As an umbrella VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) organisation we have over 600 local organisations who are our members. We support, nurture and advocate for local communities, and create partnerships that make a difference on the ground.
We aim to amplify the power of the VCSE sector, and campaign for increased recognition, resources and systematic change.
To see a thriving, inclusive and strong VCSE sector that unites, supports, inspires, and empowers individuals and communities driving transformative change towards an equitable society.
Our purpose is to ensure the VCSE sector thrives and delivers in response to local needs. We facilitate solutions to community issues, overcoming challenges and advocating for impactful, sustainable change – benefiting each person, each organisation and every community we serve.
Jackie has forty years’ experience across the fields of Housing, Community Development, Arts Development, Sports Development, Youth Services and Higher Education. Over her career, she has worked for charities, colleges and a range of local authorities to help instigate positive change in communities. Her last role was the Head of Community Investment at Town and Country Housing (Peabody) Group and was the Chief Officer for Town and Country’s charitable Foundation – a post she has held since December 2006. Jackie was a key asset in the growth of this foundation, from establishing the charity, its business plan, and associated funding. The Foundation delivered a wide range of investment initiatives as well as wider neighbourhood regeneration programmes.
Since 2018, Jackie has worked across the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and the Housing Association with a focus on economic inclusion and employment. During the pandemic she led on the co-ordination of the VCSE response. She was previously a trustee of Community Development Exchange, a national body which aims to promote social justice and drive through positive improvements in people’s everyday life via the community development approach. She was also a Trustee for Architecture for Humanity who provide pro bono support to building projects across the Third World. Jackie’s key experience is in delivering ‘genuine’ resident involvement and the co-design of services. She has spent her career and her voluntary life working with individuals and communities to make a difference and her track record includes the establishment of award-winning charities, social enterprises, innovative partnerships and community assets.
For the last four years Jackie has been CEO of Voluntary Action in Arun and Chichester, a membership organisation that supports 650 VCSE organisations across the districts, and that works to ensure that the VCSE is resourced and represented at a strategic level.
Sharon is Head of Operations and Membership Services Manager for VAAC, bringing 20 years of experience in the voluntary sector. She has a strong understanding of the needs of community and voluntary organisations and is committed to supporting them to operate effectively, connect with the right resources, and strengthen their impact. In her role, Sharon helps ensure that VAAC’s services run smoothly and that members receive responsive, practical support. Her experience across the sector gives her valuable insight into partnership working and the day-to-day challenges faced by local organisations.
In her spare time, she enjoys walking her dog, cooking and spending quality time with family and friends.
After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, I built my experience across audit in accountancy practices and financial control in business combined with delivery of training before moving into the charity sector. At VAAC I look after all aspects of finance, helping to ensure our resources are managed effectively. I also enjoy supporting members with finance-related queries, signposting to training, guidance and practical resources. I'm passionate about making finance accessible and understandable - I believe there is no such thing as a silly question. My aim is to demystify finance and provide clear, practical advice that helps charities make informed decisions.
Outside of work I enjoy reading and researching women's history and discovering the stories of remarkable women whose stories deserve to be better known.
I’m the Community Community Health Engagement Manager and have been with VAAC for about four and a half years. It’s role that is always developing and changing with new health equity and engagement projects coming down the line. I love the variety of the job and the old cliché of no two days are the same really is true in this case. I love that I get to meet so many groups and people too.
My background is broadly in community development and engagement but it all started off with an environmental focus. I have a degree in physical geography from university of Bristol and started off volunteering for organisations such as Sussex Wildlife Trust and Friends of the Earth. I’ve worked for very small community recycling organisations in London and for national charities such as Women’s Environmental Network and the Ramblers where I worked on the pilot of what is now their Wellbeing Walks programme.
It quickly became apparent to me that projects that are good for our environment also have benefits in terms of poverty alleviation and health inequalities. This career pivot lend me to a job with Portsmouth City Council managing their Community Allotment as part of the Healthy Towns initiative, followed by working at Havant Borough Council in the Community Team there assisting group with organising community events.
In my spare time I can be found out walking and cycling with family or more often that not with a needle in my hand engaged in some kind of hand craft; cross stitch, English Paper piecing or bag making.
I’m Nina, VAAC’s Fundraising and Investment Officer. I’ve been with VAAC for 11 years - supporting Members working on a 1:1 basis providing practical advice on funding sources, bid writing, governance, legal structures and start-up support. I also help groups build their confidence, capacity and resilience so they can create lasting impact in their communities. Before joining the charity sector, I worked in marketing, communications and business development roles across destination marketing, museums and art galleries and Chamber of Commerce. This diverse background enables me to combine creative thinking and fundraising expertise to support organisations at every stage of their journey. I’m passionate about helping local organisations achieve their potential and make a real difference in the communities they serve. When I’m not working… you’ll find me at the gym, in the garden, following the cricket, dabbling in herbalism, volunteering and going to live gigs.
Nina joined VAAC as a Volunteer and Community Development Officer in 2026. Originally from Ukraine, she moved to the UK following the full-scale invasion and became actively involved in volunteering, supporting new arrivals. She later joined VAAC as a Ukrainian Volunteering Coordinator, working closely with local Ukrainian community and voluntary groups before taking up her current role.
Passionate about the power of volunteering, Nina believes in a win-win approach and enjoys helping people find meaningful ways to get involved in their communities and have fun and supporting local charities and community groups to build happy, successful volunteer teams.
As VAAC's Training, Networking and Events Officer, I coordinate training, networking opportunities and resources that help strengthen and support the voluntary sector. Drawing on extensive experience in administration, training coordination and event management across the not-for-profit sector, I enjoy connecting people, sharing learning and helping organisations flourish. Outside of work, I love exploring new places with my family, practising Pilates and keeping active at the gym.
Starting out as a research engineer having gained a doctorate in engineering, I spent most of my career working for a global filtration and separations company. In addition, being involved in volunteering throughout my life led me to a year in Japan working with a Seafarers charity as well as assisting teachers in a US school whilst living there for 2 years. Back in the UK I became a patient companion at my local hospice until world events changed. Setting up and chairing of local community groups became my focus to help out in the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukrainian refugee crisis and latterly the cost -of-living crisis along with initiatives such as CPR/AED training. I am delighted to support VAAC’s work within the voluntary sector in the area it serves.
Vice Chair
Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse, I then volunteered as a lecturer and consultant with Voluntary Service Overseas in Tanzania. On my return I worked for a charitable housing association before joining Belong, a not-for-profit care provider in the North West, as Finance Director then Chief Executive, including a period as Chair of the National Care Forum’s Finance Forum. I also currently act as a trustee for two other charities and as an independent examiner. I am delighted to be involved with VAAC, which provides such valuable support for so many charities.
After many years in the corporate environment I now concentrate my focus entirely within the VCSE using and transferring all my skills to work as a Trustee and operational volunteer with many different charities to help make a difference, specifically around strategy and process optimisation, fundraising but will turn my hand to most things as long as it will make a positive difference.
After a successful career in commercial leadership, I found myself looking for something more meaningful. Although volunteering in the VCSE sector wasn't an obvious next step for a qualified engineer and Chartered Manager, becoming a trustee at VAAC and volunteering with Carers Support West Sussex has been incredibly rewarding.
I’ve discovered a real sense of purpose, working alongside inspiring people who are dedicated to supporting their communities despite the challenges they face. Their passion, commitment, and kindness have shown me the very best of humanity.
Outside of volunteering, I enjoy spending time with my family, yoga, socialising and I've just started a dressmaking course at Chichester College.
Looking back, I never imagined my career would lead me here, but I’m grateful it did. If you're thinking about becoming a trustee or volunteer, my advice is simple: go for it.
Jeff is a trustee of VAAC, supporting its work with local community organisations. He has more than 30 years’ experience in information technology and brings expertise in AI, digital strategy, organisational change, governance and cybersecurity. He is especially interested in how charities and community groups can use technology in practical, helpful ways — making everyday tasks simpler while keeping systems and information secure. Outside work, Jeff is active in paddle sport and involved in local community initiatives. He enjoys supporting organisations that contribute positively to the area.
I’m a community engagement and volunteering professional working within the heritage charity sector, and my passions lie in inclusion and collaboration.
My journey started as a volunteer whilst studying for my degree in London, spending time at places like Dulwich Picture Gallery and the Wallace Collection. Some of my favourite experiences have been supporting dementia-friendly workshops, helping deliver access tours, and bringing art into community settings.
Those early volunteering roles shaped the way I work today. I’ve carried that people-first, inclusive approach into my career, managing large volunteer teams and building programmes that widen participation, especially for young people and underrepresented groups. I really believe volunteers are at the heart of great heritage experiences, and I’m passionate about creating spaces where they feel valued, heard and inspired.
For the past 5 years I was Volunteering and Community Officer at Petworth House, National Trust, where we worked hard to strengthen volunteer morale and diversity participation by introducing flexible volunteering models and creating new youth-focused initiatives. I’ve recently moved into a new role, Community Engagement Coordinator, where my work now focuses on strengthening connections and collaboration between us and our local communities.
Outside of work, I’m often running around after my energetic toddler and enjoy exploring the outdoors with my family. I also love to travel when I get the chance and discover new cuisines (and wine!).
Having completed a Young Trustee Traineeship last year, I’m delighted to have recently joined the board at VAAC and am excited to get going and use my experience to support the charities in which they serve.
Trustee
We are a member of West Sussex Infrastructure Alliance, now called West Sussex Links. We give support, development and infrastructure services to voluntary and community groups across West Sussex. Between us, we support around 1,500 organisations, encouraging and supporting volunteers who contribute to a thriving voluntary community sector.
We work collaboratively as partners to benefit our communities and our members and have a shared vision for the future.
Every year, our work makes a real difference to the people, communities and organisations we support. This page brings together the stories, outcomes and evidence that show the change we help create – from the immediate support we provide to the longer-term impact of building confidence, resilience and stronger connections.
It is a place to celebrate progress, share learning and demonstrate how, together with our partners, funders, volunteers and supporters, we are helping to make lasting positive change.
