What does good local VCSE infrastructure look like?
March 27, 2026
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Thriving communities don’t happen by accident. When people have access to volunteering opportunities, spaces to socialise and meet new people, and public services that meet their needs, health and wellbeing improves. A strong and effective voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector can support this, but only with a network of support, relationships and coordination that often goes unseen – that’s where NAVCA members come in.
We know that the work of NAVCA members, local infrastructure organisations, is broad and diverse. We want people to have a clear understanding of their vital role in bridging the gap between the statutory sector and VCSE organisations, and helping communities to take action on the things that matter to them.
That’s why our new report, Local VCSE Infrastructure: What does good look like?, sets out to answer an important question: what does effective local infrastructure look like, and why does it matter?
The ‘hidden wiring’ of communities
Local infrastructure organisations can be described as the ‘hidden wiring’ of the VCSE sector. They bring people together, work in partnership with local authorities and health systems, amplify community voice and support organisations to grow and thrive.
Drawing on national research, sector insight and NAVCA’s LIQA (Local Infrastructure Quality Accreditation), the report highlights that good infrastructure isn’t defined by structure, but by relationships. Trust, collaboration, and shared purpose are what enable communities, public services and voluntary organisations to work effectively together, facilitated by local infrastructure organisations.
Four functions that make a difference
The report identifies four core functions that underpin strong local infrastructure:
• Leadership and advocacy – ensuring the VCSE sector is heard and represented
• Partnerships and collaboration – bringing organisations and sectors together
• Capacity building – supporting organisations to develop, sustain and grow
• Volunteering – enabling people to contribute and communities to act
When these functions are delivered in a joined-up way, we see a stronger VCSE sector, better-informed decision making, and communities with greater trust, belonging and influence.
What needs to be in place?
The report is clear that effectiveness depends on the right conditions.
NAVCA members, alongside the whole of the VCSE sector, are facing challenges around unstable funding. Sustainable, flexible funding is essential, particularly for less visible work like convening and advocacy, which are often under-resourced but critical to the whole system.
Strong local relationships are equally important, alongside a deep knowledge of communities. NAVCA members that understand their local areas, meaning they can be trusted leaders and advocates, ensuring that smaller and marginalised groups are heard and supported.
The report argues that there is no single “right” model for delivery. What matters is quality, adaptability and the ability to respond to local context.
A call to partners
This report is both a reflection of what works and a call to action. For local authorities, the NHS, funders and partners, it highlights the value of investing in local infrastructure as a core part of place-based systems. For the VCSE sector, it reinforces the importance of strong, connected networks.
When local infrastructure is recognised and resourced , we see stronger VCSE organisations, more responsive public services, and communities that feel empowered, connected and able to thrive.
