Research into Suffolk and the VCFSE Sector

Community Action Suffolk (CAS) aims to undertake research into the VCFSE (Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise) sector in Suffolk to ensure that the VCFSE sector in Suffolk has a voice in areas where we need to influence for the benefit of our communities, and to provide input into the development of the inclusive economic growth of Suffolk. 

State of the VCFSE Sector in Suffolk 2023

Suffolk Rural Services Survey 2022

Central to Community Action Suffolk’s core mission, is the desire to see all communities thrive, wherever they may be in the county of Suffolk.

Since the 1990s, we periodically conduct the Rural Services Survey – an invaluable resource in helping us to understand the changing landscape for rural communities, assisting us to identify what resources may be needed, and ultimately helping us to continue with an approach of ‘rural proofing’, such that residents feel fairly supported in every respect.

Conducted with the critical contribution of Parish and Town Councils, and the many Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise Organisations across the county; the report enables us to truly understand the picture of their respective parishes.  With an 84% response rate, this year’s survey provides valuable insights into rural communities and allows us to follow trends drawn from previous surveys.

It is perhaps not at all surprising, given some of the significant global activities and pressures which have played out since our last survey in 2015, that the degree of change in some areas has been marked.

All the information you need to delve into the report can be found here: