Bedfordshire Autism Voice (BAV) Partnership Network
The BAV is a new partnership arrangement in place of the previous Think Autism Partnership Board.
It is led, chaired, and run by autistic people for autistic people to discuss local issues and things that are important to them.
There are 3 BAV groups held once every 3 months. The local groups are held in North, mid and south central Bedfordshire in venues chosen by autistic people.
This is a great opportunity for you to get involved and make a real difference for autistic people in Bedfordshire.
To join your local group, or if you have any questions, please send a message to bedfordshireautismvoicegroup@autismbeds.org.
Central Bedfordshire Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Network
The Central Bedfordshire VCS Network brings together the Council and the local Voluntary and Community Sector to strengthen collaboration, share insight, and champion the vital role community organisations play in supporting residents.
About the VCS Network
The VCS Network which is organised in partnership with Community and Voluntary Service (CVS) and Beds Rural Communities Charity ( Beds RCC) provides a shared platform to:
- strengthen partnerships and create opportunities for collaboration
- share experiences, insight and local intelligence
- explore key themes, priorities and challenges facing the sector
- advocate for the importance of VCS services across Central Bedfordshire
- inspire stronger communities and promote volunteering
The VCS Network meets four times a year, offering a mix of in‑person and online events. The first in‑person meeting was held on 3 June 2025 in the Council Chamber at Priory House, Chicksands, bringing together 60 representatives from around 30 local organisations and groups. Further meetings took place in September and November 2025. We are keen to grow the network and strengthen its identity, reach and geographic representation.
Sign up to the VCS Network
Email partnerships.communityengagementteam@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk to sign up or find out more.
Community Partners
We hold regular monthly engagement meetings with VCS Community partner organisations, other VCS organisations would be welcome to attend.
More information is available on our community engagement web pages.
Joint Committees
Joint Committees are public and open forums organised on a locality basis where members of the public can engage and raise issues about matters affecting their town / locality. Follow the links to read more about each committee:
- Biggleswade Joint Committee
- Dunstable Joint Committee
- Houghton Regis Town Partnership Committee
- Leighton-Linslade Partnership Committee
Older People's Network
The Central Bedfordshire Older People's Network seeks to promote the inclusion and integration of older people living in the various communities of Central Bedfordshire, to promote equality of access to information and services, to promote a positive attitude to ageing and to promote an enhanced quality of life for older people.
Talk Adult Social Care (TASC) forum
We want to create an inclusive adult social care system where people who use services, carers, and professionals collaborate meaningfully to design, implement, and improve services. We strive for a future where co-production is not only a standard, but a fundamental value, driving quality, equity, and person-centred care.
Whether you are using or have used adult social care services, are a family member or carer to someone who is, or you are working in an adult social care service in Central Bedfordshire, your voice matters.
We recognise that our services are most effectively delivered, designed, and improved by collaborating with our experts by experience.
If you're interested in being involved in making your voice heard and shaping the future of adult social care in Central Bedfordshire, you can register your interest to find out more about co-production in adult social care.
Email: ascpeopleparticipation@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Tenant involvement
We are bringing lots of new engagement opportunities your way through housing hubs and events in the local community. The hubs are an opportunity for you to come along to get advice on housing and community issues, and find out what support is available.
Housing Officers and partners will be at the hubs to advise on a range of topics, including rent, repairs, managing your income, anti-social behaviour, tenancy support and homelessness. We will also try to advise and signpost on other issues you may have.
Find out more about tenant involvement.
Town and Parish Council topic sessions
We run ‘virtual’ topic-based sessions via Microsoft Teams. These sessions will run once or twice monthly and focus on guidance.
You can view details of all the sessions we've ran.
Youth Parliament
As an elected group of young people, Youth Parliament (external website) provides opportunities for 13 to 18-year-olds for a two-year term to use their voice in creative ways to bring about social change. They help influence the services provided and ensure the views of young people are known and understood.