East Sussex VCSE Alliance Publishes New Research

The East Sussex VCSE Alliance launch findings of research commissioned on the state of the VCSE sector in East Sussex

The East Sussex VCSE Alliance is delighted to launch the findings of research it commissioned on the state of the VCSE sector in East Sussex. The co-funded project was led by the Alliance on behalf of voluntary sector organisations, East Sussex County Council and Sussex Community Foundation.

Research was undertaken by Colligo Labs, in partnership with Ideas Alliance. It took place at a key moment for the sector given the current economic challenges and imminent structural changes to the public sector with the local government reorganisation and the NHS 10-year plan.

The focus was to provide an up-to-date picture of the VCSE sector’s social and economic resilience, value and impact in East Sussex.

Over 150 stakeholders from across sectors took part, to understand the sector’s current state and suggest recommendations to help shape a sustainable future.

The findings have recently been published, identifying enduring strengths within the sector and also emphasising the critical challenges it is facing.

The report sets out a vision for transformation and an immediate ‘Call to Action’ – recommending a comprehensive programme of change that requires collaboration across all sectors, sustained leadership, adequate resourcing and regular review.

It provides the evidence base and practical recommendations for choosing renewal over decline.

The Chair of the Alliance, Jennifer Twist commented:

“We are thrilled to present the findings of the research, which highlights the VCSE sector as fundamental to an open, democratic and fair society. Our launch event marks the start of a journey to ensure the VCSE sector is heard and respected as an equal strategic partner; we are delighted to do this in collaboration with our wider sector colleagues”

Awarded funding in 2021, the East Sussex VCSE Alliance is made up of 27 of the county’s VCSE organisations who have come together with a commitment to speak as one voice, to influence and promote the importance of the VCSE sector, to increase their influence and trust amongst partners.

All members are active participants and commit to working according to the principles of collaboration, accountability and generous leadership.

The Alliance is committed to promoting the importance of the sector, the unique reach and experience it brings and the vital role and potential that exists locally.

You can read the full reports on the East Sussex VCSE website here: https://www.esvcsealliance.org.uk/news/esvcse-alliance-state-of-the-sector-research

For more information you can also contact the Alliance. To get in touch please:

Call: 01323 403590                       Email: [email protected]