Ministerial visit highlights York’s leadership in partnership working

In March, York CVS welcomed Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, to see first-hand how strong local partnerships are making a difference to people’s lives.

‍

Hosted by York CVS, alongside NAVCA and NCVO, the visit brought together voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, statutory partners and people with lived experience to showcase how York is putting the Civil Society Covenant into practice.

‍

Civil Society Covenant in action

‍

The visit focused on three initiatives demonstrating how collaboration can tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing communities:

‍

• The York Poverty Truth Commission

• The York Citywide Volunteering Strategy

• The Connecting our City project.

‍

Together, these initiatives show how the principles of the Civil Society Covenant — recognition, partnership, participation and transparency — can move beyond policy into real-world impact.

‍

Throughout the visit, the Minister heard directly from community members, volunteers and organisations including Healthwatch York, York Volunteers, York Mind and Mokkha CIC, alongside partners from the NHS and City of York Council.

‍

Rich Warrington, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at NAVCA, said:

‍

“York shows what’s possible when strong local VCSE infrastructure brings voluntary organisations, statutory partners and people with lived experience together around shared goals. York CVS is playing a crucial role in turning the principles of the Civil Society Covenant into practical action – strengthening volunteering, tackling poverty and improving community mental health. Across the country, local infrastructure organisations are the backbone of resilient communities, connecting partners and creating the conditions for lasting change.”

‍

Turning partnership into practice

‍

At the heart of the discussions was how genuine collaboration, particularly with people who have lived experience, is shaping better services and stronger communities.

‍

The York Poverty Truth Commission has led to the development of a Charter for Organisational Standards, helping organisations embed dignity and equity into everyday practice. Meanwhile, the York Citywide Volunteering Strategy is a powerful example of co-production in action, bringing together charities, local government and residents to shape a shared vision for volunteering across the city. The Connecting our City project is also demonstrating what’s possible when partners work differently — with mental health support co-produced and delivered through strong relationships between the VCSE sector, the NHS and local government.

‍

Stephanie Peacock MP said:

‍

"Government works best when it works alongside local people, not just for them. My visit to York CVS showed me how neighbours and local groups are stepping up to support one another every day. It is this kind of community spirit - people helping people - that is at the heart of our mission to build a stronger country."

‍

Reflecting on the visit, Alison Semmence, Chief Executive of York CVS, said:

‍

“It has been a real pleasure to welcome the Minister and others to York to share some of the great work we are doing together. By working through partnerships, collaborating and trusting and respecting the expertise each party brings, we can really make a difference to the lives of people in York.”

‍

The visit highlighted the vital role of local infrastructure organisations in making this work possible — connecting partners, building trust and creating the conditions for collaboration to thrive.

‍

We are looking forward to seeing how York CVS continues to develop and strengthen these important partnerships.