Communities 1st CEO Blog

Leadership today feels different. Not simply harder, but heavier. The pace of change is accelerating, expectations are high, and the time available to think well is shrinking.  Adaptation has always been part of leadership - many of us accept it as a natural rhythm of the work. What has…

Across the country, a quiet shift is happening. You can feel it in conversations with residents, partners, volunteers and staff. People are asking bigger questions - not just about the cost of living, the pressure on public services, or the uncertainty coming with the next budget, but about…

Across the world, we are living through unsettled times. Wars, political divisions, economic pressures, and misinformation all create uncertainty. These global tensions don’t just play out on the news - they filter down into our communities. You can hear it in everyday conversations: worries about…

Moving Beyond Promises For more than two decades, we’ve heard promises to tackle poverty, improve health, build stronger communities, and create fairer opportunities. Yet, despite all the strategies and speeches, too many people are still struggling. Millions of children grow up in poverty. Food…

A Familiar Vision, a Critical Moment Every few years, the NHS invites us to imagine a new future for health and care. The latest NHS 10-Year Plan promises nothing less than a reimagining of the system - a bold transformation designed to shift resources into communities, focus on prevention, and…

 A Crossroads for Charities and Communities The Charity Commission’s 2025 research highlights a stark truth: more people than ever before rely on charities for essentials like food, financial aid, and medical support. The figures are sobering - 9% of people received essential support in the…

It’s Not Just About Services: What We’ve Learned and What’s NextBy Stephen Craker, Chief Executive of Communities 1st As CEO of Communities 1st, I come to this work from a background in health and social care, having worked across the statutory and voluntary sectors. That experience continues…

From health to wealth – why the next chapter of Get Britain Working must be written locally By Stephen Craker, Chief Executive of Communities 1st   Work is more than wages; it is connection, confidence and community.  When ill‑health or disadvantage locks people out of good…

Beyond Boundaries: Reinventing Community Resilience By Stephen Craker, Chief Executive of Communities 1st   Right now, our communities stand at a unique crossroads. The landscape around us is shifting significantly - local government is reorganising, the NHS is embracing neighbourhood-based…

CEO Blog: Reflection, Resilience, and Action in 2025 By Stephen Craker, Chief Executive of Communities 1st   As we enter 2025, I find myself reflecting on the immense challenges and opportunities facing the local VCFSE sector, Communities 1st, and the public sector as a whole. This is likely…

CEO Blog - Trustees: Guiding the Future, Building a Better Today By Stephen Craker, Chief Executive of Communities 1st   As we approach Trustees' Week, it's a time to celebrate those unsung heroes who work behind the scenes, making a difference to countless communities and lives across the UK…

What the Darzi Report Means for Our Communities By Stephen Craker, Chief Executive of Communities 1st   The Lord Darzi Independent Investigation of the National Health Service in England offers a vital snapshot of the current state of healthcare. It reveals significant pressures on the NHS,…

The Role of Community Organisations in Tackling Inequalities    In our communities today, inequalities manifest in various forms, impacting health, opportunity, and wellbeing across different demographics. The NHS Long Term Plan and the pervasive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have…

The Spring Budget and Its Significance for the local VCSE sector The Spring Budget presents both challenges and opportunities. It's an invitation to reflect on our priorities, advocate for inclusive policies, and work towards a future where every individual and community has the opportunity to…

What's in Store for 2024?     While it may be a bit late for "Happy New Year!" greetings, I invite you to approach this blog with the spirit of new beginnings and forward-thinking. As we embark on 2024, our traditional January reflection takes on new significance, particularly for…

Rebuilding From Burnout   The COVID-19 pandemic marked an unprecedented era for charity and non-profit leadership, introducing new challenges that required swift adaptation and resilience. As a CEO, I navigated our organisation through these uncertain times, which inevitably impacted my…

Addressing the Underlying Causes to Food Insecurity   Amidst the economic turbulence, Communities 1st has stood at the forefront, witnessing firsthand the deepening cost of living crisis that is placing undue strain on our community’s families. The need for substantial support mechanisms has…

The Quiet Crisis   As the days grow shorter, the arrival of the autumn and winter months provides a poignant moment for reflection. The change in seasons often amplifies the emotional undertones of our lives, making this an opportune time to address an issue that touches us all, yet is often…

The Unseen Backbone: Why Local Voluntary Infrastructure Deserves More than a Passing Glance   In recent times there has, rightly so, been a predominant focus on supporting 'front-line' work in the charity sector. This is highly understandable; it is where the immediacy of need appears most…

A Critical Look at the NHS Volunteer Responders Scheme and its Impact on Local Charities   The recent NHS Volunteer Responders (VR) social care seminar has left many of us questioning the efficacy and ethics of this top-down programme. It is certainly a subject that ignites passionate debate…