A new “State of the Sector” report which highlights the vital role of Surrey’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector and offers practical policy solutions, has been released by the Centre for Britain and Europe at the University of Surrey, in partnership with Surrey Community Action.
Commissioned by county-wide infrastructure charity Surrey Community Action, the Bridges and Beacons report deepens the evidence base on the state of Surrey’s VCSE ecosystem, provides an expanded set of practical policy recommendations designed to strengthen collaboration between civil society, local government, and regional stakeholders and includes rigorous, locally grounded insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the county’s thousands of voluntary and community organisations.
For more than 75 years, Surrey Community Action has worked at the heart of this ecosystem, supporting charities and community groups, amplifying the sector’s voice in local decision-making, and building stronger links between voluntary organisations, local authorities, and health partners.
The new report draws on extensive original research, including data analysis, stakeholder consultations, and interviews with senior leaders and practitioners from across the VCSE sector and public institutions. It offers a clearer picture of the evolving landscape for the VCSE sector in Surrey, particularly at a time of local government reform and broader structural change affecting community services and governance across the county.
By mapping the sector’s strengths, identifying emerging pressures, and highlighting opportunities for partnership, the report provides a practical roadmap for policymakers, funders, and sector leaders seeking to support a resilient and effective voluntary sector in Surrey.
Jason Gaskell. Surrey Community Action’s CEO says: “Across Surrey, the VCSE sector is a vital partner in supporting communities, delivering services, and reaching vulnerable groups that statutory services cannot always reach alone. This updated report gives an invaluable, evidence-based picture of the VCSE sector. It will help ensure that the voice of the sector is clearly heard as Surrey navigates major structural and policy changes.”
Professor Amelia Hadfield, Founder and Director of the Centre for Britain and Europe, concurred: “What makes this work distinctive is the depth of engagement behind it – from extensive interviews to direct dialogue with organisations across the county. Our aim has been to produce research that is not only rigorous but genuinely useful for decision-makers and the sector alike.”
Together, Surrey Community Action and the Centre for Britain and Europe hope the report will serve as a foundation for stronger collaboration, better-informed policy, and sustained support for Surrey’s VCSE sector in the years ahead.
