Month: August 2025

Tees Valley Rural Action Supports the Launch of ACRE’s New Strategy for Rural Communities

Posted on by Julie

Tees Valley Rural Action Supports the Launch of ACRE’s New Strategy for Rural Communities

Tees Valley Rural Action is proud to support the launch of the new strategy from Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) — a bold and ambitious roadmap for improving the quality of life in rural areas by 2030.

The strategy sets out a clear ambition: to help improve the quality of life for rural communities and support those in greatest need. It outlines three key areas of focus:

  • Campaigning – Raising awareness of rural issues and advocating for public policies that enable thriving rural communities.
  • Enabling – Empowering communities to make their voices heard and shape their own futures.
  • Unlocking – Ensuring fair access to investment, essential services, and opportunities for growth.

These goals are underpinned by four strategic pillars: building a resilient organisation, strengthening the national network, increasing visibility, and working in partnership.

As a member of the ACRE network, Tees Valley Rural Action is committed to supporting this vision and playing an active role in delivering real change for rural communities across East Cleveland and beyond.

We look forward to working collaboratively to campaign, enable, and unlock the potential of our rural areas — ensuring no one is left behind.

You can view the full strategy here: Rural Ambition: enabling communities to thrive – ACRE’s Strategy for 2025-30 – ACRE

Tees Valley Combined Authority – Rural England Prosperity Funding Opportunity – Redcar and Cleveland

Posted on by Julie
Tees Valley Combined Authority – Rural England Prosperity Funding Opportunity – Redcar and Cleveland
Tees Valley has been allocated £187,427 for the financial year 2025 to 2026 through the UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.

In line with this year’s allocation round 3 of the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is now open to applications offering capital grants of £1,000 to £15,000 for rural businesses and community organisations across Redcar and Cleveland.

Delivered by Tees Valley Combined Authority, in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, this fund is designed to strengthen both our rural economy and rural community infrastructure.

There is no match funding requirement for the purposes of this fund and applications are invited for projects which will:

  • Accelerate business growth and diversification.
  • Support the development of new products and services.
  • Create jobs and support new developments in the rural area.
  • Strengthen community infrastructure and services.
  • Support local heritage, arts and creative activities.

Please note projects must take place in an eligible area as defined by the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (defra) on the Magic Maps tool, to check your eligibility we have developed an easy to use checker using defra data found HERE.

Organisations have until 5pm on Friday 5 September to submit applications for this funding round.

For more information on eligibility and guidance as to how to apply please visit the Tees Valley Combined Authority website HERE.

Our team are here to provide support with your application if required, please respond to this email and a member of our team will get back to you.

For any general questions please contact UKSPFenquiries@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk.

Job Opportunity: Business Development Officer – Community Transport – Deadline Extended

Posted on by Julie

Job Opportunity: Business Development Officer – Community Transport

Location: Middlesbrough (hybrid working available)
Salary: £24,790 per annum (pro rata equivalent £14,874 per annum)
Hours: 21 hours per week
Contract: 1-year Fixed Term Contract

Are you passionate about accessible transport, rural communities, and making a real difference?

Tees Valley Rural Action (TVRA) is looking for a dynamic and driven Business Development Officer to support the growth of our Community Transport service. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a thriving project that directly supports community groups, reduces isolation, and expands access to essential services.

We operate a small but growing fleet of accessible minibuses, used seven days a week by local groups across Redcar and Cleveland. With recent investment through the Levelling Up fund and an innovative partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council Public Health, we’re ready to scale up — and we need you to help us do it.

In this role, you will:

  • Drive strategic growth and build new partnerships to expand service reach and sustainability
  • Oversee daily operations, vehicle scheduling, and volunteer driver coordination
  • Manage vehicle maintenance, compliance, and accessibility adaptations
  • Launch and support a new mobile outreach minibus for public health campaigns
  • Collect and analyse service data (e.g., mileage, passenger use, group types) to improve delivery and report outcomes
  • Promote our services to communities, partners, and decision-makers across the region

You’ll also play a key role in our work as a regional MiDAS training centre, helping to strengthen the wider community transport sector.

We’re looking for someone who:

  • Has experience in business development, project delivery, or service management
  • Understands rural or community transport challenges
  • Can build strong relationships with communities and partner organisations
  • Is confident managing data, logistics, and compliance
  • Is enthusiastic, proactive, and solutions-focused

A full UK driving licence is essential.

This is a chance to join a values-led organisation making a big impact in small communities — and to help shape the future of rural transport in the Tees Valley.

To apply, please apply using the following application form: Application Form Community Transport Officer

Job Role and Person Specification Community Transport Officer – Copy

TVRA Values

Deadline: Midnight 8th September 2025 – Deadline Extended

For an informal chat about the role, contact Miss Julie Thornton, Head of Business Development, info@teesvalleyruralaction.co.uk