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- Tasks: Lead and support grassroots groups to amplify their voices and improve community impact.
- Company: Active Communities Network, a charity dedicated to empowering local communities.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a catalyst for change in your community and help shape the future of local organisations.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in the Voluntary and Community Sector with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on creating opportunities and tackling inequality.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Posted on: 16 January 2026
Location: Active Communities Network Office - London
About the role
Active Communities Network launched a new project last year, The ACN Way, which will be delivered across the UK. This project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund for five years starting October 1st 2024. The project will build a network of 500 groups that are better connected, unified and more vocal with the aim of being actively involved in decision making and are better understood by policy makers and commissioners.
The Regional Network Lead is a new post which will work with an array of Voluntary and Community Sector groups operating in Greater London and South East England. The post will offer specialist mentoring to organisational leaders and capacity building services to improve the skills, confidence and positioning of an array of youth and community groups who lack a voice as well as supporting connections to others and broader systems. The project aims to amplify these unheard groups who deliver such vital services. As part of a UK wide team, the post will contribute to working with strategic bodies, elected representatives and funders to create transformative system changes based on our locality and person-centred based approach. The post holder is expected to provide their specialist support to 20 groups per annum in their region, developing organisational development action plans and leadership development.
Duties and Accountabilities
- Develop and maintain relationships with grassroots groups who join the network to ensure they are supported.
- Work alongside each grassroots group to develop tailored organisational development actions plans and leadership development.
- Organise network events within the region with the aim of expanding the network and connecting groups.
- Manage multiple stakeholder relationships within the region with the ability to adapt to meet the needs of the stakeholder.
- Work with the wider UK team and organisational partners to ensure groups are provided with the best support suitable to them.
- Continuously work with local stakeholders to understand changes within the local landscape which might impact on network groups to allow support to be adapted as and when required.
Essential experience / knowledge
- A minimum of 3 years' experience of working within the Voluntary and Community Sector at a senior/leadership level, therefore being able to 'lead by example'.
- Strong connections in the region across multi-disciplines and proven ability at brokering and connecting groups.
- Previously delivered capacity building work, including mentoring organisational leaders.
- Track record in sustaining and building the strengths of local groups.
- Worked strategically with funders, statutory bodies, commissioners and decision makers making positive change for the Voluntary and Community Sector.
- Demonstrate experience in measuring, monitoring, evaluating and communicating impact on a programme at community level.
- Managed a case load of Voluntary and Community Sector groups with diverse needs, experiences and development.
Essential skills and abilities
- Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the Voluntary and Community Sector in the region and the key challenges faced by both operational staff and organisational leaders.
- Have a broad understanding and experience of working with Voluntary and Community Sector groups who are in their infancy through to well developed.
- Have a strong understanding and mastery in delivery models that support vulnerable young people, communities and residents.
- Able to manage diverse and multiple stakeholder relationships from ministerial level to grassroots volunteers.
- Good business acumen and able to interpret and understand all aspects of managing and developing a grassroots Voluntary and Community Sector group.
- Working knowledge of how to connect, where to connect and how to offer valuable practical advice and guidance to groups.
- Able to interpret and speak on behalf of others with clarity, honesty and integrity to ensure a true voice and representation is made of grassroots groups in the targeted areas.
Active Communities Network was established in 2007 in response to the closure of Sport England's Active Communities Development fund. The charity has developed from a collective of small grassroots groups in south London to a global provider in the sport for development collective. The charity currently supports approximately 6,000 young people per annum across its own delivery sites in London, Belfast and Manchester, with a network of approximately 200 groups working with us to support the delivery of our mission – create opportunities, inspire change, tackle inequality.
How to apply
Apply online. Click the apply now button to submit your application.
Additional information
In accordance with our Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires an enhanced DBS check. 6 months probationary period / extendable on performance and funding secured.
Regional Network Lead | Greater London and South East England employer: ACTIVE COMMUNITIES NETWORK
Contact Detail:
ACTIVE COMMUNITIES NETWORK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Network Lead | Greater London and South East England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Voluntary and Community Sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential colleagues or mentors. Building relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with others, share your experiences and insights about capacity building and mentoring. This not only positions you as a knowledgeable candidate but also helps you connect with those who value your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your job search! Instead of waiting for job postings, reach out directly to organisations you admire. Express your interest in their work and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. You’d be surprised how many roles are filled through direct connections!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission. Don’t miss out on the chance to join a team that’s making a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Network Lead | Greater London and South East England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Regional Network Lead. We want to see how your skills can help amplify the voices of grassroots groups in Greater London and South East England.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your past experiences in the Voluntary and Community Sector. We’re looking for someone with a strong track record, so let us know about your successes in mentoring and capacity building!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at ACTIVE COMMUNITIES NETWORK
✨Know Your Community
Familiarise yourself with the Voluntary and Community Sector landscape in Greater London and South East England. Understand the key challenges these groups face and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully mentored organisational leaders in the past. Highlight specific instances where your guidance led to measurable improvements, as this role heavily focuses on capacity building.
✨Build Connections
Demonstrate your ability to connect with diverse stakeholders. Be ready to share strategies you've used to broker relationships between grassroots groups and decision-makers, showcasing your networking prowess.
✨Communicate Impact Clearly
Be prepared to discuss how you've measured and communicated the impact of your previous work. Use concrete examples to illustrate your ability to evaluate programmes at the community level, which is crucial for this role.
