Over the last few years, the voluntary sector has endured a number of challenges and this has been significantly amplified by the disruptive pandemic. So, there is an urgency and opportunity for the sector to innovate and develop new ways of working, together.

Recognising this, a number of people from within the voluntary sector across Oxfordshire came together and have, over the past year, been exploring what could be achieved through greater sector collaboration, culminating in the concept of an ‘Oxfordshire Voluntary and Community Sector Alliance’.

These volunteers formed a Steering Group and are senior charity leaders, with extensive experience from Aspire Oxford, Community First Oxfordshire, Oxford Hub, Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action, Oxfordshire Youth, Restore and SOFEA. 

The group has been engaging with and learning from other successful VCS alliances elsewhere around the country in order to share this, and inform the development of the Oxfordshire Alliance. This has now reached the most important stage, which is to engage with the local voluntary sector and other key stakeholders in our communities to seek views and input.

If you want to find out more about this initiative and how to get involved, please contact [email protected]. 

Clore Social voluntary and community sector survey (led by Research Oxford)

The Oxfordshire voluntary and community sector has responded brilliantly to the challenges faced over the past year - but this response has also placed significant pressure on those stepping forward, who themselves need and deserve support.

Clore Social is a registered charity that - in partnership with community based charities like Aspire - is developing a place-based leadership development programme for employees and volunteers in the voluntary and community sector across Oxfordshire. A fundamental principle is the programme is "place-based", so it’s critical for Clore Social to gain a sound understanding of the local needs and challenges of the voluntary and community sector here in Oxfordshire.

Research Oxford is undertaking a research project on behalf of Clore Social and has launched a short online survey to ensure as many people as possible in the local voluntary and community sector have the opportunity to contribute.

In addition to being shared via a public event, the findings of the survey will be published and shared widely around the sector networks. If you have any questions or would like to know more, please email Louise Wheeler.

 

Take the survey

Read the proposal for an Oxfordshire VCS Alliance