We are proud to unveil our Impact Review 2024, which spotlights a year of remarkable achievements and transformative progress for the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in the North West. The report details how we have worked to strengthen the sector’s voice, foster community resilience, and position the VCFSE sector as a critical player in regional growth and policy development.

Key highlights:

1. Strengthened policy advocacy:
   The establishment of a dedicated Policy and Influencing Team has enabled VSNW to amplify the sector's voice in critical policy areas.

2. Economic contributions:
   The VCFSE sector contributed an impressive £896.5 million in gross value added (GVA) to the Cheshire and Merseyside economy alone, highlighting its pivotal role in regional development.

3. £18.4M in sector investment:
   VSNW's advocacy efforts secured significant funding for the sector, supporting initiatives in health, skills development, and poverty alleviation.

4. Health and Social Care integration:
   The North West became the first UK region to achieve full VCFSE sector representation on NHS Integrated Care Boards, advancing efforts in prevention, early intervention, and tackling health inequalities.

5. Championing fair funding:
   The creation of a regional Fair Funding Protocol is set to promote sustainable and equitable funding practices for the VCFSE sector, addressing long-standing challenges in commissioning and procurement.

6. Sector-wide engagement:
   Over the past year, VSNW facilitated 128 events, connecting 700 VCFSE leaders and fostering collaboration across the region.

Responding to challenges and opportunities

The Impact Review 2024 also reflects on the challenges faced by the sector, including the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and uncertainty surrounding the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. In response, we have doubled down on efforts to influence devolution discussions, advocate for preventative approaches, and highlight the sector’s role in tackling inequalities.

“Our Impact Review 2024 is a testament to the resilience and innovation of the VCFSE sector in the North West,” said Warren Escadale, CEO of VSNW. “Despite significant challenges, the sector has demonstrated its critical role in building strong, healthy communities and driving economic growth.”

Looking ahead

The Impact Review 2024 sets the stage for the year ahead with eight strategic impacts, including the development of a Centre of Excellence for Health Creation, advancing VCFSE-academic collaborations, and rebuilding pipelines for skills and employment.

We are also calling for greater collaboration between public, private, and voluntary sectors to unlock the full potential of the VCFSE sector.