The VSI Alliance is leading on the VCSE Strategy and has brought in an external project lead to facilitate and deliver the project.
The VCSE Strategy will provide a framework for consistent partnership working between the VCSE and public sector (e.g. Calderdale Council, ICB).
The aim is to develop a co-produced VCSE Strategy, building in opportunities for all stakeholders to identify key issues and opportunities for better partnership working.
There are many ways for you and your VCSE Organisation to get involved including:
The co-production group will comprise of VCSE and public sector representatives who have volunteered to co-produce this project with the purpose of shaping the strategy and contributing to the future direction of the VCSE sector in Calderdale.
The group will be involved from the start in collating an evidence base, examining the evidence base and identifying key themes and trends, integrating other key strategies and deciding on the structure and content of the strategy.
Stage Two of the VCSE Strategy is all about gathering insights, experience, information and ideas from across the VCSE sector and those in the public sector. This work will include workshops, 1-2-1s, an online survey and will feed into the VCSE Strategy co-production group.
Stage Three will also provide an opportunity to comment on the draft VCSE Strategy as part of a formal consultation.
Stage Two of the VCSE Strategy is all about gathering insights, experience, information and ideas from across the VCSE sector and those in the public sector. The opportunities to be involved will be advertised widely and every attempt made to ensure diverse perspectives are included and valued.
There will be opportunities to contribute through workshops, one to one interviews and an online survey, and the opportunity for those involved in the VCSE in Calderdale to attend VCSE Strategy Coproduction Group meetings too.
The Co-production Group will explore contributions made by stakeholders and work with Agile Associates to clarify and understand the material, the context and meaning. The Groups discussions will shape the strategy, setting priorities, finding the right language and tone and exploring ideas and considering what strategic action would really make a difference.
Agile Associates will also organise workshops and interviews with key public sector stakeholders. Where appropriate, workshops bringing together some VCSE and public sector stakeholders to explore an issue or idea, may be provided.
Agile Associates will draft documents and share them with the Coproduction Group.
The Reference Group will consider and approve the documents and analysis that will inform the next stage, developing and agreeing a draft strategy for consultation.
Both Reference Group and Coproduction Group will provide feedback on the strategy development process. The Reference Group will provide guidance and direction to Agile Associates.
Now that Stage Two is complete, the Agile Associates, Co Production Group and Reference group have reviewed all the information from the listen and explore sessions, including feedback received from the online survey, 1 to 1 interviews and Workshops. The Agile Associates have now prepared the Draft Calderdale VCSE Strategy document and the open consultation period has now begun.
This consultation process is another opportunity for the VCSE and statutory partners to be involved in shaping the final strategy.
The consultation is an online survey to capture feedback and suggestions.
The final stage of the VCSE Strategy development.
Feedback on the draft VCSE Strategy will be reviewed and a final version will be prepared for approval by the co-production group.
The final version will also be presented to key stakeholders for their approval.
The VCSE Strategy was formally endorsed at Cabinet on Monday 8th July. The Strategy is now being finalised for public launch.
Calderdale Council has a proud record of supporting and working in partnership with a thriving and resilient voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector (VCSE).
Calderdale’s experience during the floods in early 2020 and the COVID 19 pandemic has been followed by the current cost of living crisis. These events have underlined the importance of a strong and vibrant VCSE sector to the overall resilience and wellbeing of Calderdale, recognised by both the Council and other key partners, especially within the health sector.
Working in close partnership with the VCSE sector provides a range of benefits unmatched by the public or private sector including but not limited to:
However, it was recognised that the Council and other local partners need to continue to support and work in partnership with the sector on a more sustained long-term basis to ensure that the sector can continue to play a key role delivering our shared priorities.
In November 2021, Cabinet accepted the recommendations from a wider review into the funding and impact of the VCSE in Calderdale undertaken by Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES). Their report Measuring the Value of the VCS in Calderdale made proposals about fairer funding models as part of a cultural shift to promote collaboration on an equal partnership basis. It recommended longer funding agreements to improve the sustainability of organisations and this also helps them plan, lever in external funding and retain skilled staff.
The CLES report’s key recommendation was the co-production of a shared VCSE Strategy for Calderdale which is the impetus for this piece of work.
The VSI Alliance is leading on the VCSE Strategy and has brought in an external project lead to facilitate and deliver the project.
The VCSE Strategy will provide a framework for consistent partnership working between the VCSE and public sector (e.g. Calderdale Council, ICB).
The aim is to develop a co-produced VCSE Strategy, building in opportunities for all stakeholders to identify key issues and opportunities for better partnership working.
©Copyright 2025 VAC is the operating name of Voluntary & Community; A Registered Charity No 1087518 and Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No 4115234. Design by Grinning Graphics
You will receive a VAC Member welcome pack with useful information on getting the most out of your membership and a few extra treats!
Every member of VAC will be invited to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and has voting rights for resolutions and proposals either in person or by proxy.
When you sign up to be a VAC Member, you will be assigned a Go-To Contact from the VAC team.
They will be your main point of contact for your membership, helping to answer questions and signposting you to the right place within VAC and/or our partnerships.
We want the VAC membership offer to be responsive to the needs of our members. Member check ins keep us up to date on your organisation’s news and developments but also on any challenges or support gaps that may be affecting the VCSE sector.
The information we receive during our member check ins will highlight trends and challenges that we can then explore support and solutions for via our membership offer and partnerships with local providers and authorities.
To support VAC members to feel connected and informed, we have created a unique Member Area on the VAC Website.
The online dashboard will keep you and your colleagues up to date on the latest member opportunities, training and news.
The Member Area also has a forum function, allowing VAC Member organisations to interact and support each other.
A quarterly newsletter to keep our members up to date on not only VAC Membership updates and opportunities but also specifically created content on topics of interest to the local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.
The Bimonthly Member Network is for VAC Members to connect with other VAC Members!
A perfect opportunity to support one another, find out about other local services and explore new collaborative opportunities and partnerships with fellow VAC members.
40% Discount on VAC Room Hire – We offer a range of flexible rooms for hire located in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Our rooms include a fully equipped, large training room with SMART board and flipchart facilities seating up to 25 theatre style, two smaller meeting rooms seating up to 12 and a small office with computer facilities suitable for one-to-one meetings or rent-a-desk.
25% Discount on Virtual Office – Perfect for start ups or smaller organisations, our Virtual Office service offers a postal address, pigeonhole and reception facilities.
25% Discount on ID Badge Printing – Competitively priced to accommodate for smaller orders, our in-house ID Badge service supports both design and printing.
Based on feedback and insight we gain from our members, our training and events offer will complement local infrastructure support training programmes.
All sessions are cost effective and VCSE sector driven. As a VAC + Member, you will receive a considerable discount on all VAC Training and Events.
You will receive a VAC Member welcome pack with useful information on getting the most out of your membership and a few extra treats!
Every member of VAC will be invited to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and has voting rights for resolutions and proposals either in person or by proxy.
When you sign up to be a VAC Member, you will be assigned a Go-To Contact from the VAC team.
They will be your main point of contact for your membership, helping to answer questions and signposting you to the right place within VAC and/or our partnerships.
We want the VAC membership offer to be responsive to the needs of our members. Member check ins keep us up to date on your organisation’s news and developments but also on any challenges or support gaps that may be affecting the VCSE sector.
The information we receive during our member check ins will highlight trends and challenges that we can then explore support and solutions for via our membership offer and partnerships with local providers and authorities.
To support VAC members to feel connected and informed, we have created a unique Member Area on the VAC Website.
The online dashboard will keep you and your colleagues up to date on the latest member opportunities, training and news.
The Member Area also has a forum function, allowing VAC Member organisations to interact and support each other.
A quarterly newsletter to keep our members up to date on not only VAC Membership updates and opportunities but also specifically created content on topics of interest to the local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.
The Bimonthly Member Network is for VAC Members to connect with other VAC Members!
A perfect opportunity to support one another, find out about other local services and explore new collaborative opportunities and partnerships with fellow VAC members.
20% Discount on VAC Room Hire – We offer a range of flexible rooms for hire located in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Our rooms include a fully equipped, large training room with SMART board and flipchart facilities seating up to 25 theatre style, two smaller meeting rooms seating up to 12 and a small office with computer facilities suitable for one-to-one meetings or rent-a-desk.
Competitive rate on ID Badge Printing – Competitively priced to accommodate for smaller orders, our in-house ID Badge service supports both design and printing.
Based on feedback and insight we gain from our members, our training and events offer will complement local infrastructure support training programmes.
All sessions are cost effective and VCSE sector driven.
