Voluntary Sector Forum

The most recent Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF) was held on 11th December 2024 .

This quarter VSF looked very different than usual. Firstly, we were pleased to welcome colleagues and members from Hart Voluntary Action. This is the first joint VSF with Hart, which we will continue trialling over the coming year.

Secondly, we took the opportunity to invite both Frimley NHS and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), who are delivering a series of consultation events and activities. We are at a point in time when the voluntary sector is having to think seriously about our future, with a backdrop of funding cuts and continued demand for support by the statutory sector. The VSF gave us an opportunity to have our say.

Frimley NHS are offering funding for voluntary and community groups to continue the conversation with their members and clients. More information can be found here: https://www.frimleyhealthandcare.org.uk/get-involved/community-engagement-2024/

NCVO are consulting on the new Civil Society Covenant, an agreement between the voluntary sector and the government. More information about The Covenant is here: The Civil Society Covenant | NCVO

Feedback notes from the NCVO table conversations are here: Feedback on discussions around Covenant.pdf 

Finally, Joel Stewart, Community Development Manager, Citizens Advice – Rushmoor, gave us an update on how they advocate for their clients. The presentation contains local data, their Research and Campaigns plan for the year and a link to the website detailing national Citizens Advice research. The presentation can be viewed here: Citizens Advice presentation

We welcome suggestions for future VSF themes. Already we are looking at resilience, for you, the people running the organisations. What else would be useful for your organisation? Send your thoughts to msc@rvs.org.uk

Click here for the notes and presentations of previous Voluntary Sector Forums

The next VSF will be hosted by Hart on the 10th March 2025 at 10:00 – 12:30, further details to follow.