West Yorkshire Launches New VCSE Advisory Group

Opportunity for VCSE Leaders to Influence Regional Strategy

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has announced the formation of a new Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Advisory Group. This group is intended to provide a platform for VCSE sector leaders to collaborate directly with Mayor Tracy Brabin and senior officials, contributing to strategic decisions affecting the region.

Purpose and Role of the Advisory Group

The VCSE Advisory Group will work alongside the Mayor and Combined Authority leadership to co-design priorities impacting transport, inclusive growth, climate action, and community wellbeing across West Yorkshire. Members will serve as a bridge between the VCSE sector and policymakers, ensuring that the sector’s expertise and community needs are reflected in regional strategies.

Membership and Representation

The group will consist of representatives from across West Yorkshire’s VCSE sector, including:

• Provider Representatives: Five places, one per district (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield). These representatives should be leaders of community groups, co-operatives, or social enterprises, particularly with knowledge of transport issues affecting local communities.
• Thematic Representatives: Three pan-regional roles focusing on:
  • Funding expertise to advise on investment strategies and resource allocation.
  • Equalities advocacy to promote inclusive practices and diversity.
  • Community wellbeing, with experience in health, social care, and resilience.

Commitments and Support

Members will be expected to attend quarterly meetings, each lasting about two hours. Beyond meetings, they will contribute to shaping policies and representing the sector’s collective voice. The Combined Authority will provide mentoring and training opportunities to support members in their roles.

Context and Importance

Devolution has granted West Yorkshire new powers and resources to address local challenges. The VCSE sector plays a crucial role in understanding community needs and delivering services. This Advisory Group aims to embed community perspectives and sector expertise into the Combined Authority’s decision-making processes, influencing areas such as:

• Transport networks
• Inclusive economic growth
• Climate action
• Community development and wellbeing

Application Details

Applications for the VCSE Advisory Group are open until 5pm on Friday 13 February 2026. Interviews will be held on 6 and 12 March 2026.

Further information, including the role description and person specification, is available on the Combined Authority’s website: https://bit.ly/49wYCix

Applications can be submitted here: https://bit.ly/3LOe40m

For enquiries about the Advisory Group, interested parties can contact the West Yorkshire Combined Authority at VCSEAdvisory@westyorks-ca.gov.uk.