OCVA

Who we are

Oxfordshire Community & Voluntary Action (OCVA) is a countywide charity that supports and champions Oxfordshire’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector. We work alongside community groups, charities, public sector partners and funders to help build strong, resilient communities and a more inclusive local system.

Our role is to connect, support, and influence. We provide advice, training and networks for VCSE organisations, support partnership working across sectors, promote and support volunteering and help ensure that the voices of communities are heard in decision-making. Through our programmes and partnerships, we aim to reduce inequalities, strengthen local capacity and support community-led solutions to local challenges.

We are a small organisation with a wide-ranging brief, working flexibly and collaboratively to respond to emerging needs across Oxfordshire.

Our culture and values

As a small charity, how we work together really matters. We value collaboration, openness and mutual respect, and we aim to create a supportive working environment where everyone feels trusted, listened to and able to contribute.

Our culture is shaped by our organisational values: 

Inclusive
We centre diversity, equality and inclusion in everything we do. We strive to listen, engage and foster a sense of belonging with the diverse people, groups and communities we serve.

Empowering
We learn, experiment, grow and take responsibility for our actions. We build relationships based on mutual trust and support each other and the sector to achieve shared objectives.

Proactive
We use our deep understanding of the VCSE sector to identify opportunities and anticipate challenges. We share knowledge and develop skills so communities and organisations are better equipped to thrive.

Collaborative
We passionately believe we are stronger when we work together. We help build connections and understanding across the sector and with statutory partners, bringing Oxfordshire’s communities together.

We recognise that working in the VCSE sector can be demanding, and we aim to be flexible, realistic and supportive of staff, balancing high standards with compassion and trust.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

OCVA is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, both as an employer and through our work with the VCSE sector and partners. We believe that strong communities are built when everyone has the opportunity to be heard, valued and supported.

We actively work to:

• Challenge inequalities and structural barriers within local systems

• Promote inclusive practice across the voluntary and community sector

• Create a working environment where difference is respected and celebrated

As an employer, we aim to ensure fair recruitment and employment practices, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are underrepresented in the VCSE and public sectors. We have adopted practices including providing interview questions in advance and not requiring applicants to have a degree or a driving licence. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, skills and experiences, and we value transferable skills and lived experience alongside paid work experience.

OCVA is a Disability Confident Committed employer. We encourage applications from disabled people and are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace.