About Us
VANS is the voluntary sector infrastructure link for North Somerset, meaning that we provide support, advice and guidance to third sector organisations including charities, voluntary and community groups and social enterprises based and delivering here.
We provide representation on behalf of the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector (VCFSE) at strategic meetings with commissioners and statutory providers. We are registered members of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and adhere to the standards and practices of all national local infrastructure organisations (LIO’s).
As the accredited volunteer centre through NAVCA, the National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service, VANS promotes volunteering opportunities through our online volunteer centre and brokers links between individuals seeking to volunteer and local vacancies.
We directly facilitate volunteer initiatives (including children centres volunteers and community health settings) and provide consultancy to meet demand within the sector and address market failure.