Infrastructure body restructures top team as it seeks charity registration

A west of England charity infrastructure body has restructured its leadership team as it looks to formally establish itself as a registered charity.

Torbay, Plymouth and Devon VCSE Assembly is making the move after being set up four years ago by a collective of local charities and voluntary sector leaders.

It also follows its securing of funding from NHS Devon for the next five years in areas including prevention, patients moving from hospital to community support, and digital improvements.

“In response to increasing demand for VCSE leadership and representation, the Assembly is now progressing plans to become a registered charity, creating a stronger and more sustainable foundation for its future work,” it said.

It is hoped that this transition to charity status will be completed by the end of the summer.

The Assembly has set up an interim trustee board, which is chaired by Libraries Unlimited chief executive Alex Kittow.

Its current independent chair Diana Crump and deputy chair Julia Boas are to transition into the roles of chief executive and director of operations respectively.

Additional roles are expected as the organisation develops, it said.

Planned activity as a charity includes creating a grant scheme to support smaller VCSE organisations, launching a strategic fundraising function, and the development of a “brokerage framework to improve access to statutory funding opportunities”.

“There are approximately 9,000 VCSEs across Torbay, Plymouth and Devon, which include charities, community interest companies, social enterprises and community groups,” said Crump.

“The sector has a hugely skilled, professional workforce, who deliver vital services to those most in need, often supported by committed and experienced volunteers.”

She added that the long term funding commitment from NHS Devon “will help ensure that the skills and expertise of our staff and volunteers can continue to benefit our local Devon communities for many years to come”.

Kittow added: “Becoming a registered charity is an important next step in our development, creating a strong foundation for the Assembly’s future and enabling us to build on the work already underway.”