Developing an Advice Strategy

In April 2009 Bedfordshire County Council was abolished and all its functions were taken over by two new unitary authorities - Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council.

BAF received some funding from Voluntary Works (the local consortium for voluntary sector infrastructure organisations), from its Capacitybuilders funded LGR project, to liaise with the new Councils to raise the profile of the advice sector and advice work.

BAF has contacted the two new Councils and has suggested that they develop an Advice Strategy for their area. 

Positive initial meetings were held with both new Councils on 8th June 2009. 

A joint planning workshop with representatives from the two Councils and BAF members was held on 6th October 2009. 

A further meeting to draft a Proposal was held on 11th November 2009.

The Proposal to develop an Advice Strategy in Bedford Borough was endorsed at the Social Inclusion, Community Cohesion and Culture Thematic Partnership on 30th November 2009.  The Proposal was later accepted by the Bedford Borough Partnership Board at its meeting in December 2009.

The Proposal to develop an Advice Strategy in Central Bedfordshire was endorsed by the Stronger Communities Thematic Partnership on 2nd December 2009.  The Proposal will be considered by Central Bedfordshire Together (the Local Strategic Partnership Board for Central Bedfordshire) at its meeting in February 2010.

Another planning meeting to discuss the development of an Advice Strategy in Bedford Borough has been arranged for 25 February 2010.  A meeting to plan the Advice Strategy in Central Bedfordshire if a positive response is received from the forthcoming Central Bedfordshire LSP meeting.

Details of the work undertaken so far is given below.

Discussion at BAF meeting on 25th February