VCSE Network Overview – January to March 2026

Over the past three months, the VCSE Network meetings have demonstrated a clear shift towards a more connected, strategic and action-focused sector, with strong engagement from both VCSE organisations and statutory partners.

Key Themes and Trends

1. Strong Emphasis on Collaboration and System Working

Across all three meetings, there has been a consistent focus on working more collaboratively across organisations and with statutory services. Discussions have moved beyond simple updates to exploring how services can align, reduce duplication and respond collectively to local need. This includes closer links with adult social care, health partners and commissioning teams.

2. Growing Focus on Co-Production and Community Voice

There is increasing momentum around co-production, particularly in shaping youth services and adult social care. The sector is being actively invited to influence strategy, with a clear expectation that lived experience and grassroots insight should inform future service design.

3. Addressing Health Inequalities and Inclusion

A strong thread throughout has been the role of the VCSE sector in tackling health inequalities and supporting inclusion groups, including those experiencing homelessness, social isolation, or marginalisation. This has been reinforced through inclusion health work and community-based approaches to care and prevention.

4. Loneliness, Isolation and Community Connection

One of the most prominent emerging themes is loneliness and isolation, with recognition that it is often hidden and complex. Discussions highlighted the need for:

• Better identification of individuals who are isolated
• More informal, community-based solutions (e.g. warm spaces, social groups)
• A broader understanding that loneliness is not always linked to physical isolation

5. Volunteering Pressures and Sustainability

There is growing concern around the sustainability of volunteering, including:

• An ageing volunteer base
• Capacity pressures on existing volunteers
• The need for clearer roles and expectations to attract new volunteers

This has prompted discussions about reframing volunteering and improving how opportunities are communicated.

6. Continued Demand for Funding and Resources

Funding remains a consistent pressure point, with:

• Ongoing demand for accessible, flexible funding
• Recognition that smaller grants are increasing while core funding is limited
• The need for better support in navigating funding and demonstrating impact

Alongside this, there has been a growing emphasis on using data and social value to strengthen funding bids.

7. Transport as a Cross-Cutting Barrier

Transport has repeatedly been identified as a significant barrier, particularly in rural and coastal areas. It impacts access to:

• Health services
• Community activities
• Volunteering and employment opportunities

This has been highlighted in both service delivery discussions and strategic conversations.

How to Join 

If you would like to showcase your work, share learning or highlight an upcoming project, we are always keen to welcome new speakers to the VCSE Network. It is a great opportunity to connect with partners, raise awareness of your services and be part of the wider conversation shaping our sector. If you are interested in taking a speaker slot, or would like to find out more about joining the network, please visit here

General Observations

• The network is becoming a trusted space for open discussion, not just information sharing
• There is a strong appetite for practical solutions and joint working
• Conversations are increasingly strategic, linking frontline experience with system-level change
• The VCSE sector continues to demonstrate its role as a key connector between communities and services

Evolving Format and Approach

A notable development over the three months is the move towards a more structured, themed approach to meetings, including:

• Dedicated topic sessions (e.g. bereavement in March)
• Increased use of guest speakers
• More space for discussion and shared learning

This has been positively received and is helping to deepen conversations and create more meaningful outcomes.

Overall Summary

Across January to March, the VCSE Network has shown clear progress in moving from a communication forum to a collaborative platform for change. The key priorities emerging—collaboration, co-production, tackling isolation, strengthening volunteering and improving access to funding and transport—reflect both the challenges facing the sector and the opportunities to work differently.

The direction of travel is clear: a more connected, informed and influential VCSE sector, working together to deliver better outcomes for communities