Statement: Voluntary sector leaders in Essex call for a stronger role in devolution and local government reform

Today, the team at Community360 stands with 15 other organisations in Essex to issue a joint statement urging for Essex’s voluntary and community sector (VCS) to be essential partners in the county’s future.

Coordinated by the Essex Community Foundation, the statement highlights the need for the VCS to be actively involved in ongoing devolution and local government reform discussions. These changes, which include the proposed creation of a Mayoral Combined County Authority for Essex, Southend, and Thurrock, present both opportunities and risks for local communities.

The statement says: “As leaders of local infrastructure organisations, we recognise the opportunities that devolution and local government restructuring might bring. However, as local government structures evolve, it is essential that the voluntary sector’s role in supporting communities across Essex, Southend, and Thurrock is understood, valued, and protected.

“The VCS in Essex is an essential part of the county’s social and economic fabric. It supports thousands of people every day, providing critical services that enhance health and wellbeing, social cohesion, community safety, and economic opportunity. With 17,500 full-time equivalent employees, 95,000 volunteers, and an annual expenditure of nearly £1 billion (including volunteer time), the sector is not only a vital partner to local government and public services but also a cornerstone of thriving communities, driving community resilience and economic growth.

“However, the current landscape presents significant challenges. Many charities face a relentless cycle of short-term funding, leaving little room to plan, innovate, or collaborate. Burnout in teams is growing, and recruiting and retaining skilled staff and volunteers is becoming ever harder. Devolution offers an opportunity to bring decision-making closer to communities, but the further restructuring of local government risks disempowering local communities and making it harder for grassroots organisations to deliver tailored support where it is most needed.

“The voluntary sector has always been at the heart of Essex’s communities, and as local government undergoes major transformation, it is critical that the sector is recognised, resourced, and respected, and involved as a key partner in shaping the future of the county.”

Community360 CEO Cris Huddleston, said that is crucial that we drive meaningful change by working together throughout this process. She added: ”As we embark on the journey of devolving and reorganisation of our local authorities, it is essential to recognise the pivotal role that localism plays in shaping our communities.

“Localism isn’t just a concept, it is a commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation and resilience at the grassroots level. By working hand in hand as we go through this journey, we can drive meaningful change and build a future where everyone thrives, and this is why Community360 supports this joint statement.”

What is the devolution process in Essex?

Devolution is coming to Greater Essex the area represented by Essex County Council, Southend County Council and Thurrock Council. It will meanA new Mayoral Combined County Authority with a directly elected Mayor would oversee decisions for Greater Essex. Devolution moves powers and money from the UK government to a Mayoral Combined County Authority. This could lead to better transport coordination, smarter spending on adult education, jobs and skills, more strategic planning for healthcare, housing and public services. The mayor would also decide how funding is used for Police and Fire Services. The UK government is holding a consultation on devolution. To learn more and have your say, visit: https://essex.gov.uk/devolution

To read more about what devolution means to charities in Essex please see this helpful news article by the Essex County Foundation.

What does Devolution mean for charities in Essex?

Please see below for the full joint statement released by local infrastructure organisations in Essex today.

JOINT STATEMENT ON DEVOLUTION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM
From Local Infrastructure Organisations in Essex

We, the undersigned, issue this statement following the first roundtable of voluntary and community sector (VCS) infrastructure organisations in Essex, held in response to ongoing discussions around devolution and local government reform.

As leaders of local infrastructure organisations, we recognise the opportunities that devolution and local government restructuring might bring. However, as local government structures evolve, it is essential that the voluntary sector’s role in supporting communities across Essex, Southend, and Thurrock is understood, valued, and protected.

The VCS in Essex is an essential part of the county’s social and economic fabric. It supports thousands of people every day, providing critical services that enhance health and wellbeing, social cohesion, community safety, and economic opportunity. With 17,500 full-time equivalent employees, 95,000 volunteers, and an annual expenditure of nearly £1 billion (including volunteer time), the sector is not only a vital partner to local government and public services but also a cornerstone of thriving communities, driving community resilience and economic growth.

However, the current landscape presents significant challenges. Many charities face a relentless cycle of short-term funding, leaving little room to plan, innovate, or collaborate. Burnout in teams is growing, and recruiting and retaining skilled staff and volunteers is becoming ever harder. Devolution offers an opportunity to bring decision-making closer to communities, but the further restructuring of local government risks disempowering local communities and making it harder for grassroots organisations to deliver tailored support where it is most needed.

A strong civil society is fundamental to Essex’s cultural vibrancy, economic growth, and public health. The voluntary sector is predominantly made up of small, grassroots organisations, with 68% operating on an annual income of under £50,000. These organisations form the backbone of thriving communities, providing local solutions to local challenges. True localism requires more than structural reform—it requires strong, well-supported community networks.

To ensure that the benefits of devolution and local government reform are fully realised, the sector must be a part of this transformation, and we are offering to work closely with local authorities. The leaders of Essex’s local infrastructure organisations—including the CVSs, ECVYS, Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE), and Essex Community Foundation (ECF)—are committed to ensuring that the voluntary sector is not only sustained but empowered to grow and flourish. This means:

A commitment to localism, ensuring that restructuring does not weaken community-led initiatives.

Sustained core and long-term funding, so that organisations can plan effectively.

The ability to innovate and respond, supporting the shift toward prevention and wellbeing rather than crisis response.

The voluntary sector has always been at the heart of Essex’s communities, and as local government undergoes major transformation, it is critical that the sector is recognised, resourced, respected and involved as a key partner in shaping the future of the county.

Signatories:

Sharon Alexander, Chief Officer, Community Voluntary Services Tendring

Rachel Brett, Chief Executive Officer, Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services

Clive Emmett Chief Officer, Uttlesford Community Action Network

Jacqui Foile, Chief Officer, VAEF and Director, WECAN 

Janis Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services

Cristina Huddleston, Chief Executive Officer, Community360

Lorraine Jarvis, Chief Officer, Chelmsford CVS

Simon Johnson, Chief Officer, Basildon, Billericay & Wickford CVS

Victoria Marzouki, Chief Officer, Rayleigh, Rochford and District Association for Voluntary Services 

Andy Payne Worpole, Director of Policy and Programmes, Essex Community Foundation

Anthony Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, Southend Association of Voluntary Services