Related
As a Local Authority, what are some of the key ways you support local civil society and community organisations?
At Waltham Forest Council, we take a relational approach to our partnership with our local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). This could be by making sure they are in the room to discuss ideas and problem solve directly with our senior leadership at the regular Community Resilience Alliance meetings. Or sometimes it’s about pooling expertise and working together on projects such as supporting those seeking asylum through our Borough of Sanctuary work. On other occasions it’s about handing over control when curating our groundbreaking Windrush Festival or Faith Fest events for all residents to enjoy.
What’s something exciting that you’re currently developing?
We are very proud to have worked with VCS partners to facilitate the creation of a brand new independent infrastructure organisation for Community groups - Waltham Forest CVS. We know that in recent years Waltham Forest has been lacking the infrastructure support a CVS offers. It will make a huge difference to our VCS and residents once Waltham Forest CVS launches as a charity in Spring 2025.
The new CVS has been co-designed by the local VCS and will be entirely independent of the council. To facilitate this, we recruited a local VCS advisory board to collaboratively develop the initial Terms of Reference and lead on the entire process. It was the board who recruited independent consultants to make recommendations on the new local infrastructure organisation, based on engagement sessions and workshops with the wider VCS.
It was essential to ensure that everyone had a voice in shaping the new body that would represent them. Taking the relational approach to building trust in the process was equally important—both for the VCS to see that this project was genuinely theirs to lead, and within our own teams, as the outcome of the project was not predetermined. We recognised that the local VCS might opt for something entirely different from a new CVS, and we needed to remain open to that possibility.
After around 18 months of the co-design process, we’re confident that Waltham Forest CVS will make a huge difference for our local communities. We’re also incredibly grateful for the hard work put in by the advisory board made up and co-chaired by members of local VCS organisations. Without their diligence, drive and effort, this project would not have happened.
What’s an insight that you’d like to share with funders about your local area?
Looking at available data, we know that Waltham Forest has lots of potential for additional VCS funding and investment. The council works with over 600 VCS groups who are all doing amazing things to support our diverse communities. With Waltham Forest CVS providing the sector with direction and a unified voice, we know funders will see just how much work they are doing and will want to get involved.
The possibilities for funders are endless. Funders could be looking at urban areas or forests, and still find what they need in Waltham Forest. We have high levels of deprivation, but also strong community cohesion. This was evidenced by the response to potential rioting in summer 2024 when residents marched to protect some of the most vulnerable in our community. In December 2024 the King and Queen travelled to the Town Hall to meet some of those involved in the counter protests and to celebrate the work of our VCS in supporting our communities. We know that if the King and Queen are dropping in to see us, more London Funders partners will be coming along soon too!
What do you value most about being a part of London Funders?
A key reason we like London Funders so much is the chance to network with other members. We are looking forward to doing a lot more of this as funders realise the potential here in the borough. We’re happy to welcome everyone who wants to get involved. We can make sure we introduce you to the right people locally.
Another thing is having a good steer on trends in the sector. Having an overview helps us plan and respond in challenging times for local government, VCS organisations, and the communities we serve.
Looking ahead, share one thing that is on your radar. What should we prioritise as a network of funders?
All local government organisations will be focusing on prevention – empowering residents in their area to lead thriving, independent lives by offering support earlier, more effectively and in a way that’s easiest for residents to access. To achieve this, we will be looking to build stronger connections with VCS organisations on health and wellbeing initiatives. Instead of council’s doing things alone, we’ll be developing services and programmes in partnership with VCS partners who we know are capable, passionate and have good connections with residents who may be less likely or feel less able to access support directly from a local authority.
What’s an area you’d like to discuss with other members?
We want funders to get in touch to let us know how we can facilitate their work with VCS organisations in the borough. We're keen to have those conversations and work out how the council can smooth out any obstacles, or create clearer pathways for everyone involved.
Connect with us about:
- Prevention
- Local government and VCS co-design work
- Open and trusting funding
- Underserved groups engagement
The Member Spotlight is taken from our monthly member-exclusive newsletter, the Member Memo. The newsletter contains targeted information about upcoming events and updates from across the membership, with opportunities to connect and collaborate with other members. If you are a London Funders' member and would like to sign up, please email ora.ataguba@londonfunders.org.uk.