Voluntary Sector Leadership Group Terms of Reference
Adopted on …………………………………………………………………………………
Aim
This group will work to improve the position of the voluntary and community sector in Derby, to
ensure a thriving sector is able to best meet the needs of the communities of Derby.
Duties and Responsibilities
The group will:
 Advocate for the Sector, promoting it as a means of increasing social inclusion and
reducing poverty
 Represent the Sector at partnership meetings, specifically Derby City and
Neighbourhoods Partnership Leadership Board (DCNP)
 Consider the broad issues faced by the Sector and, where possible, developing
responses to these issues
 Inform the wider sector of proposed developments to support it, from Community
Action and other bodies
 Act as a critical friend to Community Action, ensuring appropriate support services are
being delivered to the sector
 Liaise with the Community Action Board of Trustees to inform the development of
services
Community Action will:
 Take into account all actions suggested by the Voluntary Sector Leadership Group and
will provide clear explanations where suggestions are not progressed
 Respond to all reasonable requests for information agreed by the Voluntary Sector
Leadership Group
 Coordinate and facilitate Voluntary Sector Leadership Group meetings
 Coordinate and facilitate other forms of communications to support the work of the
Voluntary Sector Leadership Group
 Identify resources to ensure this work can be supported on an on-going basis
Any actions identified by the Voluntary Sector Leadership Group can be progressed by any
member of the group. Actions identified for Community Action staff should be agreed with the
Chief Executive of Community Action. Should a conflict arise the Community Action Board of
Trustees are ultimately responsible for the actions of their staff.
Frequency of meetings
The Voluntary Sector Leadership Group will meet no less frequently than once every other
month. Regular contact will be maintained in the interim through the use of electronic
communications. The meetings will be coordinated and supported by the Community Action
staff team, including minute-taking.
Election to the Voluntary Sector Leadership Group, DCNP Leadership Group
There are 8 elected places on the Voluntary Sector Leadership Group 4 of which are taken by
the voluntary and community sector DCNP Leadership Board members.
Each year a minimum of 4 members, including two DCNP Leadership Board members will be
elected by the voluntary and community sector in Derby; thus ensuring that all members sit for
two years. Nominations will be sought through a range of sources, including the Community
Action Membership list, and the independent networks supporting the voluntary sector in
Derby. Individuals will nominate themselves by completing a form to show how they meet the
requirements of the role and will indicate if they wish to be considered for DCNP Leadership
Board in addition to the Voluntary Sector Leadership Group.
The timetable for elections will be:
Action
Nominations open
Nominations close
Hustings and Voting opens
Voting closes
By when
Mid June
End of June
Early July
Two week after it has opened
All voluntary organisations and community groups will be eligible to cast 1 vote.
Those elected will start their membership on 1 September. All Voluntary Sector Leadership
Group members will serve two year terms. Engagement in the Voluntary Sector Leadership
Group is a requirement for voluntary and community sector DCNP Leadership Board
members.
The Voluntary Sector Leadership Group can invite observers to attend the meeting, where
they feel they have a key role to play.
All members are expected to adhere to the duties and responsibilities in these Terms of
Reference and the Requirements for the Voluntary Sector Leadership Group. A commitment
of at least 75% attendance is also required. The Voluntary Sector Leadership Group can
decide to remove any member not fulfilling these duties at any time, by a simple majority vote.
Co-option
In the event of a Voluntary Sector Leadership Group member stepping down or being
removed a new member can be co-opted by agreement of the group. Co-opted members can
not sit on the DCNP Leadership Board.
Decision making
There is a quoracy level of four members required for this meeting. When the Voluntary
Sector Leadership Group is asked to make decisions, these will be based on a consensus of
the 8 elected members; if this is not possible it will be decided by a majority vote of those
present. In the event of a tied vote then the facilitator of the meeting, who does not normally
vote, will be able to.
Changes to Terms of Reference
Any proposed changes to the Terms of Reference will be communicated to all members with a
deadline for responses, and the changes will then be voted on that the next Voluntary Sector
Leadership Group meeting. Any changes that directly impact on the work or priorities of
Community Action will have to be agreed by Community Action before they take effect.
Dissolution
This Voluntary Sector Leadership Group can be dissolved by a vote of 75% of the current
membership and agreement of the Community Action Board of Trustees.