.

AND FINALLY....... to all of my colleagues, executive committee members, ACVO members and partners from other organisations a BIG THANK YOU for your patience, assistance and understanding during the last few months of property circulars, draft leases, IT contracts and everything else associated with moving office. This move will ensure a better service to our membership and ensure the many improvements we have spoken of, can now be implemented. 

27th November 2009

Before I recall some of the week's events, I have some "good news and some bad news" on the domestic front. The bad news is that we will not be moving to Greyfriars House on Monday 30th November after all, but the good news is that WE WILL BE MOVING on MONDAY 7th DECEMBER 2009. As a result of some administrative difficulties we are not able to move until this date so on Friday 4th and Monday 7th December although we will be open for business it will be on a limited basis. If you have difficulty in getting a response from us on our normal numbers or by e-mail on those days please do not hesitate to contact us on 0778 9892 639.

With all that is going on in relation to finance at this time, we have had more than the usual requests for assistance from both Sandy Mathers and Alison Chandler. We are endeavouring to answer all the requests but with the move it may slow us down in terms of response, for a few days. Within the next week or so I and colleagues from ACVO will be invited to a briefing in relation to the Aberdeen City Council budget. Obviously this may affect a good number of you and as soon as I am able to pass on this information, whatever it is, I will do.

During the week I attended a meeting of the Aberdeen Civic Forum where a debate was taking place as to the future of Union Terrace Gardens. If you have been following this story via the media you will know that at this time there are two proposals for future use of the area. The Forum saw and listened to presentations in relation to both proposals and were advised that a formal consultation period will be carried out from January 2010. If you are interested, take part in the consultation.

On Wednesday at The Aberdeen City Alliance (TACA), the theme for the meeting was health. Heather Kelman, NHS Grampian General Manager for the Aberdeen Community Health Partnership area briefed those present and provided details of the consultation, that I have mentioned here previously, as to priorities for health in Aberdeen over the next few years. 

Yesterday I was with colleagues from GREC and the Blood Transfusion Service planning a donor day at the Citadel on the 11th March, 2010 for any of you, particularly members of ethnic minority groups, who wish to become donors. In the new year I will provide further details but at this time I am looking for a reader/s who has had the experience of a blood transfusion, whether as a result of an accident or following child birth, to assist us. If you are able to help please contact me.

I had hoped to be able to publish the winning photographs this week from the SEE ME photographic competition I mentioned in last weeks Comments, however with all that has been ongoing this will have to wait for another edition.

AND FINALLY........ following a very successful 3RD SECTOR showcase I want ALL of you to come along to the Christmas Carol Celebration at the Citadel next Thursday (3rd December). Whatever your faith you can enjoy an evening to celebrate Christmas, singing the well known carols many of us have  grown up with and learned to love and being with colleagues from all of the 3RD SECTOR organisations and groups ACVO deals with.  For many this has been a difficult year, however you should take time out to celebrate what you can when you can and this is the opportunity.     

20th November 2009

In order to keep my readership figures up, this week I am going to run through the week in reverse! At lunchtime today I will be attending the ‘SEE ME’ photographic competition award ceremony. Some of you may remember that I and a number of colleagues were judges in the competition, arranged by David Alexander, Health Improvement Officer - Mental Health with NHS Grampian and his team a few weeks ago. The excellent standard made judging really difficult however I and my fellow judges were unanimous in our decision making. Details of the winners in next week's edition.

In a small team like ACVO we all rely on our colleagues and none more so than at yesterday's 3RD SECTOR Showcase in the Town and County Hall. The main object of the day was to bring together a cross section of organisations within our sector in order to show the value and volume of all that is done by 3RD SECTOR organisations within the City. Lord Provost Peter Stephen, wearing his hat as Lord Lieutenant, and a number of his Deputy Lieutenants were keen to promote The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service often referred to as the MBE for volunteer groups,  and  the Sector generally within the city. We worked with them to attract more than thirty 3RD SECTOR exhibitors and as you will read elsewhere, what a great day.  It is important that we learn for future events of this nature and so you must give us your views. At this time I am more than pleased with the support from our own sector and the public sector but would like to have seen more partners from the private sector. We will need to work harder to ensure their attendance.  Words of praise sent to me, any criticisms to the event organiser Michelle Duff!!!!  When we were setting up for the Showcase at about 7.30am, Michelle had a few concerns about a couple of issues I did not.  Her preparation, her flexibility to accommodate late changes and the overall professional manner of the event were all compliments to her and her team. Having set the standard however, she will need to maintain it with the other ACVO events we have planned for next year!  Well done Michelle ….now ….. what about the party and the Christmas Carol Celebration??  

During the Showcase, ACVO launched it's support for the ‘Equality Across The Board’ window stickers as part of the Diversity and Equality Fortnight of Events. More and more of us are supporting Diversity and Equality and so we must show this by using the stickers.

Getting It Right For Every Child or GIRFEC as it is known to many, is a key national and local priority for the Council, Police, Health, Children's Reporter and the 3RD SECTOR. It is an approach to how these organisations and others "must now resource the effort to redesign and refocus services to deliver a truly child and family centred approach". Families with difficulties want one point of access, one plan and one lead professional to support them but as no one agency can deliver GIRFEC, the success of the approach depends on joint leadership and commitment starting at the most senior level to drive the changes required. On Monday I was one of the "leaders" who spoke at the opening of one of the regular joint GIRFEC courses and to me this will be the most important course those attending will be on, for some time.   

During the week I also attended a briefing carried out by some of my ex colleagues at Grampian  Police in relation to a restructure of Aberdeen Division. Following work done by a team in 2004 the city now operates as one Division with a greater community focus. The changes planned  will increase the number of Community Areas led by Inspectors to 13 albeit still based on the agreed neighbourhoods. These changes will come into effect in January 2010 and should ensure greater ownership of areas by Police staff. We have a part to play, as I have agreed that ACVO will speak with organisations in the areas and arrange for contact with the respective Inspectors so that they and their staff are more fully aware of the 3RD SECTOR involvement in their areas.

AND FINALLY........ having recently returned from maternity leave we are sorry to lose Sushma Shetty from the ACVO team. Sushma worked  with us  for four years in different support roles  but is now moving to Glasgow with her husband and son. I have told her to expect more rain but she is still going! Thanks for your support of ACVO and it's members Sushma, we wish you all the best.

Please remember to enter the Christmas Carol Celebration in you diary on 3rd December—R.S.V.P. to Michelle Duff. 

13th November 2009

Having been a member of the Joint Alcohol and Drugs Action Team previously, wearing a different hat, I was pleased to attend  the renamed Aberdeen City Alcohol and Drugs Partnership meeting last Monday.  The partnership is part of the Community Planning process within the city and appears to have a sensible cross section of representatives. A large agenda was dealt with at the meeting and as the weeks progress I will come back to some of these issues, however the Performance Report identified that substantial progress is being made in various areas.

The number of people referred for drug treatment in the second quarter of this financial year, was 187 which unfortunately is approximately the same as for each of the last nine quarters. However the number of people waiting for drug treatment services in Aberdeen City has reduced from 799 in the first quarter of 2007 to 96 in the last quarter while the number of people waiting for NHS drug treatment in the city has also reduced from 757 to 79. Work has still to be done but real  progress is being made.  

ACVO has over 150 members and this year, so far,  has supported a further 200 other individuals or groups. Following our move to Greyfriars House, we will be surveying our members and contacts to see what we do that you like, what we should improve on and what further we can be doing for you. The initial stages of this work is a review that my colleagues Michelle Duff and David Young have done in relation to their services. This review has resulted in a greater appreciation of the work they do and the services we offer. We are endeavouring to carry out more work for you so please discuss any requirements you may have in relation to website design and associated matters with them.

I found some space in my diary to visit my colleagues from SCVO in Edinburgh to discuss the reporting arrangements we have with them. They in turn report to the Scottish Government in relation to the CVS situation throughout Scotland. Alison Chandler and I are trying to link this performance model into what we produce currently, as Governance and Issue Reports,  on a monthly basis for our Executive Committee. This may appear a little technical but we need to have transparency and accountability, even in a small organisation like ACVO.

On Wednesday I attended and spoke at the launch of Aberdeen City Council's Single Equality Scheme as part of the Diversity and Equality Fortnight. Those of us who have been working for some years may remember the days when women who were to be married,  had to leave their jobs, of words and  comments that nowadays are accepted as racist or sexist and of how difficult it was for anyone with a disability to get about. The strands of different policies have been bound together to form the Scheme and to me it sets the standard the Council and it's partners need to adhere to. We need to work to this  standard.

Sandy Mathers, colleagues from Aberdeenshire and I are now involved in discussions about applying the EFQM process to the organisation and what we do. We will need your help and will be speaking to you about this in the new year.

During the week I also attended a meeting of the Aberdeen Works Challenge Forum. This group works together to identify areas that need support in terms of employment and the figures begin to show some success.

You will all be aware of the 3RD SECTOR Showcase on Thursday within the Town and County Hall which we have organised in conjunction with the Lord Provost. If you are able, come along and see the volume and value of the 3RD SECTOR.  There are no tickets left for the 3RD SECTOR Christmas party at the Carmelite Hotel on the 2nd December but please come along and celebrate Christmas at the Carol Celebration in the Citadel on the 3rd December. As a result of a "late call off" we are now looking for a piano player, so if you are able to come along for an hour or so, please contact either Michelle Duff or myself.  

AND FINALLY.... there are still places available for our course on the 18th November "Introduction to fundraising and the good governance that makes it possible", at Grampian Fire and Rescue Service  Headquarters in North  Anderson Drive. The course lasts from 10am until 4pm and only costs £10. At this time of financial strain such a course is a necessity in my view.

Last night I was with over a hundred people at the Drugs Remembrance Service at Gilcomston South Church. The service was ecumenical and allowed all present to remember and reflect on  loved ones that have been lost to drugs. I was very pleased to be with them, but it was one of the most difficult events I have carried out on your behalf.

6th November 2009

For those with access to my diary,  due to the few appointments,  they may well  think I have had an easier week this week  than in the past few months. However as the pace increases toward our change of premises,  the work involved in bringing the Volunteer Centre together with ACVO  becomes a reality and we look toward to our 3RD SECTOR Showcase on  the 19th November, our ’Third Sector and Friends’ Christmas Masquerade Ball on the 2nd December and the Christmas Carol Celebration at the Citadel on the 3rd December they must realise this has not been so.

A main event for me this week has been my attendance, on your behalf, at the Aberdeen Community Health Partnership Committee on Wednesday. The Committee is a challenge forum within the Community Planning Process in Aberdeen and links the work of NHS Grampian and it's partners. At the meeting Heather Kelman of NHS Grampian presented to our group, as part of their consultation on the proposed key priorities for the next three years.  On many occasions we question the value of such an exercise but in my view, having been involved in them on a number of occasions, such exercises allow us and other members of the public a real opportunity to express our views and assist our colleagues in health circles and beyond to decide which of the many problems they face, on our behalf,  should be priorities.

Heather and a colleague carried out a simple but effective presentation and circulated the consultation document on the Grampian Health Plan that the presentation was based on, to allow those present to return their views to NHS Grampian.  The consultation period is mid October to mid December 2009 and I will be responding both in terms of my membership of the CHP and following any comments from you.  I urge you to be part of the exercise but if you would prefer to respond to me I will then encompass such comments, if I can, in a response from those in the 3RD SECTOR that we represent and support. 

AND FINALLY..... at this time we are carrying out a review of our members and contacts. To continue your membership of ACVO is not only of value to your organisation but also to the dozens of other groups and/or individuals who wish to assist in the volume and value the 3RD SECTOR provides to Aberdeen specifically and society generally. In the new year we will be surveying our membership and contacts to find out what they wish ACVO to do in order that the service we provide is closest to the needs of you.