Birmingham ChangeUp Consortium to support joined-up BASIS bids

Birmingham ChangeUp Consortium to support joined-up BASIS bids

The criteria for the latest round of Big Lottery Fund BASIS (Building and Sustaining Infrastructure Services) funding includes a requirement that local bids being received by the BLF are endorsed by each area's ChangeUp Consortium and Local Strategic Partnership.

To facilitate this process in Birmingham, the local ChangeUp Consortium and Be Birmingham, the city's Strategic Partnership, are collaborating on developing a "supportive and light-touch process".

BVSC's Chief Executive Brian Carr, recently elected Chair of the Consortium and a member of the Be Birmingham Executive Board, commented: "We support the Lottery's decision to seek bids which are in line with recognised infrastructure priorities, but are very keen that we don't create additional red-tape for those applying for BASIS funding.  To this end, we're aiming to offer a choice as to how endorsement can be sought, aim to ensure the process is supportive and one which offers applicants a real opportunity to improve their bids".

He added: "Potential BASIS applicants will be invited to indicate to the Consortium how their proposals meet the the ChangeUp infrastructure strategy.  This can be done in writing or in conversation with the Consortium and other BASIS applicants at a meeting which we'll organise.  We hope that these conversations will give people ideas as to how they can refine and improve their bids, and join them up with other bids if appropriate.  We're already in advanced discussions with previous BASIS applicants and partners from the public sector as to how BASIS funding can reach the areas of most need in the city, and this is another great opportunity to showcase the ability of local third sector organisations to work strategically and collaboratively together for the benefit of Birmingham's diverse communities. "