How do we strengthen civil society in Gloucestershire, so community life can thrive and the needs of people and the planet can be met?

This is the question that Common Good Gloucestershire is exploring.

What do we mean by civil society?

Community life in Gloucestershire is woven together by thousands of good people giving their time and energy to make things better for others.

Civil society is the connections, organisations and social infrastructure that make it possible for a wide range of people to find a shared interest and work together for the common good. Without it communities might exist but they don’t thrive.

People who share skills, lead campaigns, stand up for vulnerable groups, care for our planet and much more. Running our sports clubs, food banks, river clean ups, cadet forces, school governing bodies, faith groups, policy campaigns, youth activities, parish councils, community businesses, unions, mutual aid networks, informal neighbourhood action, hospices, our jury service and much more.

Since October 2025 we have spoken to over 65 active and influential individuals in civil society- to hear their views about the state of civil society in their community or sphere of interest. The consensus is that civil society is being asked to do more with less and so deserves some love and attention.

Common Good Gloucestershire is not another strategy, funding programme or diagnostic review. Its an emerging network of citizens and organisations, exploring practical and creative ways to strengthen civil society.

Why now?

People and communities are having pressures upon pressures piled upon them. Good people in civil society are stepping, in but this is feeling less sustainable.

• Funding is getting harder to access and costs to run things are rising.
• Recruiting and retaining of volunteers is harder as people are working longer hours and have less spare time.
• Increased and more complex regulation and compliance takes up more time/effort.
• As public services and activities are scaled back or closed down, civil society can feel overwhelmed as they try to fill the gaps. This leaves people feeling sad and angry, because despite their very best efforts, they can’t respond to demand and feel they are failing their people and the planet.

These issues are complex and deep seated. They can’t be solved overnight- or by one sector or organisation alone.

We believe that if we act collectively, we will be in a better position to influence how civil society is valued and resourced, making it easier and more rewarding to take part.