More than ever, Derbyshire’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector is being asked to do more with less.
At the DVA Forum, organisations from across Derbyshire came together to share honest experiences, reflect on the findings of the State of the Sector Survey 2026, and discuss what needs to happen next.
The event highlighted both the incredible impact of the sector and the increasing pressures many organisations are facing.
The survey revealed Derbyshire’s VCFSE sector’s huge support for individuals and community groups — giving a snapshot into the scale of preventative, community-based support taking place every day across the county.
At the same time, organisations spoke openly about the challenges they are navigating:
- Rising demand and increasing complexity of need
- Volunteer recruitment and burnout pressures
- Financial uncertainty and short-term funding
- Capacity challenges and workforce instability
- Difficulties connecting into wider systems and decision-making
Throughout the discussions, one message came through strongly:
the sector is resilient, collaborative and deeply committed — but resilience is being stretched.
Forum attendees also focused on opportunities for the future, including:
- Stronger collaboration across organisations
- Better communication and visibility
- Demonstrating collective impact and social value
- Developing shared tools, resources and directories
- Strengthening the VCFSE voice within neighbourhood and health system working
There was a clear appetite for:
- More networking opportunities
- Greater partnership working
- Better recognition of the role the VCFSE sector plays in prevention and reducing pressure on wider services
DVA would like to thank everyone who attended, contributed to discussions, and completed the State of the Sector Survey.
The insight shared through both the survey and forum discussions will now help shape DVA’s ongoing work with partners including the NHS, local authorities and wider system leaders.
This is not the end of the conversation — it is the beginning of the next stage.
Over the coming weeks, DVA will continue analysing the themes raised and exploring how the collective voice of Derbyshire’s VCFSE sector can be strengthened further.
Because what was clear throughout the day is this:
Derbyshire’s communities are stronger because of the VCFSE sector — and that voice deserves to be heard clearly within the systems shaping the future of health and wellbeing.
For those that came and took part, a massive thank you, keep an eye on what comes next!
Jacqui, and Juliet