 As we head into autumn, we are reflecting on the changes and challenges ahead, particularly with the closure of Reach Volunteering that was announced earlier this week. Reach provided an essential infrastructure service to the voluntary sector, and we are saddened to see it close. Read more below. With devolution and local government reorganisation also continuing to impact local voluntary sectors, we want to make sure all types of organisation feel confident to navigate these changes. In this newsletter, you’ll find links to events, resources and information all related to devolution and LGR. As always, if you have any feedback on this newsletter, let us know by replying directly to this email. In the meantime, you can stay in the loop by connecting with us on LinkedIn. Contents: Reach Volunteering to close: a loss for the voluntary sector Enhancing your health and wellbeing partnerships with the VCFSE sector - event Local government reorganisation: building stronger places through local infrastructure The role of the Vision for Volunteering Jobs What is devolution and how does it affect me? Reach Volunteering to close: a loss for the voluntary sector At NAVCA, we were saddened to hear that Reach Volunteering is closing. Reach has played a vital role in connecting people with charities and community organisations, helping them access skills, expertise and experience. In 2025 alone, Reach placed 5,996 volunteers and trustees, with volunteers contributing an estimated £60 million worth of professional expertise to the voluntary sector. Its closure is a stark reminder of the precarious funding environment facing infrastructure organisations across the sector. Much of this work does not fit neatly into a single programme, place or funding theme, despite providing the relationships, knowledge and support that enable charities and community organisations to thrive. Infrastructure is not a luxury or a nice-to-have. It is part of the system that makes the work of charities and community organisations possible. We will continue to make the case for investment in voluntary sector infrastructure – because strengthening infrastructure strengthens the whole sector and supports communities to thrive. Read our full statement here Enhancing your health and wellbeing partnerships with the VCFSE sector - event How can local government work in partnership with the VCFSE sector to support communities? Join NAVCA and Action with Communities in Rural England, with the Local Government Association, to explore how LGR, devolution, ICB reorganisation, and neighbourhood health create new opportunities to work with voluntary sector partners. Featuring policy insight, practical examples and straightforward actions, this webinar will help officers and elected members strengthen local partnerships and turn ambitions for healthier communities into action. 17th September, 2pm – 3.30pm | Online | Free to attend Sign up here Local government reorganisation: building stronger places through local infrastructure Local government reorganisation (LGR) and devolution represent one of the biggest changes to local public services in a generation. Alongside neighbourhood health, Strategic Authorities and Integrated Care System reform, they are reshaping how decisions are made, how services are delivered and how communities influence the places where they live. These changes present a real opportunity. Done well, they can create more connected public services, strengthen local decision-making and enable communities to play a greater role in shaping the future of their places. But that will only happen if the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector is recognised as a genuine strategic partner from the outset. We’ve been exploring this topic as part of our project with ACRE, supporting organisations to navigate the challenges and changes ahead. Whether you’re part of a local council, a VCSE organisation or an infrastructure organisation, you’ll find helpful resources on our website. Find out more here The role of the Vision for Volunteering Volunteering doesn’t happen by accident. Behind every positive volunteering experience is a system that has been shaped, supported and sustained over time. Local infrastructure organisations (LIOs) and volunteer centres (VCs) play a vital role in making this happen — investing in understanding who wants to volunteer, what motivates them, and the barriers that prevent some people from taking part. Just as importantly, they work to recognise and celebrate the contribution volunteers make to their communities. Many NAVCA members and other VCSE organisations have used the Vision for Volunteering to guide their work. Developed and co-designed by a wide range of sector partners, the Vision helps us focus our volunteering work and make it as inclusive as possible for everyone involved. Find out more here Jobs Are you looking for a charity sector role that makes a real difference locally? The NAVCA jobs page lists vacancies from NAVCA members across England. From senior leadership roles, to community development work, to communications and digital, there is a wide range of jobs that make a positive impact in communities. Find your next role here. We advertise jobs free of charge for NAVCA members, and for a small fee for other organisations. If you want to list a job, fill in this form. What is devolution and how does it affect me?
This round of devolution represents the ‘the biggest transfer of power out of Westminster to England’s regions this century.' Devolution will create opportunities for VCFSE organisations, including building new relationships and partnerships, access to new sources of funding, ability to reshape public services and more local commissioning. There are also some significant challenges such as working over different and larger geographical areas and risks of loss of funding as grants and contracts are restructured. If you want to find out more about what devolution is and what you can do to navigate these upcoming changes, head to our website and search for 'what is devolution'. Find out more here Comments are closed.
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