In her latest blog, Sharon reflects on IVAR’s April 2025 leadership briefing, which highlights how charities are coping with rising demand, funding pressures, and unrealistic expectations. She explores how the VCSEF sector is adapting through collaboration, saying no to unworkable contracts, and prioritising wellbeing. Sharon also looks ahead to the NHS 10-Year Plan, where the sector will play a key role in prevention and community care.

In this update, Sharon highlights a new report from NCVO and ACEVO exploring the evolving relationship between civil society and government. The findings reveal both challenges and opportunities in creating stronger partnerships – with trust, communication, and long-term investment emerging as key themes.

Sharon also invites you to join WVCA at the Mander Centre on Wednesday 4 June for Volunteer’s Week, where 16 local organisations will showcase a wide range of volunteer roles. Plus, there’s still time to apply to the REND Programme, supporting community-led research.

Our April VCSEF Alliance meeting was packed with updates, from WVCA’s funding support and community research opportunities through REND, to insights on local health trends from Public Health. We also discussed community activation and upcoming partnership opportunities like the New Chance initiative.