State of the Sector 2023 Cheshire and Merseyside

The State of the Sector report highlights extraordinary statistics and insights into the VCFSE sector across Cheshire and Merseyside, alongside the notable impact made possible through the work carried out by the organisations and people in our sector.

Through analysis of findings from our region-wide state of the sector survey and external data, the report evidences the size, scale and scope of the VCFSE sector in Cheshire and Merseyside. Over 19,500 VCFSE organisations are working to support those in need, committed to building thriving neighbourhoods, communities, towns, and cities across C&M - these have been measured to show the immense size and scope of the sector. Alongside a combined workforce of over 36,000 employees and 352,000 volunteers, the VCFSE sector contributes over £896.6 million to the Cheshire and Merseyside economy each year.

The report identifies key opportunities to build upon to further unlock the potential of the VCFSE sector through effective partnership working within health and care systems, enabling the sector to be ambitious in tackling health inequalities and providing social justice across Cheshire and Merseyside. 

We spoke to Raj Jain, chair of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, about our landmark C&M report:

We have produced a handy infographic that summarises all the key findings from the State of the Sector report, which can be used in discussions with partners:

“This report is unique in that it seeks to attempt to estimate for a large geographical area, Cheshire and Merseyside, what the social and economic impact is of the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise Sector”



We encourage you to watch our full insightful conversation with Raj: