VCSE Networks and Groups

We facilitate a variety of networks and groups that aim to strengthen our sector and support the people who work and volunteer at local VCSE organisations.

Here’s a quick introduction:

• ‍Connecting Wakefield - our regular networking space for VCSE colleagues‍
• VCSE Voices Network – monthly meeting of VCSE Advocates and others to share information from strategic boards and provide feedback to influence decisions
• Volunteer Managers Network – monthly meeting of colleagues who work with volunteers to share best practice and host workshops‍
• Community Anchors Network – peer support, information sharing, collaboration and businesses development support for Community Anchors
• Third Sector Framework – membership of VCSE organisations interested in our fair, open and transparent way of distributing funding
• ‍Wakefield District Funders Forum – opportunity for Nova members and funders to come together to discuss funding priorities for the district‍

These networks will feed into the new Wakefield District VCSE Collaborative, a group of senior leaders across the VCSE and statutory sectors responsible for the VCSE strategy for Wakefield District. Read about what this will look like.

Now for more details on each network and how they can benefit you:

Connecting Wakefield

Can you join: yes, open to all VCSE colleagues

How often they meet: every other month, in person

The aim of the group is to aid communication and collaboration across our sector, bringing us together so that we can better serve each other and our communities. There's lots to gain from these meetings - from personal development to getting the word out about your organisation.

Find out how you can make the most of Connecting Wakefield and what to expect at each meeting on the event pages:

• June Meeting: Tuesday 4 June, 9.30am to 11am at a community venue (TBC)
• August Meeting: Thursday 8 August, 9.30am to 11am at a community venue (TBC)
• October Meeting: Tuesday 8 October, 9.30am to 11am at a community venue (TBC)

VCSE Voices Network

Can you join: yes, open to all VCSE colleagues

How often they meet: monthly, in person

Come together with VCSE Advocates who’ll share information about district wide strategic decision-making and how it connects to the work of our sector. Be part of the wider VCSE voice and influence key decisions by sharing your feedback, ideas and information with Advocates to take back to board meetings.

Read more about the benefits of attending and find out what’s planned for the next meeting on the event pages:

• May Meeting: Tuesday 21 May, 2pm to 3.30pm at Red Roof Centre (WF9 5BP)
• June Meeting: Tuesday 25 June, 2pm to 3.30pm at St Mary's Community Centre (WF8 2AY)
• July Meeting: Thursday 25 July, 10am to 11.30am at a community venue (TBC)

Volunteer Managers Network

Can you join: yes, open to any VCSE colleagues working with or supporting volunteers

How often they meet: monthly, alternating between online and in person

The meeting is a friendly and welcoming peer space, run by the sector for the sector. The network shares best practice, provides information, and hosts practical workshops around all things volunteering –such as volunteer policies, management and practice.

Find out what we've got planned for the next few meetings:

• July Meeting: Thursday 25 July, 11am to 12pm, online
• September Meeting: Tuesday 10 September, 1pm to 2.30pm at Age UK (WF10 2LW)
• October Meeting: Thursday 24 October, 10am to 11am, online

Community Anchor Network

Can you join: this is a closed group, get in touch if you’d like to join

How often they meet: monthly, alternating between online and in person

Community Anchor Network (CAN) aims to enable community-based organisations to be the best they can at delivering social change in the Wakefield District.

Community Anchors are trusted organisations that meet the need of their local community, working for local residents and particularly those affected by health inequalities. Anchors deliver services and also provide a host base for other local groups and service deliverers. Examples include food pantry access, credit union and Citizens Advice services, alongside community activities for the whole age spectrum.

The network’s informative and relaxed meetings focus on identifying partnerships with key agencies, opportunities for consortium funding bids and contracts, along with developing the network. For more details, contact our CAN Adviser Mike at mike.romano@nova-wd.org.uk

Third Sector Framework

Can you join: Yes

How often they meet: not currently applicable

The Third Sector Framework is a fair, open and transparent way of allocating funding to locally rooted VCSE organisations in Wakefield District. As the Framework develops and membership grows, more funders are committing money and supporting this innovative approach. We offer exclusive workshops to Framework members and plan to provide networking opportunities. Find out it you’re eligible and apply to join the Framework.

Wakefield District Funders Forum

Can you join: closed group for funders or those with an involvement in funding distribution

How often they meet: quarterly

We bring together funders and those involved in how funding is distributed to the VCSE sector to discuss how to work collaboratively towards: positive changes to VCSE funding; attracting greater investment into the district; increasing the capacity of VCSE organisations to demonstrate the need and impact of funding; coordinating funding to maximise its impact towards local priorities.  

The forum was convened in response to a report by the National Lottery Community Fund that identified the Yorkshire and Humber region as having proportionally the lowest level of voluntary sector funding of any region in England. And within Yorkshire, funding into Wakefield District was half of the regional average.

If you have something you'd like to forum to discuss or would like further information, please contact Contracts & Grants Manager Scott at scott.copeland@nova-wd.org.uk