We’re looking for a researcher to undertake research into the infrastructure needs of the VCSE sector in Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire has a diverse and rich VCSE sector, which collectively provides a high level of services in areas such as health prevention, social care, and all-age activities and services from hyper local community groups to communities and individuals based throughout the county. However, the voices we hear and see in the evidence so far are often from the medium/large VCSE organisations.

CFO and Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA) are seeking an independent supplier/s to proactively engage with this key part of the VCSE sector (with the support of our staff) to use community research techniques to connect with the county’s micro/small VCSE organisations and medium/large VCSE organisations where they play a key part in infrastructure support. This work is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

MORE INFORMATION AND HOW TO APPLY

There are two contracts available – both may be carried out by the same (preferred option) or a different supplier. The deadline for applications is 21 June:

– Contract 1 – Infrastructure Needs Research Report: maximum contract value = £15,625 (incl. VAT)

– Contract 2 – Infrastructure Framework and Delivery Model = £5,000 (incl. VAT)

The lead organisation is CFO, which has overall management responsibilities for this project. CFO will work with OCVA to support the research project work.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse based organisations have until 1 July to apply for funding under the councils’ latest rounds of Rural England Prosperity Funding (REPF).

REPF offers up to £75,000 of capital funding for projects that help to support the rural economy and rural communities. Funding categories are:

• Capital grants for small scale investment in micro and small enterprises in rural areas
• Capital grants for growing the local social economy and supporting innovation
• Capital grants for investment in capacity building and infrastructure support for local civil society and community groups

Funding can be used for a variety of projects, from farm diversification, business infrastructure & equipment, to community energy schemes and much more. For full details, organisations are encouraged to visit the councils’ websites at:

Vale: www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/vale-of-white-horse-district-council/business-and-economy/advice-for-businesses/rural-england-prosperity-fund/

South: www.southoxon.gov.uk/south-oxfordshire-district-council/business-and-economy/advice-for-businesses/rural-england-prosperity-fund/

For enquiries, please contact the councils’ Economic Development team via: [email protected].