Volunteer Centre Pages

WVSDA Policy Project

Wandsworth Voluntary Sector Development Agency (WVSDA) works to connect local organisations to the policy agenda at the local, regional and national level. We do this by providing policy information, responding to consultations, organising seminars and network meetings and running campaigns.

	On these pages Policy Update A monthly update on what is happening at the local, regional and national policy levels: news, consultations, events and campaigns. Policy Topics Read about key policy topics, download briefings, find links to more information and learn about the local policy framework in Wandsworth.

Policy - what is it?

Voluntary and community organisations work to make life better for local people. However, this doesn't happen in a vacuum - we operate within a policy framework made up of national and local decisions, laws and regulations. Policy is defined as a plan, course of action or procedure that has been decided on to achieve a desired outcome or result. The overall policy framework is made up of policy set at national level by the Government, at regional (London) level by the Mayor and at the local Borough level by the Local Authority (Wandsworth Council).

Why is Policy important?

The policy agenda influences voluntary and community organisations in the Borough through decisions about funding priorities and the planning and provision of different services and activities in Wandsworth. Organisations have the opportunity to influence the policy agenda by telling policy makers about local needs, by lobbying for change and by sharing their expertise about people, places and activities in consultations. Organisations therefore: Need access to up to date information about important changes and developments; Should be able to engage with policy issues in order to have a voice in influencing future policy decisions; Need to understand and comply with increasingly complicated policy and regulations.

What we do

We are working to:

Monitor important policy changes and developments and communicate these to the voluntary and community sector.

Provide news on current developments, events and opportunities to influence policy.

Provide information and briefing notes to explain policy topics.

Facilitate input and involvement of local organisations in influencing policy.

Organise seminars and events to share information and good practice.

Focus attention on timely issues through campaigns.

For suggestions and comments on the Policy pages please contact policy@wvsda.org.uk