STATEMENT: VAC New Ways of Working

A New Chapter for VAC and Calderdale’s VCSE Sector

VAC is proud to have entered a new and exciting phase as the lead partner for the VSI Support Services contract. This milestone marks more than a change in contract and has given us the opportunity to redesign how Calderdale’s vibrant Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector engage with us – making support more accessible, more integrated, and more impactful. 

With the recent launch of Calderdale’s VCSE Strategy 2024-2029, it is evident that the needs of VCSE organisations have evolved.  The VCSE Strategy, coproduced with the sector, has given VAC clear direction of the way our services need to be delivered now and for the future.

As part of this, the VSI Alliance brand will be phased out and transition into a unified support structure under VAC, whilst still working closely with our VSI Support Contract partners WYCAS, Locality, Calderdale Council and West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB).

Introducing Link Officers:  Connectors to VAC Support

At the core of VAC’s new ways of working is the introduction of Link Officers – dedicated members of our team who will provide person-centred support to VCSE organisations. Whether it’s helping with governance queries, connecting you to suitable funding opportunities, promoting local volunteering and events or simply being a sounding board when you need one, our Link Officers are here to help you thrive.

VAC Link Officers are embedded across all our services and projects, helping the VCSE sector to understand everything VAC and our VSI Support partners offer – and more importantly, how to make the most of it.

One Membership. One Voice. One Sector.

Alongside the introduction of Link Officers, we’re also simplifying how organisations engage with VAC membership. From now on, access to our services will be through one free membership model.

VCSE organisations accessing any of our services will need to be a VAC Member. This new model removes confusion, simplifies access, and strengthens our ability to speak as one voice for the Calderdale sector.

Membership gives you access to our Link Officer support, exclusive networks, events, resources, and the chance to influence our direction as part of our Trustee Board.

What Membership Offers

As a VAC Member, you’ll gain access to:

  • Link Officer support offering dedicated organisational and governance advice tailored to your needs
  • Access to VAC Networks including the Chief Officers Forum and Volunteer Managers Network
  • Early Access to VAC event tickets (VCSE Assembly, Funding Fair etc)
  • Access to VAC Projects including, but not limited to:

– Community Journalist Project

– Cost of Living and Food Poverty

– Business 2 Purpose (B2P) Employer Supported Volunteering

– Engagement Champions

– Quality 4 Health + Wellbeing

– VCSE Advocates Project

  • VAC training programme (free wherever possible but at cost if chargeable)
  • Free promotion of your job vacancies, volunteering roles and events
  • Regular bulletins and newsflashes
  • VAC Member logo to display on your website and email signatures
  • Exclusive member price on VAC Resource Centre room hire, ID badge printing and virtual office services
  • Voting rights at our AGM
  • Opportunity to stand for election as a VAC Trustee- helping shape the future delivery of support for the sector

This new way of working reflects VAC’s commitment to building a stronger, more connected VCSE sector in Calderdale.  Whether you’ve worked with us before or are just getting started, VAC is here with support that meets you where you are, and a membership that brings us all together.

To request support or become a VAC Member, please visit https://www.cvac.org.uk/request-support/

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VAC + Membership

What's included?

You will receive a VAC Member welcome pack with useful information on getting the most out of your membership and a few extra treats!

Every member of VAC will be invited to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and has voting rights for resolutions and proposals either in person or by proxy.

When you sign up to be a VAC Member, you will be assigned a Go-To Contact from the VAC team.

They will be your main point of contact for your membership, helping to answer questions and signposting you to the right place within VAC and/or our partnerships.

We want the VAC membership offer to be responsive to the needs of our members.  Member check ins keep us up to date on your organisation’s news and developments but also on any challenges or support gaps that may be affecting the VCSE sector.

The information we receive during our member check ins will highlight trends and challenges that we can then explore support and solutions for via our membership offer and partnerships with local providers and authorities.

To support VAC members to feel connected and informed, we have created a unique Member Area on the VAC Website.

The online dashboard will keep you and your colleagues up to date on the latest member opportunities, training and news.

The Member Area also has a forum function, allowing VAC Member organisations to interact and support each other.

A quarterly newsletter to keep our members up to date on not only VAC Membership updates and opportunities but also specifically created content on topics of interest to the local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. 

The Bimonthly Member Network is for VAC Members to connect with other VAC Members!

A perfect opportunity to support one another, find out about other local services and explore new collaborative opportunities and partnerships with fellow VAC members.

40% Discount on VAC Room Hire – We offer a range of flexible rooms for hire located in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Our rooms include a fully equipped, large training room with SMART board and flipchart facilities seating up to 25 theatre style, two smaller meeting rooms seating up to 12 and a small office with computer facilities suitable for one-to-one meetings or rent-a-desk.

25% Discount on Virtual Office – Perfect for start ups or smaller organisations, our Virtual Office service offers a postal address, pigeonhole and reception facilities.

25% Discount on ID Badge Printing – Competitively priced to accommodate for smaller orders, our in-house ID Badge service supports both design and printing.

Based on feedback and insight we gain from our members, our training and events offer will complement local infrastructure support training programmes.

All sessions are cost effective and VCSE sector driven.  As a VAC + Member, you will receive a considerable discount on all VAC Training and Events.

VAC Membership

What's included?

You will receive a VAC Member welcome pack with useful information on getting the most out of your membership and a few extra treats!

Every member of VAC will be invited to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and has voting rights for resolutions and proposals either in person or by proxy.

When you sign up to be a VAC Member, you will be assigned a Go-To Contact from the VAC team.

They will be your main point of contact for your membership, helping to answer questions and signposting you to the right place within VAC and/or our partnerships.

We want the VAC membership offer to be responsive to the needs of our members.  Member check ins keep us up to date on your organisation’s news and developments but also on any challenges or support gaps that may be affecting the VCSE sector. 

The information we receive during our member check ins will highlight trends and challenges that we can then explore support and solutions for via our membership offer and partnerships with local providers and authorities.

To support VAC members to feel connected and informed, we have created a unique Member Area on the VAC Website.

The online dashboard will keep you and your colleagues up to date on the latest member opportunities, training and news.

The Member Area also has a forum function, allowing VAC Member organisations to interact and support each other.

A quarterly newsletter to keep our members up to date on not only VAC Membership updates and opportunities but also specifically created content on topics of interest to the local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. 

The Bimonthly Member Network is for VAC Members to connect with other VAC Members!

A perfect opportunity to support one another, find out about other local services and explore new collaborative opportunities and partnerships with fellow VAC members.

20% Discount on VAC Room Hire – We offer a range of flexible rooms for hire located in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Our rooms include a fully equipped, large training room with SMART board and flipchart facilities seating up to 25 theatre style, two smaller meeting rooms seating up to 12 and a small office with computer facilities suitable for one-to-one meetings or rent-a-desk.

Competitive rate on ID Badge Printing – Competitively priced to accommodate for smaller orders, our in-house ID Badge service supports both design and printing.

Based on feedback and insight we gain from our members, our training and events offer will complement local infrastructure support training programmes.

All sessions are cost effective and VCSE sector driven.