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Changing geographical footprints or structures will not, on its own, change how systems work. Genuine neighbourhood health requires investment in community capacity, different relationships, shared accountability and a willingness to redistribute power.

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.

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.

NAVCA was invited to provide the VCSE sector perspective at the recent Health Devolution Commission. Our message was simple: the ambition for neighbourhood health is right, but the delivery conditions are not yet in place.

Communities, public services and the voluntary sector are changing rapidly. Devolution, local government reorganisation, neighbourhood health, financial pressures and changing community needs are reshaping how places work. How do local infrastructure organisations ensure they are future-focused and ready to meet these challenges?

When we think about good volunteer management, we often think about recruitment, training and support. But one of the most important parts of creating a positive volunteering experience is often one of the simplest: saying thank you.