At our recent CEO Peer Network, our Chief Executive, Martin Brookes, shared VONNE’s new 2026–2031 organisational strategy with Membership+ members. It marks an ambitious next chapter for VONNE — one that sharpens our focus, strengthens our voice, and puts members firmly at the heart of everything we do.
Membership at the Core
The central shift in this strategy is simple but significant: we will emphasise membership and de-emphasise “infrastructure” as the way we describe ourselves.
VONNE is unusual among regional infrastructure bodies because of the scale and diversity of our membership. We now have over 1,500 members and are setting a clear ambition to grow to 2,000 and beyond. This isn’t about round numbers — it’s about influence. A larger, stronger membership gives us greater credibility in the rooms that matter, regionally and nationally. It strengthens our mandate to speak on behalf of the VCSE sector and ensures we are grounded in the lived experience of organisations across the North East and Tees Valley.
Our membership is not just a number. It is a two-way conversation. Through you, we understand what is happening on the ground. In return, we connect you to decision-makers, intelligence, opportunities and one another.
Telling the Story of the Sector’s Economic Value
A defining feature of this strategy is our commitment to telling the story of the VCSE sector’s value to the regional economy.
Too often, the sector is seen only through a social lens. While our social impact is profound, it is only part of the story. The VCSE sector is also a significant contributor to the region’s economy creating jobs, attracting investment, delivering services, building skills, and generating social and economic return.
We will consistently make this case in conversations with combined authorities, the NHS, national government and beyond. As devolution deepens and 10-year local growth plans take shape, we will ensure the VCSE sector is recognised not as an afterthought, but as an essential partner in economic development.
Our approach will be clear: no numbers without stories, and no stories without numbers. We will combine robust policy and data analysis with powerful member case studies to evidence both impact and need.
Regional Roots, National Reach
VONNE’s identity is rooted in the North East and Tees Valley — and that will not change. But our ambition is to operate confidently on the national stage as well as the regional one.
As one of the largest regional VCSE membership bodies in the country, we have both the scale and the responsibility to contribute to national debates. Where national representation falls short, we will step forward. At the same time, we will strengthen our presence across the whole region, including growing and deepening our engagement in the Tees Valley.
What Members Can Expect
This strategy is not about changing who we are. It is about being more visible, more ambitious and more determined on your behalf.
Over the next five years, members can expect VONNE to be:
- More visible and vocal — championing the sector publicly and confidently.
- More convening — bringing organisations together to connect, collaborate and learn.
- More policy and data-driven — producing analysis that informs and influences.
- More on the national stage — ensuring the North East VCSE voice is heard across the UK.
- Doing more with and for members — strengthening membership services and engagement.
Underpinning all of this will be investment in communications, policy and data, and member engagement — the “core” that makes the rest possible.
VONNE exists to support, promote and advocate for the VCSE sector so it is better understood, appreciated and supported. We will be ambitious – not for our own sake, but on behalf of our members and the communities you serve.
We look forward to working with you to turn this strategy into impact.