The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector has a vital role to play in ensuring the benefits of devolution reach communities across West Yorkshire.
To support this, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, local authorities and place-based Local Infrastructure Organisations are working in partnership to establish a new West Yorkshire VCSE Advisory Group. The group will act as advocates, champions and ambassadors for the VCSE sector at a regional level.
Purpose of the Advisory Group
The Advisory Group will act as the VCSE sector’s strategic point of contact with the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Its focus will be on contributing VCSE insight and leadership across the region’s key strategic ambitions, including:
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An integrated transport system that works for our region
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A regional economy that delivers inclusive growth
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Tackling the climate emergency by creating a net zero carbon region
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Creating safe, cohesive and thriving communities
Who can apply
The group is seeking dynamic, forward-looking VCSE leaders to work alongside representation from West Yorkshire’s five place-based Local Infrastructure Organisations:
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Voluntary Action Leeds
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Third Sector Leaders Kirklees
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Community Action Bradford & District
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Voluntary & Community Calderdale
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Nova Wakefield District
Together, this will form a 13-member Advisory Group.
Provider representative roles (5 places)
Five provider representative roles are available, with one additional representative per West Yorkshire district.
You may be suitable if you:
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Lead a neighbourhood-based community group, co-operative or social enterprise
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Have specialist knowledge aligned to Combined Authority priorities, such as transport, inclusive growth or climate
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Have experience delivering community transport services, or links to local transport networks
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Are willing to engage with regional policy and partnership work on behalf of the wider VCSE sector
What is expected of representatives
All appointed members will be expected to:
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Act as an ambassador, champion and advocate for the VCSE sector
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Champion equity, diversity and inclusion
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Prioritise attendance, attending at least three out of four quarterly meetings
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Commit time for preparation, insight gathering and feedback to the sector
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Act as a visible conduit between the Advisory Group and VCSE partners
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Co-design a shared work programme shaping the sector’s strategic relationship with the Combined Authority
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Uphold agreed regional working principles, values and behaviours
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Manage conflicts of interest appropriately and represent the whole sector, not individual organisations
The group will not be involved in commissioning or funding decisions.
Support available
Membership is voluntary. To enable participation and remove barriers, a support package will be available, including:
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Mentoring opportunities
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Training and development support
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Support for early-stage VCSE leaders with strong potential
How to apply
To apply, organisations should complete the online Expression of Interest form.
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Deadline: 5pm on Friday 13 February 2026
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to take part in the next stages of the selection process.
Online group discussions (if required):
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Provider representatives: Tuesday 3 March
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Thematic representatives: Wednesday 4 March
In-person interviews (Leeds):
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Provider representative roles: Friday 6 March 2026 (afternoon)
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Thematic representative roles: Thursday 12 March 2026 (afternoon)
Further information
If you have questions about the opportunity, please contact:
[email protected]
