Big Energy Week

As part of CCB's  work on addressing fuel poverty we will be holding an event as part of energy savings week.

Helen Dean, Energy Advice Worker, is going to Newbury Library on 30^th January 2014 from 9am to 3pm, to give advice on cutting fuel bills, financial support for insulating your home, and ways to reduce energy use. Do drop in and speak to her if you could do with some tips or have any questions.

NEA has launched the Heat Heroes Awards 2014 sponsored by ScottishPower.

The Awards aim to recognise individuals within communities in England and Wales who have made a significant contribution to helping those struggling with the effects of fuel poverty. This can be through work or through voluntary activities outside the workplace.

If you know of such a person please complete the entry form and send to us with a submission of no more than 500 words outlining the contribution the individual has made to people in fuel poverty and why you think the individual deserves to win.

The award scheme is open to not-for-profit organisations including local authorities, health and social care agencies, voluntary and statutory agencies and community groups.


»You can download the entry form here.

Please send your entries to claire.henderson@nea.org.uk by Friday 31 January 2014.

Alternatively you can complete and upload your entry online at www.nea.org.uk/heat-heroes

Government planning policy puts England’s Green Belts at risk, suggests new research

Half of the councils in England with Green Belt land are preparing to allocate some of it for development whilst brownfield sites throughout the country are overlooked, suggests research published by the National Trust.

Eighteen months after the Government put in place its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), a Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) survey commissioned by the Trust found that 51 per cent of the councils it surveyed with Green Belts within their areas said they were now likely or very likely to allocate Green Belt land for development [1 – this is based on responses from 59 councils with Green Belt].

Overall, more than half of the 147 councils that responded to the survey said that their local authority had brownfield sites available that could help meet the five-year housing land supply target, but that these hadn’t been considered viable.

Whilst consulting on the NPPF in 2011, Ministers and the Prime Minister stated firm commitments to protecting the Green Belt – whilst promoting an explicit brownfield first policy – both of which seem to be coming undone in practice [2].

These findings confirm evidence from CPRE that the number of houses planned for the Green Belt has doubled since last year, to 150,000 [3].

Simon Jenkins, Chairman of the National Trust, said: “The Green Belt has been the star feature of British town and country planning for half a century.

“In one of Europe’s most congested countries, it has prevented urban sprawl, protected a vision of rural England and retained access to green spaces for urban dwellers that has been admired worldwide.

“Some councils may want to review their Green Belt boundaries as has always been possible, but the planning system as a whole should attach a greater weight to protecting green spaces.

“The Government’s definition of ‘sustainable’ is in practice being interpreted as ‘profitable’, and has effectively killed the former planning presumption in favour of brownfield land.

“What is now happening is a policy of let rip, leading to steady erosion. For the first time in British planning history, planning control is now the slave not the master of profit.”

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of the LGIU, added: “This research shows that the NPPF and targets around housing supply are putting significant strain on councils' ability to protect Green Belt.

“It's crucial that we build more houses but we need to allow local authorities the flexibility to take a strategic view on how this should be managed locally."

The findings come as new National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG), to be issued by the Government by early next year, could increase the threat to green spaces.

Analysis of the draft NPPG suggests that it could cause local authorities to release more land than is necessary for development in the countryside, including in the Green Belt.

It also misses the opportunity to strengthen the brownfield first policy.

Further measures announced in the 5 December Autumn statement also look set to increase pressure on local authorities to say ‘yes’ to development by, for example, increasing opportunities for developers to bypass the local planning system and seeking to increase the influence of the New Homes Bonus incentive on planning decisions [4].

Ingrid Samuel, Historic Environment Director at the National Trust, said: “What councils are saying is alarming. Green Belt has historically been some of the country’s most protected green space, and the NPPF was supposed to continue that protection.

“We need more homes and, if agreed in approved local plans, some of these may be built on previously undeveloped land, but the priority should remain brownfield first.

“The Prime Minister and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles have always made clear their desire to protect the Green Belt but this is not what the NPPF appears to be delivering on the ground.

“We are calling on the Government to amend its new guidance to ensure the planning system delivers on the Government’s promise to deliver a ‘brownfield first’ policy, and to reaffirm its commitment to protect valued green spaces from development.”

Hundreds of communities taking up chance to have a say over their neighbourhood

Communities were urged to make full use of their rights and join the hundreds of groups now working up plans that will set out the future vision for their neighbourhood. 

 

A new landmark has been reached with more than 800 communities now working on getting a neighbourhood plan in place. 

Neighbourhood planning is one of the new community rights introduced by government to give people more say over their area and puts communities in charge of setting out the homes, shops and amenities they want in their neighbourhood.

55% of local authorities have neighbourhood plans being worked up and have received an application for an area to be designated, with 43 of these authorities having at least 6 plans in progress. 

For more details of Neighbourhood Planning please click here.

Do you Love Food, Hate Waste? Would you like to get involved in reducing food waste?

 

Do you Love Food, Hate Waste? Would you like to get involved in reducing food waste?

If the answer is 'YES' come along to one of the Love Food Hate Waste Workshops that will be taking place on Thursday 6th February 2014 in:
•    Hungerford: 12pm – 2.30pm at the Croft Hall, The Croft, Hungerford RG17 0HY
•    Newbury: 6pm – 8.30pm in the Council Chamber, West Berkshire Council, Market Street, Newbury, RG14 5LD

Refreshments will be provided at both workshops, which will be delivered by Emma Barnett from WRAP (www.wrap.org.uk).

Love Food Hate Waste is about helping you to make the most of all of your food, saving you money and raising awareness about the huge environmental impact of wasting food in the UK. Come along and get our top tips and advice, along with ideas on how to share the benefits with people at work or in your local community.

The sessions will be fun and interactive and will cover some fascinating research on food waste and the myths which contribute to food waste. By the end of the session, participants will be clear about correct storage (for example eggs and rice), freezing, what date labels really mean, defrosting plus have an insight into how retailers are helping.

Who should attend?
The information covered applies to anyone interested in reducing their food waste at home and for people in a position to spread the word about the benefits covered in these sessions and/or incorporate this vital information into their existing communications and support work.

Possible attendees could be those in Community and Voluntary Groups, Health Support Officers, Adult Community Learning, Parental Support, Community Champions, Housing Association Officers, Teachers, Children Centre Staff, Disability Support, Community Kitchens, Food Banks, Community Environmental Champions or those looking for something tangible to implement locally to support climate change.

A full support pack is provided, including activities and guides for use after the training. To book, please click here to complete the booking form.

These sessions are facilitated by CCB and funded by the West Berkshire Council Adult and Community Learning Team.

Could you be a Lay Visitor and help West Berkshire Council provide quality care services?

Could you be a Lay Visitor and help West Berkshire Council provide quality care services?

Why not come along and hear more about becoming a West Berkshire Council Lay Visitor
on Thursday 19th December from 2 - 3.30pm at WBILN, 'Broadway House', 4-8 The Broad Way, RG14 1BA (Close to the clock tower).

Please let them know if you can come by contacting Debbie Sowerby on 07905 521 452 or emailing her on deborah@wbiln.com

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue: Take Extra Care

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has announced that further strike action will take place on two separate occasions this coming weekend.

Friday 13 December             from               18:00 to 22:00

Saturday 14 December         from               18:00 to 22:00

Although Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has contingency plans in place, during any period of industrial action they will have significantly fewer resources. They will therefore be prioritising ‘life critical’ incidents, such as house fires and road traffic collisions where people are trapped.

RBFRS will still be responding to 999 calls but they are asking members of the public to take extra care to reduce the risk of fire and road traffic collisions.  At this time of year, you may be enjoying Christmas parties with friends or entertaining at home. Make sure Christmas tree lights and decorations are switched off before you go out and don’t leave candles burning unattended.

Whatever you are doing during these times we would like to remind you to Take Extra Care, at home, on the roads and while out and about. Further advice and information can be found on their website: www.rbfrs.co.uk.

Recruiting: BBC Children in Need South West

BBC Children in Need South West is recruiting for new freelance external assessors. The charity provides grants to make a positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged children across the UK. Our vision is a society where all children and young people who face disadvantage in their lives are supported to realise their potential.

They wish to recruit a number of home-based freelance assessors, with varied experience and knowledge of the voluntary sector, to assess grant applications across the South West region. (The South West region includes Cornwall; Plymouth; Devon: Bournemouth, Dorset & Poole; Somerset, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset; Wiltshire & Swindon; Hampshire & IOW; Berkshire; Oxfordshire; West Sussex; and Bristol & South Gloucestershire).

If you find anyone interested in applying, please click the link for more information.

http://careerssearch.bbc.co.uk/jobs/job/Grant-Application-Assessor-Freelance/6337

JOB VACANCY: Come and Join the CCB Team!

CCB is looking to recruit a Communications & Administration Officer.

Salary: £1061 per month (£21.200 FTE). 
Hours: 21 hours per week. 
Based in Theale. 
Duration: Maternity Cover until November 2014.

CCB is an independent charity and community development agency. CCB is the rural community council for Berkshire and works to strengthen and support local communities throughout Berkshire.

The successful candidate will have a key role in managing communications, CCB’s online training opportunities and providing administrative support to the Chief Operating Officer, Trustees and CCB team.

You will gain experience working in the voluntary and charitable sector, writing and editing online communications, organising online training events as well as contributing your ideas on how we can continue to improve our marketing and training offers.

Specific duties include:

·         Maintaining and updating CCB’s website and Social Media presence.

·         Organising and facilitating our online training sessions ‘webinars’.

·         Writing/editing content for websites and our e-newsletter

·         Organising and co-ordinating CCB Membership, including editing and distributing our Community Digital magazine and Annual Review.

·         Managing and co-ordinating our Adult Community Learning Contract

·         Organising and co-ordinating Board Meetings, staff meetings, our Annual General Meeting and other events.

·         Maintaining the secure storage of appropriate records on contracts, members, trustees and staff.

·         Managing stationary supplies, petty cash, other general office administration and handling telephone calls.

·         Other duties as directed from time to time.

Desired competencies include:

·         Excellent IT skills including all Microsoft Office Packages.

·         Excellent organisational,  communication (written and oral) and team working skills

·         Hold an NVQ2 or equivalent in Maths and English

·         Knowledge and experience of CRM systems and web designing products preferred.

·         Communication and Marketing skills or experience preferred.

Candidates with experience of working in the voluntary and community sector will be preferred.

For a job description and application form please click here.

Closing date: 12pm, 24^th December 2013.

Interviews: Week commencing 6^th January 2014

Start date: Week commencing 13^th January 2014

CCB is an equal opportunities employer.

 

Planning Camps in 2014

Do you need help with your neighbourhood plan? Planning Camps look at how communities can take a leadership role in planning, how to engage people in your local area and what localism legislation means for you. They are funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government and delivered by the Eden Project in partnership with Locality and Planning Aid England.

More from the Eden Project Website.

Take time to help your NHS this winter

Winter is a busy time for the NHS. Everything from flu to falls and sickness to sore throats means our health service is under extreme pressure during the winter months.

By choosing well, it could save both you and NHS services a lot of time and inconvenience.
So if you become ill or suffer an injury, take two minutes to decide which NHS service is most appropriate for your needs. Many minor ailments can be easily treated at home or with advice from your local chemist or NHS 111.

Where to go:

1. Your first aid kit – many minor ailments such as bruises, grazes, sore throats, colds, coughs, minor cuts, hangovers, and indigestion can be effectively treated yourself. Remember to have a well-stocked medicine cabinet or first aid kit. For details of what to keep in stock ask your pharmacist, or visit http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/990.aspx

2. Pharmacies – many people forget that their local pharmacist or chemist can provide treatments and advice for a wide range of complaints. If you have diarrhoea, a minor infection, headache, tummy upset, an insect bite or sting, a cough, a cold or even if you want travel advice, your pharmacist can help.

3. GP Surgeries – if you are feeling generally unwell, have feverish children, a rash, ear pain, an infection, persistent symptoms then your GP is the right choice. If your surgery is closed but you don’t feel you can wait for help or advice, call 111.

4. 111 – This is the free, 24 hour a day, 365 day a year NHS advice line. You should call 111 when you are feeling unwell or have been hurt but it is not a 999 emergency. If you are unsure where to go or what to do, 111 can provide valuable advice on the most appropriate action to take. It is also a valuable service for people who are not registered with a GP or who just need information or reassurance about what to do next.

5. Minor Injuries Units (MIUs) – these centres can often treat many of the complaints people go to A&E for. Deep cuts, eye injuries, broken bones, sprains, minor burns and scalds can all be effectively treated at an MIU. In Berkshire we have MIUs in Reading, Ascot, Newbury, Maidenhead and Slough.

6. Accident and Emergency/Emergency Department (ED) – This is ONLY for genuine emergencies e.g. Life threatening conditions such as severe chest pains, breathing difficulties, choking, and serious bleeding injuries. If you attend the ED with a minor cut or a bad hangover you are taking up valuable time of the Emergency doctors and nurses who are there to treat those who are badly hurt and severely unwell.

Article courtesy of ORCC

A Silver Line to combat loneliness as winter draws near

Esther Rantzen launched Big Lottery funded The Silver Line - the telephone line has been described as a 'lifeline for older people'.

The £5 million project will give befriending support and advice 24 hours a day to older people suffering loneliness, neglect or abuse. The Silver Line will also connect individuals to local services and activities, in the same way that ChildLine did, also founded by Esther 27 years ago.

Esther said, "Loneliness is, according to the Department of Health, as dangerous as smoking or obesity. Mentally and emotionally, it is utterly destructive. This is the generation that does not readily ask for help. They don’t want to be a burden. But loneliness is a creeping enemy, it isolates, erodes confidence, until it becomes more and more difficult to step outside the front door.”

Miss Rantzen has been at the centre of all media activity singing the new telephone number on the Today programme, BBC News, regional BBC radio stations and presenting a special That’s Life edition of The One Show.

The Silver Line Number is 0800 4 70 80 90 - open 24 hours a day, every day.

NHS to raise army of Good Samaritans for winter

News from: Reading Neighbourhood Network (RNN)
by David Neale (Reading Neighbourhood Network)

The NHS has issued a call for 100,000 people to sign a pledge saying they will look in on an elderly friend or neighbour this winter.

In England, 51 per cent of all people over 75 live alone and five million older people say the television is their main form of company. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are also harmful to our physical health, with studies indicating that lack of social connections is as likely to cause early death as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Specifically, the NHS is asking for people to sign an electronic pledge that states: 'I will take time out this winter to look in on an elderly friend or neighbour to make sure they are warm and coping well.' Volunteers pledge to visit an elderly person at least weekly and check that they are keeping warm and have adequate food supplies, and to help them get out if they can.

Those who sign the WinterFriends pledge will receive free cold weather alerts and email tips throughout the winter to help them do their bit.

Learn more at: WinterFriends pledge site

Dementia Awareness Training in the Community

Alzheimers Dementia Support have been commissioned by the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead to provide free of charge Dementia Awareness Training to empower employees and individuals in situations where a person may appear disoriented or confused. Group bookings can also be arranged free of charge for between 10-25 delegates in house at your facility.

We have already had a number of local solicitors and financial advisors attend, as well as community wardens and PCSO's, as part of their Continued Professional Development.

We are still looking for people in the Royal Borough to take up this opportunity and wondered if you would mind having a look at the link below, by copying it into your web browser, to all of our scheduled events.

Sincere apologies if you have already attended or declined but perhaps you wouldn't mind sharing this with any interested parties.
http://alzheimersdementiasupport.eventbrite.co.uk?s=17351393

Maidenhead - URC                        Windsor - Spencer Denny Centre

20th January   2-4pm                    15th January  9.30am-11.30am
23rd January  6.30-8.30pm          27th January 6.30-8.30pm
11th March 6.30-8.30pm               5th February 9.30-11.30am
7th April 2-4pm                               26th February 9.30am-11.30am
15th April 10am-12pm                  19th March 9.30am-11.30am
                                                           23rd April 6.30-8.30pm

Message for Rural Communities from Thames Valley Police

Farm security assessment available to download

Thames Valley Police have produced a farm security assessment for farm owners, managers, employees and land owners to help them improve the security of their premises.

The security assessment has been put together by Thames Valley Police’s crime prevention and reduction advisors and contains advice on low cost security solutions in a common sense approach.

In the assessment you will find crime prevention advice about:

• Controlling access to farms
• Tools
• Metal theft
• Agricultural machinery protection
• Field security
• Livestock
• Wildlife crime
• Out buildings
• Home security

You can view and download the farm security assessment from the Thames Valley Police website. 

Protect your agricultural or plant machinery with 20 per cent discount on CESAR security kits

Thames Valley Police continue to offer a discount on Datatag’s CESAR (Construction Equipment Security and Registration) kits to residents living in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. 

The benefits of getting your equipment registered with CESAR include:

•    Easily identifiable machinery
•    Swift identification should your machinery get stolen
•   Swift return of stolen machinery to the rightful owner
•   CESAR security symbol on the machinery will deter thieves

The standard price for the CESAR kit is £149 plus VAT. The Thames Valley Police discount allows residents to have the kit installed for £88 plus VAT

Find out more about the CESAR scheme on the official website.

To take advantage of this offer, call the Datatag booking line 01784 778 310 and mention Thames Valley Police. NFU Mutual also offers a security discount to their members when your vehicle is registered with the CESAR scheme.

Have your say on the Future of the NHS

NHS England is calling on patients, the public and staff to join in a discussion about the future of the NHS, so it can plan how best to deliver services, now and in the years ahead.

It has launched “The NHS belongs to the people: a call to action”. This sets out the current issues facing the NHS, identifies future challenges and the impact on funding of doing nothing.

There have already been changes to make savings and improve productivity. The NHS is on track to find £20 billion of efficiency savings by 2015. However, further change is needed to protect high quality healthcare, free at the point of use. This does not mean cutting core NHS services or charging for them. NHS England is governed by the NHS Constitution which protects these principles.

The launch of the Call to Action heralded the beginning of a nationwide programme of engagement to being a public debate on the difficult questions, seek ideas and feedback. Three public engagement events were held during November in Reading, Newbury and Wokingham district where people were invited to discuss our plans and local priorities, and give their views.

There is now an online questionnaire for each Berkshire West area which you can access via the health network and/or your local Clinical Commissioning group website. The questionnaire asks the same questions that were posed at the public events so that you too can give your views. There is a survey document available within each consultation which we encourage you to read first.

You can access a copy of the questionnaire and the document via the Health Network on the following link:-

Call to Action Berkshire West

Healthwatch Wokingham are looking for Champions

 
Healthwatch Wokingham are looking for Healthwatch Champions to help us in our quest to improve health and social care services. They are looking for people willing to volunteer a few hours a month in order to be part of an Enter and View visiting team. The team will occasionally visit local services to see how they run and talk to patients or service users about their experiences of the service. 

Full training and support will be provided. You don’t need any prior knowledge or experience of the health or social care sector – only requirement is that you are an interested individual. Do something for your community and volunteer your services! If you think you could be a champion or would like to be involved in anyway get in touch; Wokingham Healthwatch are based at Citizens Advice Bureau 26-28 Market Place, Wokingham, RG40 1AP if you'd rather pop in and see someone or you can call us on 0118 4181418. 
Email at enquiries@healthwatchwokingham.co.uk

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Nicola Strudley, Locality Manager of Healthwatch Wokingham on 07920 506401 or email address: Nicola.strudley@healthwatchwokingham.co.uk 

Government announces numbers affected by the Bedroom Tax

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced the first official figures of people affected by the under occupancy subsidy or bedroom tax. They show more than 429,000 people were penalised for having one bedroom too many, losing an average of £12.66 a week; more than 92,000 were penalised for having two excess bedrooms, and were losing an average of £23.43 a week.
 
The government said that the number of households affected is reducing, with 24,000 fewer claimants affected in August than May. This may be because people have found work so are not eligible for housing benefit or moved out of social housing.

Last week Labour lost its attempt to scrap the bedroom tax in the House of Commons by 252 to 226, a government majority of just 26.

Read more on the Guardian website

Train and Qualify Your Staff for FREE

 

Two free Training courses are currently available  in Berkshire which may be of interest to voluntary and community organisations.

Train and Qualify your Customer Service staff
Free* training programme leading to BTEC Certificate in Customer Service
Comments from recent participants:
“This course will make a big difference to my understanding of customer service and being the ‘face’ of my organisation.”
“I feel so much more confident in dealing with people. This course has really helped.”
Comments from an employer:
“My staff always come back from your courses full of ideas and enthusiasm.”
Do you believe in the value of continuous learning for your customer facing staff? If so, are you prepared to support them to attend high quality, practical training workshops that will increase their confidence and effectiveness, helping to give your business additional competitive edge?
If so, you and they will benefit from:

• BTEC and NVQ Certificates in Customer Service
• Functional Skills certification
• Personal Learning & Thinking Styles
• Employment Rights & Responsibilities

Eligibility for funding
*This offer is possible through adult apprenticeships, and is free to those who are in paid employment and not already educated to degree or Level 4 standard.
You get up to three one-day workshops plus 1:1 and email coaching and support to complete assignments and produce evidence while you work.
Delivered by
BSEL and Alan Hester Associates Limited alanhester@btinternet.com 07970 522760

Train and Qualify your Team Leaders
Free* training programme leading to BTEC Certificate in Team Leading
Comments from recent participants:
“Excellent delivery – the trainer really knew his stuff”
“Jargon-free, real and hugely useful”
Comments from an employer:
“Developing the skills of our staff is vital to our business. We recruit the right personalities and then give them training in the skills. Alan has helped us with that programme for the past five years and he is invaluable to its success”
“Great programme. So glad we took it up”
Do you believe in the value of continuous learning for your team leaders and managers? If so, are you prepared to support them to attend high quality, practical training workshops that will increase their confidence and effectiveness, helping to give your business additional competitive edge?
If so, you and they will benefit from:

• BTEC & NVQ Certificates in Team Leading
• Functional Skills certification
• Personal Learning & Thinking Styles
• Employment Rights & Responsibilities

Eligibility for funding
*This offer is possible through adult apprenticeships, and is free to those who are in paid employment and not already educated to degree or Level 4 standard. You get up to four one-day workshops plus 1:1 and email coaching and support to complete assignments and produce evidence while you work. Delivered by BSEL and Alan Hester Associates Limited alanhester@btinternet.com 07970 522760

Active West Berkshire - Inspire Celebration Networking and Information Event: POSTPONED

CCB HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED THAT THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED, IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED IN SPRING 2014 - LOOK OUT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION (29/11/13)

The Active West Berkshire (AWB) consortium are running An ‘Inspire West Berkshire' celebration networking and information event on Wednesday 04 December 2013 at Park House School, Newbury between 1830-2030.

The AWB consortium has been in existence for several months and has already made a significant difference in delivering the benefits of sport and physical activity to the community of West Berkshire. Of note AWB have delivered several ‘Inspire Events’ for young people, families and the disabled. These provided new and exciting physical activity and sporting opportunities to help build on the legacy of the London 2012 Games. 

The consortium currently consists of Get Berkshire Active, the West Berkshire School Sports Partnerships, Berkshire Youth, Park House School, Parkwood Community Leisure and West Berkshire Council.  They also have good links with a variety of other organisations in the area including Public Health and local sport & leisure providers and nationally with organisations such as Sport England, the Youth Sport Trust and the governing bodies of sport.
 
They wish to make AWB as inclusive and representative as possible and for its aims and objectives to be both transparent and guided by a wider range of partners and key stakeholders in West Berkshire. 

Briefly (but by no means exclusively) the following are some of the benefits of AWB all of which they aim to improve and strengthen with help and support:

•    Improving health outcomes through the delivery of excellent physical activity and sport (healthy communities, workplaces, schools and individuals)

•    Links to improving communities (Safer Communities), with greater community cohesion and reduced anti-social behaviour (via excellent diversionary activities to engage young people)

•    Increasing and maximising the links with sport and education and the transition to sport and physical activity beyond formal education

•    Helping employers to understand the cost benefit of creating healthy workplaces and ‘fit for work, fit for life’ employees (improving productivity, reducing sickness and absenteeism and generating loyalty)

The evening will consist of a number of speakers/short presentations, an excellent opportunity to network and refreshments will be provided. The speakers will be confirmed shortly.

The event is primarily for anyone associated with economic development, workplace health, activities for young people, community cohesion, delivery of sport and physical activity, parish planning relating to physical activity and health and wellbeing in older people. However, anyone with an interest in the development of sport and physical activity across the district is very welcome to attend.

Please let them know of your intention to attend by emailing Ciaran.crean@getberkshireactive.org who will confirm your attendance and provide an agenda and attendance list nearer to the time.

Should you have any questions about the event or whether you should attend, please do not hesitate to contact Jackie Gray at West Berkshire Council, as a representative of the Active West Berkshire group (JGray@westberks.gov.uk, Tel 01635 519563)

Report finds collective switching save energy consumers money

Collective switching schemes in which households club together to switch energy supplier helped over 21,000 save an average £131 on their energy bills, a report has found. 

The report, ‘Helping Consumers Switch: Collective Switching and Beyond’, looked at 27 collective switching schemes across the country and found that participating households saved a total of £2.7million, an average of £131 per household. One scheme in Nottingham saved an average of £200 per household.
 
Read the report at GOV.UK

Neighbourhood Planning Referendum votes yes by massive majority

The Cheshire village community of Tattenhall has voted yes in support of its proposed Neighbourhood Plan. This is England’s fourth Neighbourhood Plan following Upper Eden, Exeter, St Davids and Thame, and took two years to prepare. 

The referendum went through by 905 votes to 38 based on a 52% turnout. But backing, Cheshire West and Chester Council cannot formally ‘make’ the plan until after the High Court has finally determined judicial review proceedings. Barratt Homes and Wainhomes are claiming that the plan is flawed on technical grounds and questioning the impartiality of its Independent Examiner.

Read details including the prospective plan at Cheshire West and Chester Council website

Last chance for CCB Oil Club Members to buy OIL before CHRISTMAS

CCB's Oil Club Member's that placed their orders last month for oil (October) and filled up their tanks for the Festie period benefited from one of the best prices all year.

Chris Pomfret, from Community Buying unLtd, who act as the negotiators for many of the Rural Community Councils (RCC's) oil clubs said:  "October was the month of Energy misery for millions. The subject of energy has rarely ever been such a huge story. We have been bombarded, sometimes more often than daily, with stories about the price increases, the appalling historical behaviours of the Big Six, the vast fat cat salaries and the huge profits. Those on dual fuels electricity and mains gas have really had nothing but a huge wake up call."

"There have also been many headlines about the terrible implications this has for millions of people in Fuel Poverty. Nothing but bad news. However, the OIL 'gods' have conspired to create a market where we bought  heating OIL at some of the lowest prices of the year and, given all that bad news from the Big Six, it is great to see how well this reflects on the whole heating OIL supply industry and what a pleasure it is to be able to write positively about heating OIL suppliers."

Last month's price was £0.538 pence per litre (+ 5% VAT). The CCB Oil Club does not place orders during December because prices are always high and oil suppliers are often unwilling to negotiate due to an influx of urgent orders. Therefore our last order deadline of 2013 is 12pm on Thursday 21st November.

If you do heat your home with oil and have yet to take up the opportunity to save money that the CCB oil club can give you please click here for more information about the club:  http://www.ccberks.org.uk/oilbuying-collective/4575210387. Member's prices will be rising to incorporate VAT in 2014 so do not delay, join today!

Could your community, group or charitable organisation do with some extra funding post Christmas. . .?

Could your community, group or charitable organisation do with some extra funding post Christmas. . .?

If the your answer to the above is "yes please!" then why not consider applying to the Big Lottery's Awards for All funding programme. Awards for All is a small grants funding programme which awards between £300 and £10,000 to voluntary and community organisations.

To improve your chances of successfully obtaining some funding for your project CCB and the Big Lottery are running FREE webinars on the Awards for All programme. 
These sessions are run online which means that you are able to access them from the comfort of your own home or office. Webinars are supported by the Adult Community Learning team at West Berkshire Council.

By taking part in the webinar you will:

• Have a better understanding of the Awards for All fund and the current funding environment.
• Have an increased understanding of the Awads for All programme and how to strengthen your application.
• Have increased confidence to apply to Awards for All.

Feedback from participants that have already attended one of these webinars includes:

"As a very new volunteer to fundraising, I found everything very useful." 

"Being interactive and visual was very worthwhile and thank you for the in depth information on what works within an application, very useful in deed!"

"Saving the expense of travel and time I found it very easy to access, and very clear delivery by the Big Lottery. Very well organised hosting by Gemma at CCB. Was useful to have the reminder with 'how-to' documents and instructions."

"The detailed explanation of the meaning and relevance of the Outcomes section and the importance to our application was excellent. The immediate reply to my questions was very helpful also. In fact every part of the webinar was so useful and very well explained. I felt that Pat Cook from the Big Lottery understands the pressures on small charities regarding applying for funding from large national organisations."

For dates and a link to the booking form please click here.

VACANCY: Local Development Officer, part-time

Local Development Officer [part-time]  needed for educational charity

Explore is a registered charity that works in schools and youth establishments, enabling young people to appreciate the life skills that produce healthy and enduring relationships, families and marriages.   Berkshire Explore is looking for a confident, friendly individual with good administrative and communication skills to fill the role of part-time Local Development Officer.  

Further information on Explore is available on: www.theexploreexperience.co.uk

For details of the role contact Martin Westacott:          mkwestacott@swanlake.eclipse.co.uk                                                                                        
Closing date for applications:  16 November 2013

Are you getting the Best Deal on your Energy?

Helen Dean, CCB's Energy Advice Worker, is currently undertaking talks to local groups in Berkshire on how to get the best deal on your home energy costs by switching supplier, with advice on the benefits that are available, and tips to reduce energy costs at home. The presentation ‘Energy Best Deal’ is written by Citizens Advice and Ofgem. If you would be interested in a session for your community or group, please get in touch on 0118961200.

Sarah Harrison, Senior Partner - Sustainable Development, said:

“At a time when prices are rising and the weather is starting to turn colder, it’s important that consumers don’t pay more than they need to for their energy. That’s where the Energy Best Deal programme can provide essential advice to customers. As well as supporting Energy Best Deal, Ofgem’s radical reforms to reset the energy market and make it simpler, clearer and fairer for consumers are coming into effect right now and these will include making suppliers tell customers what their cheapest tariff is. Both the reforms and the Energy Best Deal initiative are important steps in giving customers the tools they need to get the most out of the energy market.”

Loneliness Resource Pack - Joseph Rowntree Foundation

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has just published a set of resources to help
individuals, groups, communities and neighbourhoods take a closer look at and to reduceloneliness. JRF’s approaches to loneliness has been a three year action research programme exploring and identifying what makes us feel lonely where we live and work and what we can all do about it – personally and professionally.
 
It includes a can do guidance and tips section. Read more on JRF’s website.

VACANCY: Office Manager, Part-Time

Vacancy for an Office Manager, Part Time

Where: Skotkonung Ltd is a specialised software development company that is particularly focused on the needs of those operating in the international development community.

Hours: 4 - 8 hours per week which could be worked over one full day or two half days. There is also the potential to extend to 4 days a week from March 2014

Location: Theale, Reading,  RG7 4AB

Salary: £20,000 per annum pro rata based on a 37.5 hr working week. The package includes 20 days annual leave pro rata plus Bank Holidays.

Job Purpose: The successful applicant will have overall responsibility for the smooth day to day running of our office in Theale.  This is a varied role ranging from regular book keeping using a desktop accounting package, maintaining up to date HR information, to proof reading website content and e-bulletins and other ad hoc administrative tasks.
Closing date for applications:  Monday 25th November 2013.
(Please note: We do not accept or respond to unsolicited offers from recruitment or advertising agencies.)

Office Management
·           Maintaining accurate and up to date financial information using a desktop accounting package (Cashflow)
·           Maintaining internal financial records; managing staff expenses and expense claims
·           Creating and filing VAT returns to HMRC
·           Keeping track of customer invoices both outgoing and incoming
·           Maintaining a comprehensive electronic filing system as well as hard copies of relevant administration files
·           Responsible for maintaining up to date HR information; recording staff holidays, maintaining confidential staff files, providing administrative support for any recruitment.
·           Proof reading of e-bulletins and company website information.
·           Ad-hoc administrative responsibilities; organising meetings and greeting visitors, handling incoming and outgoing post, answering the telephone and handling customer queries.


Person Specification

Essential:
·           Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
·           Tact and discretion in the handling of confidential company information
·           You must be a self-starter, self-disciplined and able to prioritise
·           You must be happy to manage your own time as part of an expanding team
·           Proven ability to work with efficiency, flexibility, and good humour
·           Good working knowledge of the Microsoft suite of products, with training provided for the accounting package

Desirable:
·           Flexibility in respective of working hours would be an advantage
·           An interest in IT/Software development would be advantageous
·           Experience of or an interest in international development or humanitarian aid

Application: To apply, please email your CV with a covering letter stating how you fulfil the person specification to recruitment@skotkonung.com . CVs submitted without a covering letter detailing how the applicant meets the person specification will be rejected unread.

Further information about Skotkonung can be found on their website http://www.skotkonung.com/

CCB - RBWM Evidencing your Neighbourhood Plan Event: Delivers valuable information to Borough Neighbourhood Plan Groups

Last Thursday evening, 7th November, members of the RBWM Neighbourhood Planning Groups had the benefit of a free training session put on by  CCB.

The event was open to all members of the RBWM Neighbourhood plan groups to explore the types of evidence they will need to ensure their neighbourhood plans are robust planning documents once adopted.

The event was well attended by members of most tof the Boroughs designated neighbourhood planning groups, with the exception of Ascot & the Sunnings who have already completed their draft plan.

Organised by Arlene Kersley, CCB’s Rural Housing Enabler, the event included an informational presentation by Mick Duggan of the Department for Communities and Local Government who set the national context for neighbourhood plannig.  This was followed by Jeremy Edge of Edge Planning who is an independent examiner of Neighbourhood Plans, Jeremy explained the basic conditions that the examiner is looking for in every plan. 

Miles Thompson, who recently joined RBWM as Planning Policy Manager followed with the types of evidence and support that the groups can expect to obtain from the Borough.  Miles valued the opportunity to meet members of all of the groups. 

The final presentation was given  by Arlene Kersley who spoke passionately about the housing issues faced by the groups and what housing evidence should be looked at in more detail.

The evening closed with a question and answer session.

Delegates said they found the evening very informative, if a little bit daunting, Arlene Kersley pointed out:

“None of us are experts in neighbourhood planning, it is new to us all, so we are all learning together, but  we have a real opportunity to develop a real vision for our communities”

It is hoped that similar events will be arranged in the future.