Villagers Connect Project – a great opportunity to join our team at Action in rural Sussex
Villagers Connect is a community development project which is working to sustain a strong and vibrant community in the villages of Colgate, Faygate and Rusper. It aims to build connections and relationships which increase confidence, independence and empowerment, particularly for the over 65’s.
We are seeking a part-time community development worker to work as part of a small team that is active in this rural location in the Horsham district. This role involves a good deal of community-based activity, engaging with older people and the wider community. This does therefore require someone who is understanding of older people and their interests, abilities and needs.
We champion an asset based approach to community development, which is about building on existing strengths and supporting local people to flourish; undertaking community led projects that create community cohesion and have lasting impact.
Key Objectives
· Support older people to access services and support locally that will meet their needs and improve their quality of life
· Improve the lived experiences for older people in these rural communities
· Build connections and relationships across and within the three parishes to reduce social isolation
· Develop new and support existing activities to enable a vibrant community
· Increase confidence, independence and empowerment amongst individuals, groups and community based organisations.
· Strengthen existing community assets, knowledge and skills in line with our asset based approach to the Villagers Connect Project
· Support community resilience by building community networks which are strong and sustainable into the future
Two years in, the project is well established and has gone from strength to strength. We are now seeking a new member of the team to help drive this project forward and enable this community to celebrate what can be achieved when people come together and support one another to age well and live full and active lives, despite the challenges of rural living.
To increase the capacity of rural communities to manage change for the benefit of all their constituents.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Join us at the forefront of public health advocacy as the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance Scotland Lead. This is a unique opportunity to shape the direction of our efforts to combat non-communicable diseases in Scotland. You will work closely with NCD Alliance Scotland members as well as government bodies, politicians, academics and third sector partners to drive impactful policy changes.
If you are passionate about making a difference in public health, this role offers a platform to create lasting change and improve the health of communities across Scotland.
As our NCD Alliance Scotland Lead, you’ll support all joint activity for the alliance, working with the chair, advisory board and members, building consensus within the alliance. Work will span policy development, public affairs and communications to ensure effective evidence-based policy around commercial determinants of health is at the forefront of the political agenda.
About you
With a deep understanding of the policy-making and the political process in Scotland, ideally with some knowledge of health policy and public health policy, you’ll have an extensive understanding of parliamentary procedure and government in Scotland, as well as an understanding of public policy and how it’s developed.
You’ll have a proven track record of building and nurturing excellent relationships and exerting influence over external stakeholder’s agendas. You’ll also have previous
experience of having run or managed successful policy and/or public affairs work at a senior level, ensuring expectations, responsibilities and the purpose and vision for the team are clear and delivered.
With experience of leading stakeholder relations in a high profile and/or complex organisation. You’ll also have the following skills and experience:- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, able to present with credibility and gravitas to external audiences.
- Excellent writing skills, able to provide concise written and oral briefings on complex issues, often at short notice.
- Ability to work calmly, quickly and accurately under pressure of tight deadlines.
- Proven leadership skills whilst being a team player.
- Ability to develop and implement strategies and plans, ensuring that initiatives and activities are organised, prioritised and delivered successfully.
- Excellent time management and organisation skills.
Working arrangements
Please note this is a fixed term contract for 18 months.
This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our Edinburgh Office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.
The work will require some evening and weekend work as well as travel that may require overnight stays. There will also be an opportunity to visit BHF offices in Belfast, Cardiff and London.
Belonging at BHF
By embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment, we strengthen our ability to achieve our mission of saving and improving lives, ensuring our work reflects and serves the needs of every community across the UK.
To hear from our people, check out Belonging at BHF.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. By funding research across six decades, we’ve helped keep millions of hearts beating and millions of families together. We’re investing in ground-breaking research that will get us closer than ever to a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer.
Benefits
We offer a competitive range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, and opportunities for personal and professional growth and continuous learning.
To find out more about our benefits you can download the Benefits document at the bottom of this page or check out our Benefits and Development pages.
Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.
Interview process
Interviews will be held in person at our Edinburgh offices on Wednesday 13th May. A presentation element will be included in the interview process.
How to apply
To apply for this role please use the apply button below. Our process involves submitting your CV and a supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role’s criteria.
Our recruitment processes are fair, accessible, and inclusive. BHF use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.
Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.
Our vision is a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.