The State of the Sector 2021 report examines trends, changes, opportunities and challenges within the landscape of Birmingham’s Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector.

The report is based on survey responses and research which examined issues emerging from 2020 and throughout 2021. It reflects the prevailing concerns of a sector which was emerging from the initial shock – and subsequent and ongoing shockwaves - of the coronavirus pandemic; that was trying to get back to ‘business as usual’ at a time when the pressures of the external environment continued to demand ‘business unusual’; and that was facing unprecedented challenges to its financial foundations at the same time as approaching the looming additional pressures of the cost of living crisis.

However, the report also highlights a sector whose place in the social fabric of Birmingham is acknowledged at arguably a greater level than ever before; that has shown itself to be uniquely adaptable and fleet-of-foot in responding to the needs of local citizens and vulnerable communities; that has sustained its pandemic-driven structures and collaborations in admirably resilient ways; and that has a huge amount to offer in terms of working with public and private sector partners in forging stronger and better co-produced systems of social support and connection.

Download the Report