The postholders will work with the Area Engagement and Partnership Managers to identify, communicate and engage with the range of voluntary sector organisations working with individuals and their families within the CJS ensuring Clinks provides effective support to help voluntary organisations better meet their aims. To enable Clinks to share information about the sector with HMPPS and other stakeholders.
They will also work closely with the National Influencing and Networks Team.
It is essential for the postholder to be based within, and have strong knowledge of the geographical area they will be covering.
Please visit our websiter for more information about our area based work.
Please note: Clinks would welcome the opportunity to discuss potential secondments from locally or regionally based voluntary organisations.
About Clinks
Clinks supports, promotes and represents the voluntary sector working with people in the criminal justice system and their families.
Our vision is of a vibrant, independent and resilient voluntary sector that enables people to transform their lives.
Job purpose
To identify, communicate and engage with the range of voluntary sector organisations working with individuals and their families within the CJS across a geographical area ensuring Clinks provides effective support to help voluntary organisations better meet their aims. To enable Clinks to share information about the sector with HMPPS and other stakeholders
Job summary
These roles will increase awareness and understanding of the criminal justice voluntary sector operating within East of England and the South Central & South West. The post holder will undertake an initial analysis project to identify place-based voluntary sector organisations and the range of and types of services and support provided to people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families. They will identify place-based needs and lead on the collation and sharing of information across the Clinks team and with stakeholders, to highlight the challenges and opportunities. The post holder will need to build new, and nurture existing relationships, with key partners and a range of agencies across sectors.
The post will work within the Area Engagement & Partnerships Directorate and with other Clinks’ staff to identify new members and engagement opportunities, deliver events and training, and provide opportunities to support the capacity and capability needs of the voluntary sector, with a focus on place-based small and specialist organisations working in the CJS.
The post will deliver activity to meet funder requirements, aims and objectives.
Reports to: Area Engagement and Partnerships Manager
Responsible for: N/A
1. Duties and key responsibilities
Area Engagement and Impact
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Identify and increase awareness of voluntary sector organisations based in the East of England and the South Central & South West, the range of and types of services and support provided to people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families, where they deliver and how they are funded.
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Understand the work of local and regional voluntary sector infrastructure organisations in a the East of England or South Central /South West to strengthen the support offered by Clinks and increase partnership working and collaboration.
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Work alongside the National Influencing & Networks team to use this intelligence to influence key decision making at a local and national level.
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Gather intelligence from the sector to identify and understand the needs of place-based organisations and share feedback with HMPPS and other key stakeholders to develop operational processes and influence future commissioning opportunities.
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Provide support to voluntary sector organisations, keeping the sector informed and up to date and capturing the support provided and its impact.
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Respond to requests from voluntary sector organisations in need of support and signpost or consider what assistance Clinks (and others) can provide.
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Work alongside the Area Insights and Impact Officer to capture the needs of the sector and influence and inform future activity.
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Provide regular area specific communications to organisations utilising Clinks communication channels to share good practice, resources and publications.
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Produce regular blogs, case studies and social media activity to showcase the work of place-based voluntary sector organisations.
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Develop and build upon existing place-based networks to support collaboration and co-ordination between the voluntary, statutory, and private sectors in the criminal justice system.
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Provide information to help statutory partners and key stakeholders to understand the voluntary sector, its structures and how to work with it.
External Relationships
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Identify and explore opportunities to develop relationships with area-specific agencies working within criminal justice including Probation, Prisons and local statutory agencies to increase knowledge of locally based voluntary sector services and establish, and embed Clinks’ support
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Provide representation at various meetings, both internally and externally with partners and stakeholders.
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Work collaboratively to ensure effective information flow across directorates and to and from the sector and stakeholders
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Develop relationships with regional and local infrastructure organisations to widen Clinks reach and identify joint working opportunities.
2. General responsibilities
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Represent and be an ambassador for Clinks
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Work to support the mission, ethos, and values of Clinks
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Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop, or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position
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Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace
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Work collaboratively with others in all aspects of our work
This job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require.
Person specification
Experience, Skills and Abilities
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Significant experience of working or volunteering in the voluntary sector in the East of England
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Relationship building and management with a range of stakeholders and networks.
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Good attention to detail and ability to maintain effective records, utilising a range of different methods.
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Ability to think strategically about the voluntary criminal justice sector, and to analyse and respond to change.
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Ability to prioritise, multi-task and work under pressure, juggling a busy and varied workload.
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Excellent IT and digital skills, including use of Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams and Zoom.
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Adaptability and flexibility in being able to deal with new situations quickly and efficiently.
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Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken, and ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders, at all levels of seniority.
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Convening meetings, arranging and chairing events both in-person and online.
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Ability to support and coordinate a complex network of organisations including representing diverse views, and promoting their work and issues.
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A collaborative approach to working with colleagues but also able to work alone.
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Highly organised with good project and time management skills.
Knowledge
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Role of the voluntary sector in addressing social exclusion.
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The criminal justice context and related policy.
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Understanding the role of national and local infrastructure organisations
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An understanding of East of England geographical area
Personal attributes and other requirements
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Able to travel extensively across the East of England with occasional travel across England and Wales.
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Able to work evenings and weekends and stay away from home overnight where necessary.
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Work well as part of a small team and independently, with a flexible approach to work.
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Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities. An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
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Commitment to the values and ethos of supporting people in the criminal justice system.
As our Union Operations & Admin Co-ordinator, you’ll be the friendly face and steady heartbeat of JMSU. From welcoming students at reception to helping them find the support they need, you’ll make every interaction feel positive, accessible, and engaging.
Behind the scenes, you’ll keep our operations running smoothly - supporting day-to-day processes, ensuring our spaces remain welcoming, accessible and safe and, guiding our brilliant team of part-time student staff. With a focus on excellence, you’ll recruit, develop, and support them, empowering our students to grow in confidence, build new skills, and deliver exceptional service across JMSU in a positive, inclusive environment.
You’ll bring strong administrative experience, excellenaddt organisation, and a keen eye for compliance. If you’re proactive, people-focused, and energised by the buzz of a student-led environment, this is your opportunity to make a real impact at the heart of JMSU.
To find out more about this role, working for JMSU and to apply, please visit the 'work for us' section of our website.
Interviews will be held on either 28th or 29th January 2025
About JMSU
It’s our job is to make sure students get the most out of their University experience. We put our students at the heart of everything we do – whether it’s empowering the student voice, planning events, helping to develop campaigns, providing them with opportunities to make friends and learn something new, and everything in between.
I IIf you’re on the lookout for a role in a friendly, hard-working environment which offers bucketloads of autonomy, support and fun, we want to hear from you.
Taking Action on Inclusion
At JMSU, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We're proud to be a welcoming, friendly and inclusive team and want all our people to feel safe and confident to be themselves and feel they belong.
We are also not scared to admit this is a work in progress! We know the importance that students see themselves reflected by our staff team and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Ethnically Diverse candidates who are under-represented within our core staff team and operate a Guaranteed Interview where the minimum essential criteria are met.
You can read more about this and our commitment to Equality Diversity and Inclusion on the 'work for us' section of our website.
Don’t meet every single requirement?
If you are excited about this but there are criteria you don’t match exactly, please don’t be put off applying. It may not be a deal breaker - just make sure you get across why you think you're right for it and how the gaps may be approached. Even if not right for this role, you might be perfect for another.
We have some great staff benefits
- Location, Location, Location: We’re right in the centre of Liverpool and surrounded by everything the City has to offer
- Commuting made easy: Our main office is a few minutes walk from both Lime Street and Liverpool Central train stations
- Office goals: Our modern, open-plan office offers good space, staff chat and city views
- Hybrid Working: Enjoy the best of both worlds - mix up your working week between the office and your home space
- Annual leave aplenty: Make the most of 32 days of annual leave (plus public holidays) and enjoy regular time off
- ‘Tis the season to be off work: We’re closed for Winter break, so you can take a rest or enjoy some seasonal activities
- Flexibility: We offer a range of flexible working options for when life gets in the way of working 9-5, Monday to Friday, and are happy to consider any specific needs
- Every day is a school day: There’s plenty of learning and development opportunities to explore and help you grow, and we have access to all LJMU staff development
- Carer perks: We offer enhanced parental leave and pay options, including grandparents leave, shared parental leave, adoption leave, maternity and paternity leave, paid emergency time off for carers and paid Carer’s Leave
- Paid Volunteer Leave: Support your cause with 3 days of paid leave for volunteering
- Get active for less: All staff can make the most of reduced LJMU gym membership, which includes classes too
- Discounts aren’t just for students: Save extra pennies with access to student discount schemes including Student Beans, Unidaysand others
- Wellbeing covered: We offer an Employee Assistance Programme, a Voluntary Healthcare Scheme, Individual wellbeing plans and a day one sick pay scheme to help take the extra stress out your life
- Nest Pension Scheme: We will contribute 6%
- Cycle to Work Scheme; good for sustainability, your pocket and your healthy lifestyle goals!
Empowering students to make positive change for themselves, their peers, their University and society through active participation



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