This new post will lead an exciting and high-profile project, developing support systems to strengthen, support and value the voluntary sector and community-based organisations across the borough of Wandsworth.

Wandsworth has a strong, independent and valued voluntary and community sector (VCS). Over 800 groups support residents from within the heart of the community. The sector’s work has always been crucial within the borough but its impact was incomparable with the onset of the COVID pandemic and now continuing on with the cost-of-living crisis hitting so many people. Now is the time for the Council to take stock with the VCS about how best to capacity build the sector. You will work with organisations who already offer support to the sector, with grass roots organisations, faith groups and the whole span of the VCS to together determine an imaginative and bespoke service which ensures that the sector moves forward with confidence.

The Council has already agreed to fund a needs assessment to help determine the systems needed to best support the VCS. You will help commission suitable consultants to lead this work, supporting the consultants and facilitating their access across the borough. You will support the VCS through this process and guide senior officers and elected Members through the developing proposals. Longer term, you will lead the development of the resulting model and support the new systems.

You will need to bring a strong working knowledge of the issues faced by the VCS, this experience could come from within a Council, statutory service or from within a voluntary or community group. You will also bring direct or transferrable skills which will allow you to lead projects through the Council’s governance systems, as well as developing transparent, equitable processes. Experience of co-production is of value and project management experience is essential. You will support partners through a period of change. You will manage a small team and matrix manage across multiple partners. You will be a confident communicator, in person and in writing, and an effective team player.

You will need to be flexible in how you work, and regularly re-prioritise what you work on. You need to have good analytical skills and be a strong report writer. You will also be able to translate complex issues in to short, community focused messages which you can communicate both in writing and by presenting to groups.

In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance. These include compressed hours, flexible hybrid working (dependent on service need) and annualised hours and a generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays.

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline:

Closing date: 14^th November 2022

Shortlisting Date: 16^th November 2022

Interview Date: 29^th November 2022

Useful Information:

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change. The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. Please note this campaign is anonymised.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.