Member news

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?

This Pride Month, we’re celebrating the power of partnership in strengthening communities — and the vital role of local infrastructure in making it happen.

By convening partners, listening to communities and grounding action in lived experience, LIOs are shaping volunteering systems that respond to what people and places need now.‍ One example comes from NAVCA member Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC), which has demonstrated how a clear, shared vision can help reshape volunteering across an entire city.‍

Artificial intelligence is already changing the way organisations work, and the VCSE sector is no exception. But whilst interest in AI is growing rapidly, many smaller charities and community organisations still lack the confidence, knowledge and support needed to use these tools safely and effectively.

Inspired by Humans of New York, Volunteers of Leeds is now in its third year of shining a spotlight on people from all backgrounds and walks of life who are making change in their communities. Over that time, it has strengthened the visibility of volunteering across the city, become a touchpoint for a wide range of partners, and deepened the relationship between Leeds Museums and Galleries and Volunteer Centre Leeds.