Our reflections on 2024

As we approach the end of 2024, the NAVCA staff team have been looking back at our highlights from the year. We're sharing some of them with you in this blog post, including what we're looking forward to next year.

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Engaging with members in new ways through our Lottery-funded Development Programme

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This year, we’ve worked with members to codesign our membership offer, consulting with members through regular meetings, surveys and interviews. We’ve learned a lot about what’s useful to members, where they see the network developing, and what NAVCA should be working towards in 2025. We’ve enjoyed collaborating with members, and look forward to more of the same next year!  

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Hosting our biggest Annual Conference yet

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We headed to Birmingham for a day of networking, learning and sharing ideas with NAVCA members and partners. With over 120 people, we explored the future of local infrastructure, looking at themes of climate justice, influencing government, AI and more.  

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Launching our new website

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Back in April, we launched the revamped NAVCA website, with a fresher and more modern look, plus lots of new features for members. Members can now network with other local infrastructure organisations, download hundreds of resources, and sign up for our events via the member hub.  

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Working with the LGA on a Good Practice Guide for councils working with the VCSE sector

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We were commissioned by the LGA to produce a guide for council officers and elected members. The guide sets out why working with the sector is beneficial for councils, the importance of creating a culture that values the voluntary sector, and how LIOs can facilitate this to build effective and trusted relationships. We’re looking forward to continuing this work in 2025.  

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Supporting VCSE organisations by publishing section 114 guidance

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We worked alongside Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales to produce guidance for voluntary sector organisations navigating local government financial difficulties. We also produced a set of policy recommendations, and look forward to continuing to promote this work in 2025.

Demonstrating the power of local infrastructure during the general election campaign

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An active voluntary, community and social enterprise sector contributes to thriving communities – it improves people’s wellbeing, strengthens community life, responds in times of need, and delivers public services. This is what we emphasised during the general election campaign, and what we have seen reflected in conversations since. We are continuing to influence government on behalf of members.

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Electing new trustees at our AGM

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In November, we held our AGM for NAVCA members. Over 30 members joined us to hear more about our reflections on the year, what we want to do next year, and how we want to develop to make sure NAVCA membership is as beneficial as possible. We also elected four new trustees to our Board!  

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Looking ahead to 2025

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Next year, we’re looking forward to continuing to develop our work alongside members, hosting our 2025 annual conference (P.S., tickets are on sale now!), and championing local infrastructure on a national level.  

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We'd like to say a huge thank you to our members, our project partners, our trustees, funders, and everyone we've worked with to make 2024 a great year. See you in 2025!

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