People, Places and Policy: the role of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector

Research News

Chaired by Patrick Butler, Social Policy Editor, The Guardian.

The final event for Third Sector Trends in England and Wales 2022 will take place Tuesday 30 May, 2023: 5.00pm for 5.30pm – 7.00pm, at The Mercers’ Hall, Ironmongers Lane, London, EC2V 8HE.

All reports from Third Sector Trends 2022 can be downloaded here.

Social policy in the UK is at a crossroads as Conservative government commitment to levelling up seems to be on the wane and a prospective Labour Government steadily starts to mark out its path for a shift in policy direction.

The voluntary, community and social enterprise sector sits in a good position to view the successes and failures of previous governments and to initiate and promote ideas for change. The question is, whose interests will it serve and for what purpose at a time when social inequalities are deepening and calls for social justice rising on the agenda.

Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland is hosting an event to debate the key findings and policy implications of the Third Sector Trends study in England and Wales. 

Building on four Third Sector Trends 2022 reports released to date, Professor Tony Chapman of Durham University, will outline the role the sector has in improving localities. He will compare dynamics in richer and poorer areas, consider the role of grant funders and look at how a mixture of innovative practice and solid, steady work based on the sector’s local knowledge, skills and experience helps to keep communities going. And crucially, whether the voluntary sector will engage with and contribute towards local social and public policy debate.

There will then be a debate. following panel responses to the findings. Panellists include:

  • Jane Ide, Chief Executive, ACEVO
  • Sara Llewellin, Chief Executive, Barrow Cadbury Trust
  • Stephen Miller, Director of Delivery and Impact, Power to Change
  • Rob Williamson Chief Executive, Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland

To book your place please go to ThirdSectorTrends2022.eventbrite.co.uk by 10am Friday 19 May 2023

If you have any problem booking, please contact us on 0191 222 0945 or general@communityfoundation.org.uk