South West Forum

South West Forum supports voluntary and community organisations by:

• Providing information and improving communication
• Lobbying, influencing policy and decision making
• Supporting and strengthening local support services
• Making connections and supporting collaboration
• Promoting the social and economic value of voluntary & community action.

South West Forum was set up in 1999 by local voluntary and community organisations seeking a stronger voice and greater influence. Accountable to its members it is a registered charity and one of nine similar sector networks in England.
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Voluntary and community organisations are independent, not-for-profit organisations, run by boards or committees of volunteer trustees. Many, but not all, will be registered charities. They are value-based organisations, for which the principle of how a service is provided is often as important as what kind of work is carried out.

Estimates suggest around 70,000 of these organisations are active in the South West; around 18,500 of these are registered charities.

The voluntary and community sector is committed to working for a better society for everyone. Voluntary and community organisations are value-based - the principle of how a service is delivered being as important as the kind of work carried out. Most operate with a mix of paid and voluntary staff drawn from and part of the communities they serve.