In October 2023, VONNE CEO, Carol Botten had the privilege of attending the launch of the Northumberland VCS Voice network, where she shared insights on amplifying the voices of the voluntary sector and influencing public sector institutions. In an interview with Caroline Rogan, Chief Officer of Northumberland CVA, Carol shed light on topics including the strategic forums that VONNE sit on, key areas of work, challenges to overcome and how we can measure the impact of our work across the North East. Below is an overview of what was discussed in the interview, and the ways in which VONNE is working strategically to represent our regional VCSE sector.
A Seat at the Table: Representing VCSE Sector
VONNE plays a pivotal role in representing the VCSE sector in strategic forums spanning multiple Local Authority areas. This includes involvement in Local Enterprise Partnerships, Combined Authorities, and the Integrated Care System. The significance of our involvement within these forums lies in recognising the VCSE sector's value in shaping regional policies and strategies. Through tireless efforts, VONNE secured seats at these influential tables, advocating for inclusivity and accessibility of funding programmes for VCSE sector organisations.
Carol reflected that in representing the sector within these forums, you often end up representing the people and communities that the sector serves – those facing disadvantage and inequality. She often finds herself speaking more broadly about issues such as social and health inequalities, child poverty, digital exclusion, etc. Therefore her role requires being up-to-date on not only sector issues, but broader societal issues, with an awareness of the broadly political and devolution context.
Challenges and Reflections: Engaging with a Diverse Sector
Representing over 7,000 formal VCSE organisations in the region doesn’t’ come without its challenges, and Carol took some time to reflect on the challenges and limitations we face in VONNE’s work. Often, representing the sector means speaking for marginalised communities, challenging economic strategies to ensure they benefit everyone. The main challenge lies in capturing the diverse views of this sector, it’s impossible to individually engage and represent the views of each one. To do so needs constant engagement, collaboration with local partners, and a deep understanding of societal issues. This is why engagement with our VONNE members at events and networks, or through surveys and roundtables is so crucial. Working closely with our Local Infrastructure Organisation (LIO) partners for them to feed up insights from their localities and members is equally important, alongside talking to a range of VCSE sector CEOs, and reading research and evidence such as Third Sector Trends, and the VCSE Sector Barometer. This is why we urge as many organisations as possible to participate in the Barometer surveys – there’s so much that can be done with this data on a local, regional and national level.
Measuring Impact: A Long-Term Commitment
Carol believes that having a seat at the table, being visible and speaking up on behalf of the sector is important in itself. Giving the sector and the people and communities we serve a voice is important or else no one would hear it, let alone it being considered in wider strategies, policy or practice.
While the impact of advocacy work might not be immediate, persistence pays off. Being visible, vocal, and consistently contributing builds influence over time. Success is marked when others echo your points in meetings or discussions, indicating a shift in perspectives.
Key Takeaways: Influencing and Lobbying
Seize Opportunities: Grab every chance to participate in influential discussions, surveys, and consultations. Proactive engagement opens doors to more significant opportunities.
Patience and Perseverance: Building relationships and influencing takes time. Repeated messaging, even when it feels unheard, eventually permeates and brings change.
Listen and Learn: Actively listen to the priorities and plans of the institutions you engage with. Understanding their perspective equips you with valuable insights, enhancing your ability to influence effectively.
In conclusion, creating a better future for the VCSE sector and the communities it serves requires active engagement, persistence, and strategic collaboration. By taking every opportunity to advocate, listening intently, and remaining resilient, we can ensure the sector's vital voice is heard, making lasting impacts on policies and practices in the North East. So, let's get involved, speak up, and be the change-makers our communities need.