‘To be a great leader, you need to be a better follower’

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Jane Colthup, Chief Executive at Community First Yorkshire, shares her thoughts in the wake of our Ordinary Extraordinary Leaders conference on 22 May:

What a day our first leadership conference was on Wednesday. It was inspirational, and at times emotional, and to be under the same roof as so many leaders was a real privilege. There was a real buzz in the room, one of excitement to make ourselves and our organisations even better – after all, we were all gathered to learn how we can develop on our Ordinary Extraordinary Leadership journeys.

This was so much more than a conference – we had panel discussions, fireside chats and a Swap Shop plus some incredible speakers. Many of the questions posed by the delegates, I’m sure resonated with a lot of us, and while challenging at times, they gave us a lot to think about.

There was so much to capture and be inspired by. Here are my top thoughts and impressions of the day:

Aside from wishing I had an Aunt Flossie like SELFA’s Emma Pears had to inspire her with words such as ‘Rules were made to be broken’, I was blown away by the amount of talent, dedication and visionary people working in our sector.

The fireside chats with Richard Flinton, Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council and Prof Stephen Eames CBE, Chief Executive of Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, I hope, showed a different side to them as leaders.

During our Breakthrough Moments panel discussion, we learned an important lesson from Paul McCay, Chief Executive of the Wilf Ward Trust that we should never underestimate where the power is – the PA is key! Wise words!

From Natasha Babar-Evans, Chief Executive of Better Connect, we heard that it’s alright to fail as long as you learn from it, pivot and change. It’s important that we all get out of our comfort zones as well, something that is often hard to do when we’re all so busy yet keeps our learning as leaders fresh and relevant.

Something that Valentina Hynes, founder of SVH Inc. CIC said (and you can look at her presentation here) that has really landed is, “To be a leader you must always reflect. Are you inspiring people? Are you allowing people time to breathe? Ask yourself the difficult questions.” How often are we honest enough with ourselves to do this?

The Founder Moments panel discussion revealed that we need to ‘chuck away Imposter Syndrome,’ we don’t need to ask permission and that sometimes the most extraordinary moments are when you fail – it’s what you learn from your failures that is the gold. Oh, and don’t forget that we should never buy pens, always steal them (thanks Jill Quinn, Dementia Forward – sound advice)!

I, for one, shed a few tears at the incredible presentation from Debbie North, Access the Dales and I know many of you were moved by her beautifully told story.

I know all of us appreciated the candour and honesty from Major General Zac Stenning as he talked about his role as a leader in shaping change within the Army. Although a totally different sector, there were many parallels in leadership that we can all relate to and learn from.

This was for me,  a magical day and I want to reiterate my thanks to everyone – the speakers, panellists, marketplace stallholders, contributors and, most importantly, the guests who made the day so captivating.

 

Let’s keep the momentum going. If you were able to attend, do share your favourite moments with us either by email, on social media using the hashtag #OrdinaryExtraordinary or give us your feedback in our short post event evaluation form.

Why not visit our online VCSE leadership hub which will point you to leadership development activities that can support the path you choose?

Developments in Safeguarding Masterclass Webinars

To celebrate Volunteers week which takes place 1-7th June every year, NYSCP are proud to welcome partners from the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. The masterclass will highlight the important role that volunteers and those who work in the VSE community hold in the partnership and in the safeguarding of young people across North Yorkshire. The session will also be the launch of a new and exciting campaign; highlighting key safeguarding messages for those in the VCSE community and beyond.

The NYSCP Developments in Safeguarding Masterclass is a monthly free lunchtime webinar which features the latest information on best practice, changes to legislation and guidance as well as local, regional and national learning. Each month will feature different subject and delegates will hear from multi-agency partners dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

Attendees will learn more about safeguarding in the VCSE community and the delivery of key safeguarding messages.

Audience: Anyone working / volunteering with children young people and their families across North Yorkshire with the view to help you keep up to date with current developments surrounding safeguarding children.

Cost: Free

Date / Time: 5 June 2024 – 12:00 to 13:00

Book here.

Mayor meets York and North Yorkshire community groups

Voluntary and community groups have met with York and North Yorkshire’s new Mayor, David Skaith.

Community First Yorkshire hosted a roundtable event on Thursday (16 May), inviting the Mayor to meet more than a dozen local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “I want to put people and communities first. Addressing the cost of living is a major driver for me ​and working together with organisations such as these is how we will create a real impact. I was there to listen, to understand the needs and challenges faced by these organisations and the communities they serve. Voluntary and community organisations are well loved parts of every community, and they also play a vital role in our economy as employers and enterprises.”

The visit, held at Community First Yorkshire’s offices in Askham Bryan, marked the first sector-specific meeting for the Mayor since taking office on Tuesday 7 May.

Alison Semmence and Jane Colthup, chief executives of York CVS and Community First Yorkshire respectively, said: “We’re really pleased that within his first ten days of office, our York and North Yorkshire Mayor was so keen to meet with representatives of the VCSE sector to discuss how we can work together for our local communities.”

Other organisations taking part in the roundtable included: York Carers Centre, St Nick’s, Community Furniture Stores, Explore York, York Mind, Revival North Yorkshire, Carers Plus, SELFA, HADCA, North Yorkshire Together, CaVCA and Resurrected Bites.

Groups introduced their work, before discussing areas such as funding, perceptions of the sector, the benefits to the local economy, and opportunities for collaboration outside the region.

Earlier in the day, the Mayor visited Better Connect. The Knaresborough-based not-for-profit organisation hosted a launch event for their new UKSPF funded programme Rise2Thrive. Thirty-three community organisations across York and North Yorkshire have formed a partnership, led by Better Connect, to support individuals across the local area to overcome barriers that move them closer towards and into employment.

Natasha Babar-Evans, CEO of Better Connect, said: “We were delighted that in David Skaith’s first few days of appointment he chose to meet with and understand our sector and the impact that we make across our communities.”

There was also an opportunity to visit Whixley Village Hall, which has looked to turn their inefficient hall into a green friendly community building, with support from Community First Yorkshire.

The Mayor leads York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, which formed on 22 January. The Combined Authority is delivering the region’s historic devolution deal, which is worth more than £540 million over 30 years.

Elected on 3 May, the Mayor is working with City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council to utilise devolved funds and attract new investment.

Powers and responsibilities for the new Mayor include:

  • Responsibility for 30-year Mayoral Investment Fund and the powers to borrow against funds
  • Full devolution of the Adult Education Budget
  • Powers to improve the supply and quality of housing and secure the development of land or infrastructure
  • Powers and funds to improve transport through a consolidated, devolved, multi-year transport settlement
  • Responsibilities for community safety and the powers to appoint a Deputy Mayor to carry out many of the duties previously held by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority website is at: yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk, which includes details of upcoming public meetings.

ENDS

For further information:
David Williams, Communications Officer, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority 07870485691 / david.williams@yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk

Photo shows: David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, with voluntary, community and social enterprise groups ahead of a roundtable event at Community First Yorkshire’s offices in Askham Bryan, Thursday 16 May.

About York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
A combined authority is where a group of councils work together across a larger area. The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has been created at the request of City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council and is a legally recognised, single body. Its role is to use some of the money and powers that up to now have been held by central government, and work with local leaders and communities to invest in ways that will help to make York and North Yorkshire a better place for you to live, work and do business. The Combined Authority is led by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, who was elected on May 3, 2024.

Combined Authority website / Facebook / X / LinkedIn

 

 

VCSE Collaborative hosts first Humber and North Yorkshire VCSE Expo

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On 22 April, Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership’s Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Collaborative brought representatives from the VCSE sector together, in Hull, for the first Humber and North Yorkshire VCSE Expo.

The VCSE Collaborative welcomed Stephen Eames CBE, Chief Executive, and Amanda Bloor, Deputy Chief Executive, Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, to engage in conversation with attendees about the VCSE sector’s involvement in the design and delivery of health and care in our region. These discussions provided insight into the challenges facing health and care, and offered reassurance that the VCSE sector is an essential partner within the integrated care system. There was a clear commitment to developing greater collaboration as we move forward, and recognition of the work the VCSE sector can deliver.

‘Conversational spaces’ held during the event were also a highlight and provided attendees with the opportunity to share their experiences, knowledge and ideas around the following topics:

  • Health Inequalities – how is the VCSE sector supporting people and communities to tackle health inequalities?
  • Integrated Care Board/Place – Exploring how the ICB connects with the VCSE at place level.
  • Communications – how does the VCSE Collaborative ensure their communications meet the needs of the VCSE sector?
  • Representation – what are the opportunities and how are they best managed?
  • Place-based Assemblies – exploring what each assembly needs to function effectively.
  • Volunteering – How do we work as a system to create a high quality volunteer offer?
  • Workforce/People – Discussing opportunities such as wellbeing, training, staff movement and placements.
  • VCSE Collaborative – what do you want to see from the VCSE Collaborative going forward?
Showcasing the VCSE sector’s work in health and care

To highlight the VCSE sector’s expertise and knowledge in the delivery of health and care across our region, the VCSE Collaborative commissioned a series of short videos to show as part of the Expo. The videos provide insight into the importance of the VCSE sector’s role in the design and delivery of health and care and capture the breath of the sector’s work across our region. View each video below:

What next?

Feedback from attendees gathered during and after the event is now being reviewed and will form an action plan for the VCSE Collaborative to deliver. This will be shared on the VCSE Collaborative website and through their newsletter.

To discover more about the VCSE Collaborative’s work, visit their website.

If you have any questions about the VCSE Collaborative’s work, please email: hnyicb.vcseteam@nhs.net

 

Let’s Talk Scarborough

North Yorkshire Council and the Scarborough Town Board want to hear your views on how they should use £20 million earmarked by Government for Scarborough’s regeneration over the next ten years as part of its Long-Term Plan for Towns.

They want people living and working in Scarborough to have their say by filling in the survey.

The Let’s Talk Scarborough survey is part of a wider engagement strategy, which seeks to build a vision for the future of the town with input from as many members of the community as possible. In addition to the survey there will be in-person public engagement events, the details of which will be available here.

The Scarborough Town Board has been expanded to include representatives from more sectors.

Government has given the following themes for projects to focus on:

  • Enhancing safety and security
  • Reviving our high streets, regenerating Scarborough and enhancing our heritage
  • Improving transportation and connectivity

 

The results of this consultation will inform the creation of the Long-Term Plan for Scarborough, building on previous regeneration schemes which will must be submitted to Government by 1 August.

There are several ways you can take part in Let’s Talk Scarborough:

You can fill in an online survey here – the survey is on Commonplace, which is a safe and easy-to-use online tool used to engage with communities, by over 250 organisations including neighbouring councils in Leeds and West Yorkshire.

For Let’s Talk Scarborough you will be asked to drop a pin on a map of Scarborough and answer questions about that place in relation to the themes above. You can comment on more than one location.

If you would prefer, you can pick up a paper copy from Scarborough, Newby and Scalby or Eastfield Library or the Scarborough Customer First Centre and return it in the pre-paid envelope provided.

You can also email letstalk@northyorks.gov.uk  or call 0300 131 2 131 (please say ‘Let’s Talk’ when prompted) to request a survey.

You can write to:

Let’s Talk

North Yorkshire Council

County Hall

Northallerton

DL7 8AD

Accessible formats of the survey are available on request. Please share your views with us and encourage your colleagues, friends and family to do the same. The survey closes on 3 June 2024.

Questions from members of the public?

Please ask residents to email LetsTalk@northyorks.gov.uk or call the number above if they want to speak to someone.

 

 

Meet Carmel Offord – Engagement Manager at the Independent Domestic Abuse Services.

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Our interview this issue is with Carmel Offord, an Engagement Manager at the Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) in York. We highlighted the work of IDAS in the last issue and their volunteer programme. Here, Carmel talks about her passion to help others including the volunteers she works with.

Please introduce yourself.

I’m Carmel Offord, a dedicated women’s rights campaigner, passionate about making a difference to the lives of all survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. I am proud to have worked for IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) for the last 8 years. As the Engagement Manager my work includes events, engagement, communications, liaising with the media on public policy and campaigns, informing domestic abuse policy and practice locally and nationally, delivering training and webinars, research and development work in areas including volunteering, survivor voice, family courts, healthcare, and children and young people’s services. I manage a team including Volunteer Coordinators, a Community Engagement Officer, and Survivor Engagement Coordinators.

IDAS support over 10,000 people in the community across Yorkshire each year and responded to 30,950 helpline calls in 2023. IDAS are the leading specialist domestic abuse charity, also supporting people who have experienced sexual violence. In addition to emotional and practical support, IDAS provide safe, emergency accommodation.

What attracted you to the organisation and role?

IDAS have a reputation for delivering high-quality, innovative services and are courageous in their efforts to achieve transformation at a societal level to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence, which attracted me to my role within the organisation. My role as an Engagement Manager is varied with a broad range of responsibilities, which I relish. I am privileged to work with a team of staff and volunteers who are highly skilled and dedicated to making a difference.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager?

Managing volunteers is a very rewarding experience. At IDAS we care about the volunteer journey and the role it can play in people’s recovery from abuse and sexual violence. We invest significant time and resource in our volunteer training and the support structures that need to be in place to ensure volunteers feel valued. We rely on the generosity of our volunteers and supporters who make a huge contribution to our vital, often life-saving work. It is incredibly rewarding to see how volunteering can empower people and even lead to paid work or other fantastic opportunities. Charities like IDAS are under immense pressure and volunteers can help our teams to meet the needs of our clients and increase our capacity and resources.

To anyone considering a role in coordinating or managing volunteers, I would say that understanding people’s motivations and ensuring that their contribution is valued is key to developing a successful volunteering service, along with robust systems and processes. IDAS Volunteer Coordinators are experts at identifying skills and matching them to appropriate roles within the organisation, it requires empathy, creativity, and tenacity. We are truly grateful to all our volunteers and supporters.

What have you learnt about yourself while in this role?

Mindset is everything. Working within the voluntary sector, in a demanding, fast-paced role, will always present challenges. How I approach these challenges and support colleagues has developed over time with the assistance of learning tools and strategies that help me manage tricky situations. I am also very lucky to learn from and work with many inspiring leaders within the sector who have imparted their knowledge and wisdom and supported me along the way. I have also learnt that it’s ok not to have all the answers and to seek help and expertise from colleagues and partner organisations to achieve the best outcomes.

Finally, please tell us something about yourself that your colleagues would be surprised to know.

I once worked for a charity running conservation expeditions overseas. We would take large groups of young volunteers to the rainforest in Belize, Borneo, Guyana, and Guatemala to assist the local community with their conservation efforts. I was lucky enough to spend weeks living in the rainforest, sleeping in a hammock, and dealing with all sorts of nasty bugs like botflies and leeches!

Embracing generosity: My leadership journey through the lens of giving

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As a speaker at our Ordinary Extraordinary Leaders Conference in May, Valentina Hynes – Founder and CEO of SVH Inc. CIC – provides her take on how generosity can be a bridge to understanding, connection, and mutual respect.

Generosity, to me, isn’t just a word tossed around in motivational speeches; it’s the essence of my journey, a consistent thread weaving through the fabric of my personal and professional life. It’s a testament to the belief that true growth and sustainable impact are nurtured through giving, support, and community empowerment. This narrative delves into how generosity shaped my path from a Nigerian African immigrant to a recognised leader in the UK, spotlighting my ventures like YOLO Dance and SVH Inc. CIC, against the backdrop of my vibrant Nigerian roots and the challenges and victories that have coloured my journey.

Living your values

The convergence of personal beliefs and professional drive is where my story unfolds, guided by a commitment to generosity. This principle didn’t just align with my actions at YOLO Dance or V14 Ventures; it was a lived experience, resonating through every facet of my life. Whether navigating the complexities of relocating to a Yorkshire town that’s starkly different in hue and heart to my Nigerian homeland, or fighting to secure my place within its community fabric, my ethos remained unwavering. Generosity wasn’t an act; it was a lifestyle, informing my leadership and infusing my ventures with a sense of purpose and belonging.

Building from challenges

My transition to the UK was a mosaic of trials, yet it underscored the potency of generosity. Facing barriers, from bureaucratic entanglements with the Home Office to embedding myself within a predominantly white, conservative community, I leaned into generosity. It became my bridge to understanding, connection, and mutual respect. This period illustrated that generosity transcends mere giving – it’s about building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued and heard.

Generosity as a growth strategy

In the realm of leadership, generosity emerged as more than a virtue – it became a strategic pillar. It was through giving – be it time, expertise, or resources – that I expanded my network and influence. This facet of my journey highlights generosity as a catalyst for professional growth and organisational development. It’s about sharing not just for the sake of giving but as a means to empower, uplift, and inspire collective action towards common goals.

Fostering a nurturing environment

The essence of my leadership lies in creating spaces that nurture and empower. Through initiatives under SVH Inc. CIC, I championed environments where individuals could thrive, underscored by the belief that a nurtured community is the bedrock of sustainable growth. This approach not only bolstered the well-being of my team and community but also fostered a culture where innovation, resilience, and collaboration flourished.

Inspiring through action

The accolades and recognitions I’ve garnered – ranging from Business Woman of the Year to being listed among the WISE100 top female social entrepreneurs – reflect a journey marked by action, resilience, and most importantly generosity. These acknowledgements serve not just as personal milestones but as beacons that illuminate the impact of leading with a generous heart. They are a testament to the transformative power of integrating generosity into every leadership endeavour, catalysing change and inspiring others to do the same.

As I gear up to share my insights at the Community First Yorkshire Ordinary Extraordinary Leaders Conference, it’s clear that generosity has been my compass – guiding me through challenges, shaping my leadership, and driving my organisations toward impactful, community-centric goals. My narrative, rooted in the vibrant tapestry of my Nigerian heritage and my journey in the UK, underscores the profound belief that generosity is the cornerstone of true leadership and organisational success. Through generosity, we not only achieve our goals but also enrich the lives of those around us, weaving a legacy of impact and empathy that transcends boundaries and lasts generations.

If you’d like to hear more from Valentina, be sure to book your place at the Ordinary Extraordinary Leaders conference today. Bookings close at midday on 15 May – just over three weeks away.

Great turn out for VCSE sector Mayoral Hustings

VCSE organisations from across North Yorkshire and York came together on Tuesday 16 April to pose questions to candidates ahead of the local elections for the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayor on 2 May.

Hosted by York CVS and Community First Yorkshire, the non-selective hustings provided an opportunity for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to meet the candidates, listen to their manifestos and to ask questions relating to issues that impact our sector.

Four candidates joined us

We welcomed the following candidates to the event:

  • Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Liberal Democrats candidate,
  • Keith Tordoff, Independent candidate
  • Kevin Foster, Green candidate
  • Paul Haslam, Independent candidate

All candidates were invited to attend, however Keane Duncan, Conservative candidate and David Skaith, Labour candidate were unable to join us on the day.

Each candidate spoke about their manifesto and their priorities if they were elected, then the hustings opened for questions from attendees and pre-submitted questions from the sector.

Questions were wide-ranging

The questions covered a range of topics, including the candidates understanding of the VCSE sector, what support they would provide, and if they understood the challenges faced by the sector. More specific questions were asked about affordable housing, library services, violence against women and girls, support for refugees and people seeking sanctuary, and support for Trans and LGBTQ rights.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about each candidate and about the forthcoming elections on Thursday 2 May, the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has produced this information booklet.

First leadership conference aims to help North Yorkshire VCSE sector thrive

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Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations from across North Yorkshire will be heading to Harrogate in May for the sector’s first one-day conference designed to build leadership skills at all levels.

The Ordinary Extraordinary Leaders conference (Tuesday 22 May at Pavilions of Harrogate) is being organised by VCSE support organisation, Community First Yorkshire. Its focus will be on sharing the experiences and insights of a diverse line-up of speakers to show how ordinary everyday actions can deliver extraordinary results.

As well as attracting people currently in a leadership position, the conference is aimed at new leaders, people wanting to take on a leadership role and anyone interested in exploring their potential to take their career in the VCSE sector further. It will be as relevant to someone leading a small team or project as it is to someone heading up a department or organisation.

More than a dozen speakers throughout the day will offer a wide range of perspectives from tackling culture change in the British Army to establishing a charity from scratch, taking on a new leadership role or working with teams of volunteers.

Aim is to help vibrant VCSE sector thrive

“We have such a vibrant VCSE sector in North Yorkshire, playing an essential part in supporting community action and wellbeing, and providing a voice for local people and underpinning statutory health and social care,” said Community First Yorkshire Chief Executive, Jane Colthup.

“With around 7,000 VCSE organisations across North Yorkshire, that collectively employ the equivalent of around 10,000 full time members of staff and work with more than 67,000 volunteers, our goal is to ensure that they all have the skills they need to thrive and seize new opportunities.

“We know that excellent leadership skills can help drive success. So, as we celebrate International Leadership Week this week, I’m really looking forward to our first conference focused specifically on helping our fantastic VCSE organisations learn from each other.

“With so much diversity on the line-up, it promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring event.”

Superb speaker line-up

Speakers attending the conference include:

  •  Major General Zac Stenning – Commandant, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst & the Army’s Director Leadership
  • Richard Flinton – Chief Executive, North Yorkshire Council
  • Professor Stephen Eames CBE – Chief Executive of Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership
  • Johanna Hooper – Leadership and change management expert, Limitless Peak Performance
  • Valentina Hynes – Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of SVH Inc CIC
  • Debbie North – Cabinet Office Disability and Access Ambassador for the Countryside and Founder of Access the Dales

Two interactive sessions, featuring another eight panellists to provide a wealth of different experiences and insights, mean the event will cater for everyone no matter what their background is, how much leadership experience they have or what their career aspirations are.

Find out more and book your place here.

It’s a date… but which awareness day is right for you?

How to make the most of awareness days for your marketing strategy

There are many awareness days and campaign weeks coming up that it’s useful for us all to be aware of – June is a particularly busy campaigning month! Awareness days and weeks can be a great way to fundraise, strengthen your reputation and boost your social media presence.

Did you know there’s even a ‘Take your dog to work day’ (a favourite of ours) and ‘National Biscuit Day (definitely a personal favourite)?

As an organisation, we use them as part of our marketing strategy to help lift our PR activity. The trick is to be selective and only choose those that align with your overall business strategy. Many organisations provide comms packs with ready made content including social media posts, media releases, web copy and graphics which make engaging in awareness all the easier, especially when we’re all limited for time and resources.

Here’s a few that we’ll be getting involved with in the coming three months. As you can see, there are so many and we won’t be able to give a focus to all of them so we’ll select the ones that are most relevant to our business:

May
June
July

 

As you can see, there’s plenty of choice. Do keep an eye on our social media channels and get involved: