Since June 2025, SAWN (the infrastructure Partnership of VIN, SNVB and Daventry Volunteers) has been circulating its CEO Network Survey. The survey is an important barometer of how VCFSE CEOs are dealing with the current level of transformation and complexity within West Northamptonshire. SAWN recognises that within our wide and diverse sector, principal decision makers are not always labelled a CEO, so these results are inclusive of any who hold that position without the title.

Headline Themes:

 

96% of those that replied felt a CEO Network would be useful.

Of that 96%, 23% wanted to see guest speakers from the Local Authority or the ICB on subjects such as Place, Funding, Health Inequalities, Integrated Care within Neighbourhoods and Co-Production.

31% wanted to have the space and time to catch up, share best practice and discuss the challenges that this VCFSE faces.

20% wanted Bitesize Training, whilst a further 20% wanted to be informed of the latest news bubbling under within West Northamptonshire.

92% of those that responded were satisfied in meeting virtually, given the cost constrains that our VCFSE faces.

 

96% of those that replied wanted a formal invite to each session.

 

Most interesting is some of the free text comments received as part of the survey, which will remain anonymous and kept within the SAWN umbrella. These include:

 

Being a CEO is becoming an increasingly lonely and pressurised pursuit. The opportunity to talk to others would be greatly appreciated.

 

I think bitesize training would be useful. In some way we need to pool our resources and capabilities to survive.

 

I think meeting fellow CEOs and learning from the more experienced would be helpful.

 

It would be great if as a result of us coming together we could access the more volunteer run community organisations who are vital to the fabric of West Northamptonshire life.

 

What happens next:

 

SAWN meets regularly to discuss the current Infrastructure contract with West Northamptonshire Council and how best we can support our VCFSE. Once a strategic direction has been applied, we will be in contact, so watch out for the News on VINs website, and for circulation via SNVB and Daventry Volunteers.

 

SAWN would also like to thank the several offers of a free venue should we decide to meet Face to Face at some point in the future.