Community Development Manager, VAI

Cliff co-ordinates the Local Wellbeing Networks, facilitates closer working arrangements between local Voluntary, Community, and Faith Sector organisations, and Islington Council.

Cliff is passionate about further developing the Community Organisers and Change Makers Programme and making them an integral role in the evolving Local Wellbeing Networks.

The Listening and Social Action campaign provides the opportunity for residents and community organisations, especially those who are marginalised, to share their hopes, fears and, ideas for change and, how they can work toward their own solutions to these issues.

Network Development Manager, Octopus

Julie brings to the Local Wellbeing Networks over 30 years’ experience of capacity building and development work in the Community and Voluntary Sector in Islington, and beyond.

As a founding member of the Octopus Community Network, she has been at the forefront of networking building and associated resource development, so brings over 20 years’ experience of networking building and sustainability. Julie has led the work that has facilitated Octopus Community Network being recognised as a quality-assured Social Action Hub, just one of 15 across the country. Octopus has also secured the status of being an affiliated member of the Community Organisers Training Academy.

Julie is passionate about the Voluntary and Community Sector and the role the sector plays in responding quickly to the needs of people, but also Community Centres that sit at the heart of communities.

Chief Executive Officer, VAI

Navinder has been CEO of Voluntary Action Islington since November 2020, taking the reins at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. She has worked in senior management roles in the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector for the last 15 years, and prior to this worked for Islington Council’s Children and Young People’s Service for 9 years.

Project Coordinator/Administrator, Octopus

Rosie has a degree in International Relations & Politics. During her study, she had a particular focus on critical theory, and the impact of power imbalances between decision makers and communities, internationally, and on a local scale.

This interest continues in her work at Octopus, working across Octopus’ projects, and with the Islington Food Partnership, to ensure those who traditionally have least access to power are at the centre of decision making. Her belief that community centres play a vital role in this re-balance informs much of her work.

Rosie has a wealth of coordination, administration and communication experience in the third sector. She is leading on the communications for the Local Wellbeing Networks.

Volunteer - Local Wellbeing Networks Support Officer

Studying History and Politics and Public Policy, James learnt the importance of connecting with local communities to discuss and solve social issues, to improve the impact of policymaking.

Volunteering at Voluntary Action Islington, James is inspired by individuals in the community who do fantastic work. He aims to develop the networks as a way of empowering people to work collaboratively.

Having grown up in Islington, James is committed to understanding people’s views about issues and turning them into effective social action.

Volunteer - Local Wellbeing Networks Support Officer

Soumaiya’s professional background is in the healthcare sector which is what inspired her to study and graduate in Business and Healthcare Management.

Her role involves assisting community networking projects that are at the forefront of helping solve challenges that prevent community well-being and engagement. Soumaiya is actively involved in developing positive change collectively.

She feels that the sense of being part of a transformative cause and the knowledge that you are involved in the progress is a rewarding position to be in.