Dorset Community Action

19/06/2026

Success with DCA and Employ My Ability, read full story here:
https://employmyability.org.uk/maisie-wins-award/

Maisie Wins Supported Internship Award at the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards

“We are so pleased that Maisie has won the award. She has been progressing well and brings a smile and a can-do attitude to the team. Working with her colleagues and Green Care coach, Maisie has been learning how to use gardening tools, as well as how to plan jobs and allocate time to complete work. Recently, Maisie worked on a bramble clearance job for one of our customers, supported by her GreenCare coach. It was the first time she had needed to dig up bramble roots and she was tentative at first, but once she had been shown what needed to be done, she got stuck in and managed to dig up a couple of rather tenacious roots! We know she is also looking forward to her brush cutter training so that she can work with the team on strimming jobs. This will be another huge step forward for her.” – Lydia, Dorset Community Action

18/06/2026

VACANCY - GreenCare Supported Employment Team Leader

Help young people thrive. Work outdoors. Lead with purpose.
21 hours per week

Salary: £25,393 (Pro Rata £14,412)
Location: Dorset (East & West), with travel

Dorset Community Action (DCA) works with communities across Dorset to develop practical, community-led solutions that improve local lives. We support places where traditional services are limited or inaccessible, helping communities respond to real local need.

We are looking for a Supported Employment Team Leader to help the delivery and development of GreenCare, our supported employment social enterprise.

About the role:

You will lead the day-to-day delivery of GreenCare, working across Dorset to provide garden maintenance and outdoor services while supporting young people aged 16–24, particularly those with SEND or other barriers to employment.

This is a hands-on, people-focused role that combines practical outdoor work with supervision, coaching, and service delivery. You will lead small teams on site, supporting young people to develop confidence, independence, and work-readiness, while ensuring work is completed safely and to a high standard.

You will manage day-to-day delivery in collaboration with colleagues and play a key role in maintaining service quality, building positive relationships with customers, and supporting the ongoing growth and sustainability of GreenCare.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading a small team delivering garden maintenance and outdoor work across a range of sites.
Providing day-to-day supervision, guidance, and practical support on site.
Supporting young people in placements to build confidence, independence, and work-readiness.
Planning and organising work in collaboration with colleagues.
Ensuring work is completed to a high standard and meets customer expectations.
Maintaining safe working practices, including the use of tools and equipment.
Building and maintaining positive relationships with customers and partners.
Supporting the ongoing development and growth of the GreenCare service.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Paul Seaman, Programme Manager [email protected] 01202 847 605

Closing date: 5.00 pm on Monday 6th July 2026
Interviews: Friday 10th July 2026

Click here to read more - https://www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/vacancy-greencare-team-leader/

Vacancy - Green Care Team Leader, £25,393 (Pro Rata £14,412), Closing date: 5.00 pm on Monday 6th July - Interviews: Friday 10th July.

12/06/2026

Best Start in Life – New Campaigns and Assets Now Available

Delivered by the Department for Education and the Department for Health and Social Care, the campaign aims to break down barriers to opportunity for every family, supporting parents and children from pregnancy through to age five and beyond. We now have a full, refreshed suite of campaign assets available to support delivery across all Best Start in Life topics.
All of which can be found in the Resources Centre here - https://campaignresources.dhsc.gov.uk/campaigns/

The collection includes a comprehensive range of digital and print ready resources across the following topic areas:

Pregnancy
Resources to guide parents and carers through every stage of pregnancy and preparation.

Breastfeeding
Support for mums and new parents through the first weeks of breastfeeding and beyond.

Bonding with Your Baby
Resources to support parents and carers to bond with their baby and promote early development.

Introducing Solid Foods
Support and advice for parents on introducing solid foods to their baby.

Children’s Oral Health
Top Tips for Teeth resources providing oral health advice for children, parents and pregnant women.

Screen Time
Evidence informed guidance to help parents and carers of children under five navigate screen time.

Early Years Education and Childcare
Resources to help parents and carers understand childcare options and find support that works for their family.

Preparing for School
Resources to help parents and carers support their children in feeling ready for school.

Brand and Campaign Awareness
Resources to support promotion of the Best Start in Life campaign and website.

11/06/2026

Not mush'room in our fridges today!! 😆
Mushrooms and bread available for all, come and help yourself at the Wimborne Community Centre!!

11/06/2026

New £2.5m Funding Opportunity – Supporting Community Led Change
The Neighbourhood Health & Wellbeing Programme is now inviting applications for its new Strategic & System Large Scale Funding. This fund is designed to test and scale new ways of working that strengthen prevention, early intervention and community based support Pan-Dorset — delivering change with system wide impact.
This is a significant opportunity for VCSE organisations to be part of system wide collaborations delivering change across multiple neighbourhoods or at place level. Smaller organisations are encouraged to participate as equal partners.
The fund is open 25 May – 19 July 2026, and all supporting documents, guidance and the application form can be found on our website: https://www.dorsetvcsa.co.uk/neighbourhood-health-wellbeing-nhwb-programme
If you’d like support with shaping an idea, co production, measurement or partnership development, the programme team can help. Contact: [email protected]

Dorset VCSA

Strategic & System Large‑Scale Funding (Neighbourhood Health & Wellbeing Programme) Strategic & System Large‑Scale Funding: Apply Now Introduction The NHWB (Neighbourhood Health & Wellbeing) Programme has secured £2.5m to invest […]

02/06/2026

***Vacancy for a Finance Assistant***

16 hours per week | Permanent Position
Salary: £24,565 (pro rata £10,623)
Location: Wimborne

Dorset Community Action works with communities across Dorset to develop practical, community‑led solutions that improve local lives. We support places where traditional services are limited or inaccessible, helping communities respond to real local need.
We are looking for a Finance Assistant to support with the day-to-day running of the organisation’s finances.

ABOUT THE ROLE:
You will work alongside the Finance Manager to ensure that the organisations finances are recorded in accordance with statutory regulations, standing instructions and good practice.
Based out of our office in Wimborne Community Centre in Kings Street, you will liaise with staff in the Community Centre to ensure the smooth running of the Centres finances.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Ensure all invoices and payments are correct and entered under specified budget headings accounting for the relevant cost centres for each individual project using the QuickBooks accounting system.
Ensure that Direct Debits are checked and accounted for against the relevant funds in QuickBooks.
Levy all individual funds with salary and on costs as per break down from the Finance Manager.
Assist with the preparation of the quarterly VAT return.
Other Office & Administrative duties

ABOUT YOU:
Ideally you will have experience of working in a financial position and have knowledge of accounting procedures, but training on the QuickBooks Accounting system will be provided.
You’ll have excellent numeracy skills, be thorough and have a keen eye for detail. We’re looking for a flexible person with a positive attitude and a willingness to help & support other members of the team.

Why work for Dorset Community Action?
Opportunity to develop charity finance skills.
A supportive charity environment with values at its core

HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit a CV and a covering letter explaining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.
Click here https://www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/vacancy-finance-assistant/ to download the full Job Description and Person Specification.
Applications should be sent by email to [email protected]

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Camilla Payne, Finance Manager [email protected] 01305 250921

Closing date: 5.00pm on Monday 15th June 2026
Interviews: Friday 26th June 2026

Vacancy for a Finance Assistant at DCA, Part-time, Permanent, £24,565 pro rata. Based in Wimborne. Closes Monday 15th June 2026.

02/06/2026

***Update from Dorset VCSA***
New £2.5m Funding Opportunity – Supporting Community Led Change
The Neighbourhood Health & Wellbeing Programme is now inviting applications for its new Strategic & System Large Scale Funding. This fund is designed to test and scale new ways of working that strengthen prevention, early intervention and community based support Pan-Dorset — delivering change with system wide impact.
This is a significant opportunity for VCSE organisations to be part of system wide collaborations delivering change across multiple neighbourhoods or at place level. Smaller organisations are encouraged to participate as equal partners.
The fund is open 25 May – 19 July 2026, and all supporting documents, guidance and the application form can be found on our website: https://www.dorsetvcsa.co.uk/neighbourhood-health-wellbeing-nhwb-programme
If you’d like support with shaping an idea, co production, measurement or partnership development, the programme team can help. Contact: [email protected]

Strategic & System Large‑Scale Funding (Neighbourhood Health & Wellbeing Programme) Strategic & System Large‑Scale Funding: Apply Now Introduction The NHWB (Neighbourhood Health & Wellbeing) Programme has secured £2.5m to invest […]

28/05/2026

Spotting Signs & Symptoms of Complex Trauma Training Session - Wednesday 17th June, Dorchester, 9.30am – 4.30pm.
To book onto this training, please use the link below:
www.interstellardorset.com/training

27/05/2026

Honouring Two Valued Leaders: Thanking Peter Green and Martin Yelling for Their Service to the Dorset VCSA Governance Board
The Dorset VCSA has published a new article recognising the outstanding contribution of Peter Green and Martin Yelling, who have recently stepped down from the VCSA Governance Board after years of dedicated service. Both leaders have played a significant role in shaping the Assembly’s development, strengthening its governance, and ensuring the voluntary and community sector continues to have a strong, credible and collaborative voice across Dorset.
Peter has been part of the Board since its inception, bringing decades of experience in equality, community development and partnership working. Known for his fairness, clarity and thoughtful challenge, he helped shape the Assembly’s early governance and consistently championed inclusive, community led approaches.
Martin, CEO of stormbreak, brought strategic insight, ambition and a deep understanding of the pressures facing voluntary organisations. His leadership strengthened collaboration across the system and supported the Assembly through a period of significant growth and increasing responsibility.
Their combined legacy has helped build a stronger, more confident sector voice — and their influence will continue to be felt across Dorset’s VCS landscape.
Read the full tribute on the Dorset VCSA website: https://www.dorsetvcsa.co.uk/news/2026/05/20/honouring-two-valued-leaders-thanking-peter-green-and-martin-yelling-for-their-service-to-the-dorset-vcsa-governance-board