Communities 1st

Who we are

Communities 1st is an established local infrastructure organisation based in Hertfordshire. We work across multiple districts as both the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) and Volunteer Centre, providing essential support to hundreds of local charities, voluntary groups, and social enterprises.

We also deliver more than 70 community projects and services, ranging from transport and digital inclusion to health and wellbeing, employment support, and social prescribing. Our work spans frontline delivery and strategic development, enabling us to meet local needs while helping to shape the bigger picture.

By bringing together voluntary organisations, statutory services, and residents, we help build stronger communities and more effective local systems. Whether supporting a fledgling group to get off the ground, running a local befriending service, or advising the NHS on community engagement, we are driven by practical action and a belief in people’s potential.

Our culture and values

We are a values-led organisation with a practical mission: to support people and groups to achieve better outcomes for themselves and their communities.

Our team is made up of experienced individuals from across the charity, public, and private sectors. We are known for getting things done, responding quickly to challenges, and working with integrity.

Our structure supports flexible working, and our staff are trusted to take responsibility for their own work, while being part of a wider organisation that values cross-team learning, clear communication, and shared goals.

We value trust, purpose, and action. Our work is underpinned by the following principles:

• People-first: We design our services around the people and communities we serve.
• Accountable: We take responsibility and deliver what we say we will.
• Practical: We focus on what works — always aiming to be helpful, responsive, and relevant.
• Respectful: We treat our team, partners, and communities with fairness and dignity.
• Forward-thinking: We adapt, learn, and improve, always looking ahead to where we can make the most difference.

We work in a fast-paced environment, but with a strong commitment to wellbeing and personal development.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Communities 1st is committed to being a fair and supportive employer. We are a Disability Confident Employer and are working towards becoming a Disability Confident Leader.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, life experiences, and identities. Our EDI approach is active — not just a policy on paper — and we are continually learning from the people we work with and for.

We monitor and review our recruitment, service design, and delivery practices to reduce barriers and ensure we reflect the diverse communities we serve.