Development Officer Jobs
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation on 1st April 2023 will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we’ll be the only significant national funder with the efficiency, capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss.
We have a clear ambition, led by our CEO, Keith Valentine, who has valuable lived experience of sight loss. This ambition includes retail growth plans and an income generation strategy to open more shops over the next 5 years. We currently operate 11 shops selling donated goods, including an online eBay shop.
We are now looking for experienced, committed, and creative individuals to join our dynamic team as we devise and launch a new five-year strategy. You’ll be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you.
The Muswell Hill Shop Manager will play a crucial role in the future growth of our newly merged charity and the impact that we can achieve through partnership for people with sight loss.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Responsible to
Area Manager
Direct reports
Immediately responsible for recruiting and developing a team of dedicated volunteers. In due course the role and responsibilities may grow in line with organisational growth and priorities.
Working hours and contract
Permanent, full-time
Salary
£23,933 plus OTE Bonus
Location
Muswell Hill
Role Responsibilities:
Purpose of Job
· To coach, lead and manage a team of volunteers
· Drive sales performance to exceed targets, maximising cost efficiency
· Maximise shop profits through delivery of the retail strategy, including income, gift aid donor sign up and conversion, donations and other income generators.
· To achieve compliance with relevant regulation e.g., health and safety and safeguarding, whilst adhering to all policies and procedures
· To promote strong relations within the local community to enhance the profile and good name of the charity
Main Responsibilities
· To deliver shop income plan
· To achieve gift aid income objectives, donor sign up and conversion. Improving processes to deliver maximum value, coaching colleagues to success
· To support and manage volunteer pricing to ensure items are processed in line with policies and procedures, recognising and thanking the team for their contribution
· To develop a culture of ownership and follow up within own team and volunteers
· To adhere to safe, legal & secure requirements and standards for the shop, both front and back of house
· To induct, train and coach new colleagues, as evidenced through induction paperwork and development plans
· To role model and promote effective team communication, celebrating success and sharing best practice
· To liaise closely with the Warehouse Manager, Area Support and Volunteer Manager and Area Manager
· To role model exceptional customer service to supporters and donors, providing feedback in a timely manner
· To ensure the highest standards of customer care and service are demonstrated by self, line reports and volunteers
· Promote, monitor and act on internal and external customer feedback
· To evidence effective local networking to generate donations and volunteer engagement, including local business and other stakeholders
· To monitor and check security of stock and debrief variances with the Area Manager
· To proactively assess own development needs and seek out development opportunities to enhance contribution to Retail objectives and operations
· To take ownership of good housekeeping for all areas of responsibility
· To accept responsibility and carry out any other task commensurate to the role
Person specification:
Skills, knowledge & experience
Sales and Profit
· Monitor and be accountable for sales and category performance, as well as ensure that the team are aware of and engaged in the shop’s financial performance
· Foster a creative and entrepreneurial shop environment where team members seek to maximise income in new and innovative ways both within the shop and through a variety of channels, such as community events
· Manage the team to maximise income from Gift Aid on donated products
· Ensure that all of Vision Foundation financial procedures are adhered to and executed in a timely fashion by the shop team
Shop Floor
· Ensure sourcing sufficient levels of donated stock locally in collaboration with the shop team
· Establish efficient and commercially successful stock processing systems (such as pricing, quality standards, consumer safety, stock density and culling stock), including backroom systems and ensure these are adhered to by the volunteer team. Ensure that all legal and Vision Foundation internal regulations regarding donated stock are adhered to
· Inspire the team to provide a great customer and donor experience, which enables The Vision Foundation to attract new supporters every day. Ensure that feedback, including complaints are escalated to the Area Manager within the agreed timeframes
· Empower the team to create original, appropriate and commercially successful visual merchandising displays, including shop windows
· Make sure that all procedures for the sale of new products are followed by the volunteer team (if applicable)
· Work with the Area Manager to ensure our shops are in good condition, maximise their potential and are fit for purpose
· Provide a safe and healthy working environment and ensure that all team members are aware of and operate within Vision Foundation’s health and safety policies and procedures, including waste management and customer safety
Leadership - Volunteers
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution
Leadership - Paid Staff
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution.
Management - being part of Vision Foundation
· Play active part in the charity, including attending and contributing to all-staff meetings
· Play a key role in enabling the shop to represent Vision Foundation and increase the knowledge of the local community about our mission and work
· Be accountable for the integration of the shop into the local community in collaboration with the shop team
· Empower the team to respond to all appeals and fundraising opportunities.
· Adhere to and enforce Vision Foundation’s safeguarding policies.
Other
· Required to adhere to Vision Foundation’s vision, mission and values
· Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equality, diversity, and staff health and wellbeing principles
Personal qualities
· The ability to work under pressure whilst remaining calm and organised
· To be receptive to change and to act as a change agent
· The ability to maintain excellent rapport with staff, volunteers, supporters, and donors
· To demonstrate a calm and logical approach to problem solving
· To consistently demonstrate a dedicated approach to the quality of customer service and team working.
· Comfortable working in a small team both strategically and operationally
· Commitment to teamwork, business partnering and a collegiate approach – with a ‘can do’ attitude and a sense of humour.
· Able to provide positive, dynamic, tenacious and flexible leadership at all times.
· Results-driven, able to measure and quantify own outcomes.
· Adaptable to changing landscape and evolving organisation.
· Willing and able to operate at pace in an organisation going through rapid change, using your initiative and delivering to tight deadlines
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Highly organised with ability to plan effectively and allocate resources appropriately.
· An understanding of and commitment to London’s blind and partially sighted people.
Flexibility
· The role description is a general outline of duties and responsibilities and may be amended as the newly merged charity develops and the role grows. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.
When writing job applications, we want to see if candidates are the right fit for our charity, so they should be written using your own words. Use of Artificial Intelligence, such as Chat GPT, is considered plagiarism, and applications drafted with the assistance of AI will be automatically rejected.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation on 1st April 2023 will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we’ll be the only significant national funder with the efficiency, capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss.
We have a clear ambition, led by our CEO, Keith Valentine, who has valuable lived experience of sight loss. This ambition includes retail growth plans and an income generation strategy to open more shops over the next 5 years. We currently operate 11 shops selling donated goods, including an online eBay shop.
We are now looking for experienced, committed, and creative individuals to join our dynamic team as we devise and launch a new five-year strategy. You’ll be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you.
The East Sheen Shop Manager will play a crucial role in the future growth of our newly merged charity and the impact that we can achieve through partnership for people with sight loss.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Responsible to
Area Manager
Direct reports
Immediately responsible for recruiting and developing a team of dedicated volunteers. In due course the role and responsibilities may grow in line with organisational growth and priorities.
Working hours and contract
Permanent, part-time
21 hours per week over three days, primarily weekends but flexible over a seven-day rota
Salary
£23,933 pro-rata plus OTE Bonus
Location
East Sheen
Role Responsibilities:
Purpose of Job
· To coach, lead and manage a team of volunteers
· Drive sales performance to exceed targets, maximising cost efficiency
· Maximise shop profits through delivery of the retail strategy, including income, gift aid donor sign up and conversion, donations and other income generators.
· To achieve compliance with relevant regulation e.g., health and safety and safeguarding, whilst adhering to all policies and procedures
· To promote strong relations within the local community to enhance the profile and good name of the charity
Main Responsibilities
· To deliver shop income plan
· To achieve gift aid income objectives, donor sign up and conversion. Improving processes to deliver maximum value, coaching colleagues to success
· To support and manage volunteer pricing to ensure items are processed in line with policies and procedures, recognising and thanking the team for their contribution
· To develop a culture of ownership and follow up within own team and volunteers
· To adhere to safe, legal & secure requirements and standards for the shop, both front and back of house
· To induct, train and coach new colleagues, as evidenced through induction paperwork and development plans
· To role model and promote effective team communication, celebrating success and sharing best practice
· To liaise closely with the Warehouse Manager, Area Support and Volunteer Manager and Area Manager
· To role model exceptional customer service to supporters and donors, providing feedback in a timely manner
· To ensure the highest standards of customer care and service are demonstrated by self, line reports and volunteers
· Promote, monitor and act on internal and external customer feedback
· To evidence effective local networking to generate donations and volunteer engagement, including local business and other stakeholders
· To monitor and check security of stock and debrief variances with the Area Manager
· To proactively assess own development needs and seek out development opportunities to enhance contribution to Retail objectives and operations
· To take ownership of good housekeeping for all areas of responsibility
· To accept responsibility and carry out any other task commensurate to the role
Person specification:
Skills, knowledge & experience
Sales and Profit
· Monitor and be accountable for sales and category performance, as well as ensure that the team are aware of and engaged in the shop’s financial performance
· Foster a creative and entrepreneurial shop environment where team members seek to maximise income in new and innovative ways both within the shop and through a variety of channels, such as community events
· Manage the team to maximise income from Gift Aid on donated products
· Ensure that all of Vision Foundation financial procedures are adhered to and executed in a timely fashion by the shop team
Shop Floor
· Ensure sourcing sufficient levels of donated stock locally in collaboration with the shop team
· Establish efficient and commercially successful stock processing systems (such as pricing, quality standards, consumer safety, stock density and culling stock), including backroom systems and ensure these are adhered to by the volunteer team. Ensure that all legal and Vision Foundation internal regulations regarding donated stock are adhered to
· Inspire the team to provide a great customer and donor experience, which enables The Vision Foundation to attract new supporters every day. Ensure that feedback, including complaints are escalated to the Area Manager within the agreed timeframes
· Empower the team to create original, appropriate and commercially successful visual merchandising displays, including shop windows
· Make sure that all procedures for the sale of new products are followed by the volunteer team (if applicable)
· Work with the Area Manager to ensure our shops are in good condition, maximise their potential and are fit for purpose
· Provide a safe and healthy working environment and ensure that all team members are aware of and operate within Vision Foundation’s health and safety policies and procedures, including waste management and customer safety
Leadership - Volunteers
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution
Leadership - Paid Staff
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution.
Management - being part of Vision Foundation
· Play active part in the charity, including attending and contributing to all-staff meetings
· Play a key role in enabling the shop to represent Vision Foundation and increase the knowledge of the local community about our mission and work
· Be accountable for the integration of the shop into the local community in collaboration with the shop team
· Empower the team to respond to all appeals and fundraising opportunities.
· Adhere to and enforce Vision Foundation’s safeguarding policies.
Other
· Required to adhere to Vision Foundation’s vision, mission and values
· Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equality, diversity, and staff health and wellbeing principles
Personal qualities
· The ability to work under pressure whilst remaining calm and organised
· To be receptive to change and to act as a change agent
· The ability to maintain excellent rapport with staff, volunteers, supporters, and donors
· To demonstrate a calm and logical approach to problem solving
· To consistently demonstrate a dedicated approach to the quality of customer service and team working.
· Comfortable working in a small team both strategically and operationally
· Commitment to teamwork, business partnering and a collegiate approach – with a ‘can do’ attitude and a sense of humour.
· Able to provide positive, dynamic, tenacious and flexible leadership at all times.
· Results-driven, able to measure and quantify own outcomes.
· Adaptable to changing landscape and evolving organisation.
· Willing and able to operate at pace in an organisation going through rapid change, using your initiative and delivering to tight deadlines
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Highly organised with ability to plan effectively and allocate resources appropriately.
· An understanding of and commitment to London’s blind and partially sighted people.
Flexibility
· The role description is a general outline of duties and responsibilities and may be amended as the newly merged charity develops and the role grows. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.
When writing job applications, we want to see if candidates are the right fit for our charity, so they should be written using your own words. Use of Artificial Intelligence, such as Chat GPT, is considered plagiarism, and applications drafted with the assistance of AI will be automatically rejected.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting opportunity to join us as we strengthen our impact as a small-sized charity. You will have an opportunity to use and develop your range of project management, design, social media, website, and communication skills in a dynamic supportive team that is committed to maximising our positive impact on Deaf and hard of hearing people in Bristol.
Summary of duties:
Our Communications and Engagement Officer will lead on the work of our new Community Hub project and promote all the great things that CfD does e.g. the events and activities as part of our Deaf People Together project. The post holder will be based at The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2QQ.
This is an exciting opportunity to help CfD improve our communications, and to support the Deaf Community and hard of hearing people throughout Bristol with managing and sharing their information. You will work with Deaf and hard of hearing people by providing the training, tools, and resources to enable them to create their own information materials that can be shared with the community.
You will be responsible for developing and uploading website content, creating marketing material, use of social media and other communications platforms to help deliver the aims of our Community Hub project and to increase our community engagement and profile. You will also lead on commissioning a redesign of our website.
You will also have a role in supporting our Community Development Officer to arrange and publicise events.
You will use your time in this way:
-
Half of your time on the Community Hub Project;
-
About a day a week supporting our Community Development Officer;
-
The rest of your time on promoting other projects and developing the CfD website.
This is a role for a creative individual who is well organised and is proactive, who has the ambition to develop and deliver fun, engaging, and effective accessible communication.
The main responsibilities are to:
Community Hub
-
Provide training for and support deaf volunteers to improve CfD’s capacity to produce and share relevant community information from across Bristol. You will organise workshops for deaf people to develop their skills in video and media technology to produce accessible content.
-
Develop a virtual information hub, where information on CfD events and other activities in Bristol will be fully accessible to all deaf people, using CfD’s website, social media, apps, and newsletters.
-
Support deaf people with producing their own newsletters using BSL and subtitles. Our aim is to have a regular newsletter that is produced and managed by deaf people.
-
Develop a CfD “newsround” – a regular video round-up of events, news, and information of interest to deaf people.
-
Work with 4 Community Hubs in Bristol to increase their accessibility for and engagement with deaf people in their neighbourhoods, and to increase their understanding of how to include deaf people in activities. This work will include collaborating to deliver deaf-focused events.
Communications
-
Support other projects at CfD with information dissemination, and media and communications, such as creating posters, video production, posting on social media, and basic updates on our website.
-
Improve the quality and reach of information that CfD sends out e.g. using other social media platforms.
-
Support the CFD Community Development Officer by arranging and promoting events.
-
Ensure compliance across all media with CfD’s brand guidelines.
-
Lead on reviewing the CfD website and commissioning a new design.
-
Coordinate any media enquiries.
-
Collect data to analyse and evaluate the impact of the role.
General
-
Attend conferences, training, and other staff development opportunities.
-
Develop an agreed personal training plan and carry this out using internal and external training as required.
-
Adhere to and promote CfD’s policies and standards, especially the Equal Opportunities, Data Protection, Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Communication policies.
-
Act as an ambassador for CfD promoting a positive and professional image and attitude at all times.
-
Support the CEO and other CfD staff in achieving the aims of CfD and carry out such other relevant duties as may be agreed.
-
Support CfD to find funding for new projects involving Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.
-
Coordinate and manage own Access to Work support (if needed).
Terms and conditions:
-
This is a full-time position of 37.5 hours a week. CfD’s core hours are 10am – 4pm. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
-
Contract until January 31st 2026 with possibility of an extension subject to further funding.
-
Salary £24,000 - £27,000a year.
Note:
The final interpretation of this job description rests with the CEO in consultation with the Board of Trustees and the jobholder. The job description will be reviewed in the course of supervision meetings and any amendments will be negotiated with the jobholder. The jobholder is also expected to share in other CfD activities as time permits and by agreement with the CEO.
Person specification
The successful candidate will have had at least two years in a relevant communications role.
You will have a pro-active approach and be committed to achieving results
Essential skills, abilities and knowledge
-
A passion to communicate CfD’s values and to support the interests of the deaf and hard of hearing people that we work with.
-
Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence in communicating with Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users and hard of hearing people. This may be direct communication or through a BSL interpreter or speech-to-text operator.
-
Ability to create high-quality communications material and to engage with a variety of audiences.
-
Experience of social media management and familiarity with evolving and new digital media platforms.
-
Ability to create graphics and images for communication materials.
-
Ability to produce video material, including filming and editing and adding including subtitles.
-
Ability to think creatively.
-
Ability to write clear content for social media and website pages
-
Experience of training and supporting groups of people, either as part of paid work or as a volunteer.
-
Ability to form positive working relationships with other professionals and to collaborate on projects.
-
Good influencing and negotiating skills so that you can persuade people to make their activities more inclusive of deaf people.
-
Good attention to detail.
-
Educated to A-Level standard, including Maths and English GCSEs.
-
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and associated software, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Desirable skills, abilities and knowledge:
-
Relevant professional qualification.
-
Experience of working with Deaf and/or hard of hearing people.
-
Ability to communicate in British Sign Language (training can be provided).
-
Experience working, paid or unpaid, in or with communities, the disability sector or in the third sector.
Things we expect all staff to support us with:
-
Actively seek out opportunities for development and income generation.
-
Read, understand and follow CfD’s policies and procedures.
-
Stay up to date with key developments in your specialist area.
-
Be willing to occasionally work evenings and weekends.
-
Participate in team-meetings and development days.
-
Be willing to travel across Bristol and occasionally further afield.
-
Represent CfD at local, regional and national meetings and events.
In return, you will receive:
-
Competitive pay and holiday allowance
-
25 days a year plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata if part-time)
-
Employee pension contributions
-
A flexible working policy
-
Our core hours are 10:00 until 16:00 Monday to Friday
-
The opportunity to be part of a committed, skilled and supportive team
-
Support to develop your skills further
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you looking for a fulfilling role where you can make a real difference? Are you organised and people orientated? We have an exciting opportunity at our Birmingham Centre to support us in connecting with our local community. Thrive is a national charity that uses gardening to change lives. We’re looking for a Community Engagement Officer who will strengthen our links within the local community, such that more people know about Thrive, understand what we do and access our programs.
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’re looking to significantly build on our fantastic work in Birmingham over the next two years. Working as a key part of the team at Thrive in Birmingham, the Community Engagement Officer will increase participation and strengthen our referral pathways through productive relationships. Such that engagement with our services is representative of the diversity within our locality. The successful candidate will have strong communication and organisational skills. We’re looking for a relational operator who can confidently facilitate visitors and work independently with a range of external partners.
to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check. Thrive complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice. Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an individual from working for Thrive.
Closing date for applications: 17.00 on the 2nd May 2024. We will be reviewing applications as they come in, so early application is recommended.
Please download the job information pack and send your CV and a covering letter to recruitment that explains how your skills meet the job description.
Who we are:
The National Autistic Society is here to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.
We transform lives by providing support, information and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Since 1962, autistic people have turned to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.
The Autism Know How department, which this role sits within, supports organisations across sectors to improve both understanding and practice for professionals and employees in order to help to transform the lives of autistic people and families. We do this through diagnostic services, training, accreditation, consultancy and conferences.
What we can offer you:
- Auto-enrolled Pension Scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences
- Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits such as cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan & shopping discounts for places such as Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys, Halfords, Nike, Apple and loads more!
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Life Assurance at 2 x base salary
- A portfolio of fantastic new salary sacrifices benefits and other flexible benefits private health, dental insurance, car salary sacrifice scheme, activity pass, holiday trading, enhanced pension & salary deduct loans (eligibility criteria may apply)
- Access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme & counselling programme
- Free access to the Headspace App – a global leader in mindfulness and you can enrol up to three friends or family members for free!
Who we are looking for:
A Permanent Customer Relations and Sales Officer to work as part of a centralised sales team, which leads all Autism Know How sales, logistic and customer support enquiries.
Managing all aspects of the customer sales journey, this role will lead and deliver an effective, timely and professional customer journey and experience, maximising income potential and repeat business to ensure performance against team sales targets and to enable the society to continue to improve its offering for autistic people.
This role will work closely with colleagues across Autism Know How, Marketing, CRM and Business Development departments, and other relevant NAS teams where required.
This role will also deliver general administration and data processing as required.
To view the job description, please click here.
Where you will be working:
Home based, with occasional travel when required.
How to apply:
- To apply for this role please click the Apply button below
- When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role.
We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
For some roles, successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks.
Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.
The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.
We are an equal opportunities employer.
Our work reaches into the heart of the communities of Oxfordshire, and we’re pleased to be expanding our Community Engagement work into the areas of Cherwell and West Oxfordshire. The key towns in these areas are Banbury, Bicester, Kidlington, Witney, Carterton and Chipping Norton, including surrounding villages. Your role will be to set up peer-to-peer support groups, information days, befriending partnerships, and to be a point of contact for our work in the north and west of the county. Our mission is to support visually impaired people to live independent and active lives and you’ll be playing a key part in this.
Job Title: Community Engagement Worker (North and West)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £23,000 – £28,000 per year dependent on experience
Annual Leave: 25 days per year plus bank holidays (to increase after 3-years)
Contract Type: Permanent (6-month probationary period)
Reporting to: Community Engagement Lead
Start date: Summer 2024
Base: Office/home-based with frequent travel across Cherwell and West Oxfordshire.
Closing Date: Midday 29th April 2024
Interview Date: Wednesday 8th May 2024 (in person at Bradbury Lodge, Oxford)
Job Purpose:
To support visually impaired people to live independent and active lives by providing a range of activities and groups across the north and west of Oxfordshire.
Duties:
- Setting up and supporting peer-to-peer support groups
- Holding information days within local libraries, community centres and other key locations
- Setting up walking groups as part of our Green Walks Project
- Demonstrating and setting up daily living equipment and assistive technology with support from the tech team
- Assisting in the setup of befriending partnerships alongside the Volunteer Coordinator
- Connect, share, and learn with partners and other organisations
- Being a point of contact for MyVision within the North and West of Oxfordshire
Other duties:
- Provide talks and training as needed
- Support the Fundraising team with local events and initiatives
- Keep accurate records of interactions and activites
- Attend relevant meetings, training, workshops, and webinars
- Support the team with furthering the objectives and goals of the organisation
- Other reasonable duties set out by your line manager and Chief Executive
- There may, on occasion, be a need to work outside normal hours e.g., weekends and evenings
Breakdown of duties
This is a rough guide to your duties; flexibility will be required.
Tasks% of your timePeer Support Groups and Activities40%Info Days and Equipment Demos20%Befriending Support25%Other duties15%
Person Specification
NOTE: We expect candidates to evidence how they meet the criteria in their covering letter. This can be through work, volunteering, and your personal life.
Essential skills, experience, and knowledge:
- Experience of setting up community-based initiatives (for example: groups, clubs, activities etc)
- The ability to research, create and manage working relationships with local groups/organisations across Oxfordshire.
- Good IT skills
- Good communication skills in person, over the telephone and online
- The ability to travel around the county, whether with your own car, public transport or Access to Work support, please see below regarding Access to Work.
- Ideally located within or nearby Cherwell, West Oxfordshire, or Oxford city.
Desirable:
- Lived or learned experience of visual impairment
- Experience of working with visually impaired people
- Experience of providing community-based services for a disability charity
Personal Qualities
- The ability to work under own initiative
- Good communicator
- Creative thinker and problem solving
- A supportive team player
This role may suit someone with lived experience of sight loss, MyVision is a strong advocate of Lived Experience with over half of our employees having a visual impairment. The role would also suit someone who has strong communication skills and the ability to support, encourage and engage people. We also recognise many skills are transferrable and welcome applications from people with varying experiences and backgrounds.
Please evidence how you meet the person specifications in your covering letter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation on 1st April 2023 will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we’ll be the only significant national funder with the efficiency, capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss.
We have a clear ambition, led by our CEO, Keith Valentine, who has valuable lived experience of sight loss. This ambition includes retail growth plans and an income generation strategy to open more shops over the next 5 years. We currently operate 10 shops selling donated goods, including an online eBay shop.
We are now looking for experienced, committed, and creative individuals to join our dynamic team as we devise and launch a new five-year strategy. You’ll be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you.
The Hampton Hill Shop Manager will play a crucial role in the future growth of our newly merged charity and the impact that we can achieve through partnership for people with sight loss.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Responsible to
Area Manager
Direct reports
Immediately responsible for recruiting and developing a team of dedicated volunteers. In due course the role and responsibilities may grow in line with organisational growth and priorities.
Working hours and contract
Permanent, part-time
7 hours per week on Saturday
Salary
£23,933 pro-rata plus OTE Bonus
Location
Hampton Hill
Start date
As soon as possible
Role Responsibilities:
Purpose of Job
· To coach, lead and manage a team of volunteers
· Drive sales performance to exceed targets, maximising cost efficiency
· Maximise shop profits through delivery of the retail strategy, including income, gift aid donor sign up and conversion, donations and other income generators.
· To achieve compliance with relevant regulation e.g., health and safety and safeguarding, whilst adhering to all policies and procedures
· To promote strong relations within the local community to enhance the profile and good name of the charity
Main Responsibilities
· To deliver shop income plan
· To achieve gift aid income objectives, donor sign up and conversion. Improving processes to deliver maximum value, coaching colleagues to success
· To support and manage volunteer pricing to ensure items are processed in line with policies and procedures, recognising and thanking the team for their contribution
· To develop a culture of ownership and follow up within own team and volunteers
· To adhere to safe, legal & secure requirements and standards for the shop, both front and back of house
· To induct, train and coach new colleagues, as evidenced through induction paperwork and development plans
· To role model and promote effective team communication, celebrating success and sharing best practice
· To liaise closely with the Warehouse Manager, Area Support and Volunteer Manager and Area Manager
· To role model exceptional customer service to supporters and donors, providing feedback in a timely manner
· To ensure the highest standards of customer care and service are demonstrated by self, line reports and volunteers
· Promote, monitor and act on internal and external customer feedback
· To evidence effective local networking to generate donations and volunteer engagement, including local business and other stakeholders
· To monitor and check security of stock and debrief variances with the Area Manager
· To proactively assess own development needs and seek out development opportunities to enhance contribution to Retail objectives and operations
· To take ownership of good housekeeping for all areas of responsibility
· To accept responsibility and carry out any other task commensurate to the role
Person specification:
Skills, knowledge & experience
Sales and Profit
· Monitor and be accountable for sales and category performance, as well as ensure that the team are aware of and engaged in the shop’s financial performance
· Foster a creative and entrepreneurial shop environment where team members seek to maximise income in new and innovative ways both within the shop and through a variety of channels, such as community events
· Manage the team to maximise income from Gift Aid on donated products
· Ensure that all of Vision Foundation financial procedures are adhered to and executed in a timely fashion by the shop team
Shop Floor
· Ensure sourcing sufficient levels of donated stock locally in collaboration with the shop team
· Establish efficient and commercially successful stock processing systems (such as pricing, quality standards, consumer safety, stock density and culling stock), including backroom systems and ensure these are adhered to by the volunteer team. Ensure that all legal and Vision Foundation internal regulations regarding donated stock are adhered to
· Inspire the team to provide a great customer and donor experience, which enables The Vision Foundation to attract new supporters every day. Ensure that feedback, including complaints are escalated to the Area Manager within the agreed timeframes
· Empower the team to create original, appropriate and commercially successful visual merchandising displays, including shop windows
· Make sure that all procedures for the sale of new products are followed by the volunteer team (if applicable)
· Work with the Area Manager to ensure our shops are in good condition, maximise their potential and are fit for purpose
· Provide a safe and healthy working environment and ensure that all team members are aware of and operate within Vision Foundation’s health and safety policies and procedures, including waste management and customer safety
Leadership - Volunteers
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution
Leadership - Paid Staff
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution.
Management - being part of Vision Foundation
· Play active part in the charity, including attending and contributing to all-staff meetings
· Play a key role in enabling the shop to represent Vision Foundation and increase the knowledge of the local community about our mission and work
· Be accountable for the integration of the shop into the local community in collaboration with the shop team
· Empower the team to respond to all appeals and fundraising opportunities.
· Adhere to and enforce Vision Foundation’s safeguarding policies.
Other
· Required to adhere to Vision Foundation’s vision, mission and values
· Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equality, diversity, and staff health and wellbeing principles
Personal qualities
· The ability to work under pressure whilst remaining calm and organised
· To be receptive to change and to act as a change agent
· The ability to maintain excellent rapport with staff, volunteers, supporters, and donors
· To demonstrate a calm and logical approach to problem solving
· To consistently demonstrate a dedicated approach to the quality of customer service and team working.
· Comfortable working in a small team both strategically and operationally
· Commitment to teamwork, business partnering and a collegiate approach – with a ‘can do’ attitude and a sense of humour.
· Able to provide positive, dynamic, tenacious and flexible leadership at all times.
· Results-driven, able to measure and quantify own outcomes.
· Adaptable to changing landscape and evolving organisation.
· Willing and able to operate at pace in an organisation going through rapid change, using your initiative and delivering to tight deadlines
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Highly organised with ability to plan effectively and allocate resources appropriately.
· An understanding of and commitment to London’s blind and partially sighted people.
Flexibility
· The role description is a general outline of duties and responsibilities and may be amended as the newly merged charity develops and the role grows. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job title: Independent Advocate – supporting parents and adults with learning disabilities.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, working Monday to Friday.
Salary: £23,069 – £23,280 per annum depending on experience and qualifications.
Place of work: Birmingham, You will be based at CASBA’s brand new fully accessible office in Selly Oak. The role requires you to work in service users’ homes and community venues.
About us
CASBA is an advocacy charity in the south Birmingham area. We make sure the voices of people with disabilities are heard and their rights accepted. We empower people with disabilities to speak up for themselves or advocate on their behalf when needed.
Our team are passionate about the difference we make and are now looking for someone to join us as an independent Advocate.
What we are looking for
We are looking for someone who cares as much as we do about getting the voices of people with learning disabilities heard and their rights accepted. This pivotal role supports and champions people with learning disabilities during pregnancy and on becoming new parents to develop good parenting skills to ensure their children receive the appropriate support they need. You will enable people to make informed choices about decisions by providing them with accurate and accessible information, including the setting up and facilitating of workshops, training, groups, and activities.
You will also provide advocacy to ensure people with learning disabilities can secure their rights and entitlements, maximise their income, deal with crisis and work to prevent it, access services and the community, and be valued as citizens.
About the person
You will have:
• experience of working as an advocate in various settings ensuring their voices are heard and rights are accepted.
• experience of supporting people to navigate challenges they face and access appropriate services.
• understanding of issues faced by parents with learning disabilities and a commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity.
• ability to work using own initiative, prioritising work, case management and time management.
• excellent communication skills with the ability to adapt communication depending on the needs of the person.
• ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team setting.
• As part of your professional development in the role, the successful candidate will be supported to complete Advocacy qualifications as appropriate.
Why us
This is an exciting time to be joining CASBA, we have an ambitious five-year strategic plan and we have moved to fully accessible offices. We rebranded last year and have many exciting projects and partnerships on the horizon.
Citizens are at the heart of our work and CASBA is making an amazing impact in our local community. Join us to be part of it.
What we offer
We offer hybrid and flexible working, including the opportunity to work compressed hours and if required term-time only options, depending on the role. We also offer a generous holiday allowance (up to 30 days). Entitlement increases with service, and pension contributions.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community and people of all ethnicities and backgrounds, including people with disabilities.
We are dedicated to creating a workforce that is a true reflection of the communities we serve. If you are disabled, have the skills, and or the experience to do the job, then we would love to meet you for an interview.
If you would like a conversation about the role before you apply, especially if you feel you don’t meet all the requirements, please call us to discuss. We know that certain sectors of society count themselves out of applying, so please give us a call before you do that.
To Apply
Please click apply now to complete our short application form and to submit your CV.
CASBA is an advocacy charity in the south Birmingham area. We make sure the voices of people with disabilities are heard and their rights accepted. We empower people with disabilities to speak up for themselves or advocate on their behalf when needed.
Closing date: 18-05-2024
You may also have experience in the following: Community Outreach Specialist, Client Advocacy Coordinator, Social Justice Advocate, Peer Support Specialist, Empowerment Advocate, Community Engagement Officer, Advocacy Liaison, Supportive Services Facilitator, Public Policy Advocate, Outreach and Education Coordinator, Client Rights Advocate.
REF-213 413