Background to the Nottinghamshire Black Partnership

Nottinghamshire Black Partnership is an umbrella organisation that brings together the Black and Minority Ethnic Voluntary Sector (BMEVS) and community sector, to give them a voice within the strategic structures, enabling them to influence policy and service delivery.

To this end, NBP have sought to build effective communicative relationships with the BMEVS in the area and have positioned themselves as a respected ‘voice’ for these groups.

The current focus has been to advocate on behalf of the Indian, Pakistani and African Caribbean communities, with the aims of widening participation within other minority communities.

NBP aims to:

• Inform the community about what is happening in the city.
• Involve local people/ community organisations in decision making.
• Promote opportunities of influence, involvement, engagement and participation.
• Ensure the combined voices make a real difference in shaping policy.

NBP is considered to be one of the most useful organisations in Nottinghamshire, in that it makes connections between the role of the partnership and the governmental agenda and is formulating an effective strategic role in representing BME groups; contributing sound ‘skills based’ judgments and providing Leadership.

NBP is currently represented in the following key partnerships and forums:

• OCPN – Board, Equalities Group, Evidence Group.
• Nottingham Community Network – NBP is the bme representative organisation on the recognised Community Empowerment Network. It has a strong relationship on advocacy for the bme communities, and currently delivers its services in partnership with the network.
• Strategic Partnership for children young people and their families.
• Crime reduction disorder Partnership/ Drugs And Alcohol Team.
• City Health Partnership.
• Connexions.
• Safer and stronger communities.
• Local Area Agreements.

Nottinghamshire Black partnership Staff and Board endeavour to influence wherever decisions are being taken that affect the community it has set out to advocate on behalf of, especially in areas of Neighbourhood renewal.