Issue - meetings

Pip Goff, the Representative for Communities of Interest highlighted the difficult financial position of the Third Sector, noting the sector had absorbed cuts to Council and NHS organisations. It was outlined that over the period from 2020 to 2022 the Third Sector has lost 34% of its paid workforce and 25% of volunteers. The bi-monthly cost survey had noted approximately half of Third Sector organisations had been operating at a reduced service capacity level and the shortfall needed to be addressed.

Board Members acknowledged the pressures the sector was experiencing, and executive partnership work was ongoing. The Third Sector was noted to be comprised of a huge number of organisations and investigation will be needed to identify the populations and organisations experiencing the greatest challenge. A specific list of shared scheme proposals will need to be developed to provide an overview of the situation and support development of a management plan to alleviate impact.

The Chair agreed to write a letter to partners and recommend that the Board consider a formal item regarding sustainability plans for the Third Sector.