Shaping a Shared Vision – Together

16th April 2026

Across Greater Essex, there’s been significant structural change; local government reorganisation, devolution, and shifts across health systems, all happening at once. 

For many organisations, this brought both pressures and opportunity. 

But one thing became clear: the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector couldn’t sit on the sidelines. It needed to be part of the narrative of change. 

At the same time there was a real eagerness from both sector organisations and public partners to work differently. The question wasn’t whether collaboration was needed. 

It was: what does that actually look like in practice? 

Starting with conversations 

We started by pulling together an initial draft vision shaped by research and key underpinning ideas that had been a common theme through recent conversations across the sector. 

It gave us a starting point to take back to partners and shape the narrative together. 

We shared that draft with sector organisations and public partners, using it to focus conversations on what needed to change, what mattered most, and how partnership could work in practice. 

And through that process, the vision was shaped; making sure it genuinely reflected the sector’s voice, priorities, and ambitions. 

Over time, three clear priorities came through: the need for recognition of the sector as a valued and trusted partner, a move towards genuine partnership in how services are shaped and delivered, and long-term investment in communities to support more sustainable, preventative approaches. 

From there, the vision took shape. 

And throughout that process, two strong messages also came through:  

One, the sector holds deep, place-based knowledge that’s essential to building thriving communities. Second, the work needed isn’t just system change, but behavioural change too. How we work together, how decisions are made, and how trust is built.  

Building momentum 

The energy behind the work was strong from the start. 

Before the vision was publicly launched, it already had endorsements from 37 sector organisations and 6 public partners. 

That level of support reflects something important,  a shared recognition that this moment matters, and that working together is the only way forward. 

As Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action put it: 

“The voluntary sector in Essex are often the only representatives, accessible support services and advocates for the most marginalised… Including us is key to a strong and stable Essex.” 

SNAP Charity highlighted the role of the sector in people’s lives: 

“Families rely on charities to provide trusted support, insight and early intervention that makes a real difference… A shared commitment to partnership and long-term investment will help ensure communities across Essex continue to thrive.” 

And Community360 reflected the wider ambition: 

“The Joint Vision… sets out a powerful and timely blueprint for how we can work better together… It provides the clarity and ambition our sector needs to deliver lasting impact across the county.” 

This was echoed by public partners too. As NHS Mid and South Essex ICB shared: 

“This equal partnership is the future of wellbeing.” 

And Colchester City Council highlighted the importance of collaboration: 

“It is encouraging to see partners coming together to develop this vision… supporting all residents in partnership with local government and public sector partners is most welcome.” 

More than a document 

At its core, A Joint Vision for Civil Society in Greater Essex is a practical tool, guiding partnership, planning, and investment. 

But it’s also a shared ambition for a stronger, more connected Essex, and a commitment to making that happen together. 

“This was about bringing people together to shape something that genuinely reflects the sector, not just what it does, but the role it should play going forward. The process showed what’s possible when we work collectively, and that’s where the real strength of this vision comes from,” said Julia Esse, Policy and Communications Manager at ECF 

What comes next 

Now, the focus shifts to action. 

Organisations are invited to read the vision, endorse it, and consider how they can support delivery through partnership and collaboration. 

You can read the full vision and add your support here

We’re proud of what’s been created, and excited to see the impact as more organisations come on board.