Message on Behalf of Gloucestershire VCSE EDIB Network

We recognise that many VCSE organisations are currently working in an increasingly challenging landscape. Rising costs, funding uncertainty, workforce pressures, and growing community need have created an unprecedented level of complexity and uncertainty for the sector. In these circumstances, it is completely understandable that work around Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) can sometimes slip down the list of priorities as organisations focus on immediate service delivery and organisational sustainability. However, EDIB remains central to strong, effective, and resilient VCSE organisations. Inclusive practice helps ensure that services reach the people who need them most, strengthens trust with communities, improves staff and volunteer wellbeing, and supports long-term sustainability.

The good news is that meaningful EDIB action does not have to be costly or complicated. There are high-impact, no-cost steps that organisations can take right now. These include taking part in free EDIB training opportunities offered by Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance, joining the Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance Allies Programme to connect with peers and strengthen inclusive practice, and signing up to the EDIB newsletter Inclusivity Matters to receive practical guidance, resources and learning straight to your inbox.

Together, these small but powerful actions can help keep EDIB visible, active, and embedded in everyday practice, even in challenging times, while strengthening our collective commitment to fairness, belonging and inclusion across Gloucestershire’s VCSE sector.