Celebrating a year of allyship across the NAVCA network

Over the past year, we’ve seen something meaningful take shape across the NAVCA network. In 2025, our first Allyship Programme brought together people from 14 member organisations, united by a shared commitment to building more inclusive and equitable communities through allyship.

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The programme combined training, facilitated networking and peer learning to support participants to build their confidence and understanding. Feedback from this first cohort shows that this approach worked well, with participants describing increased confidence to act as allies and a stronger sense of connection to others doing similar work.

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Building confidence and peer support

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A key strength of the programme has been the opportunity to learn alongside others. Participants valued the safe, supportive environment created through the cohort model, where they could share experiences, reflect on challenges and build their understanding together.

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Many spoke about feeling less isolated in their EEDI work, and more able to speak up and take action. The programme supported a deeper understanding of inequality, privilege and inclusion, alongside practical ways to respond in day-to-day situations.

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This combination of learning, reflection and peer support has helped participants to feel more confident in their role as allies within their organisations and networks.

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Changes within organisations

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Across the country, participants have begun to put their learning into practice in a range of ways. This includes reviewing recruitment processes, updating EEDI policies, introducing new approaches to collecting diversity data, and strengthening staff engagement through inclusion-focused surveys.

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Participants have also delivered internal training, hosted discussions on allyship, and established working groups to take this work forward. In some cases, organisations have commissioned external support or developed new EEDI strategies to guide their next steps.

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While approaches have varied, the programme has supported organisations to reflect on their current practice and take practical steps towards becoming more inclusive and equitable.

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Changes across wider networks

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The programme has also contributed to wider activity across local networks. Participants reported more conversations about allyship, and increased confidence among partners to take action.

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In some areas, this has led to collaborative work, such as developing shared resources, hosting inclusive events, or working together to respond to local challenges. In others, it has strengthened relationships and created opportunities for ongoing peer support and shared learning.

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These changes reflect the role of local infrastructure organisations in influencing and supporting the wider VCSE sector, and the value of embedding allyship within that work.

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A strong foundation to build on

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Participants consistently highlighted the value of combining training with peer learning, and the importance of having space to reflect and to then apply learning in everyday practice. The programme has helped to build confidence, strengthen connections and support practical action within organisations and across networks.

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Just as importantly, it has contributed to a growing community of Allyship Champions, connected through shared learning and a commitment to creating more inclusive environments.

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Join the next cohort – starting this June

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Following the success of the first cohort, we’re excited to be launching the next NAVCA Allyship Programme this June, and we’d love you to be part of it.

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The programme offers a structured and practical way to build confidence, develop skills and connect with others working to strengthen inclusion and equity.

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Participants will take part in training, peer support and facilitated networking, with ongoing support to apply their learning within their organisation and local network.

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If you are looking to strengthen your organisation’s approach to allyship and be part of a supportive national network, we encourage you to get involved.

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Download more information or email membership@navca.org.uk for an informal chat.

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