A full agenda for the network meeting will be published nearer the time.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration closes at midday on Tuesday 14th April 2026
The agenda for this forum is as follows:
13:00-13:15 Arrival and networking
13.15-13.20 Welcome and introduction
13.20-13.30 Minutes and matters arising
13.30-13.50 BVSC updates
13.50-14.10 Voluntary Sector Rep updates
14.10-14.30 VCSE round robin updates
14.30-14.40 Showcasing a local VSCE
14.40-15.00 Break / networking
15.00 -15.30 Developing key messages to raise with meeting with MP (22 May)
In preparation: Please reflect on the key issues facing the voluntary sector that MPs should be aware of, including those shaped by national policy as well as pressures unique to Bexley. Consider which challenges you feel MPs should take back to Parliament to inform national thinking and future legislation, and come prepared to share these during the discussion.
15.30-16.00 Building relationships between VCSEs and LBB:
Introducing the LBB Community Safety Strategy – Ginny Hyland, Head of Libraries and Communities
16.00 Close
REMINDER:
Purpose of the Forum
The purpose of the Voluntary Sector Forum is to inform strategic priorities and plans, elevate the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) and community voice, and foster collaborative action. The forum provides a space where all voluntary and community organisations in Bexley can meet, share insights, and influence local decisions.
The forum aims to:
- Represent the collective views of voluntary and community organisations to local decision-makers.
- Provide a mechanism for feeding back outcomes and decisions to the wider community.
- Support measurable outcomes, such as increased participation in local strategy development and improved service delivery.
Participation
The Voluntary Sector Forum is open to charitable, non-profit organisations whose work benefits Bexley residents, except where the organisation:
- Is not committed to equality of opportunity.
- Is a political party.
- Has more than half its trustee board or committee representing statutory or private sectors.
To ensure productive engagement and meaningful influence on Bexley’s strategic priorities, attendees are expected to:
- Be in leadership or decision-making roles for their organisation.
- Commit to attending at least two of the four annual meetings.
- Proactively contribute to discussions and follow through on agreed actions.