The voluntary and community sector is central to the current and previous governments’ visions of localism, and creating a ‘Big Society’ (a strong and cohesive society with community involvement in delivering services). The government continues to emphasise the importance of social action.

We recognise that voluntary and public sector partnerships can be successful and enable:

• Communities to run their own services and own local assets such as land and buildings
• Community-led solutions to local problems
• Charitable giving at a local level
• Volunteering and the development of new skills

We understand the influence we have in working with the voluntary and community sector through:

• Commissioning – buying a service
• Giving - supporting voluntary-led work through grants and other resources
• Investing – where possible, supporting the infrastructure voluntary and community sector groups need to sustain and build capacity

We work with the voluntary and community sector through the VCS Assembly and the VCS Assembly Board. The board meets at least four to five times a year, and is formed of representatives from 'forums of interest'. Through its meetings, the board works to deliver an annual work programme, and to respond to the issues raised by members. Shropshire Council and the VCS Assembly work together with other partners at a strategic level through the VCSA Board, and through the Change and Compact Group. Joint work also takes place within partnership boards and sub-groups such as the Health and Wellbeing Board, Children’s Trust and Safer, Stronger Communities Board.