Regional Champions
In each of the nine English regions there is a network which champions the engagement of the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in regional policy and strategy. They develop and support the contribution of the sector to regional progress and raise awareness and understanding of the sector’s roles.
All the networks share common core purposes but they also reflect the particular nature of their own region. All are independent organisations accountable through their membership to the voluntary and community sector. They work closely with specialist networks in their region such as those concerned with black and minority ethnic organisations, disability issues and social enterprises.
The regional networks link local involvement and experience with the decision-making structures in the regions by providing an informed and independent voice for the sector. The regional networks are a critical connection between national and local infrastructure.
Download the Regional Voices leaflet » (1.2MB PDF)
Key Roles
Regional networks were set up because voluntary and community organisations recognised they needed a strong and coherent voice at regional level.
They do this by providing:
- vital connections – linking together the work of voluntary and community groups and public sector partners,
- a democratic, member-led and accountable regional voice for the sector,
- mechanisms for effective representation,
- regional leadership,
- opportunities for collaboration and partnership,
- services which require regional economies of scale to be effective and viable,
- support and advocacy for improving the effectiveness of the sector,
- research, intelligence and “signposting” for and about the sector; and
- a leadership role in infrastructure development.
National Influence
The nine regional networks collaborate and share expertise through a national forum, Regional Voices, which is crucial in ensuring the Office of the Third Sector, other national government departments and agencies and national voluntary organisations, get regional perspectives on their policies and programmes.
The regional networks have close links with both infrastructure and front-line organisations and help to ensure intelligence on what is happening on the ground is fed through into national decision-making.
This is at the core of the Stronger Connections for Better Health project, supported by the Department of Health’s Strategic Partner Programme, in which all regional networks are collaborating to deliver a national project.
Accountability
Each of the nine regional networks is an independent, registered charity, governed by a board of trustees and accountable to its members. Brief history and governance information about each network can be found below. Details of all the networks (and any registered charity) can be found on the Charity Commission website: www.charitycommission.gov.uk/
