This is a crucial role for Ryedale Voluntary Action and is an important aspect of our work in to ensure that the role of the voluntary and community sector is recognised, particularly by statutory organisations.

To act as an advocate for the sector, it is important that we have contact with all organisations working in the area so that we know what the important issues are for the sector in our locality. Part of this contact comes from our support role, part of this comes from our informal contacts with people working in the sector, part of this comes from specific events, whether this be at a Forum Lunch or at a wider event, and part of this comes from member organisations contacting us about a specific issue of concern to them. Networking is an important element in our work. It is not just ‘gossip’!

The advocacy role is vital when we are working in partnership as all too often other members in the partnership do not know of the work of the voluntary and community sector. Explaining the significance of the sector in these circumstances is vital. The knowledge base about the voluntary and community sector is growing, but from time to time, some statutory agencies do not fully ‘think voluntary sector’ in what they do or what they propose.

Being an advocate for the sector is, therefore, an extremely important role for Ryedale Voluntary Action.

This role also extends into specific consultations that we receive from time to time. We are seen as the prime contact for some consultations from central government and local councils as they cannot adequately consult the service delivery organisations, as they do not know the full provision in any one area. If we are consulted on a sector specific issue, we are committed to contacting the relevant groups in responding. This advocacy role then helps with our lobbying activities. These issues can range from a consultation on the new Charities Act to a consultation on the proposed changes to the charging regime for community care provision