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.
As such the networks have been monitoring the impact of the recession on the VCS within their region. The following is a brief snap shot of the work they have undertaken.
East of England
In the East of England, COVER (Community and Voluntary Forum Eastern Region) undertake a regional survey every year to look at the state of sector in their region. The latest survey results show that the recession is having a twin impact on the sector with demand for VCS services rising, particularly for advice and support services, and for over 70% of respondents income is falling or flat (which equates to an actual cut as salaries and utility bills, etc increase).
Key Headlines
For 72% of organisations with flat or falling incomes, client services are being reduced or closed, staff hours are being cut, staff are being made redundant, reserves are being used up and in extreme cases organisations are closing down.
East Midlands
One East Midlands commissioned research with a small sample of VCS organisations and sought the views of a number of key partners and stakeholders concerning the economic downturn and the impact in the East Midlands.
The results were shared at One East Midlands Partnership conference in March 2009, and a subsequent report was produced on the impact of the ‘Economic Downturn on the VCS in the East Midlands Region’ and disseminated.
Key Headlines
The biggest impact being felt was greater uncertainty particularly around the potential for further funding. There was also concern for the impact on volunteers and the recruitment and retention of staff.
London
The London Voluntary Service Council is running their ‘Big Squeeze’ campaign, which included a survey looking at the impact of the recession where over 100 organisations responded. The results have been disseminated widely and the campaign has been key in supporting the inclusion of a line in the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Action Plan for London that the public sector should provide support to the VCS to help them assist London’s most disadvantaged communities.
Key Headlines
71% of organisations report an increased workload, while 80% were not confident they could continue to meet this demand indefinitely. 95% indicated that the recession was already affecting them and the communities they support, with fear of hard time ahead being very high.
North East
In the North East, VONNE (Voluntary Organisations’ Network North East) has undertaken two surveys of the VCS in the region to look at the impact of the recession. The results have been disseminated widely and have led to the Regional Grand Select Committee asking the Regional Minister to write to HM Treasury calling for the continuation of ‘Real Help’ funding and support beyond March 2010.
Key Headlines
69% of respondents have experienced an increase in demand for their services, with 55% already seeing a reduction in their funding. 26% have seen a decrease in the number of paid staff and a further 27% expect to make staff redundant in the next 12 months. 10% of respondents anticipate closing in the next 12 months, while this figure jumps to a third for small organisations.
North West
Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW) under took a quick survey of more than 20 VCS debt and money advice agencies in the North West, which led to discussion with local authorities to maintain level of funding for to VCS debt advice. VSNW are currently pulling together the data from other VCS surveys in the region to give a North West picture. This will be followed by recession survey work with a controlled sample of VCS organisations to assess the impact post March 2010.
Key Headlines
There has been large scale increases in demand on debt advice services, which (in some areas) has led to the introduction of waiting lists of up to 6 weeks, and the number of people seeking to volunteer through volunteer centres.
South East
Regional Action and Involvement South East (RAISE) conducts a regular quarterly e-survey of members on the impact of the economic climate on their organisations. The analysed results from the survey are fed into the South East Economic Delivery Council and disseminated to key regional statutory partners.
Key Headlines
Demand on services has increased and it is at its highest since the survey began in January 2009. The number of respondents reporting no change in their income level has risen. The proportion of organisations that have had to make staff redundant has fallen. The major issue facing local communities is increased debt.
South West
South West Forum has worked with its regional partners Black South West Network (BSWN) and Regional Infrastructure for Social Enterprise (RISE) in advocating to maintain and increase investment in third sector organisations by the public sector in the South West during the recession. This has included giving evidence to the South West Regional Select Committee of MPs as part of their investigation into the Government’s performance in tackling the recession. This has led to a representative of the Third Sector in the SW being invited to join his Regional Economic Task Group which coordinates recession work within the region.
Key Headlines
South West Forum members report an increased demand for services provided by front line organisations and ah increasingly difficult funding environment, which is likely to become worse after March 2010 and much worse after March 2011.
West Midlands
Regional Action West Midlands (RAWM) has worked with Social Enterprise West Midland and West Midlands European Network on responses to the recession. Together they have developed a Third Sector Economic Manifesto from the first ever West Midlands Third Sector Economic Summit which they are asking all voluntary groups in the West Midlands to sign-up to.
Key Headlines
Of the 14,400 organisations registered in the West Midlands up to 3,800 are at risk of failing. Of these some 780 organisations are considered to be extremely vulnerable.
Yorkshire & Humber
Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Forum recently conducted the first of its quarterly VCS Confidence survey. They will also be running a follow-up Health of the Sector survey later this year. The Forum has also published a report by the Worklessness Commission among people aged 50 plus. The Commission was supported by the Regional minister and the work has been used as the basis of work she is undertaking on the issue of worklessness.
Key Headlines
Most respondents to the survey think economic conditions within the VCS will deteriorate over the next 12 months. Overall the sector expects to deliver more services, but does not expect staffing numbers to keep pace. 43% of organisations expect their own financial situation to deteriorate; while 15% expect it to improve. Most organisations expect to collaborate more over the next 12 months.
Full details of the work being undertaken by each regional network can be found on their individual websites, which can be found on http://www.regionalvoices.net/the-regions/
