TSL is pleased to announce the launch of the latest State of the Third Sector in Leeds report, co-funded and co-produced by Forum Central and Voluntary Action Leeds and prepared by Nifty Sustainability CIC.

Building on previous research in 2020 this report gives an insight into the reach, scale and diversity of the third sector of Leeds. It also highlights the sector’s strengths and some of the current challenges it faces. It demonstrates that in its diversity and range of services, the third sector continues to play a vital role in our city’s communities and ecosystem of support.

The report shows much to celebrate: a sizable Third Sector working across important areas of work with diverse beneficiary groups. However, it also shows a picture of a sector – which like our public and health sector partners – is under significant stress. 

Between 2020 and 2022, the third sector has experienced a:

• 10% drop in the number of registered (charitable) organisations
• 25% drop in the number of volunteers reported to the charity commission
• 34% drop in the paid workforce

Now and in the coming months and years all sectors face significant challenges. Third sector infrastructure and advocacy bodies continue to work closely with partners to mitigate both the short and medium term challenges to sector resilience, for example, with strategic adaptations to funding delivered by Leeds Community Foundation and use of non-recurrent Power of Communities, West Yorkshire ICB funding (managed in Leeds by Forum Central).

Through positive partnerships and commitment to the city’s Third Sector and Volunteering strategies (also launching in October) we are confident that the third sector will continue to be a strong asset to Leeds and support a healthy and thriving population..

Please read, download, and share the following documents: 

Third Sector Leeds’ response to the State of the Sector in Leeds (pdf, 2 pages, 127 kb)

Full State of the Third Sector in Leeds 2022/23 report (includes an executive summary) (pdf 37 page, 2 MB)

Infographic of key findings (pdf, 2 pages, 624 KB)

Third Sector Leeds

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