Platform Project

The background to the project is the research undertaken by Birmingham.

ChangeUp consortium in 2006/07 when 549 Birmingham groups where surveyed for their infrastructure needs. It was found that a range of capacity building needs existed for small VCO's, including specialist support needs (such as development of research and needs assessment skills) and it is these that the Platform Project seeks to address. Platform will specifically address the Birmingham ChangeUp strategy objective of supporting the effective delivery of infrastructure support that reduces inequality and is more reflective of the diversity of Birmingham communities.

The strategic context for the partnership is that small VCO's working with marginalised communities (of place and interest) have particular difficulty accessing basic infrastructure support in Birmingham-and this difficulty is greater when it comes to being able to access specialist support. Platform will address this by bringing together 8 organisations which work with specific communities to offer this specialist support.

The Project will be delivered by engaging individuals to undertake development work from 6 of the 8 partner agencies, and by offering beneficiaries training, networking and access to specialist consultancy support.

The resources for this project include the Development Workers and support from existing staff and volunteers including management committee members in partner agencies.

The costs for activities are funded by the grant from the Big Lottery Fund and some overheads and in-kind support from some of the partners.

The financial implications of the project are set out including all sources of income.

The partnership's marketing and communications strategy posits using our existing networks and communication routes, including how we will seek to influence policy and procedures in other organisations.

There will be comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of the project as it progresses with quarterly reports to be made to The Digbeth Trust, and an annual evaluation to be carried out. This will include the involvement of beneficiaries.

We have evaluated the risks involved in the project and have made contingency plans.

We have supplied the funder with supporting information including The Digbeth Trust's financial policy.

We have given details of the staff posts we will employ/engage to undertake development work in the most appropriate manner ensuring best value for the funding and the maximisation of output delivery.