Purpose

Issuing a revised GFA on similar terms for a further 12 months will enable the embedding of the merged strategic leadership team and the single, countywide approach to supporting voluntary and community organisations over the coming year, along with further developments that are intended to enhance provision to volunteers and voluntary organisations.

Decision

That the issuing of a new Grant Funding Agreement (GFA) with CVS Lincolnshire (CVSL) with a value of £248,880 to continue the Volunteer Support across Lincolnshire for a further 12-month period between 1st April 2026 and 31st March 2027 be approved.

Alternative options considered

Ceasing funding at the end of the current agreement has been considered. However, this would see a lack of support for volunteers and voluntary organisations across Lincolnshire. This would also represent a risk of significant reputational damage from the limited notice available to delivery organisations to plan and respond to the loss of core funding without due prior engagement, especially given the likely impact on access to services for Lincolnshire residents.