VCS Support Team
What is the role of the VCS Support team?
The main role of the VCS Support is to deliver training and events and provide one-to-one support appointments for our members. We also support BAME-led groups in tackling inequalities and influencing decision-makers through our REACH network and Latin American Network.
What do you cover in your one-to-one appointments?
Our VCS support service will develop a support plan tailored to meet our members’ needs.
We offer support on a wide range of topics, including governance, policies and procedures, and reviewing funding applications. We can also support groups to find grant opportunities using our funding database. For organisations seeking to grow and considering incorporation, we can provide guidance on various organisational structures (e.g., CICs, CIOs, etc.).
Community Southwark members are entitled to up to 5 hours of support per year. You can choose how to use your hours—weekly, fortnightly, or as half-day sessions (subject to agreement).
Please note that our services are designed to guide and support groups in the right direction. We don’t fill out applications for groups, but we do review them and offer suggestions to help improve and strengthen them for the future. You are the expert on your services, and our role is to help you strengthen and present them clearly and comprehensively. The more you engage and contribute, the more value you’ll gain from it.
Am I eligible for an appointment?
You will need to register as an ‘organisation member’ (click here) and meet our eligibility criteria. Our criteria are for voluntary and community groups to be not-for-profits and actively operating in Southwark.
Signing up as an ‘individual member’ to our e-bulletins and networks does not give you membership status.
We do not support start-ups. By start-ups, we mean groups or individuals not yet delivering services, even if they plan to incorporate.
Our services are primarily designed to help established groups become more sustainable, including grassroots groups.
We reserve the right to cancel appointments for groups who are not registered.
What types of training and events do you deliver?
In the last 12 months, we have delivered:
- Fundraising workshops (e.g. bid-writing, preparing a budget, different income streams such as crowdfunding, creating a fundraising strategy, meet the funders etc.) and a fundraising conference where we invited over 15 funders to share their insights.
- Leadership series (e.g. public speaking, negotiation etc.)
- Personal Development (e.g., how to be an effective facilitator, managing challenging behaviours and more).
- Building capacity workshops (e.g. governance, developing a business plan, organisational development).
- Networking events (Neighbourhood networking, partnership working).
- Networks:
-
- Latin American Network
- Southwark’s Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage (R.E.A.C.H) Alliance
- Safeguarding Network
- Grassroots
This is not an exhaustive list. We offer a wide range of in-person and online services throughout the year. Upcoming sessions are promoted on our What’s On page and in our monthly training and events e-bulletin, which also features workshops from partners such as Superhighways.
How can I get involved with the Neworks?
For Southwark’s Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage (R.E.A.C.H) Alliance, Safeguarding Network and Grassroots, you can join by signing up here. For Latin American Network please contact David@communitysouthwark.org.
Are there any costs involved?
Our services are offered free of charge to our members. However, delivering these services involves real costs, including staff time for planning and facilitation, venue hire, catering, and materials. You can support us by attending sessions on time or notifying us in advance if you’re unable to attend. Consistent engagement helps us maintain the quality and availability of our services. Repeated non-attendance or lack of participation may affect the level of support we’re able to provide.
Do you offer any other services?
In addition to our core work, we produce a monthly training and events e-bulletin, as well as a funding e-bulletin, which you can subscribe to here. We also manage and update our funding database regularly. Beyond these, we occasionally take on seasonal projects through our consultancy work, alongside managing our day-to-day operational responsibilities.
Feedback
One-to-one
“Raks is very kind and knowledgeable, the session with her was very informative. Thanks for the support!”
“A very informative session. Thank you Hugh for listening, advising, supporting and for your patience.”
“Betty listened, was understanding and gave helpful advice. Thanks Betty.”
Workshops
“I wish I’d heard Hugh’s presentation and the demystification of Governance years ago. I appreciated Hugh’s clear and grounded presentation.” [Governance workshop]
“Clear explanations of the basics of funding and the many options available.” [Fundraising strategy workshop]
“I have a clear idea now of what to do and how to structure my business plan which will enable me to go for funding.” [Preparing for the next steps in your organisation’s development workshop]
Events
“It was extremely well planned with a great balance of presentations, networking and exercises. I learnt a lot more about Southwark wonderful organisations. Thank you.” [Network with Purpose, Connect with Impact event, 2025]
“This event was genuinely useful in not only providing a platform for structured conversation around supporting important VCS organisations in the borough, but also through providing a relaxed environment to meet some funders directly, which is an invaluable help.” [Funding Conference, 2025]