WCVA’s change programme

WCVA will be undertaking an ambitious change programme which will re-design and develop the organisation to ensure that we are fit for purpose in the future.

WCVA, along with other voluntary organisations, is working in a fast-changing world. This is challenging, but we need to respond positively. As such, we are now looking at our structure and the way we work to make sure we’re able to best support the sector in the long term.

We know that as part of this WCVA will need to become a smaller organisation. However, building from strong foundations and taking action now will allow us to make this change in ways that will strengthen us in the future.

There are three main reasons why WCVA is starting on this change-programme:

1. Our new strategy

We are launching a new strategic plan for 2022-27. We want to make changes to put in place an organisation structure that ensures we are able to deliver this in the most effective way.

2. The end of EU funding in Wales

Like many voluntary organisations, the end of EU funding investment into Wales will change the projects and services that WCVA is able to deliver. WCVA has been responsible for distributing EU funds for over 20 years. It has been a big and very successful part of who we are as an organisation. This funding comes to a close in 2023 and we must adapt accordingly.

3. The way we work

We have introduced new digital, flexible and hybrid working practices and need to continue these developments to ensure that we’re operating most effectively.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR WCVA’S SERVICES TO MEMBERS & STAKEHOLDERS?

Our purpose, mission and vision remain the same. Over the past year we have been listening carefully to our members’ and partners’ priorities. The changes we are making will be designed to help us meet the needs of voluntary organisations in Wales most effectively in the coming years.

Our change programme will take place over the coming months with a new structure being put in place by the end of March 2023. In the meantime, we will make every effort to continue delivering our services and working with partners to develop new programmes for the voluntary sector in Wales.

We will keep our members and stakeholders informed of any changes as we go through this journey.

HOW WILL WCVA STAFF BE AFFECTED BY THE CHANGE?

Our people are our business and WCVA’s Board and senior team are committed to ensuring that our staff are fully engaged in, consulted with and supported through the entire process of change.

Our staff team will reduce in size and all of our services will be reviewed. This is a difficult time for our team, and we will be prioritising the well-being of everyone who works for WCVA. Our commitments for this programme are to:

• Build a resilient and sustainable future focused organisation.
• Re-structure the organisation to deliver our new strategy.
• Adopt best practice and innovation to optimise our resources.
• Involve members, be open and inclusive, forward looking, working collaboratively, using evidence and data and striving to find ways to optimise our impact.
• Engage everyone and be transparent in our actions and decisions.
• Treat everyone with fairness, compassion and dignity.
• Be courageous in our decision making.

NEXT STEPS

We know that this process brings uncertainty for not only our staff, but also the wider sector and so we will provide regular up-dates as new information becomes available. In the meantime, we will continue to provide support and guidance to the voluntary sector over the coming months, although during this period of change we may not be as responsive as usual, and we hope that our members and partners will understand this.

Ruth Marks, CEO of WCVA said:

‘We are preparing to go through a big period of change, but this does not affect our determination in continuing to deliver against our purpose. As an organisation, we need to adapt and change to support the sector with challenges and opportunities which are greater than ever.

‘WCVA remains a passionate and influential advocate for the voluntary sector in Wales and together with our members and partners we will keep making a bigger difference.’

If you have any comments or questions about WCVA’s change programme please email help@wcva.cymru.

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