VCS strategy Click to get info
In June 2016, our new strategy for working with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector was approved by the council’s Cabinet. It follows a 2015 review of the sector.
This strategy:
- sets out our vision and priorities for working with the sector
- describes how we will work together to achieve this over the coming year
- sets out where we are now, where we want to be, and how we will get there.
Other Waltham Forest strategies
Our key strategy document features some of our most recent strategies to demonstrate how we are going to fulfil our priorities and meet the demands of our residents.
The document covers:
- our core strategy
- our housing strategy
- health
- culture and communities
- our economic growth strategy
- council budget and financial strategy
VCS support Click to get info
Community Waltham Forest
We have commissioned this new service to provide support for charities, social enterprises and community groups to grow and develop.
It will focus on:
- boosting grant and contract funding coming into the borough
- increasing volunteering
- enhancing collaboration between organisations
The service is the primary link between the council and the VCSE sector, which will become more important as the sector becomes a more prominent player in providing local services.
We know that a strong VCSE sector is key to supporting the community in the coming years and the appointment of Community Waltham Forest is a big step forward towards a more sustainable sector.
Further information about how to access the service will be published shortly.
Read more about Community Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest Compact
This is an agreement between the local public sector and the VCS. It outlines a joint commitment to continue to work together closely and respect each other’s rights and responsibilities.
Our first Compact was produced in 2003 and has recently been refreshed. It aims to:
- encourage a culture of empowerment and continually improve working relations between the sectors in the borough, aiming to improve local people’s lives
- develop the relationship between and across sectors at all levels
- improve communication and information flow between organisations and with the general public
Key documents (PDF files)
VCS resources Click to get info
This information is to help you bid for funding, win contracts, and deliver services for the people of the borough.
You’ll also find support about bidding for external funds and exploring grant funding opportunities.
Borough statistics
You can better understand the needs of local people by looking at population information about the borough.
For example, if your organisation is for families with young children, you may want to know which areas of the borough have the most single parents, low income families, or which schools provide the most free school meals.
We also have information to help you identify where to recruit volunteers, or where to promote your services.
Health and wellbeing
Information about people with long-term health issues, maternity and child health, as well as analysis of wider factors that affect health can be found in our joint strategic needs assessment 2014 - 2015 report.
Waltham Forest volunteering research
Research shows a relatively low number of charities in the borough, considering the size of the population. Volunteering here is also lower than the national and London average.
Read a summary of the research.
How we compare
To compare our borough with other London boroughs or local authorities, you can use a tool called LG Inform. This gives information on issues like school achievement, crime and employment.
National statistical information
The 2011 Census gives more detailed information. You can get this from the Office of National Statistics.
Request use of council property Click to get info
If you want to use council property (eg renting a room for a community or voluntary group), or are looking for a rent discount, complete and submit one or both of these forms.
Rent or lease council accommodation
- Form E3 (117KB DOC)
- Guidance for Form E3 (183KB DOC)
Apply for rent discounts
- Form E2 (70KB DOC)
- Guidance for Form E2 (150KB DOC)
All forms should be emailed to PropertyEnquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk or posted to:
Corporate Asset Management TeamRoom 301, Sycamore House
Town Hall Complex
Walthamstow
London E17 4JF
Please phone the team on 020 8496 8077/ 8089 if you have any queries.