In recent months, Cornwall VSF has spoken at a number of events about how public sector cuts might affect our membership.

We recognise that funding cuts are likely to cause redundancies across the voluntary sector, and many organisations face difficult decisions about maintaining the current level of service they provide. We are committed to highlighting the impact of these cuts on our members, while ensuring that we fully comply with guidance from the Charity Commission around charities and campaigning activity.

Cornwall Strategic Partnership conference – Tuesday 15 March

Our Chief Executive Mark Richardson gave a presentation at the final meeting of the Cornwall Strategic Partnership. This gave influential public sector decision-makers better understanding of the VCS’s role in protecting vulnerable people, our view of the Big Society, and how cuts will impact the VCS’s ability to make the Big Society a reality. Click here to see slides from this presentation.

Big Society, Big Cuts – Tuesday 29 March

Our AGM at the Eden Project saw members debate whether the best strategy for the voluntary sector is to protest the cuts, or engage and collaborate with the public sector. Click here for a report on what was said.

Cornwall Anti-Cuts Alliance – Thursday 28 April

Our Chief Executive Mark Richardson gave a five-minute factual presentation at the first meeting of the Cornwall Anti-Cuts Alliance, outlining how cuts will affect jobs and services in the voluntary sector, not just the public sector.

Cornwall VSF will continue to speak up as the independent voice of our members about how the cuts affect the sector. We will act independently and are not associated or affiliated with any other organisations, except the three sector umbrella bodies South West Forum, NAVCA and NCVO.