Call To Action: a third sector response to the economic downturn
The voluntary & community sector is a strategic partner in the shaping and delivery of the region’s economy. Through 14,400 registered organisations, the voluntary and community sector collectively has:
- A total income in excess of £3.3 billion of which 93% was spent in 2007/08;
- Total assets of £5.3 billion;
- £1.1 billion staff costs;
- An estimated number of full time paid staff of 48,500.
These figures significantly increase with the inclusion of social enterprise organisations.
Despite this, recent research indicates that of the 14,400 organisations registered in the region up to 3,800 organisations are at risk of failing. Of these some 780 organisations are considered to be extremely vulnerable.
In response to the economic downturn Regional Action West Midlands is working with Social Enterprise West Midlands (SEWM) and West Midlands European Network (WMEN), and calls all third sector bodies to support the Third Sector Economic Manifesto that is being developed as a result of the first West Midlands Third Sector Economic Summit, that took place on 29th April 2009.
In addition to signing up to the forthcoming manifesto, we need your organisation to:
- use the template on the right to submit information you have around the impact of the economic downturn on the sector;
- register your interest in joining a regional third sector policy group looking at economic issues.
To register your interest or request more information about any aspect of the Call to Action, please email us using the address below.
For information about government’s support to communities during the economic downturn click here >>.
