The Community Solutions locality hosts, both current and previous have done an outstanding job in the planning and distribution of consortia funding and coordination of consortia activities. As we approach the end of the current three-year commissioning cycle for the locality host role (2023-2026), a new delivery model will be implemented from April 2026 onwards.
In line with the collective desire to reduce the overall levels of administration and being mindful of maximising funding for the sector, VANL will coordinate the locality work in house and manage the locality consortia and LAF funding within the Community Solutions team. In a period of funding contraction for the CVS, there is an overwhelming need to ensure that more monies are invested into the sector.
Crucially, the locality consortia model across North Lanarkshire will remain as they currently are in meeting structure and decision-making processes albeit with a degree of consistency adopted whilst tailoring to the needs of each locality.
In order to align with community board structure, the number of consortia and likewise the number of areas receiving Local Activity Funds (LAF) will be expanded from six to nine consortia.
Instead of six locality hosts, the nine consortia will be coordinated by two VANL Consortium Leads (East and West split) and a part time administrator.
We believe this new model will be more cost effective and bring significantly more funding to the sector. Given the need to retain local knowledge built up over a number of years, an arrangement will be put in place to fund local anchor organisations to fulfil this function with further details available in due course.
Of course, we want to engage further by inviting all consortia members to a NL wide Consortium meeting in the Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre, Bellshill, ML4 2BW on Friday 3rd October between 10.00am and midday. At the meeting we will fully explain the new approach and answer any questions members may have.
