VCSE Alliance Representation and Reimbursement
The East Sussex VCSE Alliance supports strong, two-way communication between strategic partners and the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector. As not all organisations can attend every meeting, the Alliance works through a network of Representatives (“Reps”) who ensure the wider sector’s voice is consistently heard.
What do Alliance Reps do?
Reps bring insight from across the VCSE sector into key meetings, sharing agreed priorities, contributing intelligence and identifying opportunities and actions. They act on behalf of the wider sector – setting aside individual organisational interests where needed – and report back to keep members informed.
Alliance Representation Framework
How are Reps supported?
All Reps sign a declaration to operate within the Alliance Representation Framework, which sets out clear expectations, responsibilities and support. It explains how Reps are selected, how they prepare for meetings and how they share information transparently and accountably with the wider membership and network.
Working together for stronger representation
The framework also ensures representation reflects a diverse range of expertise and voices across the sector. It helps target resources effectively, improves the flow of information and reduces barriers to participation – particularly for smaller organisations.
Our shared principles
Reps are expected to demonstrate collaboration, openness and accountability. This includes sharing information without gatekeeping, supporting peers and strengthening the collective voice of the sector.
Together, this approach ensures that opportunities, challenges and decisions are communicated effectively, helping the VCSE sector in East Sussex to work more strategically and collaboratively.
For the full framework, please contact esvcsealliance@escv.org.uk for a copy.
To view the representation criteria, roles and responsibilities, declaration and application pack, please click the button below:
The Alliance’s reimbursement approach
This information was updated in July 2026
Purpose: The reimbursement approach supports sustainable and inclusive VCSE involvement in strategic partnership work, particularly for smaller or unfunded organisations.
Reimbursement includes:
- Time: Two hours per meeting at £25 per hour.
- Expenses: Reasonable additional costs such as public transport, mileage at 55p per mile and parking where free parking is unavailable.
Claiming: Reimbursement is claimed through completed feedback forms and paid six-monthly in arrears.
Eligibility: Reimbursement may be claimed where the meeting is not already covered by an existing contract, the organisation has turnover below £2,000,000, and the meeting has been agreed in advance by the relevant working group.