PCN is a network of Voluntary and Community Organisations (VCOs) who together represent the interests of the Sector and the wider communities they serve. The Network is hosted by Community First but independent of it, with its own Committee. It is the agency through which representatives of the Sector are elected to serve on Portsmouth’s Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) and its various sub-groups, as full and equal members.
PCN was originally set up in 2001 through the government’s Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, to work with residents as well as VCOs, encouraging them to become more involved in their local areas. Similar networks exist around England, usually hosted by the local Council for Voluntary Service (CVS). A more detailed history can be found at "Proud of our past" .
Who can join PCN?
All community groups, voluntary sector organisations, charities and faith groups based in Portsmouth can be part of PCN. Groups can be involved as little or as much as they want to be; the wider stakeholder group of approximately 700 will receive regular information from the Network and invitations to attend networking events.
There is a core group of network members who attend the bi-monthly meetings and oversee the direction and delivery of the network and can also stand for election to the LSP. These members are representatives on Partnership Boards or are Chairs of the Children and Young People's Alliance, or the Providers Network.
Download our list of PCN Representatives
Although PCN has been extremely successful in its representative function, there is always room for improvement and the PCN structure is currently under review. The last AGM (December 2008) agreed to move towards an even more inclusive structure to be ratified December 2009 and implemented April 2010.Download our full list of PCN members
Sub-groups of the Community Network
There are currently three formally structured sub-groups of the Community Network, and one Forum:
Sub-groups
Portsmouth Children and Young People’s Alliance (CYPA)
Portsmouth Provider’s Group (PPG)
Portsmouth Local Compact Working Group (CWG)
Forums:
Older Person’s Group
