Rights, support groups

New from NCVO, 'Power and social change' aims to help voluntary organisations think strategically about how to bring about change, complementing practical guides about how to do a power analysis or design and implement a campaign, drawing on both theory and practice.

The Safe Network, jointly managed by the NSPCC and Children England, has produced a resource for trainers and group leaders to raise awareness about keeping children safe which is specifically aimed at those working with or in black and minority ethnic communities.

The Department for Work and Pensions is consulting on '21st Century' reforms to the benefits and Tax Credits system, including the idea of a single integrated Universal Credit, http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2010/21st-century-welfare/.

Deadline 1st October.

Developed by a partnership of national and regional advocacy organisations, 'A Manifesto for Advocacy Services in England and Wales' sets out a series of core beliefs relating to advocacy services and a number of expectations in respect to the sector's relationship with government at all levels (local, regional and national).

A new report from Women's Resource Centre examines what helps or hinders women's organisations in creating change at a local level, with women being under-represented in local decision-making.

A joint publication from bassac and Urban Forum, 'Local Action: The Handy Guide to Communities Working with Councillors', shows how councillor involvement is key to the success of local community projects, with case studies and top tips from activists.

Government departments have been moving to introduce 'Payment by results' into their purchasing of frontline services.

Ken Clarke at the Ministry of Justice has said that payment-by-results will be used in the rehabilitation of offenders, and it is being looked at for use in children and young people's services - Civil Society Media news item http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/finance/news/content/6928/.

The Scottish Government has announced that it is going ahead with the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme, its equivalent of the Vetting and Barring Scheme recently put on ice elsewhere in the UK. From 30th November, a new membership scheme will be phased in over 4 years to replace the current disclosure arrangements for people who work with vulnerable groups in Scotland.