WCVA members want to work together to lead positive change. Peter Davies, WCVA Chair talks about the thinking we’ve done with our members to help us shape a better future for Wales.
Our members are right at the heart of who we are at WCVA. People have always come together voluntarily when they want to make a difference. But in challenging times those voluntary organisations need to come together themselves, organise and look ahead to prepare for the future. That’s why WCVA was formed all those years ago and it’s still why we exist today.
This is WCVA’s purpose – to enable voluntary organisations in Wales to make a bigger difference together. The last few years have been extremely difficult for people in Wales and beyond. Voluntary organisations have also faced tough times. That includes the effects of the pandemic, climate change and rising inequalities. We know there are big changes and challenges ahead – not least the cost-of-living crisis.
‘There is a clearly an immediate need for the voluntary sector and the whole of society to recover and rebuild from the pandemic.’
Gareth Coles, Wales Director for Creative Lives (survey June 2021)
MEETING THE CHALLENGES AHEAD
WCVA members have a collective leadership role to play in shaping a positive response to these challenges – for society and our sector. We want to take action now to create a future where voluntary organisations and volunteering thrive across Wales, improving wellbeing for all.
That’s why we’ve working with members on how we can shape a better future for Wales together over the next five years. You can see some of this work in the Voluntary Sector Futures report.
What we found was that to succeed, our sector will need to be more diverse, ready for change and to be equal partners in improving wellbeing in Wales. WCVA will also need to be more resilient. We have now embedded this in our new strategic plan under three new goals.
OUR SECTOR: DIVERSE AND READY FOR CHANGE
People are at the heart of our sector. We will need more and more diverse people involved in voluntary action across all parts of Wales for the sector to thrive. We want to see more diverse resources strengthen delivery. And we want to see organisations able to adapt to deliver their purpose in the context of change.
‘Our young people, asylum seekers and refugees are the future of Wales. We must create an environment where individuals can nurture their talents, fuel their passion and blossom into the fullest forms of themselves to contribute towards the society.’
Debanjali Bhattacharjee, Team Members for BAME Helpine Wales, EYST (workshop participant, June 2021)
‘Digitalization is exciting. It allows connection that wasn’t possible before and offers support for isolation and vulnerability, but it shouldn’t replace face-to-face communication. The voluntary sector is exceptional at meaningful connection.’
Kate Young, Director at the All Wales Forum for Parents and Carers (interview, June 2021)
EQUAL PARTNERS
We want to see voluntary organisations recognised as equal partners in improving wellbeing in Wales. Voluntary organisations are at the forefront of shaping change and providing positive solutions. Together we can do this even better.
We want all sectors to collaborate for shared outcomes, with the contribution of voluntary organisations equally valued. And we want our democracy to be more open and better able to support participation by voluntary organisations.
‘[An ideal future would look and feel like]… everyone having an equal voice in what happens in their communities, with services that are delivered by social value organisations and co-produced with the people who receive them, long-term investment in the sector, not having to fight for recognition.’
Sue Leonard, Chief Officer, Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (survey June 2021)
‘When we look at vision setting we need to all be at that table, to reflect not only the diverse communities, but the community of Wales.’
Faith Walker, Executive Director of Friends of Cymru Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia (workshop participant, June 2021)
A MORE RESILIENT WCVA
To play our role in this, WCVA itself will need to be more resilient. This is what is driving our internal change programme. We need to be financially sustainable. The closure of our EU programmes means we will be a smaller organisation.
We will need to adapt positively to wider change, adapting our structures, systems and culture to be fit for the future. That includes how we enable our members to be at the heart of WCVA. We will value our staff wellbeing and support greater diversity across the organisation, including in our membership.
MAKE A BIGGER DIFFERENCE TOGETHER
WCVA is made up of over 600 different member organisations. They reflect the incredible diversity of our sector – from the hyper-local to the international, from volunteer-run to having substantial staff numbers, from informal groups to registered CICs and charities and they are active across the a-z of activities from advice and advocacy to youth and everything in between.
Working collectively you as WCVA members have the power to drive real change – for our sector, but more importantly, for society. The change set out in WCVA’s new goals is ambitious – but something we can lead together.
Please get in touch if you want to discuss what you want to see happening next and what role you want to play.
MORE ON OUR NEW STRATEGY
We recently spoke with WCVA members, Ethnic Minorities Youth Support Team (EYST) and Red Cross Wales about the issues that underpin this work.
If you’re interested in learning more, please get in touch or you can take a look at our easy-to-read strategy for 2022-27