Third Sector Infrastructure Contract Secured for Leeds

Voluntary Action Leeds, Volition and Leeds Older People Forum to deliver support from 2026

Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL), Volition, and Leeds Older People Forum (LOPF) have secured the Third Sector Infrastructure Support and Representation (ISF) contract, set to commence in April 2026. The three organisations will work collaboratively, with VAL acting as the lead, to provide coordinated infrastructure and representation support to third sector organisations across Leeds.

Objectives and Partnership

The partnership aims to strengthen the capacity, sustainability, and influence of third sector organisations in the city. Working alongside Leeds City Council and NHS colleagues, the programme will focus on ensuring that these organisations are well-equipped to respond to local needs and contribute to citywide priorities.

The three organisations will continue to engage actively with stakeholders within both the health system and local authority. This engagement is intended to ensure that the diverse voices of the third sector contribute to shaping strategy, policy, and service development across Leeds.

Key Focus Areas

The contract will concentrate on delivering outcomes in the following areas:

• Leadership and Representation
• Partnership and Collaboration
• Capacity Building
• Volunteering

Statements from Partner Organisations

Leeds Older People Forum: Jo Volpe, Chief Executive, emphasised the importance of continuing to work alongside partners to ensure that third sector organisations supporting older people remain central as the population ages. She highlighted the value of listening to the experiences of older people and the voluntary sector to inform decisions affecting daily life.

Voluntary Action Leeds: Anna Martin, Chief Executive, stated the organisation’s commitment to delivering the contract with efficiency and ambition. She noted the existing track record of supporting Leeds-based organisations and expressed confidence in enhancing this support. Martin also thanked the VAL team for their efforts in securing the contract.

Volition: Pip Goff, Director of Forum Central, described the contract as reflecting the city’s recognition of the role infrastructure plays in the third sector. Goff highlighted the importance of collaboration to meet emerging challenges in health and care and expressed anticipation for the next phase of delivery starting in 2026.

Next Steps

The organisations are currently focused on mobilising the contract and working with funders to prepare for delivery in April 2026. Voluntary Action Leeds will serve as the lead organisation for enquiries related to the contract. Updates will be provided on the Doing Good Leeds website ahead of the contract start date.

Further information will be released in the coming weeks as preparations continue.

Source: Doing Good Leeds