Voluntary and Community Sector Emergency Partnership (VCSEP)

CB Plus is the joint London Lead for the Voluntary and Community Sector Emergency Partnership (VCSEP). Together, we respond to national emergencies and crises. We gather organisations’ and communities’ experiences. Plus, we raise issues and concerns with central government departments.

In 2021-22, this included COVID-19, extreme weather and challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers. We are part of the National Strategy Steering Group and champion equality and diversity. We ensure smaller organisations and those working with under-represented communities are heard.

This work has resulted in changes to the strategy, training and guidance. Listening to residents in Newham, Barnet and Brent, we led to emergency information being translated into community languages and promoted the need for cool spaces during the heatwave. CB Plus is a Barnet Togethers’ Refugee and Asylum Seeker Forum member. We provide updates and national guidance to this forum on safeguarding and people trafficking.