Business Plan 2011 - 2016

Contents
Summary.........................................................................................................................................3 Background.....................................................................................................................................5 Involving Stakeholders...................................................................................................................6 Vision, Values and Mission............................................................................................................7 Activities ......................................................................................................................................13 Marketing......................................................................................................................................14 Risk Assessment...........................................................................................................................17 Potential Sources of Funding........................................................................................................19 Action plan....................................................................................................................................26

Summary
Disability Equality (nw) is a disabled peoples organisation based in Preston which is run and controlled by disabled people. It currently provides a range of services around information and advice, volunteering and peer support for local disabled people. This business plan sets out the organisations goals over the next five years and how it will achieve them. It has been written following extensive consultation with DENWs trustees, staff, members and volunteers. The results of this consultation have informed the vision, mission and set of core values which form the basis of the organisations strategic plan. The mission is to promote the removal of disabling barriers from society and further the human and civil rights of disabled people. This has been translated into 4 strategic aims: 1. 2. 3. 4. To support individual disabled people to achieve independent living; To facilitate volunteering and peer support opportunities for individual disabled people; To influence the local community, services and other organisations, to remove barriers for disabled people; To continually work to embed good practice in the organisation through further developing excellent governance, robust management and a strong commitment to equality of opportunities.

This plan goes on to identify a number of indicators and activities to further these strategic aims. Amongst these are some ambitious pieces of work including developing both an independent advocacy service and a support planning and brokerage service; identifying and moving to new premises; and developing a community caf to further provide volunteering and peer support opportunities. This plan goes on to cover marketing, identifying who are DENWs customers, what are the benefits of them coming to DENW, what are the organisations key messages and how are these messages to be communicated. Potential risks are identified along with mitigating and recovery actions. Potential sources of funding are identified to support each of the key areas of work. Finally the action plan sets out the key 3

things that need to happen in order to implement this plan, who will do them, and by when.

Background
Disability Equality (nw) is a disabled peoples organisation based in Preston which is run and controlled by disabled people. The organisation was originally called Preston DISC and was started in July 1996. It currently works across the North West, predominantly Lancashire, to remove disabling barriers from society and achieve full and equal human rights for disabled people. At this time it provides a range of independent living and rights-based support to individual disabled people and organisations: Advice, information and client liaison Support Groups Volunteer Bureau Peer support Strategic / Policy work 3rd party hate crime reporting centre

In addition, the organisation sells Disability Equality Training to local organisations and provides representation on various statutory decisionmaking boards and panels. For the past three years it has had funding to run a capacity building project to support disabled peoples organisations in Lancashire, Cumbria, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool.

Involving Stakeholders
Difference Matters Ltd was asked by Disability Equality (nw) to write their strategic plan and business plan for 2011-16. They began by conducting a consultation in late 2010 with its members, volunteers, trustees and staff on the future direction of the organisation. Additional consultation meetings with staff were held and a mapping exercise was conducted on services in Lancashire which support independent living. Please see the appendices at the end of this document for more information. Finally a stakeholder event was held where staff, members, volunteers and trustees got the opportunity to comment on the draft strategic plan. Many of these suggestions were then incorporated. Some issues such as those around employment, access and transport couldnt be specifically addressed here, as an organisation with limited resources such as DENW can only do so much and it is important that this strategy is practical and achievable. However these issues will come under the strategic aim of supporting individual disabled people to access the 12 basic rights for independent living. In addition, specific work around disability hate crime and educating school children on disability issues was suggested at this event and not specifically included for the same reasons, but could be partially addressed under the strategic aim of influencing the local community. The results of this work have informed the vision, mission and set of core values which form the basis of the organisations strategic plan for the next five years. This strategy then formed the basis of a five year business plan.

Vision, Values and Mission

Our vision is a society in which all people regardless of impairment are valued, live full family, social and economic lives and can access and actively take part in their local communities. Our Core Values a) Equal Opportunities, Diversity and Social Justice Disability Equality (nw) is committed to embracing diversity and promoting equality of opportunity. We will not tolerate discrimination on grounds of gender, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, race, nationality, religion, age, impairment, HIV status, working pattern, caring responsibilities, trade union activity or political beliefs or any other grounds. We are determined to ensure that: we treat all individuals fairly, with dignity and respect; we accept people for who they are; the opportunities we provide are open to all; we provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment; we promote and campaign for social justice.

b) The Social Model of Disability Disability Equality (nw) actively promotes the Social Model of Disability in everything it does. This defines 'impairment' and 'disability' as follows: Impairment is the loss or limitation of physical, mental or sensory function on a long-term or permanent basis. Disability is the loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in the normal life of the community on an equal level with others due to physical and social barriers. Therefore disability is not a medical problem but rather a social issue the result of society being organised to meet the needs of the majority of people who do not have significant impairments. It is a type of oppression, similar to sexism and racism.

c) The Principles of Independent Living Disability Equality (nw) interprets independence as disabled people having control over how support is provided, who provides it and when. This means having the same choice, control and freedom as other citizens in all areas of life. Disabled peoples organisations have identified twelve basic rights which, if met, would enable disabled people to live independently and be fully included. These are: Full access to our environment. A fully accessible transport system. Technical aids equipment Accessible/adapted housing Personal assistance Inclusive education and training An adequate income Equal opportunities for employment Appropriate and accessible information Advocacy (towards self-advocacy) Peer support Appropriate and accessible heath care provision

d) The Importance of Volunteering and Peer Support Disability Equality (nw) is dedicated to providing volunteering and peer support opportunities for disabled people. In doing so, we recognise that the people who know best the needs of disabled people and how to meet those needs are disabled people themselves. Therefore part of our role must be to ensure that local disabled people have a voice and are listened to. e) The Role of Young Disabled People Disability Equality (nw) is committed to working with young disabled people and including them in all aspects of its work. We recognise that young disabled people have a unique voice, often having had different experiences. We also recognise that young disabled people are vital to the future of our organisation. f) Person-Centred Approach Disability Equality (nw) is dedicated to a person-centred approach to delivering services and support. This means that the needs and wishes 8

of the individual are prioritised and met. All of our services and support is underpinned by the principles of the Social Model of Disability. Our Mission Our organisations mission is to promote the removal of disabling barriers from society and further the human and civil rights of disabled people. This mission has been translated into 4 strategic aims: Aim 1: To support individual disabled people to achieve independent living.

Activities and indicators we will use: i. ii. iii. Develop accessible publicity materials in order to inform more local disabled people about independent living and their rights. Develop and expand the information and advice service to cover each of the 12 basic rights for independent living. Develop an independent, one-to-one support/advocacy service around all of the different aspects of independent living open to all disabled people. Develop a holistic, independent support planning and brokerage service to support disabled people to access a wide range of support from different funders. This service could be paid for by individuals out of their personal budgets; however some development funding may be necessary. Work to ensure that young disabled people are included in all areas of DENWs activities, including supporting young disabled people during transition to achieve independent living.

iv.

v.

Aim 2:

To facilitate volunteering and peer support opportunities for individual disabled people.

Activities and indicators we will use: i. Explore the potential of moving to a more prominent, accessible, high quality base through identifying a possible building, considering ownership versus renting (including potential asset transfer) and identifying potential funding sources (including renovation and/or purchase of a building). Explore the potential for a trading arm / social enterprise, particularly a self-sustaining community caf to provide local disabled people with a place for to meet and socialise plus peer support and volunteering opportunities. Further develop our buddy scheme to support local disabled people around the 12 basic rights of independent living. Further develop our range of peer support groups for local disabled people, exploring the potential for a disabled parents group, a campaigning group, a young disabled peoples group and the current disabled peoples group organising activities and events.

ii.

iii. iv.

10

Aim 3:

To influence the local community, services and other organisations to remove barriers for disabled people.

Activities and indicators we will use: i. ii. Identify areas of social injustice and gaps in current provision. Develop and consult on a set of position statements which clearly set out the stance taken by the organisation on key issues affecting local disabled people. Recruit and train a number of disabled people to attend strategic boards and partnerships and influence decision making. Continuously update and develop our disability equality training with a view to training local employers, public bodies and other organisations. Campaign on issues identified by the membership which adversely affect local disabled people. Continue and further develop the regional and national strategic / policy / rights work to better inform our campaigns and decision makers.

iii. iv.

v. vi.

11

Aim 4:

To continually work to embed good practice in the organisation through further developing excellent governance, robust management and a strong commitment to equality of opportunities.

Activities and indicators we will use: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. The skills base of the board should be reviewed, developed and extended where necessary. Ensure the board and staff team take account of the views and needs of diverse groups. Equality Impact Assessments should be carried out on all of the organisations activities. Equality champions from the board and the staff team should be identified, trained and supported. An equality and diversity group should be established within the membership / volunteers. There should be transparent and honest reporting to its membership about the organisations activities. Work to create more employment opportunities for disabled people within the organisation, exploring flexible working arrangements such as flexitime, working from home and sessional work.

12

Activities
Currently DENW provides a range of independent living and rightsbased support to individual disabled people and organisations: Advice, information and client liaison Support Groups Volunteer Bureau/buddy scheme Peer support Strategic / Policy work 3rd party hate crime reporting centre Disability Equality Training Representation on various statutory decision-making boards and panels. Proposed additional activities to be developed over the 5 years: An independent advocacy service A support planning and brokerage service A community caf Move to new premises

13

Marketing
a) Our customers are: Mainly disabled people living in Lancashire and the surrounding area. Also disabled people in the North West, although they may not be able to access some of the services due to funding restrictions. Family carers? Local organisations. National organisations and Government departments (to support disabled people in the North West). Some disabled people who may not necessarily think of themselves as disabled. Disabled offenders.

b) The benefits of coming to DENW are: Information, advice and help around applying for / keeping state benefits and other entitlements. Peer support from people in similar situations Opportunities to socialise and make new friends Opportunities to acquire new skills through volunteering and training Opportunities to report instances of hate crime in a supportive environment Opportunities to campaign and feel like you are making a difference 14

 Independent advocacy to help sort out a particular problem Support with independent living Support with personal budgets Up to date information on Disability and Human Rights Legislation Support to challenge discrimination and bad practice

c) The key messages we need to give customers are: Disabled people are best at helping other disabled people to live independently Volunteering enables you to learn new skills DENW can help sort out problems with state benefits and give advice about independent living. People are disabled by barriers created by our society. Independent living means having choice and control over your life. Nothing about us, without us

d) The ways in which we will get these messages across are: Face-to-face communication with customers Over the phone Regular newsletters (both paper and electronic) Website Social media Facebook and Twitter Banner outside the premises Information leaflets 15

 Local press Word of mouth/peer support through our staff, volunteers and Trustees

16

Risk Assessment
Description Probability Mitigation Apply to a diverse range of funders Recovery Explore rental options look for more suitable premises to rent.

Cant raise Medium enough funding to purchase new building Core funding is Medium reduced by local authority

Continue to develop relationship with local authority and provide support (i.e. coproduction, EIAs, etc) Diversify funders so that the organisation is not too reliant on one funder.

Downsize. Explore funding opportunities with GP Commissioning Clusters and other funders. Continue to advertise for and headhunt new board members.

Board lack the skills and the experience to oversee and manage organisational development

Medium

Advertise and headhunt new board members. Audit skills and put training in place.

17

Funding for Medium existing services cannot be renewed Cant identify suitable premises Chief executive leaves post Caf doesnt generate enough income to self-sustain Low

Develop good relationships and identify possible alternative funders.

Temporarily close these services whilst alternative funding is identified.

Approach local authority and other local organisations for possible premises

Continue to look for suitable premises.

Low

Strengthen board.

Head-hunt new chief exec

Medium-High

Robust business plan and income / outgoings projections. Explore funding around volunteering and employment opportunities in the caf. Advertise the caf.

Revise income / outgoings projections. Research what customers like / dislike.

Development happens at a slower pace

Medium

Revise plan accordingly

Revise plan accordingly

18

Potential Sources of Funding

Funder Big Lottery Reaching Communities buildings Amount Deadlines Project / Area of work 100k - On-going 500k for large capital projects Notes

Henry Smith Charity Capital Grant

Recent grants up to 250k

On-going

New building / Every project must: community Respond to need caf Involve people who will benefit from the project in planning and running it Achieve one or more of the following: 1. People having better chances in life, with better access to training and development to improve their life skills 2. Stronger communities, with more active citizens working together to tackle their problems 3. Improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to access and enjoy 4. Healthier and more active people and communities. DENW is situated in a geographical area which is eligible. http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_reaching_communiti es New building / Will fund both purchase and renovation of a building. community http://www.henrysmithcharity.org.uk/capital.html caf 19

Henry Smith Charity Revenue Grant Awards for All

10k p.a. up to 3 years Up to 10k

On-going

On-going

Advocacy or brokerage project Training for DENW reps / Produce accessible info on IL?

Core work or project work http://www.henrysmithcharity.org.uk/main-grantsprogramme.html Must meet one or more of the following outcomes:

Tesco Charity 500Trust 4k Community Awards Lloyds TSB No max Foundation

2 rounds March and September On-going

People have better chances in life - with better access to training and development to improve their life skills. Stronger communities - with more active citizens working together to tackle their problems. Improved rural and urban environments - which communities are better able to access and enjoy. Healthier and more active people and communities http://www.awardsforall.org.uk/england/summary.html Training for Funds work with disabled children and adults. DENW reps http://www.tescoplc.com/corporate-responsibility/our/ accessible community-promises/actively-supporting-localinfo on IL? communities/tesco-charity-trust/ Advocacy Their Community programme focuses on funding core service / work that helps disadvantaged people to play a fuller role brokerage / in the community. They are particularly interested in: DENW reps Improved social and community involvement / core Improved life choices and chances Helping people to be heard http://www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk

20

Esmee Fairburn Foundation (main grant)

Average On-going 2010 grant was 79k

Brokerage service

The Platinum Trust

No info

No info

Advocacy / brokerage

Funds work that is enabling disadvantaged people to participate fully in society. Prioritises work that: Addresses a significant gap in provision Develops or strengthens good practice Challenges convention or takes a risk in order to address a difficult issue Tests out new ideas or practices Takes an enterprising approach to achieving its aims Sets out to influence policy or change behaviour more widely. Maybe the innovative aspect of the brokerage project would interest them? Worth doing the 1st stage form. http://www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk No website and very little info available. Specifically set up to fund orgs working with disabled people. A number of DPOs have had funding in the past. Address: Sedley Richard Laurence Voulters 89 New Bond Street London W1S 1DA Tel: 0207 079 8814

21

Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust

Tudor Trust

No limit but would try for under 5k Recent grants up to 120k

Quarterly Campaigns see website group possibly a campaign on care eligibility Anytime Young st send 1 peoples stage group / proposal outreach with Young People

Fund political campaigns in the UK to promote democratic reform, civil liberties and social justice.

The Cooperative Membership Community Fund

Up to 2k

Anytime

Historically havent funded DPOs but dont see why not need to frame in terms of social justice. http://www.jrrt.org.uk particularly want to help smaller, community-led organisations which work directly with people who are at the margins of society: organisations which support positive changes in peoples lives and in their communities. Core and project funding up to 3 years max. Not much disability work funded, but lots of youth work and some work around advocacy and community care. http://tudortrust.org.uk Training for To be successful, a group must: DENW reps Carry out positive work in the community / accessible and a project must: info on IL? / address a community issue campaigns provide a good long-term benefit to the community or other support co-operative values and principles groups ideally be innovative in its approach.

22

Health and Social Care Volunteering Fund National Grant Scheme 2012

Up to 200k per year for 3 years

Must register before 21 December 2011 First stage applications : 7th November18 January 12. Second stage applications : 12 March 2012 - 16 April 2012 First Monday in April and October each year. Anytime

Joint project

Projects can apply for up to 200,000 per annum for a maximum of 3 years to support four key priority areas including: Personalisation and choice of care and support Delivering better health and care outcomes Improving public health Improving health and social care. Would need to identify other partners. To be able to apply projects must decide which Strategic Health Authority Cluster (SHA Cluster) they wish to deliver in and decide how the project will run in at least four delivery locations which are in different Local Authorities across in their chosen SHA Cluster. http://www.volunteeringfund.com/news/health-and-socialcare-volunteering-fund-national-grant-scheme-2012-andpartner-search-portal-o

Cash for Kids No limit - Lancashire

Cumberland

Up to

Young peoples group / outreach with YP Young

Funding specifically for work with young disabled people in Lancashire looks quite patronising though! http://www.rockfm.co.uk/charity/ Fund self-help groups working with young people and 23

Building Society Charitable Foundation Grant Local Initiatives Fund

1k per year up to 3 years Varied

peoples group / other groups Currently Work that closed - will fits with the open soon county councils key objectives. Currently Work that closed - will fits with the open soon county councils key objectives. Deadline Information 20 January. and advice service for family carers? Anytime Training for DENW reps / vols Quarterly Advocacy deadline for service /

disabled people. Preston is an eligible area. http://www.cumberland.co.uk/about/community/charitablefoundation/introduction Funding from Lancashire County Council: http://www3.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/view.asp? siteid=3851&pageid=24200&e=e Funding from Lancashire County Council: http://www3.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/view.asp? siteid=3851&pageid=24200&e=e Funding from Lancashire County Council: http://www3.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/view.asp? siteid=3851&pageid=24200&e=e Keen on Improving the life chances of the underprivileged, particularly through encouragement of self-help. Also keen on work based in the north-west. http://www.oglesbycharitabletrust.co.uk/ Key funding categories include social care need to focus bid towards this. Lancashire is an eligible area. 24

Central Gateway Grants

Varied

Carers Grant

2k15k

The Oglesby Charitable Trust Westminster Foundation

5k20k 1k25k

submission brokerage / s for 2012 DENW reps http://www.grosvenorestate.com/Charity/The+Westminster are: 5 / core +Foundation.htm January, 26 April and 4 September

25

Action plan
Strategic Aim 1: To support individual disabled people to achieve independent living. What needs to be Why it needs Resources How it is to be done done to be done required 1.1 Develop accessible publicity materials in order to inform more local disabled people about independent living and their rights. To better inform local disabled people of their rights Funding, Information, Service Managers time Identify and apply for funding for accessible publicity material on rights and independent living Consult members to identify key areas and formats to be covered by IL accessible publicity material Produce IL accessible publicity material Widely distribute IL accessible publicity material Develop a database based on the IL mapping done as part of the consultation Lead person and others involved Mel Close & Mark Buckley When by? Apr 12

Mark Buckley

Oct 12

Mark Buckley Mark Buckley Mark Buckley

Apr 13 Oct 13 Dec 12

1.2

Develop and expand the information and advice service to cover each of the 12 basic rights for

To enable Service DENW to better Managers signpost users time to existing

26

independent living.

support available

exercise. Train volunteer info and advice workers on how to access the database. Identify and secure funding Provide evidence Mark Buckley Mel Close Mark Buckley Dec 13 Oct 13 Oct 13

1.3

Develop an independent, one-toone support/advocacy/client liason service around all of the different aspects of independent living open to all disabled people.

To enable local disabled people to access advocacy support around any aspect of their lives.

Chief Execs and boards time Funding

Set up a recruitment Mel Close, panel. Draw up job board description and person members specification for Support Broker, advertise, interview and appoint. Establish project write policies. Advocacy Service Manager Joe Cobb Recruit and train volunteer advocates. Advocacy Service

Dec 13

Apr 14

Nov 14 27

Manager Advertise advocacy service to attract new clients. 1.4 Develop a holistic, independent support planning and brokerage service to support disabled people to access a wide range of support from different funders. To enable local disabled people to access independent brokerage Chief Execs and boards time Funding Identify and secure initial development funding (for one year?) Evidence of need Advocacy Service Manager Mel Close Jan 15

Oct 13

Mark Buckley

Oct 13

Establish project write policies. Advertise brokerage and support planning service to attract new clients. Evaluate whether service can continue funded by individuals. Secure funding Establish a need for a young peoples group/forum

Support Broker Support Broker Mel Close, Support Broker Mel Close Helen Jenkins

Apr 14 May 14 Mar 15 Mar 15

1.5

Work to ensure that young disabled people are included at every level/service

To reach out to the next generation of DENW members

Staff time, meeting space

28

Increase the numbers of disabled people accessing existing Sport & leisure activities.

To better Staff time inform DP and address current lack of knowledge around available activities

Ensure that meetings and events are at times when young people can access them and have a suitable format Outreach work in local Project staff special schools? and volunteers Referral process, Helen Publicity, Mapping of Jenkins activities.

Project staff Project staff

Apr 12

On-going July 13

29

2.1 2.2

Strategic Aim 2: To facilitate volunteering and peer support opportunities for individual disabled people. What needs to be Why it needs Resources How it is to be done Lead done to be done required person and others involved Explore the potential of To find more Chief Approach local authority to Mel Close moving to a more suitable Executives identify potential premises prominent, accessible, premises so time, explore potential asset high quality base and a that DENW can Trustees transfer / sources of funding. self-sustaining expand Premises community caf sub-group, board, funding Identify partner Mel Close organisations (n.b. Big Lottery will want the building used by ) Evidence of need and All staff potential use Prepare and submit a short Mel Close, outline proposal to the Big premises Lottery Reaching sub-group Communities buildings fund Get result of initial proposal

When by? Jan 12

Mar 12

Apr 12 May 12 30

If successful, prepare and submit stage 2 application form to the Big Lottery Get result of stage 2 application If successful, engage external consultant to produce: project business plan capital project delivery plan evidence that your project has completed RIBA work stage E. Prepare and submit stage 3 application form to the Big Lottery Get result of stage 3 application Building work commences Recruit staff Building work finishes and DENW moves to new premises Evidence of need

Mel Close, premises sub-group Consultant Mel Close Trustees All staff

Aug 12 Dec 12 Dec 12

Mel Close, premises sub-group All staff Mel Close Trustees All staff, Trustees, volunteers Joe Cobb

Jun 13 Sep 12 Oct 12 Jan 13 Apr 13

2.3

Further develop our

To support

31

buddy scheme

2.4

Further develop the peer support groups

local disabled people around the 12 basic rights of independent living. To enable a wider range of local disabled people support one another

Apply for funding

Mel Close

Staff time, meeting space

2.5

Further develop work in Chorley and South Ribble

To improve services and support for DP in CSR.

Staff time, meeting space, access costs.

Support the current disabled peoples network and Chorley & S Ribble forum with organising activities and events. Explore interest for setting up a disabled parents group and arrange a meeting. Planning meeting with forum, increase membership, secure funding.

Mel Close Suzie Jones Sessional staff Volunteer Coordinator? Suzie Jones

Apr 12

Oct 12 Sept 12.

32

3.1

3.2

Strategic Aim 3: To influence the local community, services and other organisations to remove barriers for disabled people. What needs to be Why it needs Resources How it is to be done Lead person When done to be done required and others involved Identify areas of social To monitor Staff time Set up system to Mark Buckley Jan 12 injustice and gaps in areas of work monitor the issues that Helen Jenkins, current provision. that DENW people come to the Joe Cobb needs to information and advice Suzie Jones address. service with. Mel Close Every 6 months produce Mark Buckley Jun 12 a report identifying onwards current trends in cases. Develop and consult on To ensure that Staff time, Identify topics that need Board and Mel Jun 12 a set of position DENW puts meeting to be covered (also Close statements which across a venue using the trends Liz Tye clearly set out the consistent identified by monitoring) stance taken by the message organisation on key issues affecting local disabled people. Write the position Board, Mel statements Close and Liz Tye. Hold an event to consult Board, Mel Sep 12 33

3.3

Recruit and train a number of disabled people to attend strategic boards and partnerships and influence decision making.

To ensure that DENWs representatives put across a consistent message

Staff time, training venue, training resources

with the wider membership Identify a group of people to be reps

Close, Liz Tye Joe Cobb Dec 11

3.4

3.5

Continuously update and develop our disability equality training with a view to training local employers, public bodies and other organisations. Campaign on issues identified by the membership which adversely affect local disabled people.

To keep DET up-to-date

Staff and trainers time

Identify funder and submit small bid for reps training? Deliver training to DENW reps Reps take up positions on local committees Annual review of training material

Joe Cobb Joe Cobb, volunteers DENW reps/volunteers Mark Buckley + DENW trainers

Jan 12 Apr 12 Jun 12 Apr 12 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 15

To influence and change society

Staff and volunteers time

Explore interest amongst the membership for a campaigns group.

Mel Close and Board

Dec 11

34

3.6

Continue and further develop the regional and national strategic / policy / rights work.

To better inform Staff and our campaigns board time and decision makers.

Arrange a series of Joe Cobb meeting dates and a venue for the campaigns group. Continue to engage with Mel Close regional and national networks

Jan 12

Ongoing

35

4.1

Strategic Aim 4: To continually work to embed good practice in the organisation through further developing excellent governance, robust management and a strong commitment to equality of opportunities. What needs to be done Why it needs Resources How it is to be done Lead person When to be done required and others involved The skills base of the To ensure Board and Conduct a skills audit Chair plus Jan 12 board should be DENW has a staff time of the current board board reviewed, developed board with the to identify gaps and extended where necessary skills necessary. to take the organisation forward Advertise for new Chair Feb board members Secretary 12 (think about area Liz Tye Preston, Lancs or even North West?) Identify potential new Joe Cobb Mar board members with Liz Tye 12 the missing skills Induction and training Current board Apr 12 for new board plus DENW members trainers Welcome and Liz Tye Apr 12 Information Pack for 36

4.2

4.3

Ensure the board and staff team take account of the views and needs of diverse groups Equality Impact Assessments should be carried out on all of the organisations activities.

new members This would be achieved through actions 4.3 to 4.5 To ensure that all of DENWs activities do not negatively impact upon any of the groups covered by the equality act 2010 Staff time Design an equality impact assessment template Mel Close Jan 12

Ensure that all of DENWs existing services and activities are assessed

Take corrective action to address inequalities identified by the assessments

Mark Buckley, Mar Joe Cobb, 12 Helen Jenkins, Liz Tye, Suzie Jones plus equality and diversity subgroup Mark Buckley, Apr 12 Joe Cobb, Helen Jenkins, 37

4.4

Equality champions from the board and the staff team should be identified, trained and supported.

To act as Staff time leaders for diversity and equality, acting as role models, taking actions when appropriate and addressing behaviours when necessary

Suzie Jones, Liz Tye. plus equality and diversity subgroup Conduct assessment All staff plus s for all new activities equality and and services diversity subgroup Identify one staff Staff and member and one board board member to be equality champions

Ongoing May 12

4.5

An equality and diversity sub-group should be established within the

To take responsibility for monitoring equality impact

Staff time, volunteers and members

Identify specific training for the equality champions Identify members for the sub-group (the equality champions will co-chair the

Equality champions Equality champions, staff, volunteers,

Apr 12 Oct12

38

membership / volunteers.

assessments and ensuring that they are acted upon

time

group)

members

Quarterly meetings

4.6

There should be transparent and honest reporting to its membership about the organisations activities.

To keep the membership informed and involved

Board members time

4.7

Work to create more employment opportunities for disabled people within the organisation.

To make it Staff time easier for disabled people to work for DENW

Identify a board member who will take responsibility for writing regular updates on DENWs activities and board decisions for DENWs website and newsletter. Identify board and Board staff members for a MC HR sub-group

Equality champions, staff, volunteers, members Secretary

Ongoing

Jan12 ongoing

Apr 12

Develop policies on access to work, reasonable adjustments in the

Board MC

Apr 13

39

workplace, flexitime, working from home and sessional work

40