Calderdale's voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector is a vital partner for the successful delivery of our Vision 2024. It supports our three priorities:
- To tackle poverty and inequality.
- Climate action.
- To create sustainable towns across Calderdale.
In February 2023 Cabinet approved proposals to fund the VCSE sector from 2024. This includes contracts to deliver:
- Advice and Information Services.
- Healthwatch and the Independent Health Advocacy Service.
- Voluntary Sector Alliance services.
We will continue our grants for anti-poverty and advice, culture and stronger neighbourhoods.
The plans were informed by input from an external review. The review looked into the funding and impact of the VCSE in Calderdale by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies. The report from this is called 'Measuring the Value of the VCS in Calderdale'.
The findings offer a chance for us to transform our relationship with the sector. Together we will deliver a shared vision for the borough. We intend to offer longer funding to help organisations succeed. It will also help them to plan, lever in external funding and retain skilled staff.
For more details:
Voluntary Sector Commissioning 2024-29
Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Services 2025-29
The Council and Integrated Care Board for West Yorkshire (Calderdale Cares) have jointly commissioned Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Services. The services are to support and develop the capacity of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector in Calderdale.
Our new VCSE Strategy has been produced by the VCSE sector, health partners and the Council. It was endorsed by our Cabinet on 8th July 2024. It sets out how we aim to ensure a flourishing, sustainable VCSE sector in Calderdale. The strategy was used to develop the specification for the VSI contract.
The tender process ended in September 2024. A four year contract from 1st April 2025 has been awarded to an alliance consisting of:
The three providers form the VSI Alliance with:
For more details or to find support for groups, contact:
- VSI Alliance
- Address: c/o VAC, Resource Centre, Hall Street, Halifax, HX1 5AY
- Phone: (01422) 348777.
- Email: info@cvac.org.uk
- Website: VSI Alliance.
Contracts awarded for 2024 to 2029
After the tender process that ended in December 2023, five year contracts from 1st April 2024 have been awarded for:
- Healthwatch to Healthwatch Kirklees.
- Independent Health Complaints Advocacy service to POhWER.
- Advice and Information Services to Calderdale CAB.
Support to apply for public sector contracts
Public Services Hub (SEUK) is a hub of resources for VCSEs and public sector commissioners.
It is an online platform hosting resources and opportunities. These help advance the role of social enterprise and charities in public sector commissioning. For more information, see: Public Services Hub (SEUK).