Head Of Development And Communications Jobs in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
BACKGROUND
Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the international Habitat for Humanity network. We tackle housing poverty around the world by working in partnership with communities and families to achieve their dreams of a safe and decent place to live. You can find out more about our work on our website.
We are embarking on an ambitious new direction at Habitat GB; leveraging our global housing expertise and the learning from our flagship national programme “Empty Spaces to Homes” to work collaboratively with Habitat colleagues across Europe in effecting change at a policy level.
“Empty Spaces to Homes” is a ground-breaking initiative focused on a circular buildings approach that already has a feasible proof of concept from piloting, with strong upscaling potential. The premise is simple; unlocking the potential of long term empty commercial spaces to create affordable housing for vulnerable people. As well as the social benefits of adding to affordable housing stock, the Empty Spaces to Homes approach of retrofitting existing structures – at a much lower carbon cost - offers a greener and more sustainable way to meet the housing gap, in comparison to the environmental impact of the new build construction industry. Breaking down long-standing barriers to resource-efficient renovation is essential if the UK is to play its part in meeting ambitious global decarbonisation targets.
Purpose of The role
The UK Housing Advocacy Manager will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission by leading advocacy efforts, shaping policies, and promoting sustainable housing solutions for affordable housing in Great Britain, particularly through our groundbreaking initiative "Empty Spaces to Homes."
As this is a new role, and is being recruited alongside the Head of Global Affairs and Advocacy, key responsibilities will include the establishment of a new function at Habitat GB. It involves working closely with colleagues across the Habitat GB organisation and contributing to advocacy efforts across the Habitat network at global and regional levels through engagement, strategy and shared learning. Key responsibilities also include developing communication and advocacy strategies targeting professionals and decision makers in social, environmental and housing sectors, as well as undertaking research and writing policy papers.
Main Responsibilities
1) Research and Analysis:
- Commission and conduct in-depth research into current British housing landscapes and related legislation, assessing the effectiveness of mechanisms for converting unused premises into social housing and its environmental impact.
- Identify legal changes necessary to facilitate such activities and advocate for their implementation.
2) Lead Policy Advocacy Efforts:
- Utilise research findings to develop policy positions and identify priority issues, setting policy goals, and mapping out related advocacy activities.
- Embed critical concepts such as embodied carbon and whole life cycle into policy communications to amplify Habitat GB's messaging.
3) Partnerships and Networks:
- Join and represent Habitat GB at existing coalitions or form new coalitions if necessary with stakeholders in the social, environmental, and housing sectors to advocate for climate and equity-related incentives in national and local legislations, policies, and funding mechanisms.
- Build a network of relationships among key stakeholder groups and individual decision-makers to advance Habitat's policy goals.
- Identify strategic events and ensure speaking roles for Habitat GB.
- Represent Empty Spaces to Homes and Habitat for Humanity’s wider UK programmes for awareness raising, advocacy and other priorities at key meetings and events.
4) Direct Lobbying:
- Cultivate strategic relationships with key decision-makers to further Habitat's policy objectives.
5) Collaboration:
- Develop collaborative partnerships internally with Habitat entities across Europe, aligning with the broader strategic objectives of the Empty Spaces to Homes initiative.
- Support communication efforts to underpin advocacy efforts effectively.
6) Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Work with the Impact Team to provide regular updates on advocacy strategy activities and evaluate their effectiveness.
Person Specification
· Proven experience in professional advocacy to influence key policy positions and decisions, preferably in housing or a related field.
· Track record in delivering targeted advocacy strategies and implementing communication strategies to support advocacy efforts.
· Experience in engaging stakeholders and decision-makers through events, networks, and meetings.
· Experience in community mobilisation or engagement.
· Understanding of housing poverty policies and related social welfare issues in Great Britain, with the ability to advise on effective mechanisms for influence.
· Familiarity with Local Authority Governance and opportunities for policy influence at local and regional levels.
Skills and competencies:
· Proficient in clear and effective written and verbal communication to convey complex policy matters to diverse groups.
· Strong relationship-building skills with government representatives, NGOs, and various stakeholders.
· Strategic thinking abilities and collaborative work approach towards organisational objectives and advocacy approaches.
· Ability to collaborate with diverse teams across multiple locations.
· Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines and adapt to challenges.
· Enthusiastic, positive, and proactive with a solution-oriented mindset.
· Demonstrated interest in our work and commitment to continuous learning and development.
· Dedication to contributing to the inclusive, people-positive culture at Habitat.
The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects:
· Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children in accordance with the Safeguarding
Policy.
· A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach.
· A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures.
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Job descriptions may be subject to change.
Flexibility
Habitat GB is seeking to rapidly expand its activities and impact to fight poverty across the world. This means that the organisation must be adaptable and flexible and have an ambitious, dynamic and flexible team. It is a requirement of the post holder to be flexible in terms of location (within reason), line management, and duties and responsibilities.
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
Start your Habitat journey
We want the recruitment process to give you the opportunity to share your skills and experience, and to find out more about Habitat. You are welcome to get in touch and arrange an informal chat with a member of the team before submitting an application. To apply for the role, please send us your CV and a cover letter telling us about yourself, how you meet the person specification, and your motivation for applying – we don’t expect this to be more than two sides of A4.
The deadline for applications is 12 May 2024 (at 11:59 pm).
Interviews will take place online from the week beginning 20 May 2024. Selected candidates will be contacted to agree a suitable time for interview.
Please note that we do not reimburse any expenses incurred during interviews.
We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role.
This post profile is not set in stone. It gives insight into the main purpose of the role, and expected responsibilities, but it might be reviewed in the future to meet the changing requirements of Habitat for Humanity GB – any changes will be made in discussion with the post-holder.
Habitat for Humanity requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of our code of conduct.
At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.
Unfortunately, because of high volume of applications we will not be able to contact unsuccessful applicants. If you haven’t heard from us within a month of the application deadline, please assume that your application has not been successful.
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This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of a dynamic, empowering programme that centres sustainable change in the domestic abuse landscape.
The Role:
The successful Training lead will head our “Rise for Change” domestic abuse training programme and have the exciting opportunity to continue to grow the programme’s success to date. Rise for Change is a trauma informed domestic abuse training programme for non-specialist professionals. Uniquely created by our subject matter experts, our training directly addresses the need for intersectional and trauma informed domestic abuse training for professionals in all sectors. Our aim is to empower participants, no matter their professional role, to be able to respond safely and appropriately to domestic abuse both within the workplace and in the wider scope of their lives.
The role will be responsible for the delivery and upkeep of our current training packages, development of further training and the management of current/ new stakeholder relationships. This role will also serve as a subject matter expert on domestic abuse across our global digital programmes.
Postholder Reports to: the Global Programmes Director, Hope After Harm
Our Team Values:
- Passion driven and dedicated to sustainable change.
- Committed to listening and learning knowing this makes us stronger when we lead and speak.
- Tirelessly place survivors and those with lived experienced at the heart of what we do.
- Maintain integrity through compassion, consistency, and transparency.
This is what the Training Lead will do at Hope After Harm:
- Work in line with our values.
- Deliver remote training to professionals, organisations and businesses (some flexibility may be required for limited ad-hoc in-person training).
- Upkeep current training packages and development key content as required.
- Complete needs analysis of the sector and ensure our packages remain in line with need and best practice.
- Maintain new and established relationships with key partners and stakeholders through regular meetings, problem-solving and support to ensure the longevity of relationships and continuous buy-in.
- Engaging with organisations and stakeholders to gain their custom, establish needs and tailor packages/delivery to suit their needs.
- Develop and co-ordinate communications through various channels such as social media, Linked-in and event sites to gain custom.
- Maintain accurate recording and reporting of training/project delivery, including a training delivery calendar, CRM and all administrative processes and wrap around support.
- Providing ongoing advice and support to organisations in receipt of training and obtaining/responding to feedback.
- Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the training will be delivered and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of clients ensuring the service is accessible to all.
- Respect and uphold the value and necessity of intersectionality within domestic abuse and sexual violence prevention and safeguarding, across all areas of work.
- Alongside the Digital Programmes Manager, be responsible for ensuring ongoing income generation from client buy in and single ticket sessions.
- Maintain our current CPD accreditation and standards required within current/ new training packages and their delivery.
- Ensure delivery of agreed KPI’s.
This is what you will bring as the Training Lead at Hope After Harm:
- A thorough understanding of domestic abuse and gender-based violence through a trauma informed and intersectional lens, including the impact and mitigation of vicarious trauma.
- An experienced, highly skilled trainer with the ability to engage people through remote and in-person delivery.
- Hold a “Train the Trainer” qualification or be willing to obtain one during onboarding.
- Have a good understanding of the nuances of culture, race, sexual orientation and gender identity within domestic abuse and sexual violence, and be committed to intersectional ways of working.
- Knowledge of adult learning techniques.
- Have excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals.
- Plans and prioritises work effectively, with the ability to manage projects and multiple deadlines
- Motivate individuals and agencies to move through courses of action and decision-making processes.
- Independent worker who takes responsibility for own workload and takes initiative to gain additional opportunities for the programme.
- A kind and compassionate person, who understands the importance of participant safety and well-being as a part of training delivery.
- Places the survivor at the centre of all that you do.
- Skilled user of technology with high literacy of key presenting programmes, video platforms and databases.
- Experience of using Canva as presentation platform.
- Knowledge and previous experience of using CRM’s, such as hubspot, to track client engagement.
- Experience in driving and implementing marketing/advertising strategies
- Strong reporting skills in quantitative and qualitative forms.
- An understanding and experience of CPD accreditation is desirable.
All Workers have a responsibility to work with colleagues in maintaining service delivery, general related tasks will be discussed during the interview process and upon appointment of role.
It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore be expected to work in a flexible way and tasks which are not specifically covered in their job description may have to be undertaken.
(This post is offered on a fixed-term contract for 12 months from the start date, with possible extension beyond this dependent upon funding)
Who are Hope After Harm?
Thames Valley Partnership T/A Hope After Harm is an established charity of over 30 years, delivering a range of services to support those who are vulnerable or at risk of exclusion. We work to develop long-term solutions to the issues of crime and social exclusion and work at both practical and strategic level to influence policy and share good practice. We run market leading technological programmes that help change and save the lives of survivors of domestic abuse and deliver specialised training to professionals and organisations to ensure we all play our part.
For this role you will need:
· To be free from any criminal conviction which would conflict with the responsibilities of the post; you may be required to have a DBS Enhanced disclosure.
· To be able to deal with all information on a confidential basis and understand data protection requirements.
· To have Citizenship of the UK or have entitlement to work in the UK
Hope After Harm is committed to equality and diversity. While not a requirement for application, we do strongly encourage those of black and ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and the LGBTQIA+ community to apply for this role.
Hope After Harm is an equal opportunities employer; the aim of our policy is to ensure no job applicant, employee or worker is discriminated against either directly or indirectly on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or disability. We do not disbar applicants with criminal convictions and are mindful of the requirements of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, 1974.
To apply for this role please submit a cover letter of no more than 1.5 A4 pages explaining why how your skills and experience align with the job specification.
To ensure fairness, applications without a proper cover letter will not be considered.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We have an exciting new exciting and challenging opportunity for 2 Operation Managers National Homicide Service (HS), covering either the east or west of England and Wales. You will work from home or a local VS office if available, 37.5 hours per week.
Do you want to be part of a unique service providing the highest quality support to families bereaved by homicide and those who are eye-witness to homicide? Do you want to lead a supportive, passionate and committed team?
If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…
What we offer:
At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:
- Flexible working options including hybrid working
- 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
- High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
- Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
- Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
- Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
About the role:
As an Operations Manager you will:
- support the Deputy Head of Service to maintain the highest standards of service delivery, across a widely geographically dispersed team
- lead a team of Team Leaders to meet VS & Homicide Service standards & contractual requirements
- support staff & volunteers to keep them safe within their role
- working closely with a range of stakeholders
You will need:
- good organisational skills, able to prioritise effectively & experience of setting & monitoring key performance indicators
- effective communication skills & experience of leading and managing people who work in different ways
- experience of leadership & implementation of change management processes
- ability to build constructive working relationships
- understanding of government policy related to victims & the Criminal justice system
- knowledge of the impact of trauma and bereavement & the importance of trauma informed practice
- understanding of voluntary & statutory agencies
- knowledge of safeguarding practices
- to be prepared to travel across this large geographical area including occasional overnight stays
This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement.
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
About Us:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.
Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.
How to apply:
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website, and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria. Please give examples where appropriate, and show your aptitude for post. Please ensure you answer each shortlisting criteria including the need to drive and have your own mode of transport. Please list your preferred area East or West on your application form.
We looking forward to hearing from you.
Interview dates: 29th and 30th April - by Zoom.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.
We have an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Team leader to join the National Homicide Service (HS), covering the London and the South of England.
You will work from home or a local VS office if available, 37.5 hours per week.
Do you want to be part of a unique service providing the highest quality support to families bereaved by homicide and those who are eye-witness to homicide? Do you want to lead a supportive, passionate and committed team? If yes, then we'd love to hear from you….
What we offer:
At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:
- Flexible working options including hybrid working
- 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
- High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
- Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
- Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
- Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
About the role:
You will lead and support a team of Homicide Family Caseworkers to meet VS and Homicide Service standards and contractual requirements. You will be able to demonstrate the excellent organisational skills essential to managing a demanding and diverse workload and will have experience of achieving key performance indicators, as set by the Operation managers and Deputy Head of Service.
We pride ourselves on providing exceptional trauma informed advocacy and support to all service users and you will have an understanding of the impact that trauma and bereavement can have on individuals. We support staff to keep them safe within their role and you will lead on the importance of personal and professional resilience and wellbeing for the team.
You will have excellent communication skills and will support the Operation Managers to maintain the highest standards of service delivery, across a widely geographically dispersed team. You will be prepared to travel across the geographical area including occasional overnight stays to ensure you can meet team members in person as well as online. A driving license and use of a car are both essential as well as access to public transport. You will be reimbursed for all travel costs.
You will also enjoy working closely with a range of stakeholders (including Police Family Liaison Officers and Senior Investigation Officers within the Major Crime teams) and will have experience in building constructive working relationships, focused on delivering the best service for vulnerable service users. You should be a confident presenter, and able to share the service and work we do to inform, educate and encourage notifications and referrals into the service.
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
About Us:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.
Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.
How to apply:
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website, and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.
Please give examples where appropriate, and show your aptitude for post. Please ensure you answer each shortlisting criteria including the need to drive and have your own mode of transport.
We looking forward to hearing from you.
Interview dates: 2nd May 2024 - by Zoom.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.