It would be easy to focus on the challenges for the VCSE sector going into a new year. The rising demand for services, divisive politics and aggression at home and internationally, a decline in funding and the thought of big changes up ahead is putting a huge strain on charities and communities.
Many organisations, big and small, are in the same boat but rest assured there is help out there and we will continue to support communities and charities to be the best they can be in 2026.
Look at the opportunities. There is an ever growing recognition that the VCSE sector is essential for thriving communities. The 3 government shifts in the 10 year health plan – from hospital to community, from treatment to prevention and embracing digital transformation – flag, in my opinion, the central role of the VCSE sector!
There are plenty of positive actions we can take to keep our sector strong and thriving against a backdrop of financial and other pressures.
Here are some ideas for positive action!
- Explore collaborating with the corporate world – it’s an effective way forward to develop income streams with many businesses wanting to build on their social impact by linking with charities.
- Grow your stakeholder communications by sharing stories and impact. Commit to having a strong digital presence to raise the profile of your organisation.
- Focus on your team. We had a fantastic response to our recent Trustee and staff recruitment, the standard and experience of applicants was extraordinary. Part of our strategy is a happy, motivated team, able to do their best. What might this look like for you? Flexible working patterns, well-being activities such as Team Days and cuppa catch-ups, well-being plans, and mental health first aiders, or for staff development strong training and development opportunities or perhaps introducing a ‘coaching’ approach?
- Make sure you’re regulatory-ready for 2026 with SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice). From January, new rules will affect how charities report their finances. We hope to be hosting a session on this, coming soon!
- We offer and host training in many of the areas mentioned above; impact reporting and comms, coaching approach, connecting with business, and more, and if you’re engaged with any of our projects you’ll know we support in these areas too.
Let’s focus on the positives!
No doubt 2026 will bring us new challenges but as we head into January, let’s focus on the positives. Many of us who work in the sector do so to make the world a better and fairer place and do the best we can with the resources we have. If we’re able to support the well-being of our staff and volunteers this could help us all ride out turbulent times!
Keep us posted!
We’d love to hear what your challenges and opportunities are for 2026. Please do email us if you’d like to share your story. Email: caroline.addy@actionhampshire.org
