Supporting Voluntary and Community Action
Words and phrases used by the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector and other sectors we work with
The voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector is constantly changing, and it's important to keep up to date with the words and phrases we use every day in emails, meetings, video calls, conferences, official documents and other forms of communication. That's why we created this jargon buster - think of it as a dictionary for all the words and phrases you might come across.
If you have more words or jargon you think should be included, please let us know by emailing polly@voscur.org. Don’t be put off by how long the list is - just use it when you need to.
There are two categories:
Acronyms - an acronym is a short word created from the initials of a longer name or phrase, to help you write or say it quickly. For example, AGM stands for Annual General Meeting.
Words, phrases and projects - everything else that needs explaining; either a single word or a few words to describe something in our sector.
Looking for the IT Jargon Buster? That's where you'll find definitions of words and phrases related to technology.
Click on the letter below to navigate through the acronyms:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Click on the letter below to navigate through the words, phrases and projects:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A4A
Awards for All.
ABCD
Asset-Based Community Development.
ABI
Area Based Initiative: A Government regeneration initiative that aims to improve quality and equality of life in small, neighbourhood areas, e.g. Neighbourhood Renewal, Sure Start, etc.
ACAS
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.
ACE
Arts Council England: the funding and development body for the arts. See www.artscouncil.org.uk.
ACEVO
Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations. See www.acevo.org.uk.
ACF
Association of Charitable Foundations.
ACIE
Association of Charity Independent Examiners.
ACL
Adult and Community Learning.
ACS
Association of Charity Shops.
AGM
Annual General Meeting.
AIF
Area Investment Framework.
ALM
Action Learning Matters.
ARVAC
Association for Research in the Voluntary and Community Sector.
BCC
Bristol City Council.
BEIS
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (central government).
BESD
Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties: a term used to describe behavioural issues (usually conditions relating to information processing and communication), emotional issues (such as mental health conditions) and social issues (such as poverty, neglect, or caring responsibilities) seen in children and adults.
BIF
Bristol Impact Fund - a funding opportunity aimed at VCSE organisations serving equalities groups and the most deprived neighbourhoods in Bristol. Click here for details.
BiTC
Business in the Community.
BME, BAME or BAOEG
Black and Minority Ethnic; Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic; Black, Asian & Other Ethnic Groups. Voscur uses Black, Asian and Other Ethnic Groups.
BOPF
Bristol Older People's Forum.
BP
Bristol Partnership: Bristol’s Local Strategic Partnership (see LSPs).
BSL
British Sign Language.
BSWN
Black South West Network.
BTEG
Black Training and Enterprise Group.
BUG
Bike User Group.
CAA
Comprehensive Area Assessment. A method that government has used to measure local authorities and their partners (police, health etc) on their performance.
CAB
Citizens Advice, formerly known as Citizens Advice Bureau: provides free, confidential, impartial information and independent advice to all individuals.
C&YPT
Children and Young People’s Partnership Trust: a part of the Bristol Partnership focusing on work or services related to Children and Young People.
CAF
Charities Aid Foundation: is an independent charity providing products and services to charities in the UK and internationally.
CAF
Common Assessment Framework: used by many children's services professionals across the country.
CAFCASS
Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.
CAMHS
Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
CAN
Community Action Network.
CAT
Community Asset Transfer: transferring a publicly-owned asset, such as land or buildings, to a community organisation. The transfer is arranged at less than market value, or with no cost. See the Power to Change guide to CAT for more details.
CBI
Confederation of British Industry.
CCG
Clinical Commissioning Group. Our local CCG is Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (or BNSSG CCG for short).
CCP
Community Care Plan.
CDF
Community Development Foundation: Government quango working to identify and develop good practice in community development.
CDW
Community Development Worker.
CDX
Community Development Exchange.
CED
Community Economic Development.
CEMVO
Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Organisations.
CEO
Chief Executive Officer
CES
Charities Evaluation Services
CFC
Change for Children
CFO
Co-Financing Public Sector Intermediary Organisation
CHIP
City Housing Improvement Plan
CIC
Community Interest Company
CIO
Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
CO
Chief Officer.
COI
Central Office of Information.
CPA
Comprehensive Performance Assessment.
CPO
Compulsory Purchase Order.
CSE
Child Sexual Exploitation. An issue for organisations working with children and young people.
CSR
Comprehensive Spending Review: delivered by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to set out the government's spending plans for parliament.
Also, Corporate Social Responsibility: the responsibility of a company to be accountable to itself, its stakeholders and the public. A company should be operating in a way that benefits society. Many companies get involved in corporate volunteering or pro-bono activities to demonstrate CSR.
CVS
Council for Voluntary Service
CWG
Compact Working Group.
CYP
Children and Young People.
CYPFD
Children, Young People and Families Directorate (DfES).
DAAT
Drugs And Alcohol Team.
DAT
Drug Action Team.
DBS
Disclosure and Barring Service: the DBS check has replaced the CRB check as a required procedure for anyone working or volunteering with children or vulnerable adults- for example, as a carer or a youth worker. There are four levels of DBS check available, and most organisations will pay for you to get the relevant DBS check (different rules apply if you are self-employed).
DCLG
Department for Communities and Local Government (formerly the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister). Includes government activity on regional or local government, housing, planning, urban policy, the social exclusion unit and Neighbourhood Renewal.
DCMS
Department for Culture, Media and Sport (central government).
DDA
Disability Discrimination Act.
Defra
Department for Food and Rural Affairs (central government).
DH
Department of Health.
DIUS
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (central government).
DSC
Directory of Social Change
DWP
Department for Work and Pensions
EAG
Equalities Action Group: sub-group of the Bristol Partnership to monitor and scrutinise equalities issues across the city.
EC
European Commission: the Civil Service of the European Union.
ECM
Every Child Matters.
EGM
Extraordinary General Meeting.
EOY
End of Year.
EHRC
Equality and Human Rights Commission – Established on 1 October 2007, the EHRC replaces the Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities
Commission. The Commission is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain.
EMU
Economic and Monetary Union
ERDF
European Regional Development Fund funds capital development, feasibility studies etc.
ESF
European Social Fund – to support training and learning
ESOL
English for Speakers of Other Languages
EU
European Union
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
FAWN
Funding Advice Workers Network
FCDL
Federation for Community Development Learning
FE
Further Education
FLO
Frontline Organisation
FSB
Fundraising Standards Board
GAYE
Give As You Earn
GOSW
Government Office for the South West Our regional Government office. In July 2010 the government announced that regional government offices including GOSW would reviewed with a mind to them being closed.
GRO
Grass Roots Organisation
GSCC
General Social Care Council
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HA
Housing Association
HDA
Health Development Agency
HCA
Homes and Communities Agencies
HE
Higher Education
HLC
Healthy Living Centre
HLF
Heritage Lottery Fund
HO
Home Office
HMRC
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs
HMT
Her Majesty’s Treasury
HR
Human Resources
HSE
Health and Safety Executive
IAG
Information and Guidance
ICAS
Independent Complaints Advisory Service
ICT
Information and Communication Technology
IDeA
Improvement and Development Agency
IRT
Identification, Referral and Tracking: Government policy to promote information sharing among agencies on young people – “applies to all children 0 – 18 who display one or more risk factors”.
IiP Investors in People
IPCC
Independent Police Complaints Commission
IPPR
Institute for Public Policy Research
ISBN
International Standard Book Number
ISO
Infrastructure Support Organisation
ISP
Internet Service Provider
JAR
Joint Area Review
JCB
Joint Commissioning Board
JSA
Job Seekers' Allowance
KPI
Key Performance Indicator
LA
Local Authority
LAA
Local Area Agreement: an agreement between a local authority and its partners and government around outcomes, indicators and targets for work in that (geographical) area. In June 2010 the new government announced that LAAs would be phased out.
LAP
Local Action Plan
LEA
Local Education Authority
LEGI
Local Enterprise Growth Initiative
LEP
LEI
Local Employment Initiative
LETS
Local Exchange Trading System
LGBT
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender.
LINks
Local Involvement Networks of LINks were set up to enable local people to help shape local health and social care services. From 2012 the government has announced that LINks will be replaced by HealthWatch groups.
LIO
Local Infrastructure Organisation: for example Voscur, BDA and The Care Forum are LIO in Bristol.
LSC
Learning & Skills Council: responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16s.
LSP
Local Strategic Partnerships: Overall strategic partnerships with representation of Public Services, Community and Voluntary Sector/social economy, Private Sector. Usually covers a local
authority area. The Bristol Partnership is Bristol’s LSP
MEP
Member of the European Parliament
MHF
Mental Health Foundation
MOA
Memorandum of Agreement
MOJ
Ministry of Justice – The Home Office split into two separate departments in 2007, the Ministry of Justice and The Home Office. The MOJ focuses on the criminal justice system and on reducing re-offending.
MOU
Memorandum of Understanding
MP
Member of Parliament
NAVCA
National Association for Voluntary & Community Action: Parent national body of “CVS” - umbrella agencies helping to promote effective local/voluntary community action/activity. Voscur is a CVS.
NC
Neighbourhood Committee - there are 14 Neighbourhood (Neighbourhood Partnership) areas in Bristol. From February 2010 these will be joined by neighbourhood Committees comprising the elected ward councillors for that area. The neighbourhood committee will be the accountable body that takes decisions about Bristol City Council funding and resources that have been deveolved to a neighbourhood. Click here to find out more about neighbourhood decision making in Bristol.
NCS
National Citizen Service. Click here for more details
NCVCCO
National Council of Voluntary Child Care Organisations
NCVO
National Council of Voluntary Organisations: overall umbrella body for voluntary organisations with a strong focus on national voluntary organisations/charities.
NCVYS
National Council for Voluntary Youth Services. National agency to support local “umbrella” organisations that support young peoples organisations in the voluntary sector. Voscur is a member of NYCVS
to support our Young Peoples Organisations Network.
NDC
New Deal for Communities. A flagship, 10 year government regeneration programme, which went to 39 areas across UK. Community@Heart (covering Barton Hill and The Dings) is a NDC area in Bristol. NDC funding ended in 2009.
NDC
National Disability Council
NDPB
Non Departmental Public Body
NEET
Not in Education, Employment or Training: used about young people primarily under 19.
NF
Neighbourhood Forum - this refers to the open public meetings held by Neighbourhood Partnerships and Neighbourhood Committees where local residents can raise issues of importance to them. NF will be held at least four time a year in each council ward of a Neighbourhood (Neighbourhood Partnership) area.
NFP
Not for profit
NGO
Non Governmental Organisation
NHS
National Health Service
NI
National Insurance
NIMHE
National Institute for Mental Health in England
NJC
National Joint Council (for Local Government Services)
NLC
National Lottery Commission: National Lottery regulator.
NM
Neighbourhood Management: a system of local government or service delivery in a local area.
NMP
Neighbourhood Management Pilot
NOMS
National Offender Management Service
NR
NRF
NRA
Neighbourhood Renewal - the process of changing the way public services are delivered so they meet the needs of local people.
Neighbourhood Renewal Fund given by the Government to help the process of NR. Ended March 2008.
Neighbourhood Renewal Advisor: Government appointed people to help with the process of NR.
NMP
Neighbourhood Management Pilot
NP
Neighbourhood Partnership: In 2008 Bristol City Council introduced new forms of Neighbourhood Governance across the city where local people can have more say in influencing decisions. The new local governance structure are called Neighbourhood Partnerships. In February 2010 Neighbourhood Partnerships were joined by Neighbourhood Committees comprising the elected councillors in each NP are. From February 2010 NP will refer to the steering group for the geographical area that will now be called neighbourhood. Click here to find out more about neighbourhood decision making in Bristol.
NPS
National Procurement Strategy
NSF
National Service Framework
NTI
Neighbourhood Transport Initiative: small grants for transport projects in Bristol
NVQ
National Vocational Qualifications
OfSTED
Office for Standards in Education
OISC
Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
OU
Open University
PAF
Performance Assessment Framework
PCT
Primary Care Trust
PAYE
Pay As You Earn
PIC
Public Interest Company
PLA
Pre School Learning Alliance
PPI
Patient and Public Involvement
PQASSO
Practical Quality Assurance System for Small Organisations. This process means organisations can evidence that their systems operate to a good quality standard. It was developed and is owned
by CES.
PSA
Public Service Agreement Contracts of agreement with government, to work towards certain targets in the provision of good public services.
Quango
Quasi non-governmental Organisation
QSTG
Quality Standards Task Group
RA
Regional Assembly
RCU
Regional Co-ordination Unit: In the DCLG. Coordinates and oversees the Government Regional Offices (for example, GOSW). Coordinates Area Based Initiatives (see above).
RCO
Refugee Community Organisations
RDA
Regional Development Agency. In July 2010 the government announced that Regional Development Agencies will be phased out and their powers transfered to local authorities and new Local Enterprise Partnerships.
RNIB
Royal National Institute for the Blind
RNID
Royal National Institute for Deaf People
ROTA
Race on the Agenda
RPI
Retail Price Index
RSI
Repetitive Strain Injury
RSL
Registered Social Landlord
SACRE
Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education
SCA
Sustainable Communities Act
SCS
Sustainable Community Strategy
SDA
Sex Discrimination Act
SDAG
Sustainable Development Action Group: sub-group of the Bristol Partnership to monitor and scrutinise sustainability issues across the city.
SEN
Special Educational Needs: a range of additional needs that children and young people may have, such as autism, dyslexia, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), or a visual impairment.
SEU
Social Exclusion Unit in the DCLG. Undertakes project work and policy development relating to social inclusion.
SKiLD
Skills and Knowledge for Local Development (NAVCA project).
SLA
Service Level Agreement Contract of agreement between two partners, often a mainstream agency and a voluntary sector organisation, describing the range and amount of services that will be provided.
SMART
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Related used in relation to setting aims, objectives and outcomes.
SME
Small and Medium Enterprises.
SMP
Statutory Maternity Pay.
SNF
Sustainable Neighbourhood Fund awarding grants of up to £5,000 for community projects with environmental, social and economic benefits. Contact Bristol City Council's Sustainable City Team on 0117 922 4379.
SORP
Statement of Recommended Practice relates to accountancy practice for charities.
SPD
Single Planning Document (Objective 2) Sets out the work that will happen with Objective 2 funds.
SRI
Socially Responsible Investment.
SSA
Standard Spending Assessment. This is the amount the government will give the Council to run – so in effect, a government grant to local councils.
SSC
Safer & Stronger Communities (LAA block).
SSCF
Safer Stronger Communities Fund.
SSD
Social Services Department.
SSP
Statutory Sick Pay.
SSP
Sub-regional Strategic Partnership.
STP
Sustainability Transformation Partnership: an acronym used by the public health sector.
SWF
South West Forum.
SWRDA or RDA
South West Regional Development Agency: Body accountable to the Department of Trade and Industry. Responsible for supporting the development of a thriving economy across the South West. (will be phased out from 2010 - see RDA).
TNA
Training Needs Analysis.
TPAS
Tenants Participation Advisory Service.
TSA
Tenant Services Authority.
TSO
Third Sector Organisation.
TUC
Trade Union Congress.
ULO
User-Led Organisation.
VA
Voluntary Action.
VAT
Value Added Tax.
VCO(s)
Voluntary and Community Organisation(s).
VCSE
Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise sector. This is the acronym we use at Voscur to describe our sector.
WEA
Workers' Education Association.
WEEE
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EU Directive).
WEN
Women’s Environment Network: campaigns on environment and health issues from a female perspective.
WN
Working Neighbourhoods: New government initiative (2008) to tackle worklessness, replacing Neighbourhood Renewal from April 2008.
We couldn't think of anything. Let us know if you can.
YOT
Youth Offending Team: a planning group overseeing the delivery of work with young offenders.
YIP
Youth Inclusion Project.
YSSF
Youth Sector Support Fund: a funding programme from Bristol City Council for VCSE organisations that support children and young people aged 8-19 in Bristol.
We couldn't think of anything, let us know if you can.
Asset Transfer
Asset Transfer is a term used to describe the process of the transfer of the ownership (or leasehold) of property or land from one party to another. Currently, the term is being used in the context of the transfer of public sector assets to third parties – including the voluntary and community sector.
Asylum Seeker
Person fleeing state persecution/violence in their country, seeking refuge and safety in another country.
Best Value
This used to be called Compulsory Competitive Tendering. It is a term used in public procurement, to show that all public procurement must be based on the best value for money.
Big Society
The Big Society is a key part of the Conservative - Liberal Democrat coalition governments policiy. The government says that the aim is "to create a climate that empowers local people and communities, building a big society that will 'take power away from politicians and give it to people'. Click here to find out more about the Big Society.
Bristol Partnership
This is the name of Bristol's Local Strategic Partnership (see LSP). For more information visit the Bristol Partnership website
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Cabinet (at the City Council)
When used about the City Council, this means the group of lead councillors who have political “executive” responsibility for the council. Sometimes this group is called the Executive. Each of the lead councillors has a particular area of responsibility, for example may be the “Executive Member” for Education and Lifelong Learning, etc., although all major decisions are taken by
the whole Cabinet together.
Capacity building
A phrase that has been introduced through government funding streams. Often used to refer to measures to increase skills and knowledge of groups and communities to participate to be involved with regeneration processes.
When a meeting, or part of a meeting, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), or that of any other participant, may be revealed.
Children’s Fund
Aims to ensure that vulnerable children get the best start in life, remain on track on their early years, flourish in secondary school and choose to stay on in education and training at 16.
Clean Money
Some funds from the EU and/or government cannot be used as “match funding” against each other. This may be because they are from the same original source, although made available from different bodies or places (so not very obviously from the same source). Money that is “clean” is money that has a separate source and can be “matched” against government and /or EU funds.
ChangeUp
ChangeUp was a Government initiative to strengthen the voluntary, community & social enterprise sector. Bristol’s ChangeUp Consortium comprises of Voscur, The Black DevelopmentAgency, Social Enterprise Works, The Care Forum and Volunteering Bristol.
Civil Society
Civil Society is the term used to refer to a society that is composed of the voluntary, civic and social organisations and institutions that form the basis of a functioning society as opposed to the force-backed structures of a state (regardless of that state's political system) and commercial institutions of the market.
Communities of interest
Seven recognised Equalities Groups (Black & Minority Ethnic communities; Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals and transgender people; Disabled People; Older People; Young People; Faith communities and Women) sharing campaigning, political, social, and support interests.
Communities of place
Covering geographical communities - particular areas, districts, wards, or neighbourhoods.
Community Sector
Made up of community groups, generally small groups relating to communities of interest or place. May be informal, without much funding or staff.
Community Strategy
A strategy prepared by the Bristol Partnership with 43 Actions to promote/improve Bristol’s economic, social and environmental well-being. (also know as Sustainable Community Strategy)
Compact
An agreed way of working, to improve the relationship between government and the community/voluntary sector to improve, based on shared values and mutual respect.
Connexions
A service for young people primarily aged 13 – 19, providing a range of services including personal advisers, key workers and buddies to support young people in education, employment and personal/social development linked to a Connexions Strategy (see www.connexionswest.org.uk)
Core costs
The central running costs of running an organisation or project.
Disaffected
As with many 'political' words it means different things to different people! In policy terms it often refers to young people who are fed up and are not doing the things that institutions and government think they should be doing. It may mean those unable to access 'mainstream' services like education and decision making because of discrimination, poverty, lack of information etc.
Driver/s
A term coined by European funders - in the Objective 2 Single Planning Document the 'drivers' are the priorities. EG 'Building Community Based Regeneration' is one of 4 'drivers' .
Equalities communities
Communities experiencing inequality, discrimination and oppression: black and minority ethnic communities, disabled people, children & young people, lesbians, bisexuals & gay men, women, faith groups.
Equalities Representative
Community members of the Equalities Action Group representing Equalities interests on the Bristol Partnership
Floor Targets
Government set list of improvements to be achieved by areas in receipt of Neighbourhood Renewal Funding.
Full Cost Recovery
Making sure that all the costs of running a project, group, activity are costed and included in any bid or application. This includes administration and management costs, and the costs of time spentnegotiating with funders and on monitoring funds won/given.
General Power of Competence
The government is proposing a general power of competence (similar to the Wellbeing powers intrduced by the last government) that would give councils greater freedom to save money and deliver great services that people want.
Click here for more details of the draft General Power of Competence Bill.
Governance
How a body or organisation is managed.
HealthWatch
From 2012 HealthWatch groups will replace the Local Involvement Networks (LINks) in England to enable local people to help shape local health and social care services. The government intends that HealthWatch England will become the national independent champion for health and social care consumers.
Indices of Deprivation
A range of measurable indicators used to decide if a geographical area is eligible for regeneration resources.
We couldn't think of anything, let us know if you can.
We couldn't think of anything, let us know if you can.
Local Agenda 21 (LA21)
Global initiative developed at the 1992 World Summit in Rio,promoting sustainability. Local authorities have developed a Local Agenda 21 Strategy, bringing together (and not compromising) social, economic, environmental interests.
Local Enterprise Partnerships
Local Enterprise Partnerships will be partnerships between local authorities and businesses and will play a key role in promoting local economic development.
Localism
Localism describes a range of political philosophies which prioritize the local. Generally, localism supports local production and consumption of goods, local control of government, and local culture and identity.
Mainstreaming
Realigning the allocation of mainstream resources - such as the police and health services - to better target the most deprived areas.
Match funding
Many funding schemes require match funding. Different schemes have different requirements.
Modernising Local Government
Government agenda to open up local councils, increase the numbers of people voting in local elections. It’s provoking massive change within Bristol City Council and the way it works, EG no longer through committees but with a “cabinet” and Executive Members.
Multi Area Agreement
A Multi Area Agreement is an English political framework that aims to encourage cross boundary partnership working at the regional and sub-regional levels
National Citizen Service
National Citizen Service is a flagship initiative supporting the Government’s vision for building the Big Society. NCS will act as a gateway to the Big Society for many young people, by supporting them to develop the skills and attitudes they need to get more engaged with their communities and become active and responsible citizens.
Neighbourhood Committee
There are 14 Neighbourhood (Neighbourhood Partnership) areas in Bristol. From February 2010 these will be joined by Neighbourhood Committees comprising the elected ward councillors for that area. The neighbourhood Committee will be the accountable body that takes decisions about Bristol City Council funding and resources that have been deveolved to a neighbourhood. Click here to find out more about neighbourhood decision making in Bristol.
Neighbourhood Partnership
In 2008 Bristol City Council introduced new forms of Neighbourhood Governance across the city where local people can have more say in influencing decisions. The new local governance structure are called Neighbourhood Partnerships. In february 2010 Neighbourhood Partnerships will be joined by Neighbourhood Committees comprising the elected councilors in each NP are. From February 2010 NP will refer to the steering group for the geographical area that will now be called neighbourhood. Click here to find out more about neighbourhood decision making in Bristol.
New Deal
Government's 'new deal' to address unemployment.
Nolan Prinicples
Lord Nolan began the First Report of his Committee on Standards in Public Life by setting out what he called “The Seven Principles of Public Life”, often described as “the Nolan Principles”.The Seven Principles of Public Life are:-
Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and leadership. Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example. Click here to find out more
Objective 1
Refers to a status for European funding for geographic areas which have very high levels of deprivation (not Bristol).
Objective 2
Objective 2 status means access to geographic/area based funding stream for clearly defined areas showing high levels of deprivation - but not as high as Objective 1. Parts of Bristol have Objective 2 status as part of a South West Region initiative (see breakdown of local initiatives).
Objective 3
A European fund which is for smaller initiatives than Objective 1 and 2 and is not area based, but still targets communities which show high levels of poverty and deprivation. To support training and skills development.
Outcomes
Outcomes are specific descriptions of what and individual or organisation is expected to be able to do or deliver at the end of an activity.
One Place
This is the term that is sometimes used to refer to the Comprehensive Area Assesment. See CAA.
Partnership
Government regeneration initiatives and large scale funding streams require joint working between the voluntary, public and private sectors (and sometimes residents). There are many partnerships in Bristol alone
Peak Oil
Peak Oil is the term that refers to the argument that global oil production has peaked and that oil reserves are now reducing and at some poin, if the world continues to use oil at the current (and growing rate), it will run out. There are differeing arguments as to when this will happen, the most pessimitic forcasts say this will have a major impact on everyday life in as little as ten years. Click here for more information on Peak Oil on Bristol City Council website.
Performance Improvement
Involves an organisation reviewing and monitoring current activities/ outputs; identifying weaknesses/ areas for improvement; setting targets and plans to meet these targets. Then the cycle of review, plan and implement begins again. Can be linked to quality assurance, and accredited quality assurance schemes such as PQASSO or Investors in People.
Performance Indicators
A measurable target applied to find out if something is actually working/meeting its aims, etc.
Primary Care Trust
An NHS primary care trust (PCT) is a type of NHS trust, part of the National Health Service in England, that provides some primary and community services or commission them from other providers, and are involved in commissioning secondary care. In July 2010 the government announced that PCTs would be abolished by 2012 and their responsibilities divided between local councils and consortiums of general practitioners (GPs).
Private sector
Trading organisations and individuals whose purpose is to make profit for themselves or shareholders.
Public sector
Organisations set up by government law (statute), to provide services to the general public (eg City Council, Police, etc.)
Pump prime (funding)
Initial funds used to set up a new activity or group.
Quality Assurance
Tends to refer to accredited quality assurance schemes, such as PQASSO. Organisations pay for these schemes, then have to work through them to achieve accreditation, which is formally recognized.
Quango
Government appointed (rather than elected) body – for example the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).
Regional Assembly
Former nominated body for the South West Region. Previously a consultative body for the RDA (although the RDA was not compelled to do what the Chamber says). The voluntary sector was represented on the Chamber through the South West Forum.
Regional Spatial Strategy
Regional Spatial Strategies provided a regional level planning framework for the regions of England (outside London). They were introduced in 2004. They were abolished by new Conservative/Liberal Democrat government on 6 July 2010.
Regeneration
Voscur's definition; 'improving the quality and equality of people's lives'.
Single Pot
Funding from the SWRDA targeting disadvantaged neighbourhoods. This replaces SRB funding, and – as is common with funds from the SWRDA - will focus much more on economic development rather than social/community regeneration.
Social Enterprise
Social enterprises are not-for-private-profit businesses with social aims, these social aims are the difference between private business and social enterprises, they range from recycling to nurseries and much more. They are people, not profit centred.
Social exclusion
Processes that prevent people from participating in the 'mainstream activity' of everyday life through poverty, unemployment, lack of education, lack of access to influence and decision making etc.
South West Forum
Regional Forum for community & voluntary sector groups.
Social economy
All organisations that are not-for-profit and not set up by statute.
Soft Outcomes
Outcomes that are less easy to observe or measure, or which involve some form of change inside people, such as a change in attitude or a change in the way they see themselves.
Stakeholder
Person or organisation that has an interest or “stake” in what is being planned, or happening.
Statement of Community Involvement
A statement that sets out how and when the public will be involved in a decision making process.
Statutory
Organisation that must operate, by Government law (“statute”), eg City Council, Police Authority, etc.
Street Crime Initiative
To fund ‘purposeful’ activities for young people throughout the summer (for example sports, arts, volunteering, residential, outdoor activities, play schemes, personal development opportunities and tackle issues such as interpersonal relationships, anger management, cross-cultural tolerance and understanding obstacles to learning). Aims to keep young people out of ‘trouble’.
Sustainable Communities
Sustainable communities meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents and other users; contribute to a high quality of life and offer opportunity for advancement. They achieve this in ways
which make effective use of natural resources, protect the environment, promote social cohesion and strengthen the economy.
Sustainable Development
Making sure that something is lasting and that it doesn't have a negative impact on other things - like the environment or social well being - it can be sustained.
Third sector
Organisations not in either the “private” or “public” sector - includes voluntary/community and cooperatives and social enterprises…so another term for the social economy.
Top slice
Take a certain amount of money out of a budget for a particular purpose, before dividing up what’s left for spending.
Total Place
Total Place is a government supported initiative that looks at how a ‘whole area’ approach to public services can lead to better services at less cost. Click here to find out more.
Urban Forum
National umbrella body for community and voluntary groups involved in regeneration.
Urban Renaissance
The development of high quality towns and cities that people will be proud to live in. (So attractive, clean, safe/well cared-for, with lots of interesting activity, practical to live in, and sensitive to the environment. They must be well designed and planned, making use of already developed land and existing buildings.)
Voluntary Sector
Organisations run by a voluntary management committee, often with paid/professional staff and other resources.
Welfare to work
Government initiatives which is about making work pay - includes New Deal schemes, tax changes, benefits etc.
Wellbeing Powers
The Wellbeing Powers were introduced by the last government to allow loacl councils to promote or improve the economic, social, or environmental well-being of their area.
Click here to find out more about the Wellbeing powers
We couldn't think of anything, let us know if you can.
We couldn't think of anything, let us know if you can.
We couldn't think of anything, let us know if you can.
Keeping up to date...
Use this next section to tell us about words, phrases, agencies or funding streams that you think should be included in this introduction to regeneration terminology - keep it clear and simple!
Contact
Voscur, CREATE Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol, BS1 6XN, Tel: 0117 909 9949 or
email your contributions to: info@voscur.org