Communications & Engagement Officer for the Worcestershire VCSE Alliance

Background and introduction

Thank you for your interest in the post of Communications and Engagement Officer. This role is to support the work of the new Worcestershire VCSE Alliance.

The Alliance, launched in July 2022, is developing a strategy aligned to the new Integrated Care System. One of the key aims of this strategy will be to explore how the VCSE Sector can further develop services to reduce health inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of the people living and working in Worcestershire. In the future broader aims will be developed.

The Communications and Engagement Officer will play an important role in the success of developing and implementing this strategy.

As the Alliance is not yet a legal body, the successful applicant will be employed/hosted by Young Solutions Worcestershire, a key partner.

About this role

The Communications and Engagement Officer will be passionate about developing the VCSE Sector, health and wellbeing and will have excellent communication and engagement skills. They will have the skills to manage competing priorities and work under their own initiative, whilst having the ability to work well within a team environment.

The successful candidate will build knowledge, relationships and effective networks across the VCSE in Worcestershire, using this information to develop and implement a Worcestershire VCSE Alliance communications and engagement plan.

The role requires the applicant to be flexible in their hours of work to ensure the needs of the work programme.

Application Process

The closing date for applications is Midday on Monday 8th August. We intend to hold interviews w/c 15th August. This process will include a short task and a face-to-face interview with a small panel.

To request an application form pleased email office@youngsolutions.org.uk. Completed applications should be returned to Esther.Passingham@hwchamber.co.uk

A start date in September or October would be ideal.

We are also required to see a passport or other original statutory documentation to prove you have a legal right to work in this country. We will also need to see original certificates of all relevant qualifications that you hold.

Main terms and conditions

Salary: £28,000 - Full Time position at 37hrs per week

Location:  Mobile working with travel across Worcestershire. Office work can be carried out either at home or at Young Solutions, Severn House, 32 Ombersley Street West, Droitwich WR9 8QZ

Leave:  25 days per annum.

Expenses:  Authorised travel, basic subsistence when working away from base and other expenses will be reimbursed according to guidelines and rates set by the Employer.

Transport:  You will need access to a vehicle for this role. Mileage associated with the role will be reimbursed at a rates set by the employer. Insurance for business use is essential for this role.

Hours Duration:  Monday to Friday between 9am and 5.30pm (5pm on Friday’s). Occasional evening and weekend work.

This post will be a one-year contract initially, with an opportunity to extend.

Job Description
Job Title:
Communications & Engagement Officer for the Worcestershire VCSE Alliance Reporting to the Worcestershire Voluntary and Community Strategic Lead


Duties and Responsibilities:

Communications

• Produce and distribute a monthly newsletter to keep the VCSE Sector updated about a range of news stories and Alliance developments

• Develop the Alliance’s presence on social media to keep the VCSE Sector and other key stakeholders informed of key information

• Support the development of an Alliance website and manage its content, ensuring it is up to date, accessible, interesting and relevant

• Ensure that the website and other communication mechanisms are GDPR compliant

• Attend VCSE related network meetings across the county to provide updates as well as gain insights and intelligence

• Develop creative and novel communications mechanisms where these may create the best traction

• Build, maintain and manage positive relationships across a wide range of VCSE organisations with a particular focus on health inequalities

• Work with the VCS Strategic Lead, help to build an effective partnership between the Alliance and the District Collaboratives as well as the local infrastructure organisations (Council for Voluntary Services/Volunteer Centres)

• Develop a ‘bank’ of intelligence and information about VCSE organisations using a database/Contact Relations Management (CRM) system

• Organise a range of engagement events including a countywide VCSE conference

• Develop/build on existing local VCSE networks, based on the Gloucestershire “Know Your Patch” model or similar

• Work with the County Council’s Here2Help team to develop the Community Services Directory

• Develop and implement a range of engagement and intelligence gathering methods

  including surveys, focus groups and one-to-one discussions as and when needed

• Identify less engaged sections of the VCSE Sector, implement alternative methods of engagement

• Champion accessibility to make sure all voices are heard and acted on

• Attend the Worcestershire Engagement Network and play an active role in contributing towards its aims and objectives

  • Support the VCS Strategic Lead in the development of the VCSE Alliance

  • Manage all aspects of the work programme to a high standard

  • Provide monthly insight reports to the VCS Strategic Lead

• Any other task commensurate with the salary

• Be willing to work evenings and weekends as required

• Work in a flexible manner to meet the needs of the programme of work

• Undertake training as required

• Be aware of and adhere to the organisation policies and procedures

• Observe procedures and codes of conduct as defined

• Demonstrate positive role modelling and champion best practice at all times

• Report concerns effectively to the line manager

• Carry out duties in a non-discriminatory way and promote equality of access and

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