VAI - Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Celebrating 50 Years of Service Working for a fairer Islington by supporting community and voluntary action

Contents Foreword by Lord Chris Smith ‘Twinkle in The Eye’ – 1960s 5 Our Founding Members 6 Islington Council of Social Service (ICSS) is Born – 1971 9 Our Early Work – 1971 – 75 14 Age of Maturity – Late 1970s 16 Riding the Storm – 1980s 18 Campaigning and Widening Our Scope – Late 1980s and 1990s 22 The Third Sector – Late 1990s 26 The Modern Era – 2006 31 Looking Ahead 41

Foreword Congratulations to Voluntary Action Islington on fifty years of service to the people of the Borough, and warmest wishes for the next fifty. Islington has a rich culture of voluntary and community activity. We depend on each other in a way that many communities don’t, and VAI coordinates and shepherds and monitors that activity in ways that enhance all our lives. I was very proud to work closely with VAI when I was your MP, and I’m proud now of everything that the organisation does. Well done for the past fifty years. Thank you, and good luck for the future, Chris Smith Lord Smith of Finsbury, Patron of VAI, Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge, and formerly Islington councillor, MP for Islington South, Cabinet minister and Chair of the Environment Agency This history was compiled by Joe Irvin OBE chair of VAI Trustee Board, with editing by Emma Hutchins (vice chair) in November 2020.

Voluntary Action Islington - A Short Walk Through Our History Voluntary Action Islington has been supporting This publication briefly tells the story of our local activity in the London Borough of Islington first 50 years – and in doing so tracks trends for over five decades. We exist to strengthen and issues as they emerged and evolved our local voluntary, community and faith across civil society. We pay tribute to the sector (VCFS) to deliver services effectively founders of Voluntary Action Islington and all and promote social justice. We are a one-stop the people who have served as volunteers, source of help providing advice, advocacy, staff and trustees, our member organisations news, resources including funding and and everyone in the Borough’s voluntary volunteering support. and community bodies, as well as our A little over 50 years ago, a group of local hugely valuable partners in the public sector, people committed to improving the lives of charitable trusts and businesses. people in Islington came together to create a We share some of the stories, successes new voluntary body, which became known as and challenges, as VAI was born and grew to the Islington Council of Social Service (ICSS) maturity. We hear from some of those most – later renamed Islington Voluntary Action involved and we look forward to our next Council in 1977 (IVAC), then Voluntary Action fifty years. Islington from 2009 (VAI). It was an ‘umbrella Most of all we celebrate the thousands of body’, offering to nurture and support all the Islington residents whose lives have been hundreds of charities, community groups and shaped and enhanced by the work of VAI and other voluntary organisations of all shapes and its predecessors. sizes within Islington. It aimed to foster better communications, create a hub of coordinated Joe Irvin – Chair of Trustees VAI activity, and help provide a stronger collective voice for the sector. 4 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

‘Twinkle in The Eye’ 1960s The idea of ICSS emerged from the political and social atmosphere of 1960s London. The shackles of post war Britain were being shaken off. Poor housing, inequality, poverty and disadvantage persisted. But there was a growing social awareness, less willingness to tolerate injustice and an emerging passion for social action. The history of charities and voluntary bodies stretches back to Victorian times and beyond. But as historian Peter Shapely wrote: ‘The late 1960s and early 1970s gave rise to a new form of civil society.’ Many of the new groups that emerged in this period were imbued with a spirit of self-help 1 and had a radical, campaigning edge. [ ] Crucially, powers were being devolved from the Greater London Council to London boroughs, including responsibilities such as children’s services, public health and welfare. The number of voluntary organisations was rising as people came together to try to tackle social problems, but there was little communication or coordination between them. In response, similar Councils of Voluntary Service were being set up across the country, with help from the National Council of Social Service (the predecessor of today’s National Council of Voluntary Organisations, NCVO). 1. J Davis Smith 100 Years of NCVO and Voluntary Action (2019) ISBN 978-3-030-02773-5 Celebrating 50 Years of Service 5

Our Founding Members This founding group included Elisabeth In this setting in Islington, a Hoodless (a young national charity leader and group of local people in voluntary our first Secretary), Pat Haynes (a stalwart of Tribune newspaper and our Treasurer for 40 organisations, faith organisations, years), Rev R E Simpson (our first Chairman), public services and local councillors Oscar Abrams (Director of the Keskidee Arts Centre, Britain’s first Black arts centre), Chris formed the backbone of those St Hill (a Caribbean-born community relations who created ICSS. They posed officer), Robin Forrest representing the Citizens’ the question: Could social change Advice Bureau and many other councillors, faith and voluntary sector activists. be advanced by bringing the local The support and encouragement of the local voluntary sector together and council was vital to the emergence of Councils working with the public sector? of Voluntary Services (CVS), and ICSS was no exception. The benefit for the Council was to create a positive relationship with, and to help strengthen, local voluntary and community sector organisations so they in turn could better support the community. The council was taking on new responsibilities devolved from the Greater London Council. Voluntary organisations were often more closely in touch with sections of the community than the local authority was. Consequently, the council agreed to provide Elisabeth Hoodless Oscar Abrams core funding, and nominate representatives to serve on the VAI Executive Committee. 6 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

An open meeting for interested parties was convened and a Steering Committee set up to pave the way for the new organisation. In May 1970, after a period of consultation, the Committee approached the the London Borough of Islington for support. The Council debated this proposal in September 1970 and agreed to give its support. But the hard work had just begun. As Rev R E Simpson, our Chairman, wrote (with a set of marvellous mixed metaphors) in ICSS’s first annual report in 1972: “Drawing up an attractive Budget is one thing, raising the wind is another; and new- born babies cannot survive simply on abstract statistics; they need actual pounds and pence.” Celebrating 50 Years of Service 7

Dame Elisabeth Hoodless was a founding member of the ICSS. She was Executive Director of the charity Community Service Volunteers (now Volunteering Matters) for over 50 years after joining in 1963. (Edited article from 2011) The sixties had been an exciting The National Council of Social Service (now time in Islington – responsibility NCVO) had a London officer whose job was for childcare and eldercare to promote the development of Councils had been transferred from the Greater of Social Service. He was a super star: London Council (GLC) to Islington Council, he introduced us to existing councils in housing associations such as Circle 33 other boroughs, to sources of funding and were pioneering new approaches to social produced model constitutions. It seemed to housing and change was in the air. I was take a long time, but we made it happen. a councillor from 1964-68, my husband Our first achievement, in the heady days Donald from 1968-1982. of community development, was to recruit There had been an influx of socially Simon Kaplinsky, a South African refugee, committed young people like us, attracted a civil engineer and another super star. by affordable house prices lower than Our aim was to learn how to help people anywhere else in inner London. People to engage in their own community to like Jack Straw, a barrister; Robin and improve it. He found a derelict factory near Christine Mabey, public servants; Simon Newington Green and secured funding MacLachlan, a solicitor; Pat Haynes, a to transform it in collaboration with local councillor; Gus McDonald the Tribune residents. His skilfully sensitive approach circulation manager and Robin Forrest of mixing building skills with the capacity to the Citizens’ Advice Bureau. empower people to formulate their plans The number of independent not-for-profit transformed the life expectancies of the groups was growing but there was no participants enabling them to sustain clear communications network: no way to the development.” circulate ideas, share premises or learn from others’ experience. 8 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

ICSS is Born - 1971 On the chilly winter evening of 10 February 117 member organisations joined ICSS in its 1971, Islington Council of Social Services first year, but individuals could also subscribe. (ICSS) was born at a meeting with 120 A look at the founding member organisations representatives filling the prestigious Council paints a picture of the local voluntary sector at Chamber of Islington Town Hall. The Mayor, that time (some of which had names that seem Councillor Robin Goodman, presided. outdated nowadays). It included voluntary organisations and charities working in the areas Its stated objectives were: of health and disability, children and young y To promote cooperation between the people, community relations, older people, voluntary and statutory services housing associations, welfare advice bodies y To stimulate voluntary effort in the borough and sports associations. But there were also y To provide a central information service faith bodies, and public sector agencies like y To provide a duplicating and secretarial education establishments, welfare, police and service for organisations without such probation services, not to mention – remarkably facilities – local branches of political parties. In addition, the Executive Committee had six nominees 1971 was a year of great change in the world. from Islington Council. (This format continued The digital age began with the invention of until 1975, and there were still two council the microprocessor, brutal conflicts in Asia nominees until 1999). and Africa led to an exodus of migrants seeking safety, Greenpeace was formed as environmental awareness grew and in the UK we moved to decimal currency. Celebrating 50 Years of Service 9

Some of the early member organisations of ICSS (1972) y British Polio Fellowship y Islington Committee for y Caledonian Road Community Project Community Relations y Campaign for Homosexual Equality y Islington Old People’s Welfare Association y Caribbean Overseas Association y Islington Poverty Action Group y Caxton House Settlement y Islington and Shoreditch y Circle 33 Housing Trust Housing Association y Citizens Advice Bureau Islington y The Islington Society y City University y Islington Society for Mentally y Community Service Volunteers Handicapped Children y Cross Street Baptist Church y Keskidee Centre y Cypriot Youth Social and Cultural Society y Liverpool Road Association y Elfrida Rathbone Committee y London Marriage Guidance Council y Family Planning Association y Martin Luther King Centre y Family Welfare Association y NSPCC y Greater London Association for the y North London Spastic Society Disabled, Islington Committee y Optimists Swimming Club y Hackney and Islington Association for y Polytechnic of North London Parents of ESN Children y Rotary Club of Finsbury y Hackney and Islington World Development y St Mary Magdelene Church Action Group y Society of St Vincent de Paul, y Islington Association for the Welfare of St Joan of Arc Conference Children in Hospital y Thornhill Association y Islington Boat Club y Trades Council, Islington y Islington Borough Youth Committee y Tufnell Park Residents’ Association y Islington Central Methodist Church y YMCA 10 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

The newly-born organisation had an Executive In June 1971 interested members of the public Committee (equivalent to a board of trustees, and organisations were invited to an Open who are also unpaid volunteers), with officers Forum to help shape the early work programme including a chairman, vice chairman, honorary of ICSS. Also in June, Anne Sugden became secretary and treasurer. As today, it would be the first employee as Executive Secretary, to be the job of the trustees to steer the organisation followed by Laurie Millward (1972-1976). and ensure it kept to its charitable objectives for the public benefit. Patrons and Vice In July, office Presidents added their support and prestige. accommodation was These were all people who gave their time leased at 309 Upper voluntarily without any payment. Street made available by the Independent Officers of ICSS 1971-72 Order of Oddfellows Patrons: Dr D W Bromfield (Mayor Manchester Unity of Islington 1971-72), Hugo Brunner Friendly Society. (publisher), Lionel Hale (critic, writer Initial funding was and broadcaster), Sir Basil Spence provided by the City (architect of Coventry Cathedral), Sir Parochial Foundation (now Trust for London) James Tait (first vice chancellor of the and Islington Council. Today this four-storey City University), and Trevor Huddleston redbrick building stands opposite the (Bishop of Stepney and anti-apartheid Almeida Theatre. leader). Vice Presidents - Local MPs: ICSS picked up steam; in 1972 it organised an George Cunningham, John Grant and exhibition of the work of member organisations, Michael O’Halloran (In 1977 these VP produced a Directory of Social Services and roles were merged into the Patrons) jointly published with Age Concern (now Age Chairman: Rev R E Simpson UK Islington) a handbook on pensioners’ rights. Vice Chair: S Woodcock Treasurer: Cllr Pat Haynes Hon Sec: Elisabeth Hoodless Celebrating 50 Years of Service 11

The inaugural meeting of Islington Council of Social Service was held on 10th February 1971 in Islington’s Council Chamber with over 120 representatives. I recall we were, at the time, homeless! At that time, I was a bookkeeper at the Tribune newspaper and arranged to let Islington Council of Social Service use Tribune’s spacious library. We soon acquired a lease of some long-empty offices on the top floor of 309 Upper Street, and it wasn’t long before a number of projects were initiated, some still flourishing. ICSS founding member, Pat Haynes Pat Haynes was a founding member of ICSS 1972 was a key year for early developments. and Treasurer for 40 years. He worked at A Directory of Social Services was published the Tribune newspaper and was an Islington for sale and over 400 were sold. The Council councillor 1971-1992. As Mayor in 1983-84 Pat visited over 50 voluntary organisations, including the Annual General Meeting of IVAC. Pat’s memory was honoured through the establishment of our annual Trustee of the Year Award. (Edited article from 2011 on right). 12 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Islington Council was considering a radical plan to create a series of devolved neighbourhood proposed several neighbourhood councils forums. ICSS was engaged to trial one in and Islington Council of Social Service set one Mildmay. The first community worker was of them up. A review of local charities was employed. One of the first issues brought up undertaken; as a result, Islington Relief in Need was the lack of community facilities and an was established. The Islington Old People’s empty factory was identified as a potential Welfare Council was re-launched as Age focus for community activities, resulting in Concern and a handbook jointly produced. 1975 with the Factory’ Community Centre and separately the Blackstock Road Advice Centre. In February 1973 the first community worker was employed, working in the Mildmay ward. In 1975 the Factory Community Centre opened with a mother and toddler group, a youth club, and a language club. The Blackstock Advice Centre was also set up. On 1st April 1975 the inaugural meeting of the Islington Disablement Association was held and after various changes still continues as Disability Action in Islington.” In 1976 a new project organised a survey of disability access to public buildings such as the Odeon Cinema and Town Hall, which continued for several years. Projects like these were run by ICSS itself, though a number were later given independence after this period of incubation. Celebrating 50 Years of Service 13

Our Early Work - 1971-75 there were just three community associations in ‘Voluntary organisations Mildmay. By 1975 with ICSS encouragement a working in partnership with further nine groups had formed. One of the first a progressive authority can issues brought up was the lack of community achieve changes of truly impressive facilities and an empty factory was identified dimensions. as a potential focus for community activities, resulting in 1975 with the ’Factory’ Community ICSS chair John Ward Centre and separately the Blackstock in Annual Report 1976-77 Advice Centre. ICSS launched a regular newsletter, contributed to public plans including ILEA At the request of the Charity Commission, ICSS secondary school reorganisation and promoted brokered discussion to merge and form new recognition and standards for childminders. organisations in the field of charitable sickness relief, older people (now Age UK Islington) and In 1976 a new project organised a survey of disability (now (Disability Action Islington). disability access to public buildings such as the Odeon Cinema and Town Hall, which continued In 1973 professional staff at ICSS were put for several years. Projects like these were run on equivalent terms of employment to local by ICSS itself, though a number were later authority employees. Islington Council was given independence after this period considering a radical plan to create a series of incubation. of devolved neighbourhood forums. ICSS was engaged to trial one in Mildmay. The first community worker was employed. In 1972 14 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Simon Kaplinsky was the first community worker employed by ICSS (edited interview from 2011) I was involved in the Tufnell Park Two resident associations sprang into life Play Area in 1971. There was and we established King Henry’s adventure an old derelict Victorian house playground. We lobbied for that and had owned by the council, and local demonstrations. We also helped to get the people lobbied the council to provide Mayville Estate Community money for a summer project. Things have Centre going. changed enormously in terms of health and The Government had a series of initiatives safety. It was a three-storey house, and just for urban aid to stimulate local activity. to illustrate the differences in attitude, the I came from a construction background kids climbed out of the dormer windows, and saw this empty building (an old hung onto the gutters three storeys up, piano factory). I thought, we can do and one of the helpers, I think it was a something here. We won a grant of psychiatrist, said “Don’t worry, leave them about £30,000. That was the start of the there, kids have got to test their limits!”. Factory Community Project. We did all the Although I’m an engineer, I was interested renovation and came out on cost, probably in community work and eventually became due to my experience in the a community worker at ICSS in 1973. The construction industry. local authority wanted to promote the idea Small voluntary organisations have of neighbourhood forums, so they set up problems now, in terms of maintaining two experimental projects: one funded budgets, proper accounts, employment through the ICSS. A housing association laws. Organisations like Voluntary Action provided a base in Mildmay and I started to Islington have a role in providing that sort work with tenants in the Mayville estate. of thing and are absolutely critical in times of threat.” Celebrating 50 Years of Service 15

Age of Maturity - Late 1970s our structure today, though there are now no ICSS is now entering a specific local authority places since 1999. new phase to promote Between 1971 and 1977 the grants from and develop the interests Islington Council rose from £4,000 annually of voluntary organisations and to £51, 000, however over the following three community groups in Islington. years it fell to £24,000 pa. To do this we need a name which accurately describes what we In 1977 ICSS changed its name to Islington are about. I commend to your Voluntary Action Council (IVAC). This avoided consideration Voluntary any confusion with publicly provided social Action Islington.” services, and it captured the proactive spirit of ‘voluntary action’ prevalent at the time. John Ward Chair of trustees 1977 The membership had grown and become (This name was adopted, diverse. It now included arts and crafts but not until 30 years later) projects, anti-poverty, sexual and race equalities organisations, sports and leisure, legal and welfare advice bodies. In 1975 the Board was reconstituted to become more streamlined, comprising twelve New aims were adopted: elected members, two nominated by the local y To provide a focal point for collective authority and up to four co-opted trustees. The action by member organisations, voluntary Chair, Vice-chair and Treasurer were elected organisations and other community groups from within the Board. This is not dissimilar to 16 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

y To ensure that the voluntary movement A decision was taken to hive off several in Islington is properly funded, properly organisations set up and incubated by ICSS. informed of all developments and funding These included Mildmay Neighbourhood arrangements and other policy matters Forum, the Factory, Blackstock Road Advice y To support and encourage community work, Centre, Under Fives work and the Highbury community development and community Project, which all became independent action voluntary bodies in their own right. y To constantly bring to the attention of New projects included a Job Creation statutory bodies the contribution of Scheme, a Bulk Buy project and a Volunteer voluntary organisations and self-help Working Group to explore the feasibility of groups and their potential for growth creating a Volunteer Bureau (forerunner of y To encourage a continuing re-appraisal of the Volunteer Centre). A directory of groups the roles and modes of action of statutory needing volunteers was published revealing ‘an and voluntary organisations. enormous need by groups for voluntary help.’ A further Handbook for Pensioners was produced Campaigning for change jointly with Age Concern, helping retired people In 1978 IVAC coordinated the Action Group of through the labyrinth of benefits, housing, Voluntary Organisations to campaign against health and other rights. LBI funding cuts. IVAC produced a report on the non-safety of There was a concerted effort to diversify playground and play-equipment on housing income, bringing in support from the UK estates which the Council acted upon. The national government and charitable trusts. result can be seen today in the much safer Additional money provided a focus for equipment and ground surface in many of discussions with the Council about a new UK Islington’s play and recreation areas, for the government partnership scheme. benefit of local children. Celebrating 50 Years of Service 17

Riding The Storm 1980s In the late 1970s the UK Government had support for local authorities through Rate begun a period of partnership with the voluntary Support Grant. The ability of local authorities sector. But the 1980s was a time of turmoil. to raise funds locally through taxes known as The incoming Conservative Government of ‘rates’ was also curtailed. Margaret Thatcher in 1979 ended several The economic recession of the early 1980s put initiatives designed to support voluntary work. further pressure on voluntary organisations, The 1978-79 IVAC annual report featured a whilst the need for help was rising as picture of a gravestone with the caption unemployment and poverty rose. The Greater ‘In fond memory – Partnership – RIP’. London Council, which had stepped up The new Government talked of a ‘welfare support for voluntary action, was abolished pluralism’ in which charities might provide a in 1986, to be followed by the Inner London substantial part of public services (echoed Education Authority (ILEA) in 1990. later in the ‘Third Sector’ of the late 1990s and In 1981 several Islington councillors defected ‘Big Society’ in 2010). However, against the from Labour to the newly formed Social background of a recession, this turned in reality Democratic Party (which in 1988 merged into to a ‘contract culture’ where large voluntary the Liberal Democrats), eventually forming a organisations were hired to deliver government majority on the Council. This caused instability contracts such as the Youth Training Scheme. in the local political scene. The new Council Overall direct UK government funding of leadership set about putting 750 council voluntary organisations was in fact increasing properties on the market and selling available (from £93 million in 1979-80 to £292 million property. In the May 1982 elections, a Labour in 1987-88). However, it was concentrated majority was re-established and some of the on large national bodies. Little of this filtered cuts reversed, including funding for Pensioners down to local charities and local authority Link and core grant for IVAC. 2 expenditure was being constrained. [ ] Major cuts were made to some parts of public 2. Crowson et al (2011) ‘The voluntary sector in 1980s spending including welfare benefits and central Britain’ in Contemporary British History 25(4) 491-498 p 449 quoted in Davis Smith 2019 18 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

In the face of funding cuts, IVAC found In 1981-82 the Council began its decentralised imaginative ways to raise funds for its work. For Neighbourhood Forum process, which ICSS example, a late-night fundraiser at Screen on had pioneered from 1973 in Mildmay. IVAC the Green cinema was organised. Meanwhile convened a panel of community and voluntary IVAC continued to work hard to serve the local groups to press for community participation. In community and voluntary organisations in the 1983 a student on placement with IVAC helped Borough. By 1981 the newsletter circulation to start PACE - the Islington Police was up to 750 local organisations. Monitoring Group. The Employment Project set up in 1978 In October 1983 IVAC convened a major increasingly concentrated on youth Voluntary Sector Conference to look at unemployment and campaigned for a the abolition of the GLC, rate-capping, local Cooperative Development Agency. In decentralisation, government policy on 1981 IVAC established a 40-place training volunteers, lack of resources for groups and workshop designed to meet the needs of Black how to ensure real community involvement. unemployed young people. Though ethnic IVAC also played a leading part in events minority and community relations groups had marking the GLC’s Anti-Racist Year 1984. from the start been involved with ICSS/IVAC, this was an early example of a project aimed In 1983 Bryan Simons stepped down as specifically to benefit BAME communities. general secretary after six years in post and was replaced briefly by Mike Phillips then Steve Pay and conditions of employment within Balkam who served from 1983 until 1989. the voluntary sector at this time were still quite haphazard. In 1981 IVAC brought In Islington, Councillor Bob Crossman had together representatives of voluntary sector become the first openly gay Mayor in the UK management committees, trade unions in 1986 and IVAC Vice President Chris Smith and Islington Council to begin three-way became the first serving MP to come out as negotiations on wages and conditions in the gay in 1984, marking and encouraging a shift in voluntary sector. public mood. Celebrating 50 Years of Service 19

Organisational changes were made in 1986, establishing new structures within IVAC. Meanwhile, more projects which had been nurtured and run by IVAC were made independent. The Access Unit was floated off to Islington Disability Association and the Islington Employment Unit became a separate entity. At IVAC, a new Advisory Financial Service was set up, providing accountancy support to local voluntary bodies. During 1988 IVAC began an experimental ‘payroll’ service for groups and the Training Officer negotiated access for IVAC at 322 Upper Street N1 voluntary groups to some of LBI’s training courses. New premises were found at 322 Upper Street At the end of the 1980s there was still a great in 1984, now the site of an estate agent, next deal of pessimism about the future of the door to Nando’s and opposite the Bull pub. This voluntary sector amid persistent economic was seen as a major improvement, giving IVAC hardship, financial constraints, and rising a ‘High Street’ ground floor presence which demand for services. In 1988 the Islington was improved to provide wheelchair access Gazette reported that ‘Four out of five social and with a purpose-built training room. This security claimants in Islington will be worse allowed IVAC to offer a comprehensive training off next month as a result of benefits changes programme and a wider range of voluntary being introduced by the Government’. After sector support services. It also published growing to £119,000 in 1989 the grant from the a well-received guide: ‘Managing Voluntary London Borough of Islington to IVAC was cut Organisations and Community Groups’. by £17,000 (about £34,000 in today’s money). 20 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

In 1989 IVAC’s General Secretary, Steve Balkam, succeeded in inviting the prominent academic and activist Professor Stuart Hall to give an address at IVAC’s Annual General Meeting. His seminal speech entitled ‘The Voluntary Sector Under Attack?’ set out a very broad if controversial overview to understand the challenges facing the sector and consider how to respond. It was a feather in the cap of IVAC to provide the platform – agree with it or not – for such an important insight. The full text of the speech was converted into a pamphlet, still available on VAI’s website. Celebrating 50 Years of Service 21

Campaigning and Widening Our Scope – Late 1980s and 1990s there was additional controversy with the introduction of the Poll Tax (officially known as the Community Charge), replaced in 1993 by the Council Tax. This created extra turbulence and uncertainty in financial support for local authorities. Meanwhile IVAC was nurturing the growth of new parts of the voluntary and community sector, reaching out more to Black and ethnic minority communities and the emerging Andy Gregg community organisations supporting refugees through the creation of new forums set up in 1990. In 1989 Andy Gregg took over as Director of IVAC. Under the leadership of Andy and chair In 1991 IVAC demonstrated the confidence Oscar Abrams (a founding member of ICSS in and vibrancy of the local voluntary sector 1971), IVAC joined defiant protests against cuts with an exhibition of the work of Islington’s to voluntary sector support from both national voluntary sector being held to mark 20 years and local government. At a time of economic of IVAC. The council nominated IVAC to hardship these cuts doubly affected those administer environmental improvement grants most in need of support, and harmed attempts to small groups. IVAC received funding for to bring together diverse local communities. both an Employment Development Officer and an Environmental Development Officer. From 1990 onwards unemployment started This reflected a growing awareness of the to decline from a historic peak. However, environment following the 1990 UN Earth this did not immediately convert into a more Summit. generous local public spending regime. Indeed, 22 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

In 1992 IVAC celebrated its 21st birthday in attending. They included representatives from style. The Mayor of Islington, Councillor Joan the voluntary sector, funders, councillors, Herbert, marked the occasion with a party council staff and people who had worked at at Islington Town Hall, with over 100 people IVAC over the previous 21 years. Celebrating 50 Years of Service 23

Andy Gregg was the General Secretary of Islington Voluntary Action Council from 1989 to 1996. In the early 1990s Islington the voluntary and community sector written Council was facing severe cuts by the well-known Black activist and and was reining back spending academic Professor Stuart Hall. on both the voluntary sector and council services. This study was presented at IVAC’s AGM and Conference in 1988 and received very Throughout my period at IVAC we had a positive feedback. diverse group of trustees representing the Islington voluntary and community As well as challenging the local authority’s sector. We were very ably chaired by cuts in aid for the voluntary sector, IVAC Oscar Abrams who was the Director of the also supported the growth of new parts Keskidee Centre, Britain’s first black arts of the sector in this period and developed centre, and a founding member of ISCC good links with Black and Minority Ethnic groups and particularly the emerging IVAC monitored the negative effects on refugee organisations. IVAC set up the the voluntary and community sector of first Islington Refugee Working Party and constant cuts and threats to local services. developed a strong commitment to equal Islington had been a leading council in opportunities and the growing diversity the development of a multi-cultural and of the sector. We developed positive equality-based approach to funding relationships with the Council’s Race community provision. A few months before Equality Unit and chaired the very active I arrived as the General Secretary, IVAC Community Care Forum.” published a study of the effect of cuts to 24 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

IVAC’s turnover had risen from £59,000 in 1986 In late 1990 John Major took over as Prime to £240,000 by 1992. Local authority grants to Minister. However, after winning a general IVAC rose from £99,000 in 1990 to £190,000 election in 1992, his government was rocked in 1994. by a crisis, as the UK was forced out of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM), At national level the National Association of sending interest rates spiralling, the value of Councils for Voluntary Service, devoted to sterling plummeting and the economy supporting councils for voluntary service (CVS) into decline. organisations like IVAC, was formally launched in April 1991, effectively separating from NCVO. His administration was notable for establishing IVAC joined this new network (later to become new Standards in Public Life applying to public NAVCA, the National Association for Voluntary bodies and charities, and creating the National Action). Lottery, the proceeds of which would be Throughout the 1990s IVAC continued to distributed to charities and voluntary groups by provide development assistance for many local its grant-making arm. groups in Islington, especially for small and start-up groups. It also supported government- sponsored Health Action Zones and the Neighbourhood Support Fund to improve public health and community cohesion in Islington. Meanwhile IVAC played a prominent role in the emerging Central London CVS Network, coordinating the work of similar organisations across the central London boroughs. This work continued in various forms and today is incorporated in London Plus. Celebrating 50 Years of Service 25

The Third Sector - Late 1990s young children offered new opportunities for local voluntary participation. Tax reforms were introduced to encourage charitable giving. In 1998 a Compact encouraging cooperative behaviour was devised and agreed between the UK Government and the voluntary sector. After the vacuum left by the abolition of the GLC in 1986, a Greater London Authority was created in 2000 with a directly elected Mayor. Gracia McGrath with Jeremy Corbyn In 1997 Joseph Jeffers of Stonewall was elected chair of IVAC. The President was Mayor Andy Gregg was followed as CEO in 1996 by of Islington Councillor Meg Hillier, later an MP Gracia McGrath until 1999. In 1997 the Labour and Minister. A Financial Management Support Government of Tony Blair was elected, and he Unit continued to offer accountancy advice. A would serve for a further nine years. Stringent Small Groups Team was established to focus government spending was maintained in the help for smaller organisations. A wide range of early years, except for a ‘New Deal’ work and training was offered, ranging from fundraising, training programme for young people and to equal opportunities to public speaking. allowing local authorities to use the proceeds Equality legislation improved rights against of previous council house sales. In later years discrimination, and improved rights at work as the economy grew, a period of support for including a National Minimum Wage and the ‘Third Sector’ emerged, though mainly as maternity rights. The old Section 13 was a way of delivering public services. Growing repealed and civil partnerships for same sex aid for projects like Sure Start centres for couples introduced. 26 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

The 1997-98 annual report featured IVAC joint and rehearsal space for local musicians. IVAC work with local organisations. helped them to put together a successful bid for vital funding and develop into a nationally SHAD (Support and Housing Assistance for recognised training agency. people with Disabilities) provided a 24-hour service to enable people with disabilities to live Holloway Neighbourhood Group was independently in their own homes. IVAC helped established in 1974, with three sites – the Fire SHAD – with ongoing information, training and Station Youth and Community Centre, HNG advice – take on a new set of care packages Nursery and the Stress Project – pioneering the for service-users, appoint its first staff, treatment of mental illness with complementary establish itself as a not-for-profit company and therapies. The group began a new phase apply for charity status. with building work to improve access to the Fire Station and create a new space for a Islington African Project was founded in 1983 community digital arts project. IVAC offered to meet the needs of the large local African advice and support for staff training, contracts, community and to enhance race relations in the equal opportunities and a staff handbook. Borough. Since its inception IAP had been a member of IVAC and described the two bodies David Abse took as ‘best friends’. Rebecca Brown of IAP said: over as Director “IVAC’s role and contribution to my Project has under new Chair been immeasurable. We have sought advice David Vandivier and training from IVAC on a regular basis. from 1999 to 2006. We are also enthusiastic readers of IVAC’s Following the Newsletter.” death of a former IVAC trustee Cllr Islington Music Workshop was set up with Milton Babullal, a IVAC assistance in 1983 to provide recording by-election was Celebrating 50 Years of Service 27

won by the Liberal Democrat candidate and he wrote: “Six or seven years ago we had what Labour lost its majority on the Council. The I think was the last old style demonstration at new administration proposed significant cuts to the Town Hall, where we protested against the voluntary sector support. sale of council premises. It had catastrophic effects and the then leader of the Council was A group led by IVAC devised a campaign a bit taken aback. IVAC took a two thirds cut against these cuts, proposing an alternative in funding. After this episode we adjusted our to LBI’s medium term financial strategy, with tactics – as you would. Since then we have support from the Charities Aid Foundation and taken IVAC and the voluntary sector to a new the New Policy Institute, researching and in level of partnership working in the true sense some cases correcting the Council’s figures. of the word. I realised that the future success of the sector would be diversity in funding and The new council administration promised an this has proved to be the case.” external review of the voluntary sector by the New Policy Institute but despite some New central government funds were made concessions the result was a further rounds of available such as SureStart (early years), the cuts, now amounting to £2.1m. As a result, 200 Children’s Fund, (5-13 year olds, at risk of jobs were lost in the sector and thousands of social exclusion), Connexions (marginalised Islington residents suffered a loss of service. 13-25 year olds), Neighbourhood Renewal, and the New Deal for Communities (housing Nevertheless, membership grew from 169 estates) - all involving the voluntary sector. in 1997 to 357 in 2000. IVAC joined the With increased support from the Cripplegate successful campaign to have a Health Action Foundation and other charitable trusts, Zone in Camden and Islington, opening up a together with LBI funding for a Partnerships partnership with the Health Authority. Development officer, IVAC made up the gap created by the LBI cuts. New chair David Vandivier adopted a new approach to build fences with the Council. Looking back after a decade as chair in 2008, 28 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

In 2000 IVAC formed a partnership with Allied Dumbar (later Zurich Group) insurers to launch a stakeholders’ pension for voluntary sector groups. IVAC took a leading role in representing the voluntary sector in the broad Islington Partnership and newly developed infrastructure created to meet the UK Government’s agenda for Neighbourhood Renewal. IVAC was selected by the Government Office for London to create a new Community Network, taking forward voluntary sector interests in the forthcoming Local Strategic Partnership. In January 2001 an event was held at the Islington Business Design Centre to celebrate IVAC’s 30th anniversary. Speakers included local MPs Chris Smith and Jeremy Corbyn as well as VAI Treasurer Pat Haynes. It was a celebration not just of IVAC but of the whole of Islington’s voluntary sector. IVAC set up a new Islington Voluntary Sector The nationally inspired partnerships continued Health Network in 2002, where voluntary in this period, with varying success. IVAC organisations with an interest in health and worked over several years to negotiate a local social care could meet and discuss issues. An Compact with the Council to be completed Islington Black and Minority Ethnic Network by 2003. was established too. This reflected growing Celebrating 50 Years of Service 29

social awareness and BAME activism, including Council was set up to provide online resources. among specific ethnic community groups, anti- The Islington Community Network continued. A racism groups and refugee support bodies. new network for voluntary organisations’ chief officers (ICON) was formed. In 2002, facing continuing financial stringency, Islington Council decided to reduce funding From 2003 IVAC played a central role hosting again for the voluntary sector. This included Lisa Charalambous to support the Central selling off the council-owned premises 322 London CVS network with sister organisations Upper Street, where IVAC was based. This in London boroughs (forerunner of today’s prompted a crisis for the organisation. The London Plus). It had a strong focus on IVAC premises was not only a centre for its developing learning and skills in the sector. operations but a meeting place, a hub of voluntary activity and a place to turn to in time For two years from 2005 IVAC hosted a cross- of need for local organisations. London project Achieving a Quality Standard, supporting 154 organisations to achieve the In 2003-04 IVAC moved to temporary premises PQASSO quality standard. IVAC’s Capacity in Aztec Row, 1-6 Berners Road. This is still Building team was now supporting 530 a multi-purpose office building near the Angel. organisations a year by 2005-06. However, uncertainty persisted until 2009 when new premises were found near King’s Cross. IVAC’s turnover rose from £619,000 in 2005 to £1.1 million in 2006, and after a dip in 2008, to IVAC developed its Funding Advice Service and £1.5 million in 2009. employed staff to promote Health Partnerships and ICT Support for local VCSF bodies. It developed a new website including the IVAC Health Check, to help members analyse their organisation. The Islington Link project with the 30 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

The Modern Era 2006 Mike Sherriff took over as CEO of IVAC in September 2006 and would stay for a decade. This period in many ways marks the start of a modern era. IVAC had come through a tough financial period affecting the whole local voluntary sector. The new Gordon Brown Labour Government recognised the value of voluntary sector ‘infrastructure bodies’ both nationally and locally. A new Charity Act came in 2006, said to be the biggest change in charity law for four centuries. It included a ‘public benefit test’ for charities, and a new legal form - the Charitable Incorporated Organisation - that offered smaller charities the protection of incorporation without having to register as a company. Mike Sherriff A Minister of the Third Sector was appointed, and an enhanced Office of the Third Sector was set up within the Cabinet Office. Central In 2008 a national network was set up government funding for VAI reached a alongside the NHS to help service users and peak, including projects to promote urban residents to influence health and social care development, social cohesion, and help provision, known as LINK. IVAC was chosen to children in early years. support the setting up of this new LINK body for Islington. Celebrating 50 Years of Service 31

In April 2009 Islington Voluntary Action Centre The Islington Volunteer Centre and Islington Volunteer Centre merged to become Voluntary Action Islington, offering had started in the early 1990s as a more stable, unified and one-stop support an independent project sourcing service to all of the local voluntary sector volunteering opportunities initially for against a background of austerity. people who used English as a second New premises were found at 200A Pentonville language. It matched people with Road near King’s Cross station, VAI’s current suitable volunteering roles in local location, shared with other voluntary groups. charities. From these early beginnings it These were made available as part of a section became part of a national network, under 106 planning agreement between the Borough the National Association of Volunteer as planning authority and the developer of Bureaux and from the late 1990s was the new building. It resolved the long running based at Manor Gardens. The NAVB location problem created by the Council’s morphed into Volunteering England by decision to sell the previous offices. This new 2004, causing a name change to Islington Resource Centre allowed VAI to continue to Volunteer Centre. By then it had four provide help, free of charge, to local charities main projects: helping ethnic minorities, and provided a home and a meeting hub for disabled people, people with experience voluntary organisations. of addiction and ex-offenders to engage in mainstream volunteering. IVC also ran the Borough’s main volunteer brokerage service, putting residents in touch with charities that needed their help, as well as a Best Practice service to support organisations to engage and manage volunteers. Today this remains the only nationally accredited volunteer centre 32 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Mike Sherriff served as Chief Executive of IVAC, then VAI, 2006-2016. I joined IVAC following a huge We were the first CVS to become an dispute with the council, who accredited Living Wage employer. We had sold several premises used invested in the Credit Union. We recognized by the voluntary sector. We successfully bid the amazing work of local volunteers at the to the Big Lottery Fund for a 5 year project annual Volunteer of the Year Awards. that assisted many local organisations with building management. After one fact-finding visit, I remember the then Chief Executive of the Council When I joined IVAC the council were keen declaring as we jumped on a bus: “Your to rebuild better relations. The Government chairman is the missing link”! At first, I required councils to involve the voluntary was surprised as I knew he had a mixed sector in Local Strategic Partnerships, reputation, but she explained that we responsible for allocating funds from were very lucky to have him as chair central government. Numerous initiatives because he could make links between were open to the voluntary sector and community activists and the local council. IVAC’s turnover reached over £1.5m. To me this is the unique role of a CVS and a positive relationship between In my time, the most long-lasting changes voluntary organisations and a progressive were merging with the Volunteer Centre, council can maximise benefit for local moving to the new Centre on Pentonville communities.” Road and adopting a new name and web site as Voluntary Action Islington. Celebrating 50 Years of Service 33

In 2010 the Conservative-Liberal Democrat then Boris Johnson. This gradually ended EU coalition government led by David Cameron funding for voluntary organisations in the UK. took office and launched the idea of the ‘Big Austerity bore down heavily on local authorities. Society’. No UK government in living memory According to the National Audit Office, direct had trumpeted the role of the voluntary government revenue funding for English local sector as loudly as this. Proponents hailed it authorities fell by more than 50% in real terms as a new recognition of the role of voluntary during the decade from 2010-11 and 2020- organisations within ‘civil society’. However, 21[3]. This was partly counterbalanced by rising critics saw it as little more than a slogan, hiding council tax income, but still resulted in a 26% a disengagement from partnership between reduction in spending power. government and national voluntary sector representatives and a cover for privatisation. VAI’s turnover fell from a peak of £1.5m in 2010 Core funding for national infrastructure bodies to £500,000 in 2015. Grants from all sources was ended, and the Compact was revised. In dropped from £1.5m to £485,000 over the 2013 the crucial requirement was removed for same period. However official membership government and local authorities to give 12 stood at 475 in 2017, compared with 238 weeks’ notice before withdrawing funding for in 2006. voluntary organisations. Moreover, it marked a period of measures that aimed to restrict New Direction recipients of public funding from criticising In 2010, acting on the findings of its ‘Invisible Government policy. Islington’ report [4], 2008 Cripplegate Foundation invited local and national At the 2015 general election the Conservatives organisations to launch Islington Giving, a gained an overall majority. This administration place-based initiative to harness the power of continued the policy of austerity and launched community fundraising. VAI was from the start a controversial referendum on membership a consultative partner. of the European Union. The latter resulted in a vote for ‘Brexit’ and the replacement of 3. NAO The local government finance system in England: David Cameron as PM by Theresa May and overview and challenges 10 Nov 2021 HC 858 4. Invisible Islington: living in poverty in inner London (cripplegate.org) 34 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Islington Giving has since raised over £6m A new website was established in 2011. That and awards grants to voluntary organisations year 75,000 people were matched with a providing support to Islington residents to volunteering opportunity. The Capacity Building address poverty and inequality. service supported 30 smaller groups, compiling During 2011 VAI launched a major consultation valuable information packs. to modernise its identity and purpose, with a Collaboration was a growing theme, including view to maximising the impact of a now more sharing of premises, community accountancy, limited budget. The outcome was a set of new and supporting the borough’s Community aims for VAI: Network. VAI continued to support the BAME The outcome was a set of new aims for VAI: Forum, which organized Black History Month y Providing support to our members in the Borough. A Children’s Voluntary Sector y Improving the effectiveness of the local Forum was supported, bringing together voluntary and community sector charities and voluntary organisations going y Developing the voluntary sector in Islington support for children. y Mobilising our members to influence VAI also launched a new Voluntary Action change Academy – a new way of providing training In 2011 VAI celebrated its 40th anniversary. A and information for community groups and special presentation was made to Pat Haynes, volunteers. New projects covered volunteering who had been a founder of ICSS and Treasurer and supporting children’s voluntary throughout the first 40 years. He wrote a organisations. VAI played a leading role in fascinating self-published record of his time promoting quality standards in the sector, as a councillor, [5] which also illustrates his helping 20 organisations to gain national involvement in the ups and downs of ICSS, accreditation. VAI itself was accredited by its emergence as IVAC and its transformation Investors in People for its treatment of staff. into VAI. It shows how he had been a powerful advocate for the Islington voluntary sector and 5. Haynes, P An Islington Councillor 1971-1992 in particular VAI. Spider Web 1994 Celebrating 50 Years of Service 35

“We believe that it is absolutely vital in the current economic and political environment that existing and emerging voluntary and community sector organisations continue to have access to high quality and proactive support, delivered by organisations that are independent of statutory sector bodies.” Mike Sherriff, CEO, and Andy Murphy, chair, 2011-12 IVAC annual report In 2012 the Olympic and Paralympic Games In 2014-15 VAI became the first Council for came to London with an unprecedented Voluntary Service (CVS) in the country to involvement of 70,000 volunteers. In this be accredited as a Living Wage employer. It period, Volunteer Fairs were organised to guaranteed to pay at least the London Living attract organisations and potential volunteers. Wage to its staff and negotiated with the Help for volunteers seeking employment was Borough (itself a signatory) to ensure council stepped up. funding supported adherence to the London Living Wage among voluntary organisations. Volunteer of the Year Awards were organised annually in Islington to celebrate the fantastic work of local voluntary organisations and volunteers during the year. A ‘Pat Haynes Memorial Award’ for trustees (often overlooked as volunteers) was established in honour of our long serving Treasurer. 36 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

VAI was also looking at new areas of support y to help volunteers to gain more skills, social for local groups. We negotiated to free NCVO contacts, employability and improved health membership for one year for current VAI (primarily through the Volunteer Centre). members. A valuable partnership was struck up with London Metropolitan University, where Community safety was also a focus, with VAI VAI’s Voluntary Sector Conference was hosted jointly organising a ‘Quit Knives, Save Lives’ for several years. LMU also offered advice and event. A Women in Leadership conference was information to VAI members. In 2015 voluntary well received, as well as networking events for sector hustings were organised by VAI for trustees and CEOs. VAI’s current CEO Navinder political parties in the run-up to local council Kaur joined in 2020. elections, with four major parties represented, giving the local VCSF the chance to question The COVID-19 Pandemic 2020-22 the candidates. From early 2020 the problems facing the community in Islington were intensified by In 2016 Mike Sherriff retired after nearly 10 COVID-19 – the worst global pandemic seen years’ service. In the annual report of that year for many years. This resulted in a series of VAI chair Phil Kelly described 2016-17 as “a national lockdowns, severely restricting travel year of planning for change”. and close contact with others. Despite itself being hit by the lockdowns, Islington’s vibrant Under new CEO Guljabeen Rahman in 2016 Voluntary, Community and Faith sector (VCFS) VAI prioritised supporting the local VCSF in underpinned the response to the pandemic. four areas: From food banks to medical deliveries, to y to be more sustainably resourced (e.g. educational help, to mental wellbeing, to through the ‘Open 4 Communities’ funding combating loneliness, to assistance in the database) vaccination programme, Islington’s voluntary y to deliver more effective services (e.g. and community organisations came to the fore. through Capacity Building Essentials) y to influence policy (brokering meetings between the VCSF and Council departments) Celebrating 50 Years of Service 37

The COVID-19 pandemic had repercussions volunteers and perform basic supervision. VAI for our whole society. The economic impact designed a programme to address this gap. on businesses and employment pushed VAI increased personalised support to many more people into poverty. Voluntary and organisations and created a handbook for Community Sector (VCSF) organisations and volunteer managers and a resources pack local authorities were disrupted but demands to work during COVID-19, with safeguarding on their services increased. and risks assessment updates. Volunteering opportunities were uploaded to our online In response, Voluntary Action Islington made volunteer platform Simply Connect and help a major contribution to support the Borough’s with initial screenings was provided. VAI also crisis response, mounting a huge effort around provided over 900 volunteers to the mass volunteering, communicating and working vaccination site at the Business Design Centre closely with VCSF organisations and Islington and the pop-up clinic at the Emirates Stadium. Council. As the main representative of the local VCSF sector, VAI joined the strategic Islington Part of the response to the pandemic was the COVID-19 Response Group whose remit was creation of a network of Mutual Aid Groups to coordinate the pan-sector response to (MAGs). VAI hosted a workshop for MAGs support the most vulnerable residents. advising on how to organise themselves as formal organisations. From January 2020 VAI partnered with Age UK Islington, Manor Gardens Welfare Trust and In addition to support for the borough, Help on Your Doorstep to recruit and manage VAI was successful in applying for funding volunteers for the COVID-19 Vaccination via the National Association for Voluntary Programme at the Islington local clinics. By and Community Action (NAVCA) and the mid-May 2020, 790 people had registered to Department for Digital, Culture, Media and volunteer since the start of the crisis in March Sport for local emergency planning which (making over 1,700 in total). One problem was enabled VAI to provide additional online that many VCSF organisation did not have the support to those recruiting and managing resource to design volunteer role descriptions, volunteers. interview and screen candidates, induct new 38 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

There was a surge in local people wanting to community groups stepped forward to offer volunteer. VAI increased online communication, coaching and tutoring for children with English deployed staff to urgent new tasks and as a second language. The outbreak of of the recruited volunteers to support local VCSF armed conflict in Ukraine gave another impetus partner organisations to fulfil their new needs, to refugees needing comfort and support in supported by the Volunteer Centre. the UK. A large part of our activities went online, VAI undertook a project to improve voluntary including our annual conference which was sector resilience (with National Lottery Fund attended by 60 participants, and our Volunteer support). A further project aimed to bridge of the Year Awards and AGM. gaps between would-be volunteers and local voluntary and community organisations by The VAI website was redesigned, and a improving their practice for an era of remote COVID-19 support section added, with daily working. Also, with support from MOPAC, VAI information updates. Additional online support ran online community safety forums. to those recruiting and managing volunteers was also established. Capacity building support continued to be vital, especially for smaller groups through one-to- Emerging from the crisis one advice and group sessions. VAI also held In the aftermath of the pandemic, life returned open briefings, regular advice sessions, funding to something more like normal in 2022. But advice sessions and National Lottery one-to- this was not an easy time. The pandemic one surgeries. In 2020-21 VAI provided over had scarred the community and left many 70 face-to-face advice sessions to 60 local individuals isolated and deprived. Mental organisations, including advice on fundraising, health issues were rising. Many returned charity registration funding, governance and only tentatively to workplaces, and many starting a community organisation. Another 50 continue to feel concerned and vulnerable. The organisations benefited from telephone and educational development of many children had e-mail support. suffered from the closure of schools and would struggle to make up ground. Voluntary and Celebrating 50 Years of Service 39

Funding support is another major area of VAI’s Through the Volunteer Centre, from April 2020 work. As well as funding advice sessions and to March 2021, 1,369 new volunteers were National Lottery one-to-one surgeries, VAI registered, 276 volunteering opportunities were continues to host the Islington Council funding live, and 2,417 registrations of interest in the database ‘Open 4 Communities’ on its website, different roles were advertised. which can be accessed by members and non-members, with over 300 subscribers for VAI continued to host the successful Volunteer regular funding updates. VAI regularly meets of the Year Award event with over 60 and feeds intelligence into the Funding Group organisations attending in 2021, and awards composed of the National Lottery Community sponsored by DoubleTree by Hilton. Fund, Cripplegate Foundation, Cloudesley and the Big Alliance. In partnership with LBI, VAI Five awards were presented by the Mayor of also promoted the Mayor of London’s Young Islington in the following categories: Young Londoners Fund and supported organisations Volunteer of the Year: 16-25 year olds, with their applications. Volunteer of the Year: 26-60 year olds, Older Volunteer of the Year: 60+ year olds, Pat VAI collaborated with four other volunteer Haynes Memorial Trustee of the Year and centres to help North London Partners in the Volunteer Team of the Year. Health and Care (NLP) develop a volunteering strategy in North and Central London. 40 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Looking Ahead Navinder Kaur joined VAI as chief executive in 2020. Here she looks ahead at what the future holds for Voluntary Action Islington’ Islington is made up of diverse and vibrant communities, with so much to be proud of. Our communities are served by a passionate neighbours and other vulnerable people and committed Voluntary, Community around them and doing so with heart- and Faith Sector (VCFS) that plays a warming commitment and passion. unique and vital role in reaching all our Our communities are facing harsher communities and providing services from challenges than ever before, with early intervention to more intensive, long- deepening inequality and the worst cost term support. of living crisis since the 1970s. But we The strength and impact of our local eco- are already seeing how the VCFS, and system of VCFS organisations was clearly residents are again stepping up and seen through its rapid fire and solution focusing their support on those who need driven response to meet the desperate it the most. need emerging from the COVID-19 The strength of our communities and the pandemic. VCFS has been and continues to be key The strength within our communities but so is our public sector, who we are was also more visible – with an army extremely grateful to for also stepping up of residents stepping up to help their and working so collaboratively with the VCFS and residents. Celebrating 50 Years of Service 41

Going forward, we hope to harness and Our strategy embraces four main build upon the strengths of this highly objectives: effective partnership by working in a more y We will continue to support VCFS integrated way with our colleagues from organisations that are focusing their across Islington council, health authorities, efforts on the boroughs most pressing and charitable funders. issues, such as inequality, poverty and Our Strategy for the future poor health y We will seek to amplify the voice of our We have drawn on our experiences of local communities by working more the last 2 years - having gained so much closely with the VCFS as representatives valuable insight from working with our of those who are less heard and through colleagues in the VCFS. our own community development activities In our new strategy we set out how y We will collaborate with partners in the Voluntary Action Islington will work more VCFS, public and commercial sectors to effectively to support the VCFS so that it maximise resources and impact continues to play its crucial role to make y We will continue to help residents life better and fairer for all of Islington’s who want to access volunteering communities. opportunities to enhance their skills and want to benefit the community. 42 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Looking back at our 50-year history, you I’m hopeful that in 50 years’ time, Voluntary can only be amazed at the good-will, and Action Islington will still be providing vital inventiveness of the people that went sustenance to the local VCFS in all its before us. We respect our history, and learn splendid diversity and help in every way we from it, and we are prepared to face old and can to make life fairer and better for all of new challenges by reflecting on our history Islington’s people.” and by creating new ways to harness the Navinder Kaur benefits and impact of our collective power. CEO, Voluntary Action Islington Celebrating 50 Years of Service 43

Celebrating 50 Years of Service: Islington Council of Social Service - 1971 Islington Voluntary Action Council - 1977 Voluntary Action Islington - 2009 Working for a fairer Islington by supporting community and voluntary action