Overview for volunteering for long term or short term posts in Africa

VMM have sent over 3,000 long and short term volunteers abroad in the past 50 years and we understand how to best support you before, during and after your placement.

Long term volunteers posts are are also available for Teacher Training, Strategic Planning for Schools, Teaching Specialists for projects in Health and Environment, Crops and Irrigation Management, Community Health and Buildings Construction. 

Skills are not required for the short term programme but can increase your options which areas include: Teaching Placements and Assistants, Research (usually linked with University Internships) Human Rights and Advocacy, Healthcare, Agriculture/Crops, Construction and Environment. 

If you want to help build communities your skills and experience, you will want to review our long term placement options. Many volunteers work improve the long term conditions of schools and villages by training teachers or working on local and community strategic plans towards education and health. 

A teacher in our partner school recently complemented our short term volunteer. “He had teachings across the four classes and he encountered our enthusiastic students who at first had difficulty understanding his accent but grew attuned to it. The experience he had can only be shared by him. He saw, shared, and participated in our simple ordinary lives. He never demanded more than we could offer.”

The Long Term and Short Term programme offers placements from three weeks upwards, in Kenya and Uganda. The programmes run all year round (with the exception of the school specific calendar). This means placements can be made that fit into your own schedule and commitments. This allows you to plan well ahead giving you plenty of time to save and/or fundraise. We recommend a minimum four-week placement as you lose almost a week between travel, getting used to your surroundings etc. Projects are available for up to one year. Although long term projects are self-funded, we are planning for these posts to be supported by additional funding grants and organisation compensation.

If you are a determined individual seeking an opportunity in international development and/or  looking to contribute to the lives of the poorest, apply on this site with your CV and note or cover letter indicating why your skills would assist our programme and what you would expect to gain from this experience.Our office is located at Liverpool Hope University and you can connect with us by visiting our website.

About VMM

The Volunteer Missionary Movement (VMM) work in partnership with civil, faith, government organisations and community groups in some of the most vulnerable and marginalised communities in Africa, providing much needed services and developing a community’s own capacity to raise themselves out of difficult circumstances. 

They do this not by supplying relief aid and a ready-made, one-size-fits-all solution for these communities to implement but rather, following the missionary approach to development, by asking the community what their greatest needs are and placing suitable volunteers with skills and experience across the thematic areas of health; livelihoods; education; human rights; and community development on a mission to listen, learn, serve to arrive at the best solution for each situation and context. Having built lasting relationships with over 40 local partner organisations over 50 years, VMM have recently dispatched their 111th volunteer group. 

VMM will hopefully be the type of organisation that fit your criteria and beliefs. A faith-based organisation who welcome committed volunteers of all religions and none, the offices in Liverpool, Glasgow and Kenya work to train, support and place both skilled and unskilled volunteers from 18 – 75+. As such, they find the best fit for the needs of both the volunteer and the organisation, whether a student looking to improve their skills while giving where they can or a working professional or retiree who wants to help others by sharing their expertise. 

Please note: previous applicants need not apply.

• Are you experienced in delivering workshops to young people in schools?
• Do you want to make a genuine difference to disadvantaged young people?
• Are you motivational and inspiring?

If so then you might be the person we are looking for…

We are looking for motivated and inspiring individuals to deliver dynamic, exciting, and innovative workshops to large groups of young people in schools up and down the country (largely focused in England).  

We are looking primarily to recruit facilitators from the following regions:

• North East (England)
• South Coast (England)
• Midlands
• London
• however, we will also consider applicants based in other locations.

This position requires you to have demonstrable evidence of experience delivering workshops to large groups of young people (11-18) in a schools-based context.

Your application form and supporting statement should detail your experience of this clearly and succinctly.

Applicants without experience of delivering workshops to large groups of young people in schools will not be considered.

The Talent Foundry is an independent education charity dedicated to opening the doors of opportunity to young people. We seek to level the playing field by ensuring that every child has access to the same opportunities as their peers. We deliver a range of workshops to students in schools across the country, covering a variety of themes including employability, technology, engineering and media. 

The rate will be £200/day, classed as over 3 hours.

Specific Responsibilities relating to the role of Freelance Facilitator:

• Deliver dynamic, professional and informative workshops to a variety of young people in schools and other education-based contexts
• Act as ambassador for The Talent Foundry and our corporate partners
• Motivate, inspire and support the young people that take part in our workshops
• Deliver the workshop content as directed by the relevant Programme Manager
• Act as a key point of contact for teachers and corporate volunteers for each workshop

Other General Responsibilities:

• Operate as a flexible team player and provide a high level of customer service to schools and anyone connected with The Talent Foundry.
• To be aware of, and comply with, all policies and procedures at The Talent Foundry including health and safety, reporting any concerns to an appropriate person.
• To be aware of, and support, diversity and equal opportunities for all, appreciating and supporting the role of other professionals.
• To contribute to the overall ethos, work and aims ofThe Talent Foundry.
• To attend and participate in meetings and events as required.
• To participate in training and other learning activities as required.

The job holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young person’s for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the relevant Talent Foundry Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedures at all times.  If in the course of carrying out the duties of the role, the job holder identifies any instance that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm either at school or at home, s/he must report this in line with the Safeguarding policy. 

The Talent Foundry is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment.  Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 

We are looking for facilitators to join our team - likely starting September, but interviews conducted over the next few months, current circumstances permitting. 

Marketing & Communications Manager, Norwich Research Park, Norwich

£27,509.00 to £34,004 per annum - subject to skills and experience.

Full Time - 35 hours per week (to include weekend and bank holiday working if required).  

With cancer, everything can change.  At Big C, you can make a difference to local people affected by cancer while being part of a dynamic team.

Working as part of the Income Generation team, you will provide effective leadership to the small but busy Marketing and Communications team of employees, volunteers and consultants, managing team workload and output in addition to managing your own hand on work.

As an experienced Marketing and Communications professional, you will use your skills and experience to actively contribute to the development of the charity’s marketing and communication strategies to support the achievement of Big C’s wider strategic objectives.

Through the planning, implementation and delivery of high-quality activities, you and your team will and meet the needs of the wider Big C team; including; printed materials, e-newsletters, social media and the organisation’s website (including Big C’s Virtual centre); ensuring safe, effective practice and compliance with legislation and internal policies and procedures.

If you are a team player with strong leader skills, heaps of enthusiasm, great marketing and communication skills, and are passionate about directly helping local people affected by cancer, we would love to hear from you.

Please see our website for the full job description.

Closing date for applications:  30th April 2019 - however please note that this is subject to change or may close earlier if enough applications have been received. 

The Senior Policy Officer will have responsibility for developing and promoting innovative and impactful policy proposals which will make a significant difference to residents in ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods.

Job Description (Key Duties)

1. Develop and maintain an active and engaged network of parliamentary and other stakeholders providing policy briefing and organising engaging events.
2. Develop expertise in the policy area, developing ideas and proposals.
3. Stay on top of new research and policy work and relevant practice.
4. Maintain a strong network, developing a rapport with key contacts.
5. Develop and deliver a programme of events and research which can cut through the noise and grab people’s attention.
6. Develop and deliver key outputs – a newsletter, policy briefings and event summaries and occasionally more substantive reports, a webpage, social media and speaking engagements.
7. Commission and manage small scale research projects.
8. Actively seek out opportunities to promote the work.
9. Plan and monitor the project budget.
10. Other tasks commensurate with the role.

How to apply

• An up-to-date CV which shows your full career history. We recommend that this is no longer than three pages.
• A supporting statement, with your name at the top of each page, explaining why you are interested in this role, detailing how you are a good candidate for this post and how you fulfil the person specification. Each section of the person spec should be addressed under clear headings. We recommend that this is no longer than three pages.

Please note that applications can only be considered if both a CV and supporting statement is submitted.

All applications must be received by 5pm on Monday 20th April 2020. Interviews will be held between the 6th and 7th May 2020.

Please ensure you refer to the recruitment pack attached (also available on our website) for the full job description and person specification as well as specific details on how to apply.

This is a great opportunity to join Branches Hostel. Why?  Because we are developing the range of services we provide to former rough sleepers and homeless people.  As a result, we are looking to recruit an exceptional person to join our Support and Resettlement Team.

We have a 27-bed hostel providing short-stay accommodation for people with multiple complex support needs including mental health and substance misuse. The candidate appointed will bring first rate communication skills, and a thorough knowledge of the specific support needs of former rough sleepers and homeless people. 

If you are interested, have a read through our recruitment pack. You’ll find all the information you need in there to decide whether this is the organisation for you and whether you have what we are looking for.

We look forward to talking to you about the role you can play in our future.

Closing date – Tuesday 24th March by 5pm.

Interviews – Tuesday 31st March and Wednesday, 1st April.

Are you passionate about transforming the lives of our clients and looking for the next step in your career? If so, we have a fantastic opportunity for you to support a staff team in our Southwark Semi Independent Service (SSIH).

About the role

SSIH is a high performing service with a strong staff team of positive, solution-focused individuals who employ a self-directed approach.

We are looking to recruit a new Service Manager who will continue the amazing work that is being undertaking at the service, whilst taking the service to the “next level” by building on client involvement, joint working with external teams, and a psychologically informed approach.

Clients at the service have a range of complex needs and have been homeless. We work with all gender identities and an age range of 18-65. The service’s key performance indicators include void turn-over, throughput, positive moves, meaningful occupation and access of external support services.

As well as the Service Manager, there is a team of 1 Deputy Manager and 10 Project Workers. The service is spread across 10 properties in Southwark (such as Camberwell and Peckham). The team support clients with low-medium support needs around living independently, substance use, managing tenancies, moving on, meaningful use of time and both physical and mental health.

What we’re looking for

We are looking to recruit an exceptional leader who:

• Is someone who is able to evidence the ability to lead by coaching and achieving outcomes through others (evidencing the ability to maintain and grow a staff team of self-directed professionals will be essential to this).

• Is excellent at establishing and growing a range of partnerships in a leadership capacity.

• Has strong people management skills: is confident in their ability to apply informal and formal employee relations processes in appropriate circumstances, and who is able to demonstrate the ability to manage other managers

• Is able to lead a team to achieve positive outcomes for residents, and also to ensure the maintenance and H&S of the buildings are kept to a high standard

Above all we are looking for inspirational, committed individual who have a genuine desire to support people to transform their lives.

What we offer

• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities

St Mungo’s employees are encouraged to consider opportunities to develop new skills or progress including; secondments, internal transfers, application to new roles in the organisation or just to get involved in various projects happening within the organisation.

As a result last year 35% of our vacancies were filled by promotions. In 2019 we achieved We Invest in People Gold level accreditation and are one of just 3% of housing associations to achieve this standard; 82% of staff who took part in the IIP survey say St Mungo’s is a great place to work.

• A Diverse and Inclusive Work Place

At St Mungo’s, equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the organisation's values and how we work. We are proud of our commitment to diversity and inclusion and have 7 great Diversity Networks to support clients and staff from different backgrounds so they are able to be their best selves. Our Networks include: BAME, Carer’s and Parent’s, Lived Experience, LGBTQIA+, Disability Awareness, Irish and Women’s Action.

• Flexible Working and Other Benefits

We are committed to maintaining your work/life balance. We offer 25 days annual leave, and operate a very popular Flexi Time scheme, which allows you to supplement your annual leave entitlement. After 5 years, staff annual leave entitlement increases to 28 days.

St Mungo’s contribute 4% of your gross annual salary, and you are able to enrol in the Defined Contribution scheme following a successful probationary period in which the employer contribution is 6%.

What we do

At St Mungo’s our vision is that everyone has a place to call home and can fulfil their hopes and ambitions. As a homelessness charity and housing association, our clients are at the heart of what we do, and in 2019 we supported nearly 30,000 people who were either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Our staff are crucial to making this happen.

How to apply

Click the ‘Apply Now’ Button at the top of the page to start your online application form.

To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the document available tab at the top of the advert page on our website.

Closing date: 10am on 23 April 2020

Interview and assessments on: TBC

It is a requirement for this post that an enhanced DBS disclosure check will be undertaken for the successful candidate.

Please be advised that all appointments will be made on St Mungo’s current standard Terms and Conditions (T&Cs); this also applies to any internal candidates.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced practitioner to join our valued team, to provide quality information, advice and practical/emotional support to families/young people including disability related benefits, education and reforms, health and social care.

The ideal candidate will be committed to helping families at the most challenging of times, supporting families with warmth and empathy, whilst maintaining a calm and professional approach.  They should have previous family support experience in either a health, education, social care or third sector setting, together with a good understanding of the statutory entitlements for health related benefits and educational support.

This position requires travel around the Chelmsford area with some travel to other parts of the county. Own transport is essential.  Head office is based in Chelmsford.

Main Purpose of the Job:
To use well developed experience, expertise, together with knowledge of reforms and legislation (e.g. Welfare, Special Educational Needs and Disability reforms and Children and Families Act 2014), to help any Essex family who has a child/young person with any disability or special need, requiring quality advice, information, practical and emotional support across a wide range of issues to achieve positive outcomes that will benefit the whole family.

The post-holder will be responsible for own case work (targets) and will need to work collaboratively with other key professionals (across health, education, social care and housing) to enhance multi-agency, integrated working practices and demonstrating families’ confidence and ability to effectively take part in person-centred assessment and planning processes.

Specific Job responsibilities:
To provide consistent and current information, sound advice, practical and emotional support to families (parent carers) with children/young people (CYP) with SEND and young people (YP) directly (as appropriate) across a wide range of issues including:

-  Disability related benefits for the CYP & family support e.g. Disability Living Allowance (CYP) including preparing for and attending appeals and tribunals; Personal Independence Payment (YP 16+); Family Fund, Carers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance and other financial support including tax credits and debt advice. Housing and social care issues. 

-  All SEND educational issues including information, advice and support with Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment and EHC plan, including preparing for and attending appeals and tribunals, One Planning, SEN support, together with information on options for Personal Budgets and the ‘Local Offer’. 

This support could be provided via: 
- 1:1 face to face, telephone helpline, outreach through home visits to families assessed as needing additional support, accompanying to multi-agency/planning meetings and group advice surgeries.

- Contributions to local events/briefings, group information sessions, parent/carer drop-ins, information stand at Activities Club.

- On-line services via e-mail, e-bulletins, social media (e.g. Face book/Face Time/Skype), report and letter writing and signposting to other websites/sources of information. 

To empower and support parent carers and young people, quickly building a supportive and trusted relationship with the family, helping to identify the strengths and needs of individual family members ensuring they understand and are confident about options for their child/young person’s educational attainment, social learning, development, achievement levels, contributing to aspirational as well as realistic short/medium/long-term outcomes crossing different aspects of their life, including building their resilience.

To identify and engage with relevant agencies (statutory, voluntary organisations and other groups) as appropriate to assist families in accessing appropriate services and to support cross-referrals/signposting. 

To facilitate mutual support amongst families and individuals attending drop-ins and other facilities, and to enable them to make best use of the services available. 

To organise, attend and facilitate specific group activities and events (e.g. drop-ins, workshops/talks for parents/carers and professionals, activity club, outings) including undertaking risk assessments, health and safety, record keeping systems, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation at all times. 

To work collaboratively with other key professionals (health, education, social care and housing) to enhance multi-agency and integrated working practices, contributing to plans to achieve better and co-ordinated outcomes for families.

To carry out the necessary administration and diligently keep appropriate user records, presenting issues (case management system), and statistics up to date, providing data/case studies in a timely manner for monitoring reports. 

To keep up to date with new policies, reforms and commitment to continuous personal and organisational development.

To undertake relevant training in Safeguarding, SEND reform and EHC planning. 

To assist with the training and support of volunteers engaged in a variety of tasks and to ensure that confidentiality is observed at all times by volunteers who assist with activities. 

To raise the profile of the organisation through building trusting relationships with families and professionals and networking.  

To work flexibly as required by the nature of the post which will entail working in the school holidays and attendance at some evening and weekend activities. 

To carry out other duties that may be allocated from time to time and to contribute to the smooth running of the office and ‘team working’. 

To take part in social, cultural and fundraising activities of the organization.
 
Underpinning job responsibilities
• At all times to promote safeguarding of CYP and vulnerable adults
• To contribute to good practice and development of projects/services including evaluations as required, feeding up strategic issues or trends as these are identified
• To be an effective member of the team, attending regular team meetings and supervisions
• To maintain confidentiality of information at all times
• To adhere to policies and procedures of Families InFocus (Essex)

Applications must be received no later than 3pm on Tuesday 31 March 2020, applications received after this will not be considered.

Interviews will take place on 6 April 2020 and 7 April 2020.

We live in a country with an ageing population – by 2040, 1 in 4 people in the UK will be 65 or over.  At Independent Age we want to ensure that as we grow older, we all have the opportunity to live well with dignity, choice and purpose. Our organisation campaigns and provides services to ensure people can enjoy being independent, financially secure, healthy, active and connected in older age. 

It’s an incredibly exciting time to join Independent Age and help make an impact on the lives of older people.

As people age, they are often let down by the systems in place to support them. Whether they receive poor-quality care, live with undiagnosed conditions, or struggle to get the benefits they are entitled to, older people and their families continually miss out on essential support when they need it most.

At Independent Age we campaign to ensure that the systems that people rely on as they grow older are supportive and enabling so that no-one feels ignored, isolated and marginalized.

Our campaigns are grounded in the experience of people who have been on the receiving end of these broken systems, and our team mobilises public support to ensure solutions are found and implemented across the country.

We are seeking a national Campaigns Officer who is highly motivated and dynamic, with a passion to improve life for people as they grow older.

Working with colleagues across the Policy and Influencing department, and the wider organisation, the successful candidate will have:

• Strong knowledge of how national campaigns can influence decision makers, including how policy, public affairs and campaigns interact to create positive change.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with experience supporting people to get involved with campaign activity, for example attending an event, contacting their MP or sharing their story.
• Experience of building and maintaining good working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• An understanding of the issues faced by older people.
• Proven ability to write content for a range of platforms and publications, translating complex ideas into simple messages.
• Strong verbal communication skills, able to convey messages in an engaging and succinct way.
• Experience devising engaging and creative activities that people will be able, and want, to take part in.
• Proven ability to work independently, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines.
• Strong IT skills including use of Microsoft Office packages.

If you are interested in this role, please sub,it your CV and Covering letter detailing how you meet the person specification.

Closing date: Sunday 26th April 2020

Interviews will be held on: Wednesday 6th May 2020

TITLE:  Community Grants Programme Officer (Catalyst Project)

SALARY:  £28,000 - £30,000 depending on experience

CONTRACT: Full Time, 18-months.  

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Development & Partnerships

About Community Southwark:

Community Southwark is the infrastructure organisation for the Voluntary and Community Sector in Southwark. We support non-profit organisations to run effectively, efficiently, sustainably and legally through providing a range of activities including training, face-to-face advice, online resources, holding events for information and engagement as well as hosting networks and working groups and providing policy insights and influence.

We also work with individuals and informal groups on social action, engagement, supporting campaigns, providing information on how you can get involved in improving your community and more.

We are a champion for the sector and look to ensure we have a seat at the right table on its behalf.

About Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity (GSTTC)

GSTTC is an independent urban health foundation working with others to improve health outcomes in Lambeth and Southwark. We’re currently working to:

1. Reduce childhood obesity
2. Slow down people's progression to multiple long-term conditions (MLTC)
3. Find innovative solutions to the health effects of air pollution

The Catalyst Project is part of our MLTC programme.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity would like to run an18-month pilot programme with five organisations in the Walworth area of Southwark to test and measure the impact of a place-based grants programme. Grants are to be awarded to individuals identified by VCS organisations already working with them, to support with their health and wellbeing, as part of the GSTTC’s approach to slowing down people’s progression to multiple long-term conditions (MLTC). 

Based upon Cripplegate Foundation’s Catalyst Programme, GSTTC hope to give out grants of up to £500 per person to individuals with multiple long-term conditions to help improve their health outcomes. Piloting the Catalyst programme will also allow GSTTC to have a clearer picture of the potential impact of such grants and gather evidence to support and, potentially, expanding the scheme across Southwark. 

Community Southwark have been asked to manage this process. This will involve co-designing, producing and developing the pilot programme, implementing it, and monitoring and evaluating both the programme and the health and wellbeing outcomes over 18 months.

There is an expectation that if successful, the programme will be scaled up across Southwark.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Principal Duties

Co-produce, implement and evaluate a pilot Catalyst Programme

• Re-engage the organisations who took part in the initial workshop through email, phone calls and a workshop 
• Research catalyst style programmes including meeting with Cripplegate Foundation’s Catalyst programme
•  Draw up criteria to select the five that will take part in the pilot (as well as an element of self-selection) 
• Co-design a delivery model 
• Work alongside the Impact and Evaluation Officer to co-design an impact measurement framework and tools that will be used to monitor and evaluate both the model effectiveness and the impact the grants have on individual wellbeing
• Confirm timescale and process for the allocation and administration of the grants
• Run pilot: this may involve further workshops and capacity building support to the organisations as well as administering and evaluating the grants 
• Provide GSTTC with six-monthly progress reports
• Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the model with adjustments made to improve it as it runs, plus an end of pilot evaluation that will contain lessons and recommendations for expansion of the pilot programme
• Ongoing monitoring and evaluation to begin to understand the possible impact such a programme could have on participants’ health and wellbeing
• Hold a final evaluation and feedback event 
• Provide GSTTC with a full report with recommendations for scaling up the programme 
• Work with GSTTC to look at how such a programme could sustainably run going forward 

Promote and raise awareness about Community Southwark

• Increase the awareness of Community Southwark and its programmes amongst voluntary, community and statutory organisations & individuals living, working and studying within Southwark
• Work with Southwark-based voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) and communities of interest to become Community Southwark members and to take up the benefits of the membership; signposting them to other Community Southwark staff or external agencies to access support services, as appropriate
• Promote and coordinate engagement events in conjunction with the public sector, partner organisations e.g. statutory agencies, funders, and local VCOs.
• Identify organisations and businesses that would be strong candidates for corporate volunteering and skills matching

Undertaking research that will support the Catalyst Programme

• Analyse the possible impact of future changes in the environment in which the voluntary and community sector operates, particularly to do with legislation, government policy and economic factors and trends
• Interpret research, legislation and policy and present it in an accessible and informative way
• Work closely with the Policy & Participation Officer to ensure the voice of the VCS is heard in policy and commissioning decisions

Communication

• Provide the sector with appropriate information through contributing to e-bulletins such as the Funding Bulletin, online blog posts, online resources and hard copy resources as required
• Develop online resources, to complement support services provided by Community Southwark
• Participation in online networking tools both internally with colleagues and externally with members and stakeholders
• Ensure that voluntary and community organisations are fully informed about the work of the Catalyst programme and GSTTC, generating and contributing to Community Southwark’s communication channels
• Contribute to developing and managing an electronic database (Salesforce), ensuring that all data is correct before inputting into Community Southwark’s systems

OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• To support Community Southwark’s mission, vision, values and strategic objectives
• To undertake other tasks from time to time and as appropriate, that may be required by management in line with the goals of the organisation
• To work within all of Community Southwark’s policies and in particular, the Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities and Confidentiality policies, and help to ensure that diversity and equality of opportunity is integral to the organisation’s work
• Work to administration and communication protocols efficiently to ensure that organisational systems and procedures are implemented
• To promote an asset-based approach to Community Southwark’s work across the VCS, Public Sector and Private Sector
• To promote and undertake consultancy work on Community Southwark’s behalf as part of our income generation policy

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Needed

• Knowledge and experience of developing, administering and managing grant programmes
• Ability to facilitate workshops and focus groups etc.
• Ability to co-produce programmes with a diverse range of people
• Good organisational and project management skills including financial planning, time management, project planning, monitoring and evaluation, and good governance
• Ability to interpret research, legislation and policy and present it in an accessible way
• Excellent presentation and communication skills both written and oral
• Skilled and able computer user in standard office software
• An understanding of good governance and organisational management
• An understanding of the issues affecting the VCS
• An understanding of issues facing individuals with or at risk of having multiple long-term conditions
• An understanding of managing and administering grants

Personal Qualities needed

• Have a flexible work ethic, every day can be different
• Ability to create new opportunities and be able to run with them
• Independent yet a strong team player
• Capable of leading and decision making whilst also considering wider issues and impact on individuals
• Proactive in putting ideas and thoughts into actions and solutions
• Ability to prioritise and manage own workload/caseload
• High level listening, influencing and negotiating skill; positive, flexible and proactive attitude
• Strong networking and influencing skills
• Reliable
• A full commitment to equality of opportunity with practical ideas for its implementation within the scope of the post

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Contract: This post is funded by GSTTC for 18 months. The post holder will be employed by Community Southwark.

Office Base: The post will be based in Cambridge House, 1 Addington Square, Camberwell, London SE5 0HF.

Hours of work: 35 hours per week

Office Hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday, Flexitime: 8.00am to 6.30pm, Core Hours: 10.00am – 12.00pm 2.00pm – 4.00pm

A flexi-time scheme is in operation within Community Southwark. The successful applicant must be willing to work within the flexi-time hours.  The person appointed may be required to work outside these hours.

Annual Leave: 30 days Annual Leave. The leave runs from 1st April to 31 March.

Pension Scheme: In addition to the salary, there is a company pension scheme to which the company contribution is 5% of your annual salary and employees currently contribute 3% of their salaries.

Cycle to work scheme: The scheme allows employees to get bikes and accessories tax-free. This is done through a salary sacrifice agreement signed for up to £1,000 to be paid in monthly instalments.

Childcare Vouchers: Unfortunately, the Government closed the Childcare Vouchers scheme to new entrants on 4th October 2018. However, Tax Free Childcare is still available through the Government's website.

Volunteering Days: Employees are entitled to up to two days paid leave for undertaking voluntary activities.

Other: Successful applicants will need to prove their entitlement to work in the UK and may be subject to DBS checks.

TO APPLY:

Please send a covering letter outlining how your experience meets the job and person specification (no more than two-sides of A4) and your CV and the equal opportunities form to our recruitment email listed in the Job Description.

Closing date: Extended to the 20th of April 2020 (midnight)

If you wish to have an informal conversation about the role, please see details in the Job Description.

We are looking for a talented, passionate and ambitious Service Manager to lead our Lewisham services, driving continuous improvement and supporting people experiencing mental health issues towards positive, sustainable change.

Equinox Lewisham work across 6 sites and providing high, medium and low residential and floating support for service users who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions. Our clients include those who have a forensic history and those who may be coming into contact with mental health services for the first time via Early Intervention Services.

We offer step-down supported accommodation and continue to support individuals as they move through our service into lower-support accommodation and onto independent living within the community.

As the Service Manager you will have responsibility for all aspects of managing the service efficiently and effectively. You will give overall leadership, direction and guidance to a team of 10 staff as well as volunteers to enable the provision and development of high-quality services in line with the Social Interest Group’s Mission, Values and Strategy.

You will have experience of managing and motivating staff, holding them accountable whilst ensuring they are equipped with the skills and support to thrive. You will have the resilience to address challenges and the strategic vision to maximise the effectiveness of the resources at your disposal.

You will maintain a culture of learning and development through supervisions, appraisals and continuing professional development processes. You will ensure a coaching approach to line management is implemented throughout your team and adopted by frontline staff when supporting service users.

You will be responsible for contract compliance, supporting your team to ensure they meet or exceed contract performance targets and achieve positive outcomes for their service users. You will be responsible for reporting our performance to our commissioners and executive team in a clear and timely fashion, taking swift action to address any areas of underperformance. You may also be required to contribute to reports to Penrose’s Board of Trustees. The role requires some experience of designing or delivering improvement plans and creating a wider culture of continuous improvement.

Knowledge of mental health, excellent communication skills and being able to develop strong working relationships with your team, commissioners and other key stakeholders will be vital to the role. You will have some interest in both policy and business development, working with the Head of Services to identify and secure new sources of income. An understanding of budgeting and financial reporting will be helpful as you ensure your service is delivered within budget.

You will have a passion for Service User Involvement, enabling and empowering our clients to meaningfully input to the design and delivery of the service. You will possess a belief that everyone can turn their life around regardless of past or present circumstances. You will have an ability to motivate and inspire, and a keen eye for detail.

Although the role will predominantly work normal office hours, some flexibility to cover evening and weekend shifts will be required.

What we offer in return

• Excellent core and on-going training aligned with personal development plan
• Access to employee assistance programme
• Medi-cash which includes the following:
• Discount gym membership
• Routine eye tests, glasses and contact lenses
• Dental treatment via NHS or Private
• Physiotherapy, Indian Head Massage and a range of other therapies
• 25 days holiday increasing to 26 days after 2 years and increasing 1 day per year up to 30 days annual leave
• Life Assurance

We're looking for an experienced marketing and communications professional to join our staff team as Marketing & Communications Manager to join our staff team. You'll work closely with our Chair of Marketing & Communications and the region marketing and communications lead volunteers to effectively promote Girlguiding across our region.

Girlguiding values the differences that a diverse workforce brings and is committed to inclusivity, and to employing and supporting a diverse workforce. Girlguiding is proud to be part of the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme, a member of the Business Disability Forum, and a member of Time to Change. While Girlguiding’s young members may be women only, our staff team is mixed gender. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Please note: Deadline Extended to 15th May 12pm 

This is a new role and is an exciting opportunity to enhance the profile of this well established charity. The main purpose of the role is to engage with key organisations in the community and oversee all external communications programmes to promote the services and raise the profile of RASASC. 

RASASC is a registered charity which has been providing support to male and female victims of rape and sexual abuse (both recent and non-recent) and young people aged over 13, from across Surrey since 1992.

We provide an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service. ISVAs support survivors to help them overcome the abuse they have suffered and to rebuild their lives. This service also includes supporting the victim to seek justice through the judicial system, should they wish.

We also provide one-to-one counselling, youth counselling and family support programme, a national Telephone Helpline, and self-confidence and esteem programme.

Volunteers are an important part of the work we do. Volunteers staff our Helpline and our qualified counsellors work on a voluntary basis with survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

You will have two years’ experience working in a communication/marketing role, have excellent written and oral communication skills and have the ability to draft written materials for different media and target groups.

We are looking for someone who is able to work independently and be a strong team player. You should be have great interpersonal skills as well as being highly organised and competant in all forms of social media.

​You must have a full, clean driving licence and car that can be utilised for work purposes. 

If you are interested in joining our team or if you have any questions about the role please do give us a call as we would love to hear from you.

Help us to make a difference to the lives of survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

Please note: Deadline Extended to 15th May 12pm

About us

Mothers’ Union is a Christian organisation that has been supporting families for over 140 years. They have over 4 million members worldwide, 55,000 of whom in Britain and Ireland. As a Christian charity, we aim to demonstrate faith in action through the transformation of communities worldwide. Our members work at grassroots level around the world bringing hope and practical support to at least a million people every year through our programmes and as part of the volunteer base of local churches.

Key focus

Mothers’ Union is placed within communities and churches in a position to challenge behaviours and abuse as it happens, and bring healing and support to those within our membership and outside of our membership who are affected by this. It also has a responsibility to ensure that all work undertaken by MU Staff and Volunteers complies with global safeguarding standards

The need

Mothers’ Union members clearly indicated their commitment to creating safe spaces through a global listening process (engaging over 200,000 people in 36 countries). To move this forward effectively MU now requires a  safeguarding specialist with facilitation skills, who can help unlock Mothers’ Union’s potential in this area with the membership, track change, facilitate a safeguarding ethos, capture best practice, develop safeguarding within our programmes and central activities and ensure that appropriate systems and processes for addressing any issues are in place and followed.

Key Responsibilities

1. Ensure that centrally-supported programmes and projects are compliant with sectoral best practice and help build the capacity and systems that are in place:

• All future programmes to have safeguarding at the core of their design.
• All existing programmes to be audited for compliance with the WWC statement and if necessary, amendments to be made to the ongoing programme to ensure full compliance. 
• Supporting organisational wide learning through safeguarding incident experience.
• Support frontline operational staff of MU with guidance and training in safeguarding.

2. Ensure that the charity is compliant with sectoral best practice and check our in-house systems and practices ensure there is a clear point of contact and support management in compliance to these systems.

3. Build the capacity of staff and trustees to understand safeguarding, recognise safeguarding concerns and react appropriately in line with organisational policy and process.

4. Work with MU members globally to continue the work of attitudinal and behavioural change, that is replicable, based on mapping, listening and MULOA principles (experiential learning, co-creating, healing and heart and mind dialogue). Working with the development team and member leadership this will require:

5. Facilitating the creation of a scalable process that enables MU to end child and gendered violence, with an effective and replicable MEL system.

6. Facilitating capacity building and sensitisation through workshops training facilitators and key leaders in attitudinal and behavioural change.

7. By listening to women and children, and creating maps of local resources and partners’ action plans at community and diocesan level, that incorporate a MEL tool to track change and activities this will stop unintentionally perpetuating violence against children, women and the vulnerable, as well as engendering a change of culture in the communities in which they live. This will enable the development and implementation of contextually appropriate organisational policies and practices to support the changes in each Province.

8. To represent Mothers’ Union on key external bodies and at key meetings, and be in attendance and presenting at the twice-yearly Worldwide Board meetings. To be the secretary to the Safeguarding Committee.

Key Qualities

• Christian faith (preferably Anglican, this is an occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010).
• Proven knowledge and understanding of safeguarding as it relates to a global, grassroots organisation.
• Proven experience in supporting and facilitating participatory workshops that use a heart and mind dialogue and the key principle of co-creation.
• Creativity to look at alternative approaches to behavioural change around violence against women and children – linked to the objectivity and skills to analyse, prioritise and monitor.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Adaptability to changing situations.
• Work with the members of the wider development team to provide support in a safeguarding standpoint for their international programmes.
• Excellent project management and leadership skills, including leadership of change at a local and global level.

Please refer to the attachment for more details of this position.

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST TITLE: Short Breaks Activities Manager

REPORTING TO: National Family Services Manager

ACCOUNTABLE TO :       Director of Clinical Services

HOURS:                               18.75 hours per week (part-time)

TERM OF POST: Permanent

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:  3 months

LEAVE ENTITLEMENT:     21 days annual leave per annum exclusive of Bank Holidays, pro rata

Caudwell Children is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.  The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment.

PURPOSE OF THE POST

The Charity is looking to recruit two part time dedicated Short Breaks Activities Managers to manage an existing team of Short Break Activities Co-ordinators, Activity Support Workers and Volunteers.  The successful candidates will be responsible for the planning and co-ordinating of each programme and ensuring that they are delivered successfully in terms of outcomes and budget.  The aim is to help disabled children and young people identify their goals and build their skills and experience to allow them to reach their full potential, helping them to build friendships, form lasting social networks and obtain ASDAN qualifications.

Short Breaks enable disabled children and young people to access the kind of activities that are open to non-disabled children, so that they can lead ordinary lives.  A Short Break will allow a child to have a change of scene, try different experiences, have fun and make friends in a safe and caring environment, while achieving a recognised ASDAN certificate.  This will contribute to a child’s personal and social development and reduce social isolation and contribute a sense of achievement and wellbeing.  Short breaks help a child spend time outside the family home and with other people and aim to improve the quality of life of children and their families.

The main purpose of this role is to plan and implement fun, inspiring and challenging leisure activities that build life skills and promote independence, whilst also providing carers with vital short break respite.  Activities are supported by funding and grants from local area commissioners and delivered with the assistance of contracted part-time co-ordinators and a team of volunteers.  The areas covered, shared between the two posts, are South Staffordshire, Stafford, Leek, Tamworth, Lichfield, Burton, Cannock and Newcastle. You will be expected to work flexibly with some weekend working required and this will vary according to the needs of the service, and may be for example 2 hours to provide supervision to coordinators or training to volunteers, or as much as 4 hours to meet a gap in staff availability.

You will work as part of the Family Services team and be able to provide advice and guidance to parents of children with Special Educational Needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project management and co-ordination of Caudwell Children’s Short Breaks Programme

• Planning meaningful ASDAN courses, with achievable objectives.
• Develop session/activity plans to ensure that each area within each programme follows a consistent theme and format.
• Ensure that each programme and activity is planned in advance and delivered to quality standards in a timely manner.
• Ensure that children remain engaged and safe throughout the programmes in accordance with Caudwell Children’s policies and procedures.
• Ensure that children are signposted to other local activities where appropriate.
• Ensure that children have exit plans for longer term supporting activity on leaving programmes and activities.
• Complete assessments for the children prior to them taking part in the activities.
• Monitor, evaluate and provide reports for the department and organisation.
• Comply with all external funding requirements as appropriate.

• Staff and Volunteers
  • Manage, support and ensure supervision of staff and volunteers in the delivery of each programme.
  • To work in close conjunction with the volunteer team to ensure the engagement and retention of short breaks volunteers.
  • Assist in the recruitment and training of staff and volunteers
  • Ensure volunteer numbers meet the support needs of children on all activities and programmes.

• Budgeting
  • Ensure the service is delivered to the agreed budget and strategy.
  • Support and help to develop grant applications when requested by the grants team.

• Other
  • To provide advice and guidance to short break coordinators and volunteers
  • Effectively liaise with service users, families, team colleagues
  • Ensure compliance with ISO, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Purchasing etc. policies and procedures
  • Ensure that risk assessments on all proposed activities and venues have taken place.
  • Ensure children’s records and portfolios are complete and have sufficient evidence to meet ASDAN standards

The above list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake other tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SHORT BREAKS ACTIVITIES MANAGER

Qualifications –Assessed by Application Form

Essential

• GCSE’s (or equivalent) in English and Maths

Desirable

• Diploma in Health and Social Care and safeguarding training

Experience – Assessed by Application Form and Interview

Essential

• Minimum 2 years’ experience of working with children.
• Experience of supervising or managing others. Experience working with children with a disability.

Desirable

• Experience working in the third/voluntary sector.
• Experience working in an educational setting with different levels of learners.
• Experience working with volunteers. Experience of managing funded projects

Knowledge – Assessed by Application Form and Interview

Essential

• Children and Families with Disabilities

Desirable

• ASDAN
• Health and Safety
• Safeguarding
• ISO 9001

Skills and Abilities – Assessed by Interview

Essential

• Ability to engage, motivate and communicate with children and young people including those with special needs
• Ability to work on own initiative and part of a team
• Good IT skills (Microsoft Office)
• Good organisational, planning and problem solving skills.
• Ability to present clear and informative written and verbal reports.

Personal Attributes- Assessed at Interview

Essential

• Warm and Caring person. Dedicated, passionate, enthusiastic and resilient.

Other Special Requirements –Assessed by Interview

Essential

• Flexible approach to work, including weekends.
• Willingness to travel.
• Access to a car and car insurance for work use.

DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE CHECKS

The Charity is committed to safeguarding children and young people and therefore adopts a safer recruitment approach through a robust recruitment and selection process.  All posts within the Charity are subject to DBS checks, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).  Dependent on the role, one of the following DBS checks will be carried out:

• Standard disclosure
• Enhanced disclosure
• Enhanced disclosure with children’s and/or adults’ barred list check(s):

This role is not exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and is therefore eligible for an Enhanced (with children’s and/or adults’ barred list check) DBS check.