The Director of Welfare Operations shared an update on the development of the Community Engagement Strategy during the NDP Town Hall sessions on 6 October and 8 October. The video below includes the relevant section from the 6 October session covering this update. A written summary is provided below the video. 

Context and Strategy Development:

As part of the NDP model, branch focus turns from the delivery of casework to connecting with their local communities and volunteers via community engagement. They remain a key local point of contact for all volunteers in their area and play a central role in fostering a sense of belonging and community across the network.

Earlier this year, a draft strategy was developed to provide consistency and clarity on the aims of community engagement. The draft was shared for consultation with colleagues through focus groups, online surveys, workshops, emails, and individual meetings.

A full summary of the consultation findings is available in the Draft Community Engagement Strategy - Feedback Report.

Next Steps:

A refreshed branch vision document is now in the final stages of development and will replace the previous draft community engagement strategy. The branch vision document is due for publication by early November 2025.  In the near future an overarching community engagement strategy, to cover all our SSAFA services, will be put in place.

Local implementation plans will be created at branch level, tailored to size, capacity, and community context. Community Engagement Managers (CEMs) will support branches in identifying needs and setting achievable goals.

New toolkits and resources are being prepared for the Community Engagement Hub, with updates to be shared via GoAssemble and the Volunteer Knowledgebase.  

Branch Engagement Goals:

• Reach: Expand local presence through drop-ins, community events, and partnerships with local groups, stakeholders, and organisations.
• Understanding: Share stories that promote awareness of SSAFA’s work, supported by Regional Marcomms Managers (RMMs).
• Belonging: Strengthen connections across volunteers, employees, supporters, and donors, building a resilient community of support.

The aims of Support, Connection, and Belonging, previously described in the draft community engagement strategy, are mapped into the branch vision document. Fundraising activities are incorporated as part of the engagement portfolio.

For more information and context, you can follow this link to watch the full recording of the October Town Hall.