VCS Support Officer

Have a passion for delivering training and events?  Love supporting the development of your community?

Well, we've got a spot for you in our team at Community Southwark! Together, let's make a significant change and bring excitement, inclusivity, and solidarity to Southwark.

Community Southwark is umbrella organisation for charities and community groups in Southwark. Our vision is thriving communities with the power, resources, and partnerships to create a more equal Southwark.

We have 1,000 Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) members. We have over 60 years’ experience of offering free services and making connections, including:

·       Advice and training (e.g. governance, funding, evaluation and impact)

·       Networks to bring groups together and influence decision makers

·       Tailored support for ethnic minority led groups

·       Information sharing through our e-bulletins, social media, venues and funding databases

·       Advertising, matching, and celebrating volunteers, including Healthwatch Ambassadors and corporate volunteers

We have strong and productive links with funders, Southwark Council, businesses, and the local NHS. We host Healthwatch and a network of Health Ambassadors. We work in partnership to support thriving neighbourhoods and community led solutions to the borough’s deep-rooted inequalities.

Our 2022-26 Strategy

·       Enable a more impactful, collaborative, and sustainable Voluntary and Community Sector

·       Support the creation of a more inclusive, diverse, and equal Southwark ​

·       Increase the sector’s ability to influence change no matter the size or background of an organisation or individual​

We welcome applications from all sectors and experience levels. We particularly encourage applications from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people and people from LGBTQ+ communities. 

Job Description

Main Purpose

The VCS Support Officer role provides advice and support for voluntary and community organisations about organisational development. It  equips organisations and individuals with the skills and knowledge to run effectively, legally, and sustainably – enabling them to create thriving communities and a more equal Southwark.

The role has a wide remit and is guided by the needs of Community Southwark members.  The key objectives are:

·       Providing support and advice

·       Networks and events

·       Learning and Development

·       Information and Resources

·       Safeguarding

Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Needed

• Knowledge and experience of the Voluntary and Community Sector  

• Understanding of good governance and organisational management, including working with trustees and voluntary management committee members

• Ability to facilitate workshops and focus groups as well as excellent presentation and communication skills both written and oral 

• Good organisational and project management skills including financial planning, time management, project planning, monitoring and evaluation

• Ability to interpret research, legislation and policy and present it in an accessible way 

• Knowledge of safeguarding issues and demonstrable ability of learning about them

Benefits:  

·       30 days annual leave (exclusive of public/bank holidays) per annum; pro-rata for part-time employees.  

·       2 Volunteering Days per annum (pro rata) 

·       £535 annual training allowance.  

·       Pension – Employer contribution: 5% 

·       Cycle to Work Scheme.  

·       Flexible working 

·       Enhanced maternity and paternity pay 

·       Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential helpline for personal or professional concerns)