GAVS is proposing to merge with METRO Charity. At this point, both Boards haveagreed, in principle to merge.
GAVS’ current available resources and income means it faces closure in 2018. A merger is the most effective way to improve the sustainability of GAVS’ services. Being part of a larger organisation provides more stability and the ability to bid for, and hold larger and potentially more innovative, contracts, whilst reducing our overheads.
Both Boards and operational teams across the two charities have spent a great deal of time looking at, and planning, all aspects of the proposed merger to ensure a smooth and effective transition. The team have given specific attention to how the ethos, identity and independence of GAVS work will be perpetuated and how the voice of the voluntary sector remains heard. In addition, how we have addressed possible conflicts of interest and how to keep our Members, at the core of what GAVS does.
The GAVS’ Board is confident that this is the best way forward. We have developed FAQs which should address any questions you might have about the proposed merger. There is also a short survey for you to share your thoughts and concerns anonymously. This survey will close on 30th June 2017.
The merger will be discussed in detail at the next Voluntary Sector Leaders’ meeting on Thursday 25th May at 2pm, where we will be joined by senior members of the METRO operational team to answer any questions you may have. If you wish to attend this meeting, please contact naomi.goldberg@gavs.biz.
Finally if you have any concerns you wish to discuss with GAVS Chief Executive about the merger on a one to one basis, please don’t hesitate to ring her on 020 8309 8231 or email her at naomi.goldberg@gavs.biz.
Category Archives: Other Sector News
Self-harm Awareness Campaign
March 1st is International Self-harm Awareness Day. To mark this event Greenwich Safeguarding Children Board (GSCB) is launching a 2-week long campaign from 1 March – 15 March to raise general awareness about self-harm in children and young people. A special website will host an information hub which workers, parents, carers as well as children and young people can visit to get information about self-harm and services that offer help. The GSCB website will become active on March 1st.
GAVS supports keeping children and young safe and encourages its members to show their active support for the self-harm campaign. Here are some of the things that members could do:
- Display posters in your organisation
- Hand out fact sheets about self-harm. You can find some examples here, on this website, here and here.
- Mention #SIAD on your social networks and link to this page
- Include an article in your organisation’s newsletter
- Hold an event for staff, volunteers or young people.
- Show your support by wearing orange clothes and encouraging others to do the same (orange is the colour for self-injury awareness)
Let us know what you plan to do by completing this online form.
Council sets out its Proposal for future funding of the Sector
The Royal Borough of Greenwich has just published the report that sets out proposals for how they intend to commission voluntary and community sector services from 2015/6. You can find the report under item 14
If you have any comments then please email naomi.goldberg@gavs.biz or phone on 020 8309 8231