Chief Executive Officer

A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen at Voluntary Organisations' Network North East (VONNE). We are seeking a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation through our next period of development.  

VONNE is a membership organisation and the regional support body for the North East Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. Our mission is to support the development and sustainability of a strong, effective, and well-governed VCSE sector, and promote engagement, involvement and collaboration with the sector as a valued partner. Through a broad range of projects, partnerships and services, we exist to strengthen and support charitable organisations across the region. We use a collective voice to represent our 1,400+ member organisations through our involvement in a number of regional and national networks.  

At VONNE, we’re passionate about the work that we do and the impact it has on both the sector and the region. Our incredible staff understand the sector and listen to the needs of our members to build strong, thematic projects and partnerships that inspire, educate, engage and ultimately strengthen the North East VCSE sector. We’re looking for a leader who shares this commitment and passion for both the region and the sector, someone who can build connections in meaningful ways, ensuring the sector is stronger and better working together.  

Currently, there is an even greater need for a regional VCSE voice in the North East given the significant challenges the sector is experiencing. These challenges are driven by the increase in inequalities in our communities, compared with other regions, the impact of the cost of living crisis and the corresponding reductions in VCSE investment via public funding.  

However, this is also an exciting time for VONNE as an organisation with opportunities for increasing our voice and influence created through changes in economic, environmental and political structures in the region. We have a positive reputation with many stakeholders and sectors and we are now looking for an experienced and dynamic leader to maximise those opportunities and ensure the VCSE is an equal partner in creating a better future for the North East.  

Our new Chief Executive will:  

• lead the organisation and board through a review of our aims and development;  
• implement a refreshed long term strategy; 
• identify new areas for growth; 
• develop and strengthen strategic partnerships; 
• build greater representation of our sector and region; 
• respond to the needs of our members and the wider VCSE in the North East. 

If this role is of interest, we encourage you to download the Candidate Pack, and get in touch if you’d like any more information.  

The closing date for applications is 22nd February 2024 at 12pm, with interviews being held on 7th and 8th of March 2024.