The impact of the economic downturn on third sector infrastructure organisations

Capacitybuilders recently conducted a second survey looking at the impact of the economic downturn on third sector infrastructure organisations and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that took part in the survey.

The report findings provide valuable information on the challenges faced by local third sector support providers, and indeed, the resilience being shown during what continue to be difficult economic circumstances.

The final report is now available at the Improving Support website.

Key findings include:


High levels of demand for support services from frontline groups is continuing, with 79% of local support providers reporting an increase in demand over the last twelve months.


42% of support providers reported a reduction in their overall income during the same time period - a clear demonstration of the pressures on the sector during this uncertain economic climate.


Support providers are increasingly thinking about partnership, collaboration and merger as a way of ensuring the needs of frontline groups and the communities they serve continue to be met.
We have shared the report with the Office of the Third Sector in the context of discussions on the challenges facing the sector. The survey has also generated coverage in the sector press, and formed a key part of recent speeches and presentations by myself and Capacitybuilders' new chair, Stephen Dunmore, to sector and wider audiences.

The survey findings will continue to help inform our thinking, and that of Government, about how we develop our programmes and the types of investment and support that will benefit the sector now and in the future. The sort of information it brings together will be increasingly important in the run up to the next spending settlement, and at a time when the support available to our communities is of increasing importance.

Capacitybuilders will build on this evidence base through further surveys tracking the impact of changing economic circumstances on those providing support and advice to third sector organisations. I hope that you will continue to support this valuable project.

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