Latest News
June 2010
Important Update - Vetting & Barring Scheme
July Registration Halted as VBS is Remodelled
In its recent document ‘The Coalition: Our programme for government', the Government set out its aim to ‘review the criminal records and vetting and barring regime and scale it back to common sense levels'.
In order to deliver this promise and carry out the remodelling, the Vetting and Barring Scheme will be halted. The first phase of registration was due to commence on 26 July 2010.
Although the Scheme is halted whilst the Government undertakes its review, new safeguarding regulations introduced in October 2009 continue to apply. These include:
• A person who is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults will be breaking the law if they work or volunteer, or try to work or volunteer with those groups.
• An organisation which knowingly employs someone who is barred to work with those groups will also be breaking the law.
• If your organisation works with children or vulnerable adults and you dismiss a member of staff or a volunteer because they have harmed a child or vulnerable adult, or you would have done so if they had not left, you must tell the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
In October 2009, the right to ask for an enhanced CRB disclosure was extended to all those who employ or use volunteers in types of activity called ‘Regulated Activity'. This right remains, and you should continue to carry out appropriate pre-recruitment checks, including CRB checks where appropriate or required by law.
The Independent Safeguarding Authority will continue to carry out its work as an independent decision making body as well as continuing to maintain the barred lists.
For further information, please contact the VBS Contact Centre on 0300 123 1111 or visit their website www.isa-gov.org.uk
March 2010
£305,000 Big Lottery award for Carers Centre
We are delighted to announce that One Community has successfully bid for a Big Lottery grant of more than £305,000 over three years to part fund a Carers Support Project Network for the Carers Centre. The money will pay the (part time) salaries of a project leader, a counsellor, three life skills trainers, an alternative therapy specialist and four young carers support workers.
The project will enable carers of all ages to access advice, information and counselling, and give them the chance to take a well deserved break, through drop in sessions, clubs, outings and social events. They will also be able to relax through massage and aromatherapy treatments and receive the support they might need for their own personal development.
This funding boost is excellent news and means that carers can continue to benefit from the fantastic services provided by One Community. It is especially exciting for the young carers of Eastleigh Borough as with additional resources we will be able to offer more services to meet their needs.
Jan 2010
Eastleigh Visiting Scheme in new hands
After six successful years operating from Volunteer Centre Eastleigh, Eastleigh Visiting Scheme has been taken over by Open Sight, the Hampshire-wide charity for people with sight loss or risk of sight loss.
Eastleigh Visiting Scheme is a free, confidential visiting scheme for older and isolated people in the borough of Eastleigh, who live alone and may find it difficult to get out.
Find out more
If you would like to refer someone you know to the Scheme, or even join as a volunteer, please contact:
Leonie Montney
Reach Out Visiting & Befriending
Open Sight
25 Church Road, Bishopstoke SO50 6BL
Tel 023 8064 1244
Email Leonie.Mountney@opensight.org.uk
Nov 2009
Serviced Offices available at One Community
16 Romsey Road Eastleigh SO50 9AL
4 self contained offices with
Full reception service*Car parking*Kitchen and cloakroom facilities*
Photocopying services*Meeting Rooms*Postal collection service
·Inclusive of all heating, cleaning and lighting* Buildings insurance
£198 per sq metre per annum - exclusive of rates
Office 1 - 17.6 sq Office 2 - 11.5 sq m
Office 3- 14.7 sq m Office 4- 14.0 sq m
Minimum of one year lease
Find out more by calling 023 8090 2400 or emailing info@1community.org.uk