Voices from the Pandemic - Volume 2: Five Thought Leader Interviews from Across the Sector

Introduction

This research explores charity leaders’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and their ideas for recovery.

It highlights how charities and community organisations had to change to respond to new and emerging challenges and what the charity leaders expect the future to hold.

The report shares insights for funders, voluntary organisations and policymakers about the changing sector landscape.

Findings

The research found that many charities and community groups had to make permanent and bold changes to how they work to respond to challenges caused by COVID-19.

The interviews with charity leaders showed that:

• national organisations can find their place in the sector without overshadowing the work of small, grassroots groups

• there is an urgent need to focus on equality and equity, looking honestly at power and how we can use it to make a fairer society

• there is a need to look into the voice of the sector: who gets heard and amplified, and how the voluntary sector can take its seat at the table for strategic planning and decision-making

• it’s important build the capacity of people from disadvantaged areas to participate in public life and their communities

• many local infrastructure organisations play a key role in enabling frontline work