Kelly Huxley-Roberts from Lloyds Bank Foundation reflects on some of the powerful conversations at gofod3 this year and what action the funder is taking next.
REFLECTIONS ON GOFOD3
This year’s gofod3 was a fantastic opportunity for us at Lloyds Bank Foundation to help bring together almost 1,000 people and community organisations shaping change across Wales every day. As Wales’ leading voluntary sector event, gofod3 creates space for organisations rooted in communities to share what they are seeing, what people need, and what support would make the biggest difference.
This year felt particularly significant. It came just weeks after the Senedd election and, after several financially and practically challenging years for many charities and community organisations, it was refreshing to sense the feeling that positive change might just be possible – if we speak clearly as a united movement of changemakers.
It was encouraging to see Deputy First Minister, Sioned Williams, showing her support for the voluntary sector, noting her focus on ‘respect, unity and fair play’ and this set a positive tone to conversations throughout the day.
Wales Community Impact Manager, Rachel Marshall, says:
‘The most valuable part of the day was being part of the conversations about what matters in Wales: the pressures facing communities, the importance of prevention, the strength of local leadership, and the need for better collaboration so that good work can go further.’
IN A GOOD PLACE
As headline sponsors, we were grateful to have a strong presence throughout the event, and for the excellent support from the WCVA team in delivering on the day! From our exhibition stand and welcome address, in which we launched our new strategy In a Good Place, to our panel discussion on community-led change and volunteering innovations workshop, gofod3 enabled us to meet and listen to charities, community groups, funders, public sector partners and policymakers from across the nation.
At the heart of In a Good Place is a simple but ambitious vision: everyone in England and Wales should be able to say they are in a good place personally, in a home that is a good place to live, and in a community that is a good place to belong.
The conversations at gofod3 brought that vision to life. We heard from organisations already doing powerful work in their places, often with deep trust, creativity and commitment. These conversations have further strengthened our excitement about our key role to connect and catalyse: using what we hear from conversations across Wales to shape our approach, build stronger relationships, and help deliver the most impact for communities.
Lloyds Bank Foundation trustee, Cherrie Bija, says:
‘Our vision for everyone to be in a good place is a shared vision and this ambition isn’t something any one organisation or part of society can do alone.
We will do our part, and we want to work with others to achieve this.’
We were encouraged by the openness and energy of the people we spoke to. Many welcomed our commitment to taking a long-term approach that combines funding, influencing, volunteering, partnerships and learning. Others challenged us to make sure the strategy works for Wales, reflecting its communities, culture, language and political context.
NEW BEGINNINGS
The conversations started at gofod3 are only the beginning. They have given us a stronger foundation for building relationships across Wales and for understanding where the Foundation can add value.
We are now moving into the delivery phase of our new strategy. Over the next nine years we will work towards three ambitious goals across England and Wales:
- achieving impact in every parliamentary constituency
- powering community-led change in 100 local places by 2035, and
- growing the giving of time and money every year
We are also delighted to welcome Rachel Jones as our new Head of Community-Led Change in Wales. Rachel joins at an exciting time for Wales and will play a key role in helping the Foundation deepen relationships with charities and community-led organisations, develop our work in local places, and ensure what is happening in Wales continues to shape and influence the Foundation’s future direction for greater impact.
Alongside this, we are beginning to roll out a range of new programmes linked to our strategy. A major early priority is our work on Good Place to Live, including the launch of the New Beginnings Fund, an £8 million investment in homelessness prevention across England and Wales. The fund will support organisations working with people at critical turning points, helping prevent homelessness before it happens.
The enthusiasm, honesty and collaboration we experienced at gofod3 reminded us why this work matters. Wales is rich in community leadership, creativity and determination. Our task now is to build on those strengths, keep listening to the organisations closest to communities, and use our role to connect and catalyse so that more people and places across Wales can truly be in a good place.
ABOUT LLOYDS BANK FOUNDATION
A big thank you to Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales for once again partnering with WCVA as headline sponsor of gofod3. The event wouldn’t be possible without their support, and you can find out more about what Lloyds Bank Foundation are doing to support voluntary organisations in Wales at www.lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk.