social awareness and BAME activism, including Council was set up to provide online resources. among specific ethnic community groups, anti- The Islington Community Network continued. A racism groups and refugee support bodies. new network for voluntary organisations’ chief officers (ICON) was formed. In 2002, facing continuing financial stringency, Islington Council decided to reduce funding From 2003 IVAC played a central role hosting again for the voluntary sector. This included Lisa Charalambous to support the Central selling off the council-owned premises 322 London CVS network with sister organisations Upper Street, where IVAC was based. This in London boroughs (forerunner of today’s prompted a crisis for the organisation. The London Plus). It had a strong focus on IVAC premises was not only a centre for its developing learning and skills in the sector. operations but a meeting place, a hub of voluntary activity and a place to turn to in time For two years from 2005 IVAC hosted a cross- of need for local organisations. London project Achieving a Quality Standard, supporting 154 organisations to achieve the In 2003-04 IVAC moved to temporary premises PQASSO quality standard. IVAC’s Capacity in Aztec Row, 1-6 Berners Road. This is still Building team was now supporting 530 a multi-purpose office building near the Angel. organisations a year by 2005-06. However, uncertainty persisted until 2009 when new premises were found near King’s Cross. IVAC’s turnover rose from £619,000 in 2005 to £1.1 million in 2006, and after a dip in 2008, to IVAC developed its Funding Advice Service and £1.5 million in 2009. employed staff to promote Health Partnerships and ICT Support for local VCSF bodies. It developed a new website including the IVAC Health Check, to help members analyse their organisation. The Islington Link project with the 30 Celebrating 50 Years of Service