VI Charity Sector Partnership

Eight national sight loss charities formed the VI Charity Sector Partnership in October 2020. The aim of this partnership is to provide strategic overview for the planning and implementation of initiatives in the charity sector that will lead to improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people and those at risk of sight loss across the UK.

The founding partners are: Blind Veterans UK, Glaucoma UK, Guide Dogs, Macular Society, Retina UK, RNIB, Thomas Pocklington Trust and Visionary.

Partners agreed to focus on seven work streams below, with each one having an identified CEO sponsor and comprising of an operational lead and working group with partners. Interested parties from within the sight loss sector and beyond also contribute to the work streams.  Partners have agreed on the following workstreams for the current year:

• Sight Loss Pathway, including vision rehabilitation
• Establishment of a sector-wide Insight base
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Talent development and lived experience leadership, including employment
• Access to technology

For further information about the VI Charity Sector Partnership or any of the work streams please contact us via email at visionary@visionary.org.uk or one of the partnership secretariat:

• Campbell Chalmers, Strategic Engagement Lead – Third Sector, RNIB
• Carl Freeman, Senior Collaboration Manager, Guide Dogs