Sheffield City Council has unveiled an ambitious new vision to create welcoming, safe, and healthy communities across the city—where everyone feels empowered to take part in shaping local life and driving change on the issues that matter most to them.
The Communities Strategy 2025–2035 outlines how the Council plans to work alongside Sheffield’s diverse communities over the next decade. It celebrates the energy and potential already present in neighbourhoods and commits to transforming how the Council supports and collaborates with residents to achieve the City Goal of Thriving Communities.
Recognising that no two communities are the same, the strategy promises a tailored approach—moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions and instead responding to the unique needs, strengths, and priorities of each area.
A key focus is rebuilding trust. The Council aims to strengthen relationships with communities, especially those who’ve felt overlooked or unheard in the past. This means being more open, transparent, and accountable—listening carefully, acting on feedback, and being honest about the challenges ahead.
The strategy will be reviewed by the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee on 15 October 2025. If approved, it will mark a significant shift in how the Council works with communities across Sheffield.
Alongside this, the Committee will also consider the Faith and Belief Charter, which recognises the vital role of faith and belief-based organisations in promoting equality and inclusion, and outlines how the Council will work with them moving forward.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council and Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, said:
“This strategy is about changing how we work with Sheffield’s communities—listening better, investing where it’s needed most, and empowering people to make a difference."
"It’s been shaped by voices from across the city, and it’s designed to support every community, especially those facing the greatest challenges. We want every part of Sheffield to thrive.”
At its core, the strategy is built on collaboration—working with communities, not just for them. It calls for local people and organisations to be active partners in decision-making, service design, and delivering change. It recognises that communities are experts in their own lives and deserve a seat at the table.
The strategy also places a strong emphasis on equity. Rather than treating everyone the same, it focuses on tackling structural inequalities and directing support where it’s needed most—acknowledging that some communities face bigger barriers than others.
Finally, it celebrates the strengths and diversity of Sheffield’s communities. By highlighting what’s already working well, the Council hopes to build a more positive and inclusive story 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 by ongoing conversations with local community groups.
Image credit: iStock
