You’ll agree that feelings of loneliness and social isolation can negatively impact people and their well-being. Thankfully, various community groups and charities are stepping up to tackle this issue. Among them is the Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services (LCVS)—a platform that helps people in Liverpool find opportunities to participate in social initiatives, support local charity projects, or simply connect with like-minded individuals. We tell you all about it on liverpool1.one.
What is LCVS?
Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services is a community organisation that has long been dedicated to improving the well-being of the Liverpool community by supporting charity and volunteering. Its mission includes securing resources for these noble initiatives and rallying Liverpool residents to get involved. To achieve this, LCVS trains, advises, and supports individuals and charitable organisations. It also helps distribute over £4 million annually among charities both in the UK and overseas. These funds come from grants, foundations, and other funding sources that align with shared values.
Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services collaborates with various organisations, institutions, and individuals to implement programmes that positively impact the community. The main focus areas are health, education, financial stability, and cultural development—all crucial aspects of the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. LCVS promotes its activities through social media pages on Bluesky, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, as well as its own platform on Hopp.Bio. Additionally, the organisation commissioned First Take Films to create a video showcasing real-life examples of the voluntary sector’s work through the stories of its participants.
The History of LCVS
Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services was founded in 1909 at the initiative of the then Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Chaloner Dowdall. He convened a meeting of representatives from the city’s numerous charities to discuss the creation of a coordinating body that would facilitate cooperation between them and the local authority. The impetus for this came from an update to the ‘Poor Laws’ system, which mandated the development of schemes for voluntary aid councils in every city.
At the time, Liverpool was marked by a sharp contrast between the extremely wealthy and a large population of those in need, which fuelled the active development of philanthropy. However, the numerous charitable organisations operated in isolation, failing to coordinate their efforts either amongst themselves or with local government bodies.
A turning point came with a major study of Liverpool’s charities conducted by University of Liverpool lecturer Fredrick d’Eath. His findings convinced the voluntary sector stakeholders of the necessity of creating a single coordinating centre. On 5 November 1909, the constitution was adopted, and the Liverpool Council of Voluntary Aid was born.
Over the years, the organisation evolved and changed its name several times:
- 1933 – Liverpool Council of Social Service, as the organisation became a charitable trust corporation.
- 1974 – Liverpool Council for Voluntary Service, to align with the national CVS movement.
- 2005 – Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services, allowing it to keep the CVS abbreviation while more clearly reflecting the nature of its work.
- 2010 – LCVS | United Way, when the organisation joined the United Way Worldwide network.
- 2015 – a return to the shortened name LCVS, while the collaboration with United Way continued through partner programmes with corporate clients.
In the 2020s, LCVS remains a crucial organisation, actively supporting charity and volunteering in Liverpool. It ensures that local volunteers can carry out their goodwill efforts in the most coordinated and effective way possible.
Vacancies at the LCVS Platform: Who Might They Need?
If you’re interested in working with LCVS, you might want to check out their vacancies. While they change from time to time, the following overview can give you a general idea of the types of roles available.
Social Support and Charity
Here are some examples of the people they often need:
- Family Support Worker (Amadudu) – helping families facing difficult life circumstances.
- Treasurer (Citizens Advice Liverpool) – overseeing financial control and reporting within the charity.
- Trustee Board Members (Citizens Advice Liverpool) – providing strategic development and making key decisions for the organisation.
- Business Network Coordinator (Feeding Liverpool) – developing partnerships and communication between organisations in the field of food aid.
It’s clear that many of these positions require a love of people and strategic thinking.
Education, Youth, and Cultural Activities
Perhaps you’d prefer the idea of getting involved in education or cultural activities. These types of vacancies may also be available.
- LGBT+ Support Group Facilitator (LGBT Foundation) – organising meetings and providing support for older people in the LGBT+ community.
- Comics Youth Project Coordinator (Comics Youth) – developing an educational project aimed at creative self-expression through comics.
- Youth Ministry Coordinator (Archdiocese of Liverpool) – working with young people within the religious community, organising events, and providing mentorship.
- Programme Officer (Tutors United) – managing educational programmes and supporting tutors.
These roles also offer a great chance for self-fulfilment, just in a slightly different direction.
Other Opportunities
And here are a few other options:
- Company Administrator (Movema) – managing documentation and coordinating office work.
- Chair of Trustees (20 Stories High) – providing strategic leadership for a cultural arts charity.
- Mobile Salesperson/Driver (Alchemic Kitchen CIC) – delivery and sale of goods as part of a social enterprise.
Some people wonder how much the leaders of LCVS charities in Liverpool earn. In 2025, one vacancy for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) posted on the organisation’s website listed a salary of £71,400 per annum for a full-time, permanent position (35 hours per week).
The Organisation’s Building
The building at 151 Dale Street is a vital centre for charity and voluntary work in Liverpool. It houses numerous organisations connected to the community sector.
Its location is extremely convenient—right in the city centre, close to major transport hubs such as Lime Street and Moorfields railway stations, and the Queens Square bus hub.
The building’s windows overlook the Queensway Tunnel and iconic city landmarks: the World Museum, Central Library, Walker Art Gallery, and St George’s Hall (some interesting facts about it and other neoclassical buildings can be found here).
You can spot several bees on the stained-glass windows inside the LCVS building. This is a lovely detail that forms part of the interior’s artistic design. It serves as a reminder that the organisation’s staff are as busy as bees.
The building, created in the 1930s, is designed in the Art Deco style. It features modern and fully accessible offices and conference rooms. It’s possible to rent a co-working space or office premises here, as well as utilise the facilities for hosting events.