youtuThe children and young people's voluntary and community sector (VCS) is vibrant and active in London, and delivers a huge range of services for young people, as well as providing a strong campaigning voice on behalf of young people. PYL is actively involved in developing and maintaining the effectiveness of the sector, and is involved in a number of initiatives, as well as providing support services for its VCS members.
VCS Engage is a programme originally funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) to strengthen the engagement of the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in delivering the Every Child Matters: Change for Children agenda. The first version of the programme ran from September 2006 until the end March 2008. Now managed by Children England, the Regional Development Manager (RDM) in each region works to identify the sector's ongoing support and infrastructure needs as well as to develop and improve the sector's relationships with regional and local government. London's RDM is Sharon Long.
PYL has been involved in VCS Engage since it was introduced in London. Lucy Sandford chaired the steering group during 2009-10.
PYL sits on the London Regional Compact group as a representative from the children and young people's sector. This group was set up to promote and improve the implementation of the Compact within London. As part of this work, in November 2008 the group launched the first London Compact Awards. A second set of awards were held in November 2009.
The Compact was refreshed in December 2009, for further information click here