Results 2012 annual survey of East Midlands VCS

In November 2012, One East Midlands carried out its first holistic annual survey of voluntary and community sector organisations in the East Midlands. The survey took just five minutes to complete, but gave organisations an opportunity to input their views on what is happening to the sector in the region.

The survey was completed by 55 VCS organisations in the East Midlands and the results can be found in this report. All responses are anonymous.

The findings from the survey identify some very clear trends in the East Midlands, which support evidence from elsewhere in the country.  High levels of respondents reported an increase in their workload, which is expected to continue, but a reduction in available finance and other resources to meet the increased demand.

The majority of groups reported scepticism over the promise of sector contracting opportunities with many voicing concern about the direction of both national and local government policy in reducing rather than increasing opportunity. 

Some groups reported plans for growth with a similar number still achieving their mission and objectives. However, these numbers were overshadowed by the 78% who believe that the economic conditions for the VCS are likely to decline further over the coming 12 months. 

Specific headlines and key findings from the report of voluntary and community sector organisations in the East Midlands include:

• 88% of respondents strongly agree or agree that demand for VCS services has increased during the last 12 months.
• 78% of respondents believe economic conditions within the VCS will deteriorate over the next 12 months.
• 79% of respondents expect their organisation to collaborate more with other VCS organisations during the next 12 months.
• 71% of respondents expect their organisation to collaborate more with public sector organisations during the next 12 months.
• 54% of respondents expect their organisation to collaborate less with private sector organisations during the next 12 months.
• 65% of respondents disagree or strongly disagree that the climate and opportunities for the VCS have improved during the last 12 months.
• 35% of respondents strongly agree or agree that their organisation has been better able to fulfil its mission over the last 12 months and 22% strongly disagree or disagree.
• If their organisation is involved in local, sub-regional or regional decision making, 62% of respondents received no funding to do this and 29% were inadequately funded to do this.
• 35% of respondents felt central government departments would have a positive influence on their organisation’s success over the next 12 months and 35% thought they would have a negative influence.
• 11% of respondents thought their organisation would have more access to public service contracts over the next 12 months and 19% thought they would have less access.

To download a report containing the full results of the survey, including respondent comments, click here.

One East Midlands will share the results of this survey with VCS organisations, local and national government and other strategic partners at a local, regional and national level.

The survey will then be carried out by One East Midlands on an annual basis with the results reported on and tracked from this 2012 baseline survey.

If you would like to comment on the findings of this survey or suggest amendments or additions to our methodology please get in touch at information@one-em.org.uk.