Unique Position

Voluntary and Community Action is in the unique position of being able to provide:

• staff with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to provide support that is tailored to the needs of local voluntary organisations and community groups;
• an understanding of local communities and a knowledge of the local environment and the voluntary and community sector in Bedfordshire;
• independent and confidential advice and guidance.

Most community activity takes place within a neighbourhood, parish, locality or within a community of interest spread over a wider area. Appropriate and accessible support needs to be provided to individuals and community groups as and when they need it. While this support can come from a range of different bodies; operating locally, regionally and nationally; including specialist umbrella bodies, local authorities, regional agencies and other local development agencies, we believe Voluntary and Community Action is also an organisation that is:

• voluntary and community sector owned and led;
• open, accessible, participative and consultative;
• empowering, facilitative and collaborative;
• representative and accountable;
• committed to continuous improvement, needs led and outcome focused;
• pro-active and flexible to respond to new needs and opportunities.