Local Government Reorganisation: New Resources to Support Norfolk's VCSE Sector

Change is coming to local government across England, and for Norfolk's voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector, it brings both challenges and opportunities.

To help organisations prepare, NAVCA and ACRE have launched a new collection of practical resources designed to support VCFSE organisations, local infrastructure organisations (LIOs), rural community support charities, local authorities and new strategic authorities as they navigate devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR). The guidance aims to help organisations understand what the changes mean, strengthen local partnerships and ensure communities continue to have a strong voice in shaping local services.

Why does this matter?

As local government structures change, councils will work differently, decision-making may move to new organisations, and funding, commissioning and partnership arrangements are likely to evolve.

For many charities and community groups, this can feel uncertain. However, it also creates an opportunity to build stronger relationships, influence future services and ensure local knowledge remains at the heart of decision-making.

The new resources highlight the important role that local infrastructure organisations like Community Action Norfolk (CAN) play in bringing together voluntary organisations, communities and public sector partners. They also recognise that organisations with strong local connections are essential to helping new councils understand community needs and deliver services that work for local people.

What support is available?

The resource hub includes practical guidance covering:

• understanding devolution and local government reorganisation
• neighbourhood working and community engagement
• working effectively with new unitary and strategic authorities
• lessons learned from areas that have already experienced reorganisation
• tools to help organisations assess risks and plan for change
• guidance for councils on working successfully with the VCFSE sector

What does this mean for Norfolk?

Norfolk is one of the areas directly affected by local government reorganisation, making this guidance particularly relevant for organisations across the county. As new governance arrangements develop, maintaining strong links between communities, voluntary organisations and public services will become even more important.

At Community Action Norfolk, this is exactly where we add value.

As Norfolk's local infrastructure organisation, CAN works alongside charities, community groups, parish councils and public sector partners to strengthen collaboration, amplify community voices and help organisations respond to change. Whether through our engagement work, partnership development, training, networking opportunities or strategic support, we help ensure the voluntary sector remains a trusted and influential partner.

We will continue to work closely with partners throughout the local government reorganisation process, sharing information, supporting collaboration and helping communities make the most of the opportunities these changes present.

Change can be challenging, but by working together we can help ensure Norfolk's communities remain connected, resilient and well represented.

If your organisation would like support understanding how local government reorganisation may affect your work, or you'd like to discuss opportunities for collaboration, we'd be happy to hear from you by email here or call us on 01362 698216.

You can explore the full range of NAVCA and ACRE resources here.