Place Partnership Lead - Building Connections

Contract: Fixed Term until 31st August 2029, with extension dependent on funding and performance

Do you build trust easily, love bringing people together, and want to help shape stronger, more connected communities in the Forest of Dean?

FVAF (Forest Voluntary Action Forum) is looking for a passionate and proactive Place Partnership Lead to help local organisations, community buildings, volunteers and residents in Cinderford and Mitcheldean come together to collaborate, connect, and thrive.

As part of our Building Connections: People, Place & Partnership programme, you'll work closely with community spaces, VCSE organisations, statutory partners and residents to develop sustainable, community-owned Hub spaces that act as welcoming social anchors, shaped by the people who use them.

The Role

• Build and maintain positive relationships with community buildings, resident groups, parish councils, VCSE organisations and statutory partners across Cinderford and Mitcheldean.
• Convene and facilitate place-based partnership meetings, forums and collaborative networks.
• Support community buildings to develop governance, leadership and community engagement, helping them move towards a community-owned Hub model.
• Work alongside residents and volunteers to ensure local people shape plans, activities and decisions, particularly those experiencing loneliness or isolation.
• Support the design, promotion and administration of Community Chest funding, helping local groups develop ideas and applications.
• Capture learning and share examples of good practice across the Forest of Dean and wider partnership networks.

Who We're Looking For

• Experience of partnership development, community development, community engagement or stakeholder management.
• A proven ability to build productive relationships across multiple sectors and communities.
• Confidence facilitating meetings, groups, networks or collaborative projects.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• An understanding of loneliness and social isolation, and of co-production or asset-based community development approaches.
• A collaborative, empowering and community-centred approach, and a genuine commitment to inclusion and equity.

Experience working with community buildings, small grants administration, or within the VCSE sector is a bonus — but your values and enthusiasm matter just as much.

How to Apply

It's easy! Visit our website to read the full job description and download the application form by clicking on Apply Now.

For an informal discussion about this role contact Chris Brown via the email address to the right of this advert.