Voluntary and Community Action Sunderland (VCAS) and the Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance (SVSA) are pleased to announce that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed on Thursday 26 March by Sarah Reid, Chair of SVSA, and Stephen Armstrong, Chair of VCAS.
The MoU confirms both organisations' commitment to work collaboratively. It establishes a clear intention to explore, transparently and responsibly, the development of a single Local Infrastructure Organisation (LIO) for the city - one that would provide better support and strengthen the collective voice of the sector.
As the MoU makes clear, any future infrastructure model must be sector‑led, independent, accountable to its members, and aligned with NAVCA's Local Infrastructure Organisation Quality Accreditation framework. Both VCAS and SVSA recognise the importance of upholding these principles as exploratory work progresses.
VCAS and SVSA look forward to engaging openly with VCSE organisations, partners and stakeholders across Sunderland as they continue to work together in support of a strong, confident and collaborative sector.
