The Coventry Third Sector Assembly has been launched and overseen by an interim steering group, however at the mini conference in November they launched the Terms of Reference for the Steering Group and have launched the election process for three Third Sector Representatives to join the Steering Group.

Calls for nominations went out straight after the conference and four nominees were received:

Brief Description of Candidates and their Reasons for Standing

Brinder Seni: As a former Community Advocate, lecturer and Community Representative I have  gained the quality experience of communicating effectively with people from all walks of life and have gained skills in working in Partnership alongside strategic leaders of Coventry. I have represented communities and feel I have given them a voice and an understanding of strategic development in the City. My aspirations include being based around making a positive change and making the most of every opportunity. I get satisfaction in helping and supporting communities and am passionate about making a positive change in people that I serve.

Christine McNaught :  Christine has been the Centre Manager for FWT since May 2008, successfully securing external funding and raising  the profile within Coventry of the Centre.

She is keen to use her knowledge, skills and experience in supporting the advancement of the Third Sector in Coventry. She would bring a wealth of skills to the Board including Business Development, Third Sector knowledge and Funding & Commissioning Experience. She is passionate about the Sector and a has a desire to play a key role in moving organisations forward.

Phil Jones :  Since retiring I have been busy in the 3^rd Sector gaining grass roots experience, including being Chair of the Swanswell Initiative Community Liaison Group, Coventry Older People's Forum, Hillfields Police Liaison Group and on a Patients Panel. I am also on the Management Team of C.E.N and V.A.E. and on the Environment Theme Group of the Coventry Partnership. Also a member of Hillfields & Canal Basin Safer Neighbourhood Group and Community Governor City College Coventry including the Finance and Strategy Committee and Quality & Performance Committee. I fully support the Assembly as the "way forward" in Third Sector. It will facilitate a powerful forum for providers and as part of that I feel it is important that the service users/community should have a direct voice on the Steering Group.

Sarah Learmonth :  I have spent the majority of my working life in the corporate sector either in business development or project management roles.  Five years ago I started working in the voluntary sector for the CAB as a general advisor and whilst working there volunteered for Coventry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre. I am now CRASAC's Community Engagement Lead and as such lobby for them nationally, regionally and locally. I am 100% committed to making life better for the people of Coventry and genuinely believe that small changes can have big impacts for the good in people's lives. I am not political or driven by ego, but am completely motivated by the idea that decisions we take can positively impact people on the streets of Coventry. In order for that to happen the statutory and 3^rd sector must form strong and equal partnerships to allow us to listen to what the needs are of the community and how practically they can be best.

Election papers have been sent out to Voluntary Action Coventry Member Organisations. Elections close on the 15^th January 2010.

The elections for one Voluntary Sector Representative on the Coventry Partnership are being held in conjunction with the Third Sector Assembly Elections.