Shropshire Council invites feedback on second draft of the Shropshire Accord
The Shropshire Accord logo
Shropshire Council is inviting public‑sector colleagues, VCSE organisations and community stakeholders to review and comment on the second draft of the Shropshire Accord, a landmark agreement designed to strengthen collaboration between public bodies and the Voluntary and Community Sector.
The Shropshire Accord has been co‑produced with the VCSE sector, supported by cross‑sector working groups, and sets out shared values, principles and commitments for how organisations will work together to deliver the best possible outcomes for local people.
Aimed at being “more than just a document”, the Accord establishes an agreed approach to partnership working – one that emphasises fairness, inclusivity and genuine collaboration across the whole system.
Why the Accord matters
The Shropshire Accord aims to:
- Create equitable partnerships across the public and VCSE sectors
- Strengthen understanding of each sector’s roles, pressures and contributions
- Embed good practice, shared principles and consistent behaviours
- Support meaningful engagement, co‑production and shared decision‑making
- Provide a framework that underpins commissioning, service design and community action.
Themes within the document include independence, volunteer management, equality and diversity, social value, information sharing, emerging needs, and place‑based working.
The second draft also incorporates detailed amendments based on feedback from VCSE partners and public‑sector colleagues.
Second round of feedback now open
Shropshire Council and VCSA partners are now seeking further feedback to ensure the final Accord reflects the realities, expertise and ambitions of both sectors.
Feedback from voluntary and community groups, as well as public‑sector colleagues, is “invaluable in shaping this initiative to better meet the needs of our community.”
All stakeholders are encouraged to:
- Read the second draft of the Shropshire Accord
- Share comments, suggested changes or areas for clarification
- Circulate the feedback opportunity within their organisations and networks
Feedback will directly shape the final version of the Accord before it progresses to formal consideration.
How to take part
To review the document and share your views, please complete the feedback survey:
The Shropshire Accord – Feedback Survey
The survey is open to VCSE organisations, volunteers, public‑sector teams, and any partners involved in supporting Shropshire communities.
A shared commitment to Shropshire’s future
The Accord represents an important step in strengthening relationships, improving transparency, and ensuring Shropshire’s public and voluntary sectors are equipped to work together effectively in an increasingly challenging environment.
Shropshire Council, alongside its VCSE partners, encourages everyone with an interest in local community outcomes to engage with the second draft and help shape a framework that will guide cross‑sector collaboration for years to come.
Councillor Alex Wagner, Portfolio Holder for Communities, said:
“The Shropshire Accord represents a real step forward in how we work together for our communities. By strengthening trust and deepening collaboration between the council, our voluntary and community partners, and local organisations, we’re laying the foundations for a fairer, more effective way of delivering services.
This shared commitment ensures everyone starts on an equal footing, with openness and mutual respect at the heart of how we make decisions.
I’m proud that this has been co‑created with our partners, and I’m confident it will help us build stronger, more resilient communities across Shropshire.”
The co-chairs of the VCSA, Beverley Baxter (CEO of Community Resource) and Pete Ezard (CEO of Energize Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin):
“As co‑chairs of the VCSA, we’re proud to support the Shropshire Accord and the shared commitment it represents. Every day, voluntary and community organisations across Shropshire bring energy, expertise and deep local knowledge to the table.
The Accord strengthens the collaborative relationships that make this possible, helping ensure that community voices are heard, respected, and able to shape the services people rely on. We believe that by working together in trust, openness and genuine partnership, we can create a fairer and more resilient Shropshire for everyone.”
