The newly proposed Communities Strategy 2025–2035 sets out how Sheffield City Council will work with all of the city’s communities over the next decade. It recognises the power and energy that exists in Sheffield’s communities, and commits the Council to changing the way it works so that it plays its part in helping to achieve the City Goal of a Sheffield of Thriving Communities.
The Council understands that Sheffield’s communities are diverse, with different needs, strengths, and priorities. The strategy commits to adapting approaches to fit what different communities need, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
It also aims to build trust between the Council and Sheffield’s communities and rebuild relationships, ensuring that all communities – especially those who might have previously felt unheard – can shape the future of Sheffield.
To achieve this the Council will commit to being more open, transparent, and accountable by listening more, acting on feedback, and being honest about challenges.
The strategy will be considered by the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee on 15 October 2025. If approved, it would mark a major step forward in how the Council works with communities across the city.
The Committee will also consider the proposed Faith and Belief Charter, which highlights the role faith and belief-based organisations play in our city and how the Council aims to work with them to promote equality and inclusion.
This strategy is about transforming the Council’s relationship with Sheffield’s communities, the way we work with them and the way we support them. We’re committed to doing things differently – listening better, investing where it’s needed most, and working to empower and energise communities.
It is a strategy for all communities in Sheffield. We have listened to a wide range of voices and created it in collaboration with community organisations and groups. Some communities need more support than others, and the strategy sets out how we will tackle the inequalities that communities around the city face so that every community can thrive.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council and Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee
At the heart of the strategy is collaboration – a commitment to working with communities, not just for them. This means involving local people and organisations in shaping decisions, designing services, and delivering change. It recognises that communities are experts in their own lives and should be equal partners in the process.
The strategy also places a strong emphasis on equity. Rather than treating everyone the same, it focuses on addressing structural inequalities and ensuring that support is targeted where it’s most needed. This means recognising that some communities face greater barriers and tailoring responses accordingly.
Finally, the new approach will focus on celebration – recognising and valuing the strengths, resilience, and diversity of Sheffield’s communities. It aims to shine a light on what’s already working well and build on it, creating a more positive and inclusive narrative about community life in the city.
A new approach to working with communities:
- Developed through extensive engagement with over 300 residents, community organisations and Elected Members, the strategy is built on four key commitments:
- Renewing relationships with community organisations - The Council will co-produce its approach with voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) groups, recognising their vital role and supporting them with fair funding – including a new £2.2 million investment.
- Engaging with and understanding communities - A new action plan will improve how the Council listens and responds, with a focus on youth voice, inclusion and reaching those who are currently underrepresented.
- Delivering joined-up services in the heart of communities - Council officers will be more visible and accessible, and services will be better coordinated to meet local needs.
- Investing in Sheffield’s communities - Communities will help shape how resources are allocated, with a focus on fairness, sustainability and tackling inequality.
This is a 10-year strategy that will be reviewed after three years to assess its progress. It will be shaped ongoing conversations with local community groups.
Read the full papers to committee and proposed strategy on the Council website.