What’s Happening in the Third Sector?
The changing face of local infrastructure: why effective VCSE infrastructure matters more than ever
Our friends at NAVCA have written a fantastic blog that sets out how, as the VCSE sector continues to evolve, the role of local infrastructure has never been more important. It explores why effective local infrastructure is essential to helping communities, public services and the voluntary sector work together to improve outcomes.
With devolution, local government reorganisation, neighbourhood health and increasing financial pressures reshaping the landscape, places need trusted organisations that can convene partnerships, strengthen local organisations, amplify community voice and connect communities with decision-makers.
Local infrastructure isn’t an optional extra. It’s the foundation that enables stronger collaboration, more responsive public services and thriving communities.
Podcast: Why every charity should be thinking about operational research
One of the Third Sector’s latest podcast episodes takes a look at how applying science to human behaviour can help charities maximise their impact.
The episode‘s guests are Dr Colette Fletcher, executive director of the Operational Research Society, and Rebecca Goldring, performance and partnership area manager at Porchlight.
Volunteers’ Week 2027 Dates Confirmed
Volunteers’ Week 2027 will take place from Monday 7th June to Sunday 13th June 2027.
The dates for next year’s Volunteers’ Week have been confirmed so we can all start prepping nice and early!
This date follows the more recent move towards holding Volunteers’ Week from the first Monday in June, rather than from the 1st.
Read the full update over on the Volunteers’ Week website.
Recognising Volunteerism
The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Volunteer Year (IVY 2026) to recognise volunteerism as a key driver of sustainable development.
Building on years of collaboration, UNICEF and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) are expanding learning opportunities for UN Volunteers to develop new skills, strengthen their careers through peer learning, and continue making a difference long after a single assignment ends.
Together, they’ve launched a Global Learning Townhall Series, which you can access here.
Find out more and access IVY 2026 resources here.
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