Nova are recruiting senior leaders from the VCSE sector onto multi-agency, decision-making boards.

This exciting new project – called VCSE Voices – will see newly selected VCSE Advocates attend strategic meetings across the district, providing opportunity for leadership and governance whilst ensuring that a VCSE voice influences policy that directly affects the sector. The aim is that the VCSE sector is fully represented at every level of decision making.

Through an open-access recruitment process, VCSE Advocates will be matched to boards. Alongside attending meetings, Advocates will receive a package of support from Nova to provide continued development. This will include taking part in peer support session with other Advocates.

VCSE Advocates will communicate information from meetings back into the sector to support transparent, collaborative and well-connected working.

Nova will be conducting consultation with the sector over the next few months to ensure that the project is co-produced and meets the needs of the sector. Several positions are being recruited in areas such as health, children and young people, and community safety.

Reimbursement of organisations when they represent the whole sector is crucial and will give opportunities to organisations that otherwise may not be able to participate. It demonstrates the value of their contribution and formalises the arrangement on behalf of the sector. It is hoped that this will allow representation to come from new perspectives.

How can you get involved?

• Sign up to the launch event on Thursday 19 January to learn more
• Have your say by completing the community consultation survey
• Submit an Expression of Interest in being a VCSE Advocate or getting involved in other ways
• Attend a focus group, either online in January or in person in February

Nova Adviser, Lydia Baldwin, is leading on this project – get in touch at lydia.baldwin@nova-wd.org.uk.