Who we are

RCCE (Rural Community Council of Essex) is an independent charity helping people and communities throughout rural Essex create a sustainable future. We have been working with local community groups, Parish Councils, Village Halls and Community Buildings across Essex since being established in 1929.

RCCE is an influential voice for rural communities at local and national level. We enjoy strong working relationships with Essex County Council, local District and Borough Councils, and Defra – the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. As one of England's 38 county Rural Community Councils, we are a member of ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England). Together we aim to meet the needs of 11,000 rural communities nationwide.

We are also an active member of the Essex Partnership, the countywide strategic partnership, and manage the work of the Essex Rural Partnership which brings together a range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations with a stake in the future of rural Essex.

RCCE is accredited at Level 3, the highest level of the ACRE Quality Standards, which are endorsed by the Charity Commission. Our latest audited Financial Statements can be viewed here.

What we do

RCCE's mission is to provide local communities with the skills, resources and expertise necessary to achieve a thriving and sustainable future.

This means helping communities come together to identify their own needs and priorities, and provide them with advice and support in developing practical solutions.

We strive to provide a voice for rural communities, representing their interests to government at local, regional and national level.

Who we help

RCCE specialises in working with local community groups in villages and market towns across Essex. In many of our rural communities provision of local services is declining, affordable housing is almost impossible to obtain, and community-based activities are totally reliant on volunteers.