Work of the CIP
The Cornwall Infrastructure Partnership came together in response to the Government's ChangeUp Programme.Since then, they have developed a number of projects to strengthen the infrastructure of the voluntary sector in the county. Members have secured funding to support projects like Training Matters and the strengthening of the Voluntary Sector Forum through the Big Lottery's BASIS programme.
Further funding is being sought to provide dedicated advisers for the sector to help organisations with issues like funding and equalities.
Watch this space!
THE CORNWALL DIVERSITY TOOLKIT
The Cornwall Diversity Toolkit - a fully accredited training programme which will increase the capacity and ability of organisations and individuals to define, develop, implement, monitor and refine equality and diversity best practices, through the delivery of formally accredited interventions will soon be available.The Cornwall Diversity Toolkit was developed in 2006 under the umbrella of the Cornwall Infrastructure Partnership (CIP) and financed by the Change Up Funding programme. Disability Cornwall and Cornwall Race Equality Council, CIP Diversity Partners took the lead on this innovative initiative in consultation with the wider VCS throughout Cornwall. The purpose of the Toolkit is to support organisations to comprehensively consider and include Equality and Diversity within all organisational activities. This includes dealings both with their own staff and any volunteers, and with their external customers and suppliers.
The Toolkit equips organisations with a working knowledge of the principles of Equality and Diversity, assisting them in understanding the relevance and importance of the subject to all aspects of their activity. A strong 'business case' is made throughout the Toolkit for the advantages and benefits of embracing Equality and Diversity. It includes real world examples of organisations which have recognised the business potential of attracting staff, volunteers and service users/clients from a wide range of backgrounds and with a diversity of skills, experience, and needs. This business case is as applicable to voluntary and community sector organisations as it is to any organisation.
The Toolkit provides organisations with key information regarding current UK legislation and gives examples of what other organisations are doing, as well as offering advice and guidance through answering many questions that will be at the forefront of users' minds.
Significantly, the Toolkit presents an Equality and Diversity Assessment Model for organisations to use in order to comprehensively assess their practices in all areas of their activity. This assessment then forms the basis for improvement planning and the implementation of plans that will ensure they realise the business benefits that effective Equality and Diversity practices can bring. The Assessment Model offers holistic guidance to organisations, and includes key examples of good practice in Equality and Diversity. It is relevant to all organisations regardless of size, activity etc.
To obtain further information or to register your interest, please call Disability Cornwall on 01736 756655.