Information and intelligence
We use our position to raise the profile of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector and ensure it is valued as an equal partner.
We're recognised as a source of intelligence and are frequently invited to contribute to strategic government policy discussions and consultations, representing the sector both regionally and nationally.
Through our membership of the EU Exit Implementation Group, the North East VCSE sector’s voice was heard in national conversations around Brexit and its impact, and we're now working to help minimise any disruption on the sector due to our exit from the EU.
We advocate for the sector’s concerns and priorities in the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the proposed replacement for European structural funding, working to influence its design and delivery for the benefit of North East communities.
We lead on engagement with Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), working in partnership with Tees Valley Local Infrastructure Organisations and other sector representatives. This work has led to the establishment of a Tees Valley VCSE Economic Growth and Inclusion Working Group.
Within the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NE LEP) area we represent the sector on:
- North East Employment and Skills Advisory Panel
- Employment Inclusion and Progressions Steering Group
- VCSE Employment, Inclusion and Skills Focus Group
Our partnership with Clinks ensures the voluntary sector in the North East is kept up to date with changes to criminal justice policy and provides the opportunity for a North East voice in Clinks' policy responses.
We inform the sector about the issues impacting it through our various ebulletins, which are sent to more than 10,000 subscribers.
We also provide intelligence on the North East sector to partners and stakeholders.
Local Infrastructure Organisations are a vital source of support to the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in the North East and we have a directory to help you find your nearest one.
VONNE'S CEO Carol Botten sits on the board of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP), playing an active role in the delivery of the North East Strategic Economic Plan, as well as ensuring the views of the regional VCSE sector are well represented.
We represent the VCSE sector as a strategic partner in health and care system-wide workstreams that form part of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS), the country's largest ICS which serves more than three million people.
ICS’s have evolved from sustainability and transformation partnerships and bring together NHS providers, commissioners and local authorities to work in partnership with the VCSE sector in planning and commissioning health and care services at a strategic level. VONNE leads on VCSE sector representation within the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) ICS, working with Cumbria CVS.
As part of this work, we act as regional lead for the Thriving Communities programme.