2025 was a year of focus and creating opportunity — by identifying the right soil: strong partnerships, credible programmes, and practical infrastructure that helps the VCFSE sector lead, not just deliver.
Through the Research Engagement Network (REN) we strengthened how communities connect with health and care research — making it more accessible and grounded in lived experience, alongside partners including Barts Health NHS Trust and Harmony CIC. Through the Community Research Network (CRN), funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and The Young Foundation, we continued to grow a model where anchor organisations are properly resourced to convene, support participation, and sustain community-led research. Working with Newham Community Project and the UCL Institute for Global Prosperity, the first cohort of Citizen Social Scientists began training — a real shift in who holds knowledge, asks the questions, and shapes what research is for.
We also re-established momentum in the Newham ESOL Exchange through an active steering group — with leadership and continued collaboration from ONALS, Newham College, Renewal Project and West Silvertown Foundation — while support from The National Lottery Community Fund enables the next stage: Newham ESOL Exchange Plus, strengthening coordination, quality and access to ESOL across the borough. Alongside this, funding from the NEL Health Equity Academy has supported the development of a VCFSE Community of Practice, creating a practical space for voluntary sector leaders to share learning and shape what equal partnership with the NHS and Integrated Care Boards looks like in practice.
2026 will be a year of widening support for the sector — opening up new chances for local organisations to raise their profiles, strengthen credibility, and benefit from opportunities coming in both from within the borough and from outside it. We are developing REN Research Clubs so more residents can understand health and care research and be encouraged — and supported — to take part, particularly those from marginalised communities. The Newham CRN will continue training more Citizen Social Scientists, with a particular focus on the Marginalised Women and Young People with SEND sub-networks, building the skills and confidence needed for communities to influence how research is designed and delivered at a local level.
As the NHS 10 Year Plan becomes embedded, the NEL VCFSE Community of Practice will bring together voluntary sector leaders across Northeast London to improve how we collectively address inequalities — despite the challenges and obstacles in place.
And we need to be prepared: the ground is shifting. With major changes underway in NHS funding and political change in sight across Newham Council, the VCFSE sector needs to be prepared, organised, visible, and ready to influence decisions early. In 2026, Compost London will focus on helping the sector be ready for what’s coming next — and positioned to shape it, not just survive it.
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