New-look P&R builds links with charities

Wayne Bulpitt, chairman of the Association of Guernsey Charities, said he was delighted to see Deputies Heidi Soulsby and John Gollop attend its latest members’ meeting.

‘Heidi and John are both are well known for their support of the third sector, Heidi from her time at HSC when she championed many projects, and John for his personal involvement with a number of charities, including Living Streets,’ he said.

‘We were delighted they were able to attend and pleased with the contribution they made to discussions. We are looking forward to working with them over the remainder of this term.’

Deputy Soulsby is taking back the role as the third sector lead that she held before she resigned from P&R a year ago.

‘I am delighted to be taking on that responsibility again, this time ably assisted by Deputy Gollop, who brings considerable background knowledge of this area.

‘I have championed a stronger working relationship between government and third sector since I was first elected and, in my time as HSC president saw the important part the third sector had to play in health and social care.

‘We developed several initiatives during that time as a result, including setting up the Health Improvement Commission and working with Choices to introduce free under-21 contraception which has dramatically reduced teenage pregnancies.’

She added that the relationship between the state and charitable sector was about looking beyond the short term and seeing long term value.

‘However, historically, the interaction between government and the third sector has been quite hit and miss and just not joined up, leading to inefficiencies.

‘That is why when I was previously on P&R I pushed for the development of a central commissioning function and worked with the AGC and Community Foundation to help develop this.

‘I look forward to working with them again now, together with the commissioning lead, to further improve and extend partnership working.’

About 70 people attended the meeting from across a wide spectrum of charities, from healthcare to youth work.

Deputy Gollop said that charities were looking for the States to be more involved, and that was something he and Deputy Soulsby were keen to see happen.

‘There is a need to recognise the contribution the third sector makes,’ he said. ‘I know they would like to see a more homogeneous and joined up approach, with more partnerships between us leading to advantages for both.’

Health Connections CEO Bella Farrell, who attended the meeting, and who had recently written to all deputies raising concerns over States engagement, welcomed the deputies’ presence.

‘It was a polite and well received introductory engagement from Heidi and John and we will look to see how they engage with the sector,’ she said.

‘But there is still a despondency about the lack of engagement and the amount of commissioning from the States. We need to see them being more proactive going forward.’