Dear valued Member

As some of you know, Martin Townsend has stepped down as Chair of Derbyshire Dales CVS, but we are delighted that he will continue to support the organisation as a trustee. I would personally like to thank him for his commitment and leadership over the past ten years. 

As I step into the role of Chair, I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and to share a little about the work of the CVS and the priorities we are focusing on over the coming year. 

I am relatively new to Derbyshire Dales CVS, having joined the Board in September, but I have many years’ experience as a Trustee of our equivalent in Sheffield, and of two other charities. I grew up near Tideswell and moved to Sheffield for University and work, moving back to the area last year – many of my family live here too so it really does feel like home. I joined the CVS because I want to contribute to the area and I truly understand how important the work of CVS’s is in supporting the many organisations that help people and local communities.  I’m confident my work experience as a Director in the NHS and my previous trustee experience at Voluntary Action Sheffield, Age UK Sheffield and Gambling with Lives, will help me to support you. 

DDCVS has achieved a significant amount for our members again this year.  We will soon be compiling our Annual Report, highlighting the range of activities we have delivered, about which we are suitably proud.  In the meantime- here’s a snapshot:  

In October, 35 participants from 31 organisations met funders at our Bakewell Funding Fair.  Feedback included “Thank you so much for today and the work and effort that went into it from you all. I found it so incredibly useful and have found new ways to improve the way we apply for grants and funding. It was also a great networking opportunity…”.  

We wrote and delivered ‘How to write a great funding application’, for our members. 

Q to participants – Would you recommend this training session to your colleagues / fellow volunteers? “Yes definitely. Another brilliant session…” 

In 2025-2026 DDCVS membership reached 271 community groups across the Derbyshire Dales, with 242 full members and 29 associate members.   

DDCVS both administers grants on behalf of external partners and distributes grant payments.  Through the grants we administer, we have paid nearly £233,000 to support 79 projects.  (Thanks to the Derbyshire Dales District Council, Derbyshire County Council Public Health and the Integrated Care Board).   

Despite the many positive achievements, we also need to recognise the financial landscape we are facing.  Like many organisations, Derbyshire Dales CVS is operating in a challenging funding environment. Due to pressure on statutory agency budgets, we have lost a significant part of our funding for 2026/27. As things stand, we will be using our reserves to keep the organisation going through the coming year, but significant change will be needed if we are to continue supporting you beyond that point. Rest assured that we are actively exploring new sources of funding, improving the way we work, and considering possible organisational changes to ensure our long‑term sustainability.  But if we are unable to secure sufficient funding through grants or other sources our trustees will need to consider whether the charity can continue beyond the end of this financial year. 

Throughout this period of change, our purpose remains the same: supporting voluntary and community organisations, strengthening local communities, and helping people across the Derbyshire Dales. Any support we receive will be used to continue providing advice, support, development, and representation for the sector and the communities it serves. 

How can you help? 

Derbyshire Dales CVS plays a vital role in supporting voluntary and community organisations and strengthening local communities. At a time when the voluntary sector is facing increasing pressure, your continued engagement and support is more important than ever. 

Provide short testimonials or statement of support  

Reference DDCVS in reports, funding applications, or partnership communications  

Signpost others to DDCVS services 

Championing the value of DDCVS – share your experience of working with us, provide a short statement of support and help us demonstrate our impact to funders, partners and decision‑makers. 

Working in partnership – explore opportunities to collaborate with us on funding bids, events, training or community initiatives that respond to local needs. 

Staying connected – attend events, share insights and intelligence, respond to consultations and help us keep our understanding of local priorities up to date. 

 Our commitment remains to act responsibly, transparently and in the best interests of the sector and the communities we serve.  Your support will help us to further our core work: providing advice, support and development for voluntary and community organisations, championing the sector and supporting communities across the Derbyshire Dales. 

Thank you for all you do for your communities and for your continued support. We hope that together we can find a positive way forward.   

Yours sincerely 

 Tim  

 Tim Furness, Chair of DDCVS, May 2026