Sharon’s latest CEO message encourages Wolverhampton’s VCSEF sector to have their say on the city council’s draft VCS Strategy through upcoming workshops, one-to-one conversations or smaller focus meetings. She also highlights recent community engagement, including concerns raised about GP access in Penn, the positive Walk with a Doc programme, and the King’s Award for Voluntary Service briefing for local groups interested in future nominations.

Sharon’s latest CEO update celebrates national recognition for SUIT’s partnership work, while highlighting the growing pressures facing the VCSEF sector and the importance of taking part in the VCS Strategy consultation.

Sharon’s latest update reflects on the recent VCSEF Alliance meeting and the importance of ensuring Wolverhampton’s voluntary, community, social enterprise and faith sector has a strong voice in shaping the future. Discussions focused on the City Council’s draft VCS Strategy, with key themes including valuing sector expertise, tackling ongoing funding and demand pressures, and building stronger long-term partnerships. Sharon also highlights the launch of Compton Care’s Trail of the Dragons project, which will bring 30 dragon sculptures to the city, and welcomes Wolverhampton’s new Mayor, Councillor Paul Singh, who will be supporting four local charities and community organisations during his civic year.

Sharon’s latest update reflects on the growing pressure facing infrastructure organisations across the UK, just as the voluntary sector is being asked to do more. She highlights how LIOs like WVCA play a vital “glue” role – bringing the sector together, translating policy, amplifying voices, and ensuring organisations have collective influence rather than working in isolation. With the Council’s VCS Strategy in development, she stresses the importance of maintaining an independent, sector-led space where all voices are heard. Her focus is on staying professional, data-led and united, strengthening the foundations of the sector so it can remain influential, connected and better able to support Wolverhampton’s communities.

Sharon’s latest update reflects on the growing pressure facing infrastructure organisations across the UK, just as the voluntary sector is being asked to do more. She highlights how LIOs like WVCA play a vital “glue” role – bringing the sector together, translating policy, amplifying voices, and ensuring organisations have collective influence rather than working in isolation. With the Council’s VCS Strategy in development, she stresses the importance of maintaining an independent, sector-led space where all voices are heard. Her focus is on staying professional, data-led and united, strengthening the foundations of the sector so it can remain influential, connected and better able to support Wolverhampton’s communities.

Sharon’s latest update highlights the growing pressure on the VCSEF sector, as global events and rising costs continue to hit organisations, staff and volunteers. Discussions with MPs this week recognised the strain on the sector and the vital role it plays in supporting communities and social cohesion. There are early signs of potential solutions, including better funding approaches and stronger engagement with the sector, but this marks the start of what will need to be an ongoing conversation.

Sharon’s latest CEO update reflects on the many changes currently affecting the VCSEF sector and the growing importance of strong local infrastructure. Drawing on recent national conversations led by NCVO and NAVCA, she highlights the need for better representation, collaboration, data, and sustainable funding – particularly for smaller, volunteer-led organisations that play a vital role in their communities but are often furthest from decision making. Sharon also shares reflections from a recent health inequalities conference and invites organisations to continue these conversations at the upcoming VCSEF Alliance meeting later this month.