South West Forum

south west forum supports voluntary and community organisations by: • providing information and improving communication • lobbying, influencing policy and decision making • supporting and strengthening local support services • making connections and supporting collaboration • promoting the social and economic value of voluntary & community action. south west forum was set up in 1999 by local voluntary and community organisations seeking a stronger voice and greater influence. accountable to its members it is a registered charity and one of nine similar sector networks in england. ----- voluntary and community organisations are independent, not-for-profit organisations, run by boards or committees of volunteer trustees. many, but not all, will be registered charities. they are value-based organisations, for which the principle of how a service is provided is often as important as what kind of work is carried out. estimates suggest around 70,000 of these organisations are active in the s