Stronger charities need strong support: why infrastructure organisations matter more than ever

Charities and community organisations are facing an increasingly challenging environment. From financial pressures and governance concerns to safeguarding and organisational change, the demands on those running voluntary organisations continue to grow. So where can charities turn for support?

The voluntary and community sector plays a vital role in Norfolk, supporting individuals, strengthening communities and helping to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society.

But behind the services, activities and community projects are trustees, staff and volunteers working hard to keep organisations running. Increasingly, they are having to do this against a backdrop of rising costs, funding uncertainty, growing demand and more complex responsibilities.

The Charity Commission's latest thinking highlights the importance of infrastructure organisations – the organisations that provide advice, guidance, training, connections and practical support to charities and community groups.

For organisations across Norfolk, this support can make a real difference.

A challenging landscape for charities

Charities continue to deliver significant benefits to the communities they serve, but the pressures facing the sector should not be underestimated.

Financial challenges can affect even well-established organisations. Rising operating costs, uncertain income and increasing demand for services can leave charities having to make difficult decisions about their future.

These pressures can also create challenges around governance and leadership. When resources are stretched, disagreements can arise, trustees may feel under pressure and organisations can find themselves dealing with issues they have little experience of managing.

Trustees carry significant responsibilities, and ensuring they have the right knowledge, confidence and support is essential to the effective running of any charity.

The Charity Commission has highlighted a 57% increase in cases involving internal disputes within charities over the past year, including disagreements around trustee elections, land and property. It suggests that financial pressures and wider societal tensions may be contributing factors.

This underlines why good governance, strong leadership and access to appropriate support are so important.

What are infrastructure organisations and why do they matter?

Infrastructure organisations are sometimes described as the support network behind the voluntary and community sector.

Unlike frontline charities, which deliver services directly to individuals and communities, infrastructure organisations help other voluntary organisations to operate effectively, develop and become more resilient.

Their role can include:

• Advice and guidance: Helping charities understand their responsibilities, navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
• Training and development: Supporting trustees, staff and volunteers to build the skills and knowledge they need.
• Governance support: Helping organisations strengthen their leadership, policies and decision-making.
• Networking and connections: Bringing organisations together to share experiences, learn from one another and develop partnerships.
• Practical resources: Providing information, tools and support that charities may otherwise struggle to access.
• A collective voice: Representing the needs and interests of the voluntary sector and helping ensure they are heard.

This support can be particularly valuable for smaller charities and community groups, which may not have access to specialist staff, extensive resources or the budget to pay for external professional advice.

Having somewhere to turn for guidance, reassurance or a fresh perspective can help organisations address problems earlier and avoid more serious difficulties developing.

Supporting trustees to lead with confidence

Good governance is central to a charity's success. Trustees are responsible for ensuring their organisation is well managed, financially sustainable and focused on delivering its charitable purposes.

However, taking on a trustee role can be daunting, particularly for those who are new to the responsibilities involved.

Trustees may need to make difficult decisions about finances, staffing, safeguarding, organisational strategy and risk management. They must also work effectively as a board, balancing different perspectives while keeping the charity's best interests at the heart of their decisions.

Access to training, advice and peer support can help trustees feel more confident in their roles.

The Charity Commission's 2025 National Trustee Survey found that only 48% of trustees felt confident they had access to the training needed to fulfil their role. This highlights the importance of continuing to invest in trustee development and making support accessible.

Strong boards are not simply about having the right people in place. They also need the right knowledge, skills and support to make effective collective decisions.

Why early support can make all the difference

One of the most important benefits of infrastructure organisations is their ability to help charities identify and address challenges before they become crises.

An organisation experiencing financial difficulties, internal disagreements or changes in leadership may not always know where to start. Trustees and managers can feel isolated, particularly when dealing with sensitive or complex issues.

Talking to someone with relevant experience can help bring clarity, identify possible solutions and provide a way forward.

Peer networks can also be invaluable. Learning from other organisations that have faced similar challenges can help charities understand that they are not alone and that practical solutions are often available.

Seeking support should not be seen as a sign that an organisation is struggling or failing. It is part of responsible leadership and good organisational practice. 

The importance of a strong voluntary sector support network in Norfolk

Community Action Norfolk (CAN) recognises the importance of a strong, connected and resilient voluntary and community sector.

Across Norfolk, charities, community groups and voluntary organisations make an enormous contribution to local life. They provide essential support, create opportunities for people to get involved in their communities and help build stronger, more inclusive places to live.

But these organisations need support too.

Infrastructure organisations such as CAN play an important role in helping local groups access information, develop their organisations, build connections and navigate the challenges they face.

This work has a wider impact than supporting individual organisations. When charities are better equipped to manage risks, strengthen their governance and plan for the future, the communities that rely on them benefit too.

There is also value in bringing organisations together. Sharing knowledge, experience and ideas helps build relationships across the sector and creates opportunities for collaboration.

However, infrastructure organisations are not immune to the financial pressures affecting charities more widely. As demand for support grows, the sustainability of the organisations providing that support also needs attention.

A strong voluntary sector depends on having a strong support network around it.

Don't wait too long; time is of the essence!

Whether you are a trustee, member of staff or volunteer, taking time to consider your organisation's health and resilience is worthwhile.

Ask yourself:

• Do our trustees feel confident about their roles and responsibilities?
• Do we have the right skills and knowledge around our board?
• Are we regularly reviewing our finances, risks and future plans?
• Do we know where to go for advice when challenges arise?
• Are we making the most of opportunities to connect and learn from other organisations?

You don't need to wait for a problem to emerge before seeking advice or support.

Building relationships, accessing training and strengthening your organisation's foundations can help you prepare for future challenges and continue delivering the work that matters to your community.

Community Action Norfolk is here to support a stronger, more connected and resilient voluntary and community sector across Norfolk.

Find out more about how we can support your organisation here.

Prefer to chat: call us on 01362 698216 or email us with your enquiry and one of our dedicated team will come back to you.

Inspired by the Charity Commission's blog, 'How infrastructure bodies help charities navigate today's risks', published 30 October 2026 and our previous article "The changing face of local infrastructure".