New long-term investment marks major milestone for Devon’s voluntary sector 

The Torbay, Plymouth and Devon VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) Assembly has secured a major new five-year investment from NHS Devon and has announced plans to formally establish itself as a registered charity. 

The investment marks a significant commitment to strengthening the VCSE sector across Torbay, Plymouth and Devon, providing infrastructure support and enabling it to contribute as an equal partner to the NHS’ three strategic shifts — Treatment to Prevention, Hospital to Community and Analogue to Digital. It will also support closer collaboration between voluntary organisations and public sector partners, ensuring community voices help shape services and decision making across the region. 

Established in 2022 by a collective of local charities and VCSE leaders, the Assembly was created to amplify the voice of the sector and the communities it supports. Since then, it has grown rapidly, bringing together organisations of all sizes across Torbay, Plymouth and Devon. 

In response to increasing demand for VCSE leadership and representation, the Assembly is now progressing plans to become a registered charity, creating a stronger and more sustainable foundation for its future work. The transition is expected to be completed by summer 2026. 

An interim Trustee Board has been established, chaired by Libraries Unlimited CEO Alex Kittow. Current Independent Chair Diana Crump and Deputy Chair Julia Boas will transition into the roles of Chief Executive and Director of Operations respectively, with additional roles expected as the organisation develops. 

Planned activity includes a grant scheme to support smaller VCSE organisations, a strategic fundraising function to help the sector secure funding, and the development of a brokerage framework to improve access to statutory funding opportunities. 

“There are approximately 9,000 VCSEs across Torbay, Plymouth and Devon, which include charities, community interest companies, social enterprises and community groups,” said Diana Crump. “The sector has a hugely skilled, professional workforce, who deliver vital services to those most in need, often supported by committed and experienced volunteers.  

“We are delighted with this longer-term investment package which demonstrates the value NHS Devon places on sector when supporting people with their health and wellbeing needs. Currently, it is a very challenging funding environment for not-for-profit organisations, and this funding will help ensure that the skills and expertise of our staff and volunteers can continue to benefit our local Devon communities for many years to come.” 

Alex Kittow, incoming Interim Chair, added: “The Assembly’s role is unique because we exist for the whole sector, from small volunteer-led groups to large established charities. We are here to bring organisations together, strengthen collaboration, and help ensure the experience and expertise within our communities helps shape the future of services across Torbay, Plymouth and Devon. Becoming a registered charity is an important next step in our development, creating a strong foundation for the Assembly’s future and enabling us to build on the work already underway.”  

Dr Chris Reid, Chief Place and Transformation Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon, said: “The voluntary, community and social enterprise sector plays a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of people across Torbay, Plymouth and Devon. This investment reflects our commitment to working in partnership with local organisations and communities to deliver more preventative, community-based and inclusive support. The Assembly provides an important voice for the sector and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our collaboration over the coming years.”  

For more information and to join the Assembly, visit www.tpdassembly.org.  

Pictured: Torbay, Plymouth and Devon VCSE Assembly Independent Chair, Diana Crump, addresses delegates at a recent Assembly event on tackling digital exclusion.