Join Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum (Cornwall VSF) as they enter a new and exciting chapter. If you are passionate about effecting positive change for Cornwall’s voluntary and community sector organisations, this could be just the role for you.
Cornwall VSF was formed in 1992 when a small group of people came together to discuss issues for the sector in Cornwall. Since then, our membership has steadily grown and we now have members from the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) across Cornwall. Our members provide a vast range of services, including commissioned public services, for the communities of Cornwall. We work to represent VCSE organisations in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly; our aim is to work with others to create a thriving and effective voluntary sector.
Membership is free and is open to any VCSE organisation based in or working in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Members give us our mandate by shaping the direction of the charity at our AGM and by electing our Trustees.
Cornwall VSF speaks as the independent voice of our members on a variety of important issues. We attempt to effect positive change for the voluntary sector by focusing our lobbying efforts on elected officials and public sector bodies such as the NHS and Cornwall Council. A current focus is highlighting contradictions between government policies, for examples austerity measures, and the reality for VCSE organisations on the ground.
We act independently and are not associated or affiliated with any other organisations, except the three sector umbrella bodies South West Forum, NAVCA and NCVO.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an outstanding and dynamic leader who can take us forward on our next exciting phase of strategic development. With a successful leadership track record in a relevant charity and/or health and social care environment, you will have the ability to develop exceptional stakeholder relationships, drive lasting and pioneering partnerships and help us to successfully navigate our operating environment.
It is essential that our new Chief Executive is aligned with our values and brings excellent interpersonal and communication skills. You will be an exceptional people leader, able to empower and enable geographically dispersed teams and represent Cornwall VSF with confidence and credibility across the voluntary sector and beyond.
In addition, you will be experienced in leading change; able to provide constructive challenge, and the encouragement to innovate alongside a commercial understanding of income generation.
For further information about the role, or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:
Lucy Mavers | lucy@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07947 935068
Vinita Medora | vinita@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07534 244249
Welcome
Dear Candidate
As Chair of Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum, I am delighted that you have shown an interest in finding out more about the critical appointment of our new Chief Executive. I very much appreciate your enquiry and hope that your interest can be translated into a real and positive contribution for the charity.
During the past two years, our Board has concluded its strategic review of the organisation, its purpose and its relationship with the wider voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in Cornwall. The organisation has also benefited from good will and support from Cornwall Council, the NHS and other statutory funders who see a need for the organisation as the sector brings more innovation, commitment and energy to help identify the needs and aspirations of our people in the County.
We have received a significant grant of £3m to support the strategic aims of the new NHS Integrated Care System which we will invest into the sector over the next three years. The Chief Executive will have a seat on the Integrated Care Board and will work closely with senior leaders across Cornwall, having influence and representation for the wider sector.
With over 4,000 voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations across the County, this provides us with huge leverage opportunities with the Public Sector. We aim to introduce membership subscriptions which will in turn increase our potential to act as an effective voice and strengthen the sectors engagement and influence on a regional and national level.
With this new direction of travel, the new Chief Executive will join us at a critical time to lead the organisation on this very exciting new chapter.
I hope that this introduction and the recruitment pack will help you positively consider the opportunity of joining our organisation so that you can lead the significant future impact on behalf of this vibrant and exciting sector in Cornwall.
Yours sincerely
Joe McEvoy
Chair
About the Cornwall VSF
What we do
Partnership working
Cornwall VSF links with the business and public sectors to ensure the VCSE sector has a voice. We work closely with commissioners in the Council and the NHS to make sure the services they commission are meeting people’s needs. Cornwall VSF is also a member of the Cornwall Executive Group, made up of the chief executives of key public sector organisations.
Co-Commissioning
Our grant enables us to work with the Voluntary Sector, investing money at place to drive innovation, build resilience and test new models of delivery.
Lobbying
Through our surveys, events and forms, we are able to pick up on the issues affecting the VCSE sector in Cornwall right now. We raise these with local councillors, MPs and the media to highlight the difference you make every day and the challenges you face.
Communication
We send regular e-newsletters to members with relevant information and updates for VCSE organisations of every size and interest. We also share news from our members through this vital resource and via our social media outlets.
Events
We organise events and conferences to encourage ideas and networking within the voluntary sector.
Member services
We provide support with specialist recruitment advertising, communication and marketing services with reduced associated costs.
How we will work in the future
For over 25 years Cornwall VSF has helped and worked with many small and medium sized groups and charities across Cornwall. People who want to make a difference to other people. People who want to improve wellness and health, environment, employment, housing, rural isolation and the list goes on and on. Many thousands of volunteers and over 4,000 groups are involved. All of this work is supported by donations, fundraising and not least support from the Council, from Health, from the Police, from Environmental agencies and others.
But times are changing. Funding is changing. The way that charities need support is changing. What isn’t changing or improving fast enough is the need in our communities.
Cornwall VSF has to continually change to work in different ways in the future; we have to be more active; to be more creative; to work with more people like employers, local groups in your village or town.
- We want to be leaders in building relationships and joining people together to build the places and communities they live in
- We want to start a new type of conversation (not telling but asking and listening)
- We want to help connect people and interconnect ideas to motivate and create something new
- We want to invest resources into local communities
All of this will happen
- By harnessing the energy, enthusiasm and commitment of thousands of people across the County
- With individuals each making a small difference and collectively the impact will be enormous
- To support people and communities in need so they see and feel a difference
- As we extend our reach across the County with hundreds of groups
This will be accomplished by
- Creating the opportunity for connection using a range of different locations, timings and mediums
- Building trust
- Ensuring a seat at the table for organisations regardless of size
- Delivering on promises
- Working proactively to ensure that positivity emerges from perceived negativity by:
- Turning lack of co-ordination into valued and positive integrated activity
- Transforming confusion into clarity
- Challenging any perception of waste and duplication into a perception of abundance and plenty
- Translating talk into action
Additional resources
Our accessibility provisions include:
- Papers and materials can be presented in different formats if needed.
- A sign language interpreter can be accessed for an interview.
- Working patterns/working locations can be adjusted.
If you have any further needs around accessibility, please get in touch with the advising consultant for a confidential chat on how we can best fulfill your needs.
Lucy Mavers | lucy@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07947 935068
Vinita Medora | vinita@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07534 244249
Thank you for your interest in this role.
Please download the Job Description and Person Specification and complete this Equality Monitoring Survey.
To formally apply, please submit a CV and supporting statement (ideally maximum 2 sides of A4 each) that clearly outlines your suitability for the role against the criteria provided in the person specification, including your interest and motivation in applying for this position.
Please ensure that your application is emailed to response@peridotpartners.co.uk inserting “Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum – Job Role” into the subject field.
For further information about the role, or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners
Lucy Mavers | lucy@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07947 935068
Vinita Medora | vinita@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07534 244249
We wish to encourage applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
All applications will be considered solely on merit.
Disabled applicants are invited to contact us in confidence at any point during the recruitment process to discuss steps that could be taken to overcome operational difficulties presented by the role, or if any adjustments or support are required regarding the recruitment process.
Timetable
Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 18th July 2022
Candidates informed of outcome: Friday 22nd July 2022
First Stage Interviews: w/c Monday 25th July
Second Stage Interviews: w/c 1st August (TBC)
Equal Opportunities Monitoring
Peridot and Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum are committed to promoting equality and diversity. To help us raise awareness and support a culture that is diverse and recognises and develops the potential of all, we need to appreciate the profile of candidates who apply for positions. We would therefore be most grateful if you would complete this equality monitoring survey.
The information will be treated confidentially and anonymously and will help us to support our commitment to fair recruitment practice. All information provided will be held in the strictest confidence and will not be shared with anyone, in line with the new Data Protection Act 2018 launched on 25 May 2018.
The information provided does not form part of the decision-making process and will not affect your application.
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