Regional Network Lead | North of England
Posted on: 25 June 2026
36 hours per week
Location: Manchester, England
Contract: Fixed Term subject to external funding and performance
About the role: Active Communities Network has launched a new project, The ACN Way, which is being delivered across the UK. The project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund for five years, having started on 1 October 2024. It will build a network of 500 groups that are better connected, unified, and more vocal, with the aim of being actively involved in decision‑making and better understood by policy makers and commissioners.
The Regional Network Lead will work with voluntary and community sector groups operating in North of England. The role involves specialist mentoring to organisational leaders and capacity‑building services to improve the skills, confidence, and positioning of youth and community groups that lack a voice. The post will support connections to others and broader systems, and work with strategic bodies, elected representatives, and funders to drive transformative system change based on a locality- and person‑centred approach. The post holder is expected to provide specialist support to 20 groups per annum in the region, developing organisational development action plans and leadership development.
Duties and Accountabilities
- Develop and maintain relationships with grassroots groups who join the network to ensure they are supported.
- Work alongside each grassroots group to develop tailored organisational development action plans and leadership development, providing specialist mentoring to identify areas where organisations can be supported with training and development.
- Organise network events within the region with the aim of expanding the network and connecting groups.
- Manage multiple stakeholder relationships within the region, adapting to meet stakeholder needs.
- Work with the wider UK team and organisational partners to ensure groups receive the best support suitable to them.
- Continuously work with local stakeholders to understand changes within the local landscape that might impact on network groups, and adapt support as required.
Essential experience / knowledge
- A minimum of 3 years’ experience of working within the VCS at a senior/leadership level, therefore being able to ‘lead by example’.
- Strong connections in the region across multi‑disciplines and proven ability at brokering and connecting groups.
- Previously delivered capacity building work, including mentoring organisational leaders.
- Track record in sustaining and building the strengths of local groups.
- Worked strategically with funders, statutory bodies, commissioners and decision‑makers to make positive change for the VCS.
- Demonstrated experience in measuring, monitoring, evaluating and communicating impact at a programme and community level.
- Managed a case load of VCS groups with diverse needs, experiences and development.
Essential skills and abilities
- Extensive knowledge of the VCS in the North of England and key challenges faced by operational staff and organisational leaders.
- Broad understanding and experience of working with VCS groups from infancy through to well‑developed.
- Strong understanding and mastery of delivery models that support vulnerable young people, communities and residents.
- Ability to manage diverse and multiple stakeholder relationships from ministerial level to grassroots volunteers.
- Good business acumen and ability to interpret and manage all aspects of developing a grassroots VCS group.
- Working knowledge of how to connect, where to connect, and how to offer valuable practical advice and guidance to groups.
- Ability to interpret and speak on behalf of others with clarity, honesty and integrity to ensure a true voice and representation for grassroots groups in the targeted areas.
Additional information
- Requires an enhanced DBS check in accordance with Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures.
- 6 months probationary period, extendable on performance and secured funding.
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