At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Council's Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy and build partnerships.
- Company: Join Tower Hamlets Council, a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a modern hub that fosters collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community and help shape local initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in VCS, project management, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50175 - 53319 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Corporate Strategy & Communities Service for a Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) Development Officer to help deliver the Council's Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy and implement The Compact with the Voluntary and Community Sector in Tower Hamlets by working in partnership with the VCS. Tower Hamlets Council has a strong and long-lasting relationship with the local VCS, which numbers 1,300 organisations in the borough. This role provides a fantastic opportunity to support the council to work with the VCS and a range of partners, especially policy makers and funders, to support and develop relationships with this sector. The role will also support a range of work with the VCS, including capacity building, developing forums, networks and partnerships as required.
The Council's VCS Strategy has a vision of the council working in partnership with the VCS and partners to build a thriving and diverse voluntary and community sector that improves the lives of residents. Key focuses of this post will be supporting the implementation of this Strategy and the Compact, plus working with the VCS to support the development and delivery of a new council grant programme for the VCS, scheduled to commence in 2027.
As a practitioner, with knowledge and experience of the VCS, you will design and implement corporate priorities and help develop and implement Council strategy on the VCS. You will have:
- An understanding of policy and practice in relation to VCS commissioning and grants management and knowledge of the main sources of funding for VCS organisations.
- Experience of working with VCS organisations.
- Knowledge of national government policy and direction as it affects local government and the main priorities and issues for local authorities.
- Experience of programme or project management in a large organisation and of project monitoring and control systems.
- An ability to monitor, review and evaluate grants performance programmes, policies and strategies.
- Experience of report writing and the ability to present information in a clear and concise way.
Tower Hamlets vision for our borough is that: people are aspirational, independent and have equal access to opportunities; we are a borough that our residents are proud of and love to live in; and we are a dynamic, outcomes-based council using digital innovation and partnership working to respond to the changing needs of our borough. We want people who aspire to our TOWER values: Together; Open; Willing; Excellent; Respect.
Tower Hamlets has a zero-tolerance approach to, and works to eradicate, all forms of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status, status as a civil partner, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and maternity and looks to employ a diverse workforce representative of these groups. We recognise that people can also be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class.
We welcome applicants interested in flexible working arrangements and also applicants who live in the borough.
Our Benefits:
- Competitive salary £50,175 to £53,319, plus allowances (if applicable).
- Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
- Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years' service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.
- Flexible and agile working to support work-life balance.
- Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
- Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.
Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London - a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people's lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.
Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace - it's a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.
As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values - Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect - we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.
At Tower Hamlets Council, you'll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London's most important and vibrant places. If you're looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.
VCS Development Officer in London employer: London Borough of Tower Hamlets
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises professional development and community impact. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to training opportunities through the Learning Academy, while working collaboratively within a supportive team dedicated to enhancing youth justice services. Located in the vibrant area of Whitechapel, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful difference but also fosters a culture of inclusivity and innovation.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Tower Hamlets Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VCS Development Officer in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace VCS Development Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like VCS Development Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Tower Hamlets
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
