We’re in sight of the winning post and I feel that we’ve achieved something really significant here in Cumbria. Karen Bowen, Chief Officer of the merged CVS.
A pioneering merger in Cumbria has brought the ‘big picture’ into focus without losing sight of local issues
29/06/2007
Four district Councils for Voluntary Service have evolved into one ‘super CVS’ delivering county-wide solutions
However, the changes have still required a significant leap of faith and the ability to stand back from local level, see the bigger picture and work towards a common goal.
“If you have a strong partnership or co-operative culture, you can build on it and people are attracted towards it,” said one CVS Chief Officer.
Clear results from collaboration
And one of the earliest products of this collaboration – facilitated by ChangeUp funding – has been introduction of a unified ITC system and database across the ‘super CVS’.
Completing the merger
Now the directors and employees are working to complete the merger to schedule… as although Cumbria CVS was officially created in March 2007, the complexities of issues such as the transfer of assets means that the merger is not expected to be finally complete until September 2007.
Achievements
“We’re in sight of the winning post and I feel that we’ve achieved something really significant here in Cumbria,” says Karen Bowen, Chief Officer of the merged CVS. “I don’t think we would have been able to get to this point without the financial support that we received through ChangeUp.”
Maintaining focus
“What’s kept me positive through occasions when it has been difficult, is trying to focus on the whole object of the exercise, to strengthen and maintain local service delivery,” a fellow CVS Chief Officer added.
For further information about the project please contact Karen Bowen, Chief Officer of the merged CVS, 01768 242136 karenbowen@cumbriacvs.org.uk
A detailed case study entitled The Anatomy of Merger is available.
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