Stronger together
As the lead ‘infrastructure body’ for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in Somerset, we support collaboration, strengthen its voice and influence, and advocate on its behalf.
Championing the sector and its collective voice
Our team works to ensure that the collective voice of the organisations and communities we support is heard and that the sector’s contribution is understood, recognised and valued. We represent the sector at a strategic level by:
- Raising awareness about what it can offer
- Connecting it with strategic stakeholders
- Enabling it to influence local policy and strategy
- Ensuring it is not excluded from the decision-making process or;
- overlooked as a delivery partner in the provision of community-based services and support
Partnerships
Our team facilitates a number of strategic partnerships, concentrating on areas where there is a recognised need for better collaboration. Through their collective voice, these partnerships influence, shape strategy and make decisions.
Somerset Collaborative
The Somerset Collaborative aims to enhance communication and develop opportunities for partnership working across the VCFSE and public sector.
The collaborative and partnership opportunities provided by Spark Somerset are invaluable, particularly amidst rising demand for voluntary sector services and more challenging commissioning prospects.
– Angela Kerr, CEO, Citizens Advice Somerset
The Memorandum of Understanding
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by the voluntary sector, NHS, and Somerset Council. It outlines a joint commitment to improving the health and wellbeing our communities.
