More about SpeakUp

What is SpeakUp?

SpeakUp Forum is a countywide forum for voluntary and community sector organisations in East Sussex. We help groups to have a say and be informed about countywide issues. We support groups to:

-         be heard & represented at key decision making and strategic meetings at the county level

i.e. We appointed accountable representatives to over 15 countywide partnerships

-         have a stronger dialogue with statutory sector

i.e.We have helped VCS work jointly with ESCC on the new funding model for Adult Social Care and Health service - Prospectus in 2011 and 2012

-         network and share information across the district boundaries

i.e. on-line, via local newsletters and Big Event - an annual conference and advice fair

The vision for SpeakUp is a strong and diverse voluntary and community sector, equipped to play an equal part with statutory

partners in shaping plans for the whole of East Sussex.

Forum brings together representatives from countywide organisations, local community networks and CVSs (Councils for Voluntary Services).  

SpeakUp leaflet - download (PDF)

Contact SpeakUp Forum

SpeakUp Representatives

SpeakUp representatives are employees or volunteers of Voluntary and Community Sector organisation that work in East Sussex. The representatives do not represent their own organisation but derive a mandate from a wider constituency. Meet the current representatives. 

Representative meet bi-monthly to discuss, exchange information and prepare for the key partnerships. They are also in a regular e-mail communication.

A Voice for the Sector!

The Forum liaise with statutory agencies, e.g. East Sussex County Council and other partners and will help find a suitable representative or signpost to other relevant organisation or network. Check which Countywide Partnerships have VCS representation.

If your group has issues you would like to discuss or to be taken forward to Countywide planning and decision making meetings, you can contact your SpeakUp representatives directly or contact SpeakUp Forum Development Coordinator, Miriam Miklaszewska.

SpeakUp Forum Terms of Reference 

SpeakUp Forum is a countywide project set up by CVS Partnership and hosted by 3VA.

Some of the files on this page are in Adobe Acrobat PDF file format and may take a few seconds or up to couple of minutes to download - you will need the Adobe Acrobat reader to see it. Click here to get the reader.