At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community engagement and strengthen partnerships with local voluntary and community sector groups.
- Company: Lambeth Borough Council, a vibrant and diverse community in South London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping Lambeth's future and championing equity and justice.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement, partnership working, and event organisation.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to inclusivity and community empowerment.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community.
The role sits in the Community Engagement and Participation Service, in the Strategy, Communications and Change Division. The team champions and coordinates resident and VCS engagement across the council, to strengthen connectivity and partnership working across all services.
The council’s Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Manager is a critical role in strengthening the council’s relationships and partnership working with the local VCS, to help achieve our Lambeth 2030 vision together. You’ll act as a bridge to connect with groups, share feedback and link the sector with the council’s different departments and projects. A particular focus is on connecting with underrepresented groups, boosting participation and championing equity and justice throughout.
A fundamental part of this role is to build meaningful relationships with local VCS groups, understand their experiences, identify collective needs and aspirations and celebrate their impact. This will involve regularly attending community visits and events, being visible out in our communities and being a key point of contact for local groups.
Other key elements of this role include:
- To provide leadership to the VCS Team
- Organise and deliver the quarterly VCS Network events
- Produce the monthly VCS newsletter
- Manage the VCS infrastructure and support services contract
- Coordinate VCS projects, support and activities across the council, with health and wider partners
This role is a 1-year fixed term post so the successful candidate will be required to hit the ground running and will need to demonstrate strong experience in supporting VCS organisations.
To be considered for interview, your CV and supporting statement will clearly evidence:
- An in-depth understanding of the identity of the voluntary and community sector (VCS) and their common needs and aspirations
- Experience in partnership working with a broad range of teams, partners and organisations to share insight, collaborate and develop joined up solutions
- Experience in contract management
- Experience in organising and delivering large scale community events
- Experience in engaging and supporting underrepresented communities and championing participation, inclusion and accessibility within services
We operate an anonymised application process, so be sure to remove personal details when uploading your CV or personal statement.
At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to safer recruitment and are proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and to guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role.
Voluntary & Community Sector Manager employer: Borough of Lambeth
Contact Detail:
Borough of Lambeth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Voluntary & Community Sector Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local VCS scene! Attend community events and engage with groups in Lambeth. This will not only help you understand their needs but also show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other professionals in the sector through LinkedIn or local meetups. Building relationships can open doors and give you insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your past work with VCS organisations and any successful projects you've led.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Voluntary & Community Sector Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Lambeth is all about community and diversity, so make sure your application reflects an understanding of these values.
Tailor Your CV and Statement: Don’t just send the same old CV and cover letter. Highlight your experience in the voluntary and community sector, and make sure to connect your skills with the specific needs mentioned in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your supporting statement, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and get straight to the point about how you meet the criteria. We want to see your passion and expertise without wading through fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of everything and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lambeth
✨Know Your VCS Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in Lambeth. Familiarise yourself with local organisations, their needs, and how they contribute to the community. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment and ability to connect with these groups.
✨Showcase Your Partnership Skills
Prepare examples of your experience in partnership working. Think about times you've collaborated with various teams or organisations to achieve common goals. Be ready to discuss how you can bring this collaborative spirit to strengthen relationships within the VCS.
✨Highlight Event Management Experience
Since organising large-scale community events is a key part of the role, come prepared with specific examples of events you've managed. Discuss the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the impact these events had on the community.
✨Champion Inclusion and Accessibility
Be ready to talk about your experience engaging underrepresented communities. Share specific strategies you've used to boost participation and ensure services are accessible. This will show your alignment with the council's focus on equity and justice.