About

Formed in 2004, DACVS works to support the voluntary and community sector (VCS) develop and improve its contribution to the lives of citizens in the sub-region. The Partnership adopts the working principle of 'local focus, county voice.' This recognises the value and benefits of developing common policy positions at a strategic level while retaining local identity and meeting the diverse needs of the sub-region through local delivery. This commitment underpins the strategic objectives of DACVS.

The aims of the DACVS are to provide:

• Effective representation of the voluntary and community sector at sub-regional level;
• A stronger well co-ordinated sub regional structure for other agencies to key into;
• A better informed sector at local level on sub regional issues and opportunities;
• Sub regional and regional wide policies and strategies more fully informed by Devon and local issues;
• Increased effectiveness of each CVS due to sharing information and good practice;
• Increased resources to improve coverage of all policy areas at local and sub regional level.

By working in partnership together we aim to -

• Support voluntary and community organisations to engage with sub regional opportunities and work across districts in developing partnerships, resources and best practice.
• Enable the VCS to participate strategically in promoting social / economic inclusion by communicating with the Governmental strategic and funding agencies.
• Strengthen the Sector’s ability to deliver services effectively to socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
• Develop strong, diverse and long term economic growth.
• Encourage organisations that address similar needs, in different areas, to work cooperatively and develop cross locality services where appropriate.
• Strengthen the work of the CVS’s to support and promote the Sector.
• Establish reliable base line data to assess the Sector’s needs and identify and address development and funding opportunities.
  

The Devon Association of CVS partnership encompasses the areas of North Devon, Torridge, Mid Devon, East Devon, Teignbridge, West Devon, South Hams and Exeter. The Chief Officers of the eight Councils for Voluntary Service from these areas are responsible for its governance.

In Devon, all the individual CVS are different in their make up and respond to local need. Some CVS deliver specialist infrastructure to parish councils and local rural frontline organisations on housing, transport and community space. In some cases the infrastructure organisation is delivering both infrastructure and direct services.