Inside the Summit
Every organisation has a role to play in creating a more environmentally sustainable future but knowing where to begin isn't always easy. For VCSE organisations already balancing increasing demand, limited resources and competing priorities, taking action can sometimes feel like another thing to add to an already busy agenda.
The North East VCSE Environmental Summit showed that change doesn't have to start with a perfect plan. It starts with curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to take the next step.
Held at The ONE Centre in Pelaw, Gateshead, the Summit brought together more than 70 representatives from VCSE organisations across the North East to explore how the sector is approaching environmental sustainability, share practical experiences and build connections for the future.
Organisations at every stage of their sustainability journey came together. Some had already embedded sustainability into their operations and culture, with support from Going Green Together, while others were exploring where they could begin. What united everyone was a shared recognition that every organisation has something to contribute, regardless of size, capacity or starting point.
Alongside practical workshops and panel discussions, delegates heard powerful reflections from keynote speaker Adam Cooper, celebrated the creativity of the Jack Drum Arts Youth Samba Ensemble, experienced the thought-provoking performance Ancestral Reverb by Jacob Polley and Threads in the Ground, and listened to the perspectives of Newcastle Youth Council. Together, these contributions reminded us that environmental sustainability is about people, communities and the future we are shaping together.
Throughout the day, speakers and participants shared honest reflections on what environmental sustainability looks like in practice. From improving recycling and reducing waste to reviewing energy use, travel and procurement, organisations demonstrated that meaningful progress often comes through small, practical changes made consistently over time.
Our panel discussion explored the different motivations, opportunities and challenges organisations experience when embedding sustainability into their work. While every organisation's journey was different, a clear message emerged: environmental action works best when it reflects the realities of each organisation.
Contributors shared how sustainability work can support wider organisational goals, from reducing costs and strengthening funding applications to engaging staff and volunteers, improving policies and responding to the expectations of communities and partners. They also highlighted the importance of leadership, measuring progress and creating opportunities for people across organisations to get involved.
One question from the audience captured a concern many smaller organisations may recognise:
Do we have the time, capacity or resources to make a difference?
The response was clear. Environmental sustainability is not reserved for organisations with dedicated teams or large budgets. It's about finding realistic actions that work for your organisation and building from there.
As keynote speaker Adam Cooper reminded us:
"Our actions in this decade, more than any generation to come, determine the level of damage and preparedness our descendants inherit."
His words encouraged delegates to think beyond immediate challenges and consider the impact of the choices we make today.
The Summit also created valuable opportunities for organisations to learn from one another. Through interactive workshops and conversations, participants shared ideas, challenges and practical solutions on topics ranging from funding and reducing environmental impact to engaging communities, exploring intersectionality and building confidence to take action.
Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of the day was the openness in the room. Organisations shared what was working, what they were still figuring out and where they needed support. Those conversations reinforced that collaboration is essential if we are to create a more sustainable and resilient VCSE sector across the North East.
Reflecting on the day, our host, Olly Armstrong, captured the atmosphere perfectly, describing it as "a combination of joy in the room, with clear practical next steps." It was a reminder that meaningful change doesn't have to feel overwhelming. By creating space to learn from one another, share honest experiences and leave with practical ideas, the Summit demonstrated that progress is built together, one step at a time.
Adam's keynote closed with a powerful reflection on the legacy we leave behind:
"So how do we honour that power? How can we be Good Ancestors?
We are observed by the ones who came before us, who grafted and fought, who organised and collaborated, who imagined a better future into being.
We are observed by the ones who come after us – our descendants, our families, our communities stretched through time – who inherit our work, our landscape and our air.
Let's make them proud. Let's be Good Ancestors."
It was a fitting reminder that environmental sustainability is not only about reducing our impact today; it is about creating stronger communities and protecting the future we want to pass on.
The Summit may have ended, but the conversations, connections and commitments made throughout the day continue. Whether your organisation is just beginning to explore sustainability or building on work already underway, Going Green Together is here to support you in turning ambition into action.
Small Steps, Big Ideas
Throughout the day, one message came through again and again: environmental sustainability doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whatever stage your organisation is at, there is always a practical next step.
Here are five ideas we'd love you to take back to your organisation.
1. Every organisation can make a difference.
There isn't a perfect place to start. The important thing is to start somewhere.
2. Small steps create meaningful change.
Small, practical actions can build into lasting change over time.
3. We achieve more together.
Sharing ideas, challenges and successes helps us learn from one another, build confidence and move forward together.
4. Environmental sustainability benefits organisations as well as the environment.
From reducing costs and strengthening funding applications to engaging staff and volunteers, sustainability can make organisations stronger and more resilient.
5. Progress matters more than perfection.
You don't need to have all the answers. Start where you are, take one step at a time and keep moving forward.
Small Steps, Shared Impact
Together, these pledges demonstrate that environmental sustainability isn't about doing everything at once. It's about choosing the next step.
Pledges
- Reducing waste through better recycling, composting and food management
- Improving energy efficiency by reviewing heating, lighting and office energy use
- Encouraging more sustainable travel, including walking, cycling and public transport
- Restarting our office Green Team
- Engaging staff, volunteers and communities in climate conversations
- Reviewing procurement practices and choosing more sustainable, local suppliers
- Sharing knowledge and learning from one another to build confidence
- Looking into the environmental impact of our IT systems and emails
Can you make a pledge?
We'd love to hear your commitment. Share your pledge with us or get in touch with our team and we'll help you turn your ideas into practical, achievable steps towards environmental sustainability. All the information you need is below.
Let’s Go Green Together
By signing up to Going Green Together you will have access to a range of support, guidance and opportunities.
Practical Tools
- Our Tailormade Sustainability Pathway
Our online pathway provides a series of suggestions on how to become a sustainable organisation, based on our work with community and voluntary groups across the North East since 2022.
- Practical Workshops
We deliver practical workshops designed to make the most of your time. We know you're busy, so every session creates dedicated space to focus, make progress and leave having achieved something tangible.
- Monthly Newsletters
Monthly e-newsletters are packed with ideas, inspiration, funding opportunities, updates and new ways to work together.
A Helping Hand
- One-to-One Support
As a VONNE-led project, our team understands the barriers North East VCSE organisations face such as funding, capacity, competing priorities. We provide tailored support to help you achieve your environmental sustainability goals in a way that is practical and realistic for your organisation wherever you are on your journey, you may be just starting think about how you can create environmental policies or embed small practices in to your work or how you can cut costs and reduce waste. Or you may already be working towards environmental sustainability and want guidance on how to take your next steps, our team is here to help.
Access to Data and Subsidised Accreditation
- Access to Leading Tools, Training and Accreditation from our Partners
As a member, you'll enjoy access to support and resources from our partners:
- Genee
Membership of Investors in the Environment (iiE) and their nationally recognised accreditation for one year with support from environmental consultants at Genee.
- SmartCarbon
Access to the SmartCarbon Calculator or SmartCarbon Lite - comprehensive tools and training to aid you in recording, managing and reducing your organisation's carbon footprint.
Peer Support
- A Network of Knowledge and Support
The VCSE sector is stronger when we work together. We create opportunities to connect, share knowledge, learn from peers, and support one another.
Together, we can drive meaningful environmental change across the North East.
If you would like to find out more about joining Going Green Together, please get in touch with one of our team:
Tel: 0191 2332000 | Email: hello@goinggreentogether.org
or visit our website and sign-up today.
Together, we can turn small steps into lasting impact for communities and the environment across the North East.
Going Green Together is led by VONNE.
Summit Gallery
Below are a selection of photos capturing the North East VCSE Environmental Summit 2026.
Can you spot yourself?
