Date: 4 July 2025
Thurrock Council has formally approved a new Resilience Charter aimed at strengthening its partnership with the borough’s voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector.
Described as “a catalyst for real and lasting change that improves quality of life for Thurrock’s residents,” the Charter sets out shared commitments for more effective collaboration in the face of rising demand and limited resources. It follows months of engagement led by the Stronger Together Thurrock Partnership, supported by local charities, volunteers, and faith-based organisations.
Supporting a Vital Local Sector
- Around 350 local organisations employ 263 staff and are supported by over 6,500 volunteers
- Combined annual income of the sector: £23 million
- Services include health support, community activities, crisis response, and advocacy
The Charter is designed to ensure that voluntary and community groups have a clear role in shaping local services and decision-making. It also recognises the need for long-term collaboration, particularly as Thurrock faces local government re-organisation, NHS changes, and increasing community needs.
Voices from the Council and Community
Cllr. John Kent, Cabinet Member for Sustainability, Art, Culture and Heritage commented: “The common feature across Thurrock’s voluntary and community sector is its passion to work alongside residents to meet their needs, supporting activities which bring people together and to help make their lives, and those of their families, better. On behalf of the Council, I want to thank our charities, faith groups, social and community enterprises and Thurrock CVS for their commitment to our borough and its people.
“This new Charter means in clear language that Thurrock Council fully recognises the potential of the sector to deliver better lives. By endorsing the Resilience Charter, we re-commit to being a borough that cares for people from birth to old age, and that values and supports the charities, community groups, faith organisations and social enterprise that do the same.
“At a time of so much change, uncertainty about the future and a sustained squeeze on resources, we simply cannot afford not to work together. The new Charter embodies a stronger partnership which we believe will make a lasting difference for Thurrock residents and our local economy.”
Mark Tebbs, leading representative of the VCS in Thurrock comments: “As CEO of Thurrock CVS, I’m proud of the work of the partnership in producing the Stronger Together Resilience Charter. Our local charities and community groups do vital work every day—offering support, connection and care at the heart of our communities. But right now, many are under serious pressure, and some face the risk of closure. With major changes happening across the NHS and the council, it’s more important than ever that we come together to support them. This charter is a clear statement of our shared commitment. It reflects what I believe deeply: no one can face these challenges alone—we are stronger together.”
What’s Next
The Charter was shaped through sector-wide consultation, including a Community and Voluntary Sector Conference in November 2024 and a follow-up workshop in March 2025. Going forward, it will guide how the Council and partners work with the VCFSE sector to improve lives, ensure sustainability, and plan for the future.
View the full, approved Charter here