From ideas to impact: Building the future of voluntary and community sector support together

What does it take for communities to thrive, not just survive? At Adur & Worthing Councils, we’ve been exploring this question. Through participatory research, conversations, and a deliberation event that brought together residents, community leaders, and organisations, we’ve uncovered powerful insights about what truly matters — and what’s possible.

Now, we’re turning those insights into action. We’re inviting bold, innovative organisations to join us in shaping the future of support for the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Adur and Worthing. If you’re passionate about building resilience, fostering inclusion, and driving social change, this opportunity is for you.

What we’ve learned: insights from the stories and deliberative session

On 25th November, we brought together over 50 stakeholders to deliberate on how we can better support the VCSE sector. Guided by the findings from our ‘Surviving and Thriving Through Change’ research, the discussions uncovered key priorities and qualities that should shape our approach to supporting the sector.

Outcomes identified

Participants identified the following as essential outcomes for VCSE sector support:

• Practical, timely, and accessible support that enables organisations to act quickly and effectively.
• Building networks between councils, businesses, communities, and groups to create a sustainable ecosystem.
• Fostering resilience by helping organisations diversify income streams, plan for succession, and adapt to challenges.
• Creating inclusivity by ensuring diverse communities have access to support that meets their specific needs.

Qualities

Participants also emphasised the importance of how we deliver this support, including:

• Co-production: Designing solutions together with the sector and residents.
• Local expertise: Partnering with organisations that truly understand Adur & Worthing.
• Decentralised design: Moving away from one-size-fits-all models to hyper-local, accessible support.
• Reducing bureaucracy: Making processes easy, transparent, and user-friendly.

These priorities and qualities will guide how we commission and deliver VCSE sector support over the next three years.

What this means for the sector

Through this process, we’ve recognised that the capacity to change is a critical strength of the VCSE sector. Groups that thrive do so because they are rooted in their communities, moving at what one participant described as “the speed of trust.” But we also know that adapting to change takes energy, resources, and the right kind of support.

Here’s what the future could look like:

• A networked ecosystem where organisations collaborate rather than compete for resources.
• Digital innovation that reduces operational burdens and enhances community engagement.
• Tailored support that meets the unique needs of our diverse communities.
• A sector that is financially resilient, innovative, and ready to tackle future challenges.

Join us in shaping the future

We’re excited to announce the next step in this journey: the ‘Innovations and Approaches’ Session on 4th December at the Shoreham Centre for organisations interesting in applying for the tender that will result from this work. This session is your chance to:

• Explore what’s possible: Hear about our findings and vision for the sector.
• Collaborate on ideas: Share your thoughts on how we can deliver outcomes and experiment with new approaches in year one.
• Prepare for tendering: Learn from our procurement team about what to expect from the tender process.

We’re looking for organisations that can:

• Innovate: Propose bold new ways of working with the sector, leveraging digital tools, social entrepreneurship, or unique funding models.
• Adapt: Show a capacity for leadership in a rapidly changing landscape, including post-pandemic recovery.
• Collaborate: Build participative approaches that empower communities and enhance connections across sectors.

Why partner with Adur & Worthing Councils?

This will be more than a contract — it’s a chance to be part of something transformative. We’re building a future where the VCSE sector isn’t just supported but thrives as a leader in social change and innovation. By partnering with us, you’ll:

• Work in a participative, forward-thinking environment.
• Help shape a model of support that could inspire other regions.
• Contribute to the resilience and wellbeing of our communities.

How to get involved

1. Attend the Innovations and Approaches Session:
   📅 Date: 4th December
   🕒 Time: 12:30pm–3:00pm
   📍 Location: The Shoreham Centre
2. Prepare for the Session:
   Review our research and outcomes documents, and consider these questions:

• What stands out to you as a priority for VCSE sector support?
• What opportunities do you see for experimentation in the first year?

Apply for the Tender:
The tender process begins in early 2024, with the new contract starting in July 2025.

To confirm your attendance or express interest, email procurement@adur-worthing.gov.uk and let us know any dietary or accessibility requirements.

Be part of the change

This is your chance to help shape a bold new vision for VCSE sector support. Let’s co-create a future where our communities are resilient, inclusive, and thriving — together.

We can’t wait to hear your ideas on 4th December. See you there!