Cardiff Third Sector Council (C3SC)

Cardiff Third Sector Council (C3SC) is a nonprofit organisation that serves as the County Voluntary Council (CVC) for the city of Cardiff, Wales. It provides specialist advice, support, and information to local third sector organisations, including voluntary groups, community organisations, and social enterprises. Registered as a charity under charity number 1068623, C3SC plays a central role in strengthening Cardiff's third sector infrastructure and enhancing its impact within the local community.

History and Structure

Originally incorporated as Voluntary Action Cardiff on 19 March 1997, the organisation changed its name to Cardiff Third Sector Council (C3SC) in January 2012. It operates as a private company limited by guarantee without share capital, with a focus on membership services and support to the voluntary sector in Cardiff[3]. C3SC functions as a membership organisation and represents the interests of local third sector groups at strategic partnership boards and policymaking forums.

Mission and Activities

C3SC's core mission is to support and develop the third sector in Cardiff by enhancing the knowledge, skills, and sustainability of voluntary and community organisations. The council works collaboratively with the Welsh Government and the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) to achieve these goals.

The organisation provides a range of services including:

• Specialist advice on funding, governance, volunteering, and community participation
• Opportunities and support for volunteering recruitment and engagement
• Information dissemination on funding opportunities, sector events, and training programmes
• Representation of the third sector in key strategic partnerships such as the Cardiff Partnership Board

By acting as a central hub for volunteering in Cardiff, C3SC helps connect individuals interested in volunteering with suitable organisations, thereby fostering civic participation and community development[1][2][4].

Role in the Community

C3SC functions as a vital infrastructure organisation that empowers the third sector to meet community needs effectively. It facilitates communication between voluntary organisations and decision-makers to ensure that the sector’s insights and challenges are recognised in public policy. The council also supports local projects and groups by providing resources and advocacy, helping them access funding streams such as the Cardiff Shared Prosperity Fund.

An example of this support is the partnership with initiatives like Forget-me-not Chorus, a local community project that benefited from C3SC's guidance and funding advice[1].

Strategic Developments

In recent years, C3SC has been involved in developing a Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) strategy to create a shared vision and approach for the sector in Cardiff. This strategy aims to coordinate efforts across organisations for greater social impact and sustainability[5].

Cardiff Third Sector Council continues to be a cornerstone organisation within Cardiff, promoting the growth and effectiveness of the local third sector through comprehensive support, partnership-building, and advocacy.

[1] https://c3sc.org.uk [2] https://c3sc.org.uk/about-c3sc/ [3] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03336421 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=1068623&subId=0 [5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CanDpc2YY8