The Dorset Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly (VCSA) is seeking new Board Members to join our Governance Board and help us strengthen the collective voice of the VCSE across Dorset.
Due to recent developments and the continued growth of our work, we now have several vacancies for individuals who are passionate about Dorset’s communities and who want to play an active role in shaping how the voluntary and community sector works in partnership with Dorset’s Integrated Care System (ICS) and other key agencies.
About Dorset VCSA
We are all part of Dorset’s Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) — supporting one another, building connections, and improving lives. The VCSA exists to ensure that every voice within this diverse sector is heard and valued.
Our mission is built around four key pillars:
- Communication – enabling open dialogue and sharing of information across the sector.
- Representation – amplifying the diverse voices of voluntary and community organisations.
- Engagement – creating meaningful opportunities for participation and shared decision-making.
- Collaboration – building strong partnerships across the VCS, statutory, and private sectors to achieve lasting positive change.
Together, these pillars underpin a connected, representative, and collaborative VCS that can respond effectively to local needs and opportunities.
About the Board
The Dorset VCSA Governance Board is made up of individuals who bring experience, integrity, and insight from across the VCS.
Board Members act in a personal capacity — representing the sector as a whole rather than their individual organisations — and work to ensure that the Assembly operates transparently, inclusively, and in line with its values.
The Board currently meets monthly, overseeing the Assembly’s work programme and providing strategic leadership to guide its growth and partnerships.
Who We’re Looking For
We are particularly interested in hearing from people who:
- Have experience working in or with smaller organisations, culturally different backgrounds, heritage, rural communities, or groups supporting older people, homeless individuals, or people with mental health needs or disabilities.
- Bring knowledge, skills, or lived experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Strategic direction and leadership
- Financial oversight
- Stakeholder and partnership representation
- Governance and organisational development
- Equality, diversity, and inclusion
We welcome applications from across Dorset’s voluntary and community landscape and encourage interest from individuals who may not have previously held a Board role but who bring valuable experience and insight from their communities or specialist areas.
What’s Involved
- Voluntary role (reasonable travel expenses reimbursed)
- Approx. 10–12 meetings per year (mix of online and in-person)
- Initial term of three years (renewable)
- Full induction and ongoing support provided
The Role and Skills Description document can be viewed and downloaded here.
How to Apply
To apply, please download and complete the Board Member Application Form and submit it with two short letters of support from individuals within Dorset’s VCSE sector via email to: adam.martel@dorsetvcsa.co.uk
If you would like to find out more about the role or arrange an informal discussion, please contact: adam.martel@dorsetvcsa.co.uk
Closing date: Thursday 21st November 2025
Interviews: Week commencing 1st December 2025
Join us and help ensure Dorset’s voluntary and community sector continues to be a powerful and united voice for positive change.