Dorset Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly

Published on 19 July, 2024

CAN was instrumental in co-designing the Dorset Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly (VCSA) and recruiting the Governance board. We were central to the operating model. In August 2023, the Governance Board changed the operating model, meaning we were no longer involved.  

They have now updated their website. From this, we understand they aspire to greater representation of issues that the VCS experiences, create stronger connections within the VCS, and facilitate increased networking and collaboration within the VCS and with partners from other sectors in the community. 

We’re heartened they seek not to duplicate existing services, but use what’s already working as far as possible, and only create additional activities where they are needed.  

Dorset’s local infrastructure charities including Community Action Network, also aspire to these outcomes. CAN as a membership charity commissioned by both Councils, the NHS and Public Health, successfully carry out most of this work through our Board of Trustees, Membership, Networks, VCS Involvement Partners, our core work and additional projects. We represent the sector on several boards and meetings, including the South West Regional Meeting, BCP Council Health and Wellbeing Board, Dorset and BCP Council ‘Community Connection’ meetings and BCP Council Early Help Partnership Board. On behalf of the sector, we attend Dorset Integrated Care Service (Our Dorset) meetings including Engagement Leads, Quality Improvement, Mental Health and Wellbeing and more …  

We are hopeful that no duplication or dilution of existing services will occur, and we stand ready with our colleagues to work with the VCSA.

Martin Broad – CAN Chair of Trustees  

Karen Loftus – CAN Chief Executive