Groups face a new regime

VOLUNTARY organisations historically given grants by Oldham Council will find out more about the authority’s new commissioning system this month.

The council is changing the way it uses voluntary groups, and moving to commissioning services from them, rather than giving direct grants.

Community centres and organisations currently funded by the council have had their contracts extended to March, 2011, while the council sets up the new framework.

A community capacity officer has been appointed to help transfer community buildings to local voluntary groups.

The meeting, on January 26, will have presentations, discussions and workshops examining voluntary sector working; commissioning which has to meet national indicators; and the funding timescale and future implications.

It will also look at different levels of funding between organisations supported by council grants, and the types of work it wants to commission to meet targets and be consistent across Oldham.

An action plan should be produced by March 31.