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.

When we say VCSE organisations - we mean Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations. This can include charities, community groups, social enterprises, CIOs, CICs, leisure clubs, and voluntary organisations of any size.

Here’s a quick introduction:

• ‍Connecting Wakefield - our networking space for VCSE colleagues‍
• VCSE Voices Network – regular meeting of VCSE Advocates and others to share information from strategic boards and provide feedback to influence decisions
• Volunteer Managers Network – quarterly 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
• Community Investment Gateway – 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
• WYCAS Finance Forum - quarterly meetings for VCSE colleagues to get together to discuss finance and accounting issues

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 any staff and volunteers from VCSE organisations in Wakefield District

How often they meet: quarterly, 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.

The next meeting is on Wednesday 10 June, 9.30am to 11.30am at Newmillerdam. Sign up now!

VCSE Voices Network

Can you join: some meetings are open, welcoming anyone from a VCSE organisation

How often they meet: monthly, in person

Your VCSE Advocates meet regularly to share information about district wide strategic decision-making and how it connects to the work of our sector. Some of these Network meetings are open so you can attend to share your feedback, ideas and information with Advocates to take back to board meetings. This is one way that you can be part of the wider VCSE voice and influence key decisions.

Volunteer Managers Network

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

How often they meet: quarterly, 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.

Please email info@nova-wd.org.uk if you would like to join this network.

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 Adviser Team at info@nova-wd.org.uk.

Community Investment Gateway

Can you join: Yes

How often they meet: not currently applicable

The Community Investment Gateway is a way to distribute funding to organisations and groups working in the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Wakefield District, whether you're a grassroots community group or a well-established charity. Once your organisation is accepted onto the Gateway, you are eligible to apply for any funding we channel and the exclusive workshops and networking opportunities for members. Find out it you’re eligible and apply to join the Gateway.

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

WYCAS Finance Forum

Can you join: Yes, this is a free finance forum for community groups/organisations based in West Yorkshire

How often they meet: quarterly

The regional WYCAS Finance Forums provide an opportunity for people who volunteer or work in the voluntary and charitable sector to get together on a quarterly basis to discuss finance and accounting issues.

If you work (paid or unpaid) in finance in the voluntary and community sector and would like to join the WYCAS virtual Finance Forum, they'd be very pleased to welcome you. These meetings are not organised by Nova, please contact our partner WYCAS for any details.