A new 3-part webinar series from Dorset VCSA
“Celebrating collaboration, strengthening infrastructure, shaping the future.”
Across Dorset, hundreds of voluntary and community organisations are working every day to improve lives, strengthen communities, and support health and wellbeing. But behind that work sits a network of support, collaboration, infrastructure and system leadership that often goes unseen.
This three-part webinar series explores the support available to the Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) in Dorset — from strategic representation and commissioning support to the vital role played by infrastructure organisations across the county.
Whether you are a grassroots community group, a larger charity, a volunteer-led organisation or a strategic partner, these sessions will help you better understand the systems, relationships and opportunities that can help your organisation thrive.
Webinar 1: “How Has Dorset VCSA Helped? – A Look Back Over a Busy Year”
- Date: Thursday 16 July 2026
- Time: 11.30
- Location: Online
- Book your free place here
Over the past year, Dorset VCSA has worked alongside NHS partners, councils, infrastructure organisations and the VCS to strengthen representation, improve communication, support collaboration and influence system change. This session looks back at the work achieved, the partnerships built, and the opportunities created across Dorset.
We’ll reflect on:
- Support provided to the VCS over the past year
- Work around neighbourhood health, strategic commissioning and partnership development
- Representation within NHS and council systems
- Information sharing, webinars, networking and engagement activity
- Lessons learned and priorities moving forward
Importantly, this will also be a chance to hear directly from the sector. We’ll be asking attendees questions throughout the session to help shape future priorities and ensure Dorset VCSA continues to respond to the needs of local organisations.
Perfect for: Any Dorset VCS organisation wanting to better understand the role and impact of Dorset VCSA.
Webinar 2: “Strategic Outcome-Based Commissioning & Co-Production: Changing How Funding Works for Dorset’s VCS”
- Date: Thursday 13 August 2026
- Time: 11.30
- Location: Online
- Book you free place here
As systems move towards prevention, neighbourhood health and integrated working, traditional funding models are starting to change. This session explores how strategic outcome-based commissioning and genuine co-production could create fairer, more sustainable opportunities for the VCS in Dorset.
We’ll explore:
- What outcome-based commissioning actually means in practice
- Why systems are increasingly focused on outcomes rather than activity
- The role of co-production in designing services and funding models
- How smaller community organisations can demonstrate impact and value
- Why infrastructure support is essential in helping the VCS engage with commissioning processes
- The opportunities and risks for Dorset’s VCS sector
This session will focus on practical understanding rather than procurement jargon — helping organisations understand where things are heading and how to prepare.
Perfect for: VCS leaders, trustees, project managers, infrastructure organisations and groups interested in funding sustainability.
Webinar 3: “How VCS Infrastructure Holds It All Together!”
- Date: Thursday 10 September
- Time: 11.30
- Location: Online
- Book your free place here
Infrastructure organisations play a vital but often unseen role in supporting Dorset’s voluntary and community sector. From helping groups access funding and training, to supporting volunteering, networking, representation and partnership-building — infrastructure helps create the conditions that allow communities to thrive.
This session shines a spotlight on the work of Dorset’s key infrastructure organisations and why they matter now more than ever.
Featuring introductions to:
- Community Action Network (CAN)
- Volunteer Centre Dorset (VCD)
- Dorset Community Action (DCA)
We’ll explore:
- What does VCS Infrastructure mean?
- Why infrastructure support strengthens the entire sector and ICS
- How infrastructure supports neighbourhood health and prevention
- The role infrastructure plays in collaboration, commissioning readiness, governance and system influence
- Why investing in infrastructure ultimately helps communities & public services alike
Perfect for: Any organisation wanting to better understand the wider support landscape across Dorset.
Missed any of our previous webinars? Take a look here.