Who We Are
VANS is the infrastructure support link for the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector across North Somerset. Set up in 1997 originally as the volunteer agency for North Somerset.
We have three overarching functions:
- Support to the third sector – information, advice and guidance around governance. Sector-led training and best practice, especially when it comes to volunteer management and funding support. Representation for the sector and facilitation of sector-led forums.
- Volunteer-led initiatives – alongside the North Somerset online volunteer centre, VANS leads on the recruitment, coordination and management of volunteers in formal settings, including children’s centres, community health and community resilience.
- Facilitated projects – we intend not to duplicate any project or programme delivery taking place in the community across North Somerset but pick up where we see gaps in provision or market failure that cannot be addressed by existing organisations.
VANS will always look to work in partnership to develop in these areas, to maximise outcomes for people here.
Our vision
Everyone in North Somerset will be encouraged and supported to engage in some form of volunteering, supporting people in communities around them, whilst enhancing their own health and well-being.
Our mission
To represent, develop and empower the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector in North Somerset to be at the forefront of positive social change and development.