The Committee
received a presentation from Richard Harrison, Chair of the Reading
Advice Network (RAN) on the work and achievements of the network
since its establishment in 2013.
The follow points
were noted:
-
The RAN aimed to improve the quality of information
and advice available in Reading, to make it easier for people to
get the advice and information they needed and be a focal point for
information and advice services.
-
A Quality Standard had been developed with the
Council in 2016, which had recently been updated to cover staff and
volunteers working from home.
-
RAN funded an independent assessor for member
organisations to achieve a Quality Standard.
-
Two main activities provided were regular advice
forums and a peer support group for member CEOs.
-
RAN currently had 20 member organisations that
provided a wide range of services.
-
A booklet detailing information was available and
had been provided to councillors. Information in the booklet was
updated on an annual basis at the start of the Municipal
Year.
-
Member organisations included Citizens Advice, Age
UK, Communicare, the Welfare Rights
Unit and The Mustard Tree.
-
Member operations were overseen by volunteer Trustee
Boards.
-
In the last year members working with nearly 300
paid staff and 650 volunteers had provided information, advice and
a wide range of services to nearly 16,000 people. They had also secured over £4 million in
additional income for clients.
-
Reading Council provided just under £1.7
million funding with a further £2 million secured through
other sources.
-
Difficulties for members included: the problems and
resources required to secure funding; income generating services
operating below pre-pandemic levels due to social distancing;
increased and complex demands; and staff and volunteer
recruitment.
-
Members remained committed to supporting those in
need in Reading, were trying to set up new services and continued
to be a significant part of the solution to problems facing
communities in Reading.
It was suggested
that by the Council building closer relationships with RAN and
voluntary organisations this would enable better support for people
and communities in Reading.
It was noted that
organisations such as RAN and other
volunteer groups helped make Reading a better town. The dedication
and public service of the voluntary sector was
commended.
It was noted that
demand for support with energy costs was increasing and was
expected to increase further during the year.
The Committee
thanked Richard for representing the work of the organisations and
his presentation.