THE CEO of Thurrock Community Volunteer Service (CVS) has joined colleagues across the county in delivering a message about forthcoming devolution and local government reorganisation plans.

CVSs across Essex have come together to issue a joint statement highlighting the crucial role of the community and voluntary sector in shaping devolution plans.

Thurrock CEO Mark Tebbs says: "In this time of transition and uncertainty, we are committed to ensuring our communities have a strong voice in shaping devolution.

"Devolution offers a chance to bring decision-making closer to the people, but this will only succeed if voluntary sector groups are truly heard and actively involved.

"The Stronger Together Thurrock workshop that took place last week was a key first step in bringing sector and statutory representatives together and opening this dialogue.

"We now seek clarity on the next steps for meaningful, ongoing engagement and are committed to working together to amplify the voluntary sector's voice and ensure it remains at the heart of driving positive change in our communities."

The joint statement reads:-

We, the undersigned, issue this statement following the first roundtable of voluntary and community sector (VCS) infrastructure organisations in Essex, held in response to ongoing discussions around devolution and local government reform.

As leaders of local infrastructure organisations, we recognise the opportunities that devolution and local government restructuring might bring. However, as local government structures evolve, it is essential that the voluntary sector's role in supporting communities across Essex, Southend, and Thurrock is understood, valued, and protected.

The VCS in Essex is an essential part of the county's social and economic fabric. It supports thousands of people every day, providing critical services that enhance health and wellbeing, social cohesion, community safety, and economic opportunity.

With 17,500 full-time equivalent employees, 95,000 volunteers, and an annual expenditure of nearly £1 billion (including volunteer time), the sector is not only a vital partner to local government and public services but also a cornerstone of thriving communities, driving community resilience and economic growth.

However, the current landscape presents significant challenges. Many charities face a relentless cycle of short-term funding, leaving little room to plan, innovate, or collaborate.

Burnout in teams is growing, and recruiting and retaining skilled staff and volunteers is becoming ever harder. Devolution offers an opportunity to bring decision-making closer to communities, but the further restructuring of local government risks disempowering local communities and making it harder for grassroots organisations to deliver tailored support where it is most needed.

A strong civil society is fundamental to Essex's cultural vibrancy, economic growth, and public health. The voluntary sector is predominantly made up of small, grassroots organisations, with 68% operating on an annual income of under £50,000.

These organisations form the backbone of thriving communities, providing local solutions to local challenges. True localism requires more than structural reform—it requires strong, well-supported community networks.

To ensure that the benefits of devolution and local government reform are fully realised, the sector must be a part of this transformation, and we are offering to work closely with local authorities.

The leaders of Essex's local infrastructure organisations—including the CVSs, ECVYS, Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE), and Essex Community Foundation (ECF)—are committed to ensuring that the voluntary sector is not only sustained but empowered to grow and flourish.

This means:

• A commitment to localism, ensuring that restructuring does not weaken community-led initiatives.

• Sustained core and long-term funding, so that organisations can plan effectively.

• The ability to innovate and respond, supporting the shift toward prevention and wellbeing rather than crisis response.

The voluntary sector has always been at the heart of Essex's communities, and as local government undergoes major transformation, it is critical that the sector is recognised, resourced, respected and involved as a key partner in shaping the future of the county.

Signatories:

Sharon Alexander, Chief Officer, Community Voluntary Services Tendring

Rachel Brett, Chief Executive Officer, Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services

Clive Emmett Chief Officer, Uttlesford Community Action Network

Jacqui Foile, Chief Officer, VAEF and Director, WECAN

Janis Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services

Cristina Huddleston, Chief Executive Officer, Community360

Lorraine Jarvis, Chief Officer, Chelmsford CVS

Simon Johnson, Chief Officer, Basildon, Billericay & Wickford CVS

Victoria Marzouki, Chief Officer, Rayleigh, Rochford and District Association for Voluntary Services

Andy Payne Worpole, Director of Policy and Programmes, Essex Community Foundation

Anthony Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, Southend Association of Voluntary Services

Nick Shuttleworth, Executive Director, Rural Community Council of Essex

Sharon Summerfield, Chief Executive Officer, Rainbow Services (Harlow) and Director, WECAN

Mark Tebbs, Chief Executive Officer, Thurrock CVS

Sarah Troop, Director, Maldon and District CVS