New Diversity Blog

The Smart Communities Blog is now available - The Diversity Challenge!

Gail McCarthy from the Smart Team has started a conversation about how we can create more space within our governing structures for more diverse lived experiences, enabling meaningful contributions and more participation from the communities we work with.

Smart Communities are looking for new Directors to join the board!

This is your chance to make a difference in communities across Somerset.

Smart Communities are particularly keen to hear from those who have: lived experience of diversity challenges may have come to Somerset from another country have a connection or interest in Somerset have knowledge and experience related to the work we do

This is the first step that will help you to decide if Smart Communities is what you want to contribute your experiences and skills to.

You will: provide your experience, knowledge, and skills to the Board of Directors for Smart Communities make a real difference to Somerset and individuals in our wonderful county join a welcoming and encouraging board that brings people and services together for community benefit be problem solving the issues facing communities giving back to your community whilst improving lives gain new skills and experiences that can further your career and ambition

Smart Communities Chair of Directors Gary Francis said:

"Diversity in our organisation is about recognising, respecting and valuing our differences. A diverse organisation has been shown to be better at innovating, problem solving and decision making and is better placed to recruit more skilled employees. Our Board of Directors needs to do more to reflect this diversity and reap its benefits."

If you want to find out more and have an informal chat, please contact Smart Communities Manager Jane Birch at jane@somersetrcc.org

If you have the drive, energy, passion, and commitment you will need to attend:

6 board meetings a year during working hours (Employee supported volunteering may be available in your workplace) additional contributions are encouraged for Strategic Planning days, occasional training, and attendance at other events on an ad hoc basis

Start networking with other like-minded individuals and organisations

SSEN is the home for social enterprises in Somerset. The Network is a growing movement of people involved in developing stronger local economies, creating jobs, creating local wealth and assets, improving the quality of life, and helping people work together for mutual benefit rather than private profit.

Connect with other similar people and organisations in Somerset, access free events, training, resources and advice. Join over 300 members (at all stages of development) and supporters of social enterprise.

You can currently enjoy free networking and workshops and coming soon… a member resources areas with support and information.

To follow, like and interact with the network visit:

or contact enhancesen@somersetrcc.org.uk