Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance
Supporting Gloucestershire’s voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to thrive.
Practical support, training, connections and insight for organisations supporting communities within Gloucestershire.
What is the VCSE sector?
VCSE stands for Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise. The VCSE sector includes charities, community groups, voluntary organisations and social enterprises that work to improve people’s lives and support communities. It’s also known as the Third Sector, the charitable sector and the prevention sector.
Latest sector news
With local government reorganisation continuing to progress, the Government has indicated that it is “minded to” confirm a single unitary authority for Gloucestershire before Christmas.
The merger of Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) with Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) has been delayed until at least April 2028.
In her first blog post, Karen Matthews, Business Director at Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance and the brains behind the Sector Intelligence Dashboard, shares her thoughts on the challenges encountered in trying to understand Gloucestershire’s VCSE sector, and what we need to consider when collecting data from organisations.
A new non-profit organisation, committed to making the processes for giving and receiving funding easier for everyone involved, is launching in September. Fund Gloucestershire’s mission is to transform how funding flows to communities across Gloucestershire.
The Inclusive Gloucestershire Pledge is a collaborative countywide initiative bringing together VCSE organisations to demonstrate a shared commitment to creating more inclusive, welcoming, and accessible communities across Gloucestershire.
Our upcoming events and training
Join us for an engaging and supportive session designed to help you understand the essentials of charity finance, strengthen your internal controls, and build confidence in your financial oversight role.
Explore how Chairs and CEOs can build a strong, productive partnership, enhance board-executive collaboration, and navigate challenges.
Learn how to lead your board effectively, improve trustee dynamics and maximise your charities impact through confident leadership.
Build confidence in your new board role, with this introductory session covering your duties and strategy.
Join us for an engaging and supportive session designed to help you understand the essentials of charity finance, strengthen your internal controls, and build confidence in your financial oversight role.
Explore how Chairs and CEOs can build a strong, productive partnership, enhance board-executive collaboration, and navigate challenges.
Learn how to lead your board effectively, improve trustee dynamics and maximise your charities impact through confident leadership.
Build confidence in your new board role, with this introductory session covering your duties and strategy.
Join us for an engaging and supportive session designed to help you understand the essentials of charity finance, strengthen your internal controls, and build confidence in your financial oversight role.
Explore how Chairs and CEOs can build a strong, productive partnership, enhance board-executive collaboration, and navigate challenges.
Get the latest Gloucestershire sector news, funding opportunities, sector jobs and much more
If you’re not able to join us as a member but still want to receive our mailings, you can sign up here.
You’ll receive:
Weekly News Bulletin
Monthly Funding Bulletin
Quarterly In Partnership
Quarterly Inclusivity Matters
In becoming a member of Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance, you’re ensuring that your organisation is part of the county’s conversation.
Our members receive:
Free training courses and events
Our informative mailings
Access to our members-only website area, featuring:
Funding Finder AI Tool
Data Insights (including Local Insight)
A listing on our Member Directory
Become a member
Visitors are invited to visit Cheltenham’s faith and belief communities as they open their doors as part of national Inter Faith Week from Sunday 8 to Sunday 15 November.
Anyone who would like to learn more about and celebrate the diversity of faith and belief in Cheltenham is welcome at any of the open events and tickets are free.
Do you know anyone who might benefit from ‘walking tennis’?
It’s a slower-paced, accessible version of tennis with no running or jumping; the ball can bounce twice, and sessions can use smaller courts and adapted equipment.
The team are keen for social prescribers and community health professionals to try the activity for themselves, so they can judge who walking tennis might potentially benefit, including those living with dementia.
GRASAC and Forest of Dean District Council invite you to join them for Gloucestershire Reclaim the Night.
Join the Hollie Gazzard Trust for a very special evening to celebrate Hollie's legacy and raise vital funds to support the work of the Trust. 💜
Events and training taking place locally
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Our Funders
We’re grateful to be funded by Gloucestershire County Council and the Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board.