Vacancy Information Pack

Vacancy details

Position: Volunteer Co-ordinator

Salary: £22,668 per annum

Type: Full time: 37 hours per week

Duration: Post funded until 30 Sep 2019

by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund as part of

the Moving On Tyne & Wear Project , delivered by Mental Health

Concern (MHC), in partnership with the Northern Inclusion

Consortium.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure acceptable to us

Closing date for applications: Friday, 4 May 2018, noonInterviews: w/c 14 May 2018Interviews will take place at: VODA, Queen Alexandra Road West NE29 9BZWhen completed please return by e-mail to kathryn.tate@voda.org.uk Alternatively please post to The Chair, VODA, Queen Alexandra Campus, Hawkeys Lane, North Shields NE29 9BZ. Do not include any other documents. You will be asked to sign the form at interview.

Advice to candidates

Before completing the application form carefully read through the Job Description and Person Specification. Bear in mind the requirements of the job and use the form to explain how you satisfy the various criteria. You should not enclose a CV as this will not be considered by the interviewing panel, but you may include additional sheets where there is insufficient room on the application form.

We prefer typed application forms but you may also complete the form in writing. Please use black ink and be as neat as you can.

North Tyneside Voluntary Organisations Development AgencyQueen Alexandra Campus l Hawkeys Lane l North Shields l NE29 9BZ

Tel: 0191 643 2626 l E-mail: admin@voda.org.ukRegistered in England &

Wales No. 3703221Charity No.1075060

An independent charity supporting volunteers and the Voluntary & Community Sector

If you have not heard from us within 10 days of the closing date please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Your application may be unsuccessful if you fail to answer all the questions.

Data Protection Act

The information you provide on this application form is strictly confidential. It will only be seen by the interview panel. However, if you are offered employment with us it will be placed in your personnel file to which only the Chief Executive, Operations Manager and the Chair will normally have access. On leaving VODA the entire file, including the application form, will be held for 6 years in line with the Limitations Act 1980.If you are unsuccessful in your bid for employment your application form will be held for six months following your interview in case there are any queries and will then be destroyed. Further information is contained in our Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy which is available from VODA’s office. By submitting this application form you are agreeing to VODA processing your personal information.

Rehabilitation of Offenders

VODA does not discriminate against ex-offenders and all appointments are made on the basis of skills and abilities. However for some posts, because of the nature of the work, you will be required to disclose details of convictions, cautions etc.

Vetting of Applicants

Some posts may require a criminal records check and may be subject to further vetting. References are required that are satisfactory to us.

Our Equal Opportunities Policy

VODA recognises that everyone has a contribution to make to our society and a right to equal treatment.

VODA is fully committed to providing an environment that eliminates discrimination and which actively promotes diversity and values difference based on the unique contributions of individuals.

We are part of the Disability Confident Employer scheme. If you are disabled and meet the minimum criteria you are guaranteed an interview.

Job descriptionJob Title: Volunteer Co-ordinator

Hours Worked: 37 hours per week

Salary: £22,668 per annum

Responsible to: Chief Executive

Job Purpose: To contribute to the success of the Moving On Tyne & Wear (MOTW) project by recruiting, advising, guiding and training potential volunteers who have health issues to help them gain confidence and move towards employment. Specific focus on supporting women and supporting volunteering in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

 Main Duties:

1. Working as part of the accredited Volunteer Centre, and within VODA’s quality standards, establish contact with our partners and other key stakeholders to identify and recruit people who have experienced mental health problems and for whom volunteering experience may help to increase self-confidence and move them closer to the employment market.

2. To focus on the recruitment of women volunteers, and in developing volunteering opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

3. To assess potential volunteers and, taking into account their skills and interests, match them with appropriate placement organisations.

4. To devise and deliver training that is appropriate to both groups and individual volunteers to assist them in preparing for volunteering.

5. To recruit, train and support a team of volunteer buddies who can offer one to one support to help someone to attend a regular STEM volunteer role

6. To further support volunteers to ensure that their placement is a success.

7. To work as part of a wider sub-regional partnership, liaising with MOTW Community Navigators, signposting and reporting to other partners as appropriate.

8. To work closely with placement organisations and their staff so they are able to help and manage volunteers in the most appropriate way.

9. To promote good practice in the support of volunteers to opportunity providers.

10.To contribute to the promotion of volunteering and marketing of the Volunteer Centre.

11.To work with partners and networks to promote the value of volunteering and build relationships with appropriate referral agencies e.g. Jobcentre Plus, health professionals, social workers.

12.To work with colleagues in the Volunteer Centre and VODA to address strategic and cross cutting issues.

13.To monitor and evaluate work, providing reports to the VODA Board and funders as required.

14.To ensure equality and diversity principles are implemented.

15.To undertake training as required.

16.To undertake any other duties in negotiation with the Chief Executive.

Person specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential: Knowledge of the issues relating to voluntary work and commitment to

good practice in working with volunteers. Experience of working with volunteers or as a volunteer. Knowledge of barriers to volunteering and their solutions. Experience of working with mental health service users. Experience of making presentations. Experience of delivering training to volunteers and volunteering

opportunity providers. Experience of managing projects. Experience of monitoring and evaluating work. Experience of producing written reports.

Desirable: Experience of development work. Knowledge of the public sector. Experience of making funding applications Experience in marketing. Experience of managing student placements. Relevant teaching/training qualification.

Skills

Essential: Good communication skills. Good organisational skills. Ability to work with other organisations. Ability to work on one’s own and as part of a team. General computer literacy.

Desirable Ability to drive and use of a car.

Attitude: A commitment to the principles and practices of equal opportunities. A commitment to involving volunteers in the design and delivery of

projects. A commitment to the work of voluntary/community organisations.

Conditions of Employment

1. Location The post is based at VODA’s offices in North Shields but work will be carried out across North Shields and elsewhere.

2. Salary £22,668 per annum

3. Pension If eligible you will be auto-enrolled into the VODA Pension Scheme.

4. Hours The post is funded for 37 hours per week. Office hours are 9:00 am - 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday and till 4.30 pm on Friday with a compulsory ½ hour for lunch.

5. Holidays The holiday entitlement is 28 days per year increasing by one day per completed year rising to a maximum of 33 days. All holidays are pro rata for part time staff.

6. Maternity / Paternity

Details of maternity/paternity leave are available.

7. Sick Pay Details of sick pay arrangements are available.

8. Health Scheme

Employees are entitled to join VODA’s health scheme which is operated through BUPA.

9. Expenses Travel expenses are paid for necessary work-related journeys.

10. Notice Statutory notice periods apply.

Background on VODA

VODA is North Tyneside Voluntary Organisations Development Agency. It values, promotes and supports the development of the voluntary and community sector by providing an independent, sensitive, responsive and inclusive service to achieve a borough-wide active and lively community which is rich in volunteers.

VODA has been in existence since 1993, developing from a Volunteer Centre, with which it merged at that time. It is based in offices at the Queen Alexandra 6th Form College in North Shields.

VODA is run by a Board of up to 18 Directors. They are elected by its members at the Annual General Meeting which is usually held in October.

The work of VODA can be divided into the following areas:

Advice and support for voluntary or community organisations based in or operating in North Tyneside on diverse issues such as developing a new group, fundraising, financial management, and governance.

Information production: VODA produces and circulates newsletters 4 times a year to around 600 organisations. It also produces regular information sheets and e-bulletins, and maintains a website and reference library of helpful information.

Use and loan of equipment.

VODA runs the accredited Volunteer Centre for North Tyneside, raising awareness of the benefits of volunteering and recruiting and placing volunteers with a range of voluntary, community and statutory organisations. It delivers a supported volunteering project for people with enduring mental health problems and other long term health issues. It also delivers volunteering programmes for young people, including the National Citizen Service.

Training: VODA provides low cost training to meet the needs of the local voluntary and community sector.

Networking and development with local, regional and national organisations.

VODA facilitates local networks including the Volunteer Network and North Tyneside VCS Chief Officers Forum. VODA also works strategically with a range of voluntary and public sector organisations including North Tyneside Strategic Partnership.

Representation: VODA provides a voluntary sector viewpoint and facilitates representation within the sector in North Tyneside on a broad range of issues through North Tyneside VCS Chief Officers Forum.

VODA manages a range of contracts and other projects as appropriate to the needs of the local community, and where they fit with our strategic objectives.

Background on the project

The Northern Inclusion Consortium (NIC) is an established partnership of four of the North East’s largest charities, DISC, Groundwork North East and Cumbria, Changing Lives, and Mental Health Concern.

Mental Health Concern (MHC), in partnership with the Northern Inclusion Consortium (NIC), has been successful in securing European Social Fund and Big Lottery Fund monies to deliver the Building Better Opportunities programme across the Tyne and Wear Area. The programme is called Moving on Tyne & Wear and will support approximately 1,620 people living in the Tyne and Wear area, experiencing a range of complex needs, to make lasting and positive change and to move, in time, into training and employment.

Alongside working with people across Tyne & Wear, MOTW also offers five innovation projects which work with specific groups of people. In North Tyneside, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) project is delivered by VODA and North Tyneside Council and provides volunteering opportunities and training for people interested in the varied careers that use STEM skills.

VODA Staff Team

Chief Executive – Lisa Goodwin (Maternity Leave)Acting Chief Executive – Robin Fry

AdministrationOperations Manager – Phil BagnallAdministrator – Kathryn TateAdministration Assistant – Cam Reaveley, National Citizens Service

FinanceFinance Manager – Mark ThompsonFinance Assistant – Colin BellFinance Assistant - Juliana Tan

DevelopmentDevelopment Manager – Elizabeth GraceFunding Adviser – Frank Gillender Information Worker – Amy Millar

Sector Connector & Good Neighbours ProjectProject Co-ordinator – Ian DougallGood Neighbours Project Worker – Ian Brigstock

VolunteeringVolunteer Centre Manager – Ian Dodds Volunteering Development Officer (SAINT) – Sarah HilditchVolunteering Development Officer – Kim Rackstraw Youth Volunteer Adviser – Jo WoolleyVolunteering Development Officer – Josie Robinson

Working for VODAWhat we can offer you

VODA operates from the Queen Alexandra Campus - a 6th Form College in North Shields. The Campus provides free parking for both staff and visitors and there is easy access to Newcastle and the A19.At VODA we try to create an atmosphere of trust and respect where people feel valued and engaged and where everyone is treated equally. We strive to be a good employer, service provider and neighbour. Among the benefits of working for VODA are… Flexibility: We are not a 9-to-5 organisation but strongly believe in

arranging work patterns around other commitments such as family life. Pay: We pay our staff at very competitive rates. Pension: Planning for your long term future is important, and that

includes pension provision. VODA contributes a monthly amount equivalent to 5% of your salary into the pension scheme of your choice.

Mileage Allowance: We pay a generous mileage allowance based on NJC rates for work-related journeys to help cover the cost of fuel, wear and tear and increased insurance.

Holidays: Full time staff currently get a minimum of 28 days holiday a year, rising by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 33 days. In addition you get all Bank Holidays. Part time staff receive holidays pro rata. These holidays will increase in line with recent changes in legislation.

Focus on Employee Development: We believe that as staff develop, so too does VODA. To encourage this we provide a Personal Training Budget, currently £400 per annum, and six-weekly Support and Supervision Sessions – with the emphasis very much on support - to help staff review their projects and their own needs. At the end of the year we pull everything together in a more formal Personal Review & Development Session to help you take stock of what has happened during the previous 12 months, and what you need to do to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

Sick Pay Scheme: We operate a contractual sick pay scheme to help you when you are unwell. It is paid in addition to any Statutory Sick Pay you may be entitled to. The amount of contractual sick pay depends on how long you have worked for us.

Health Care Scheme: Staff are entitled to join our health care scheme operated by Simply Health Ltd.

In-house expertise: VODA has been around for more than a decade, and during that time we have built up expertise in several key areas. The way we work allows you to draw on that expertise, and add your own to it.

Unrivalled experience: VODA is a key player in North Tyneside’s voluntary and community sector. You will gain invaluable experience that you can use to further develop you career.

Cross-team working: No one works in isolation at VODA. In addition to being an integral part of your own team you will have the opportunity to work with other teams on common themes, to join task groups, and to have your say on a wide range of issues.

Conferences: We encourage staff to attend conferences that will benefit them, VODA and the community.

Policies and procedures: We have well developed policies and procedures to ensure everyone is treated fairly and problems are handled efficiently and effectively.

Staff Attitude Survey: Our Staff Attitude Survey gives everyone the chance to express their views on all aspects of VODA. Completely anonymous the survey helps us to ensure we are giving our staff a fair deal and can highlight potential problems.

In a Staff Attitude Survey we asked: “Which one aspect of VODA would you definitely not change and why?” Our staff said…

Job Freedom. It adds to a relaxed, friendly, supportive working environment

The trust placed in employees by management. Being trusted and valued increases my motivation to work hard.

Ethos towards its staff and their well-being. I feel this is excellent.

Openness of the organisation.

Relationships and respect between staff.

The people who are diverse, free spirited, committed to their jobs and have fun along the way makes for an excellent work atmosphere.

Application FormSection 1: Personal details

Please note: In the interests of equality this section will not be seen by the interview selection panel. Please ensure you answer all questions.

Position sought: Volunteering Co-ordinator

Title: First names:

Last name:

Address:

Post Code:

Telephone: home work(if we may contact you there)

Disability: Under the Equalities Act a person is considered to have a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities. Based on this definition, do you consider yourself to be a disabled person? Yes No

Why we ask this question: We need to ensure that people with disabilities are not disadvantaged and are given support if required. Your response to this question will not be seen by the interview selection panel.

Do you have support needs if asked to attend for interview? If so, please give details, e.g. interpreter, wheelchair access, etc:

Work entitlement: Are you entitled to work in the UK? Yes No You will be required to prove your eligibility to work in the UK.

Notice: How much notice must you give your current employer? _______________

Declaration: I declare that the details I have provided in this application are true and that any incorrect information could result in summary dismissal. I understand that the contents of this application will form part of the Contract of Employment.

Applicant’s signature: Date:(If submitting be e-mail this form may be signed at interview)

Section 2: Education since age 13 years

Schools Qualifications

College/University Qualifications

Further Education andFormal Training

Qualifications

If you hold a Risk Assessment qualification please provide further details:

Date Qualification Awarding body

If not, are you willing to gain a qualification in your first month with us?

Yes No

Details of any other courses attended(Include professional membership and qualifications)

Section 3: Current and Previous EmploymentPlease give full details of your employment history. Start with your most recent employer. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary. Please explain any gaps in your employment history.

Employer’s name and address

Job Title Salary Main duties DatesReason

for leaving

How long in post?

Section 4: Information relevant to the post

Describe how your experience, skills, training and outside interests – such as voluntary work, leisure activities and hobbies - may be helpful to you in this position. You may expand this box or continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

Section 5: References

All appointments are subject to the receipt of references that are satisfactory to VODA. Open references and references from family members are not acceptable.

We can accept references only from the following:

Your situation Reference required fromCurrently employed Your current line managerPreviously employed, now unemployed Your last line managerNo previous employment A lecturer or teacherVolunteering experience Your supervisor / line manager

Please complete the following details:

Referee’s Contact DetailsTitle:

Name:

Position:

Organisation/company:

Address:

Post Code:

Telephone number:

Help us to be a Fairer EmployerAt VODA we try to be fair and even handed in everything we do, including recruiting staff. By completing this form you will be helping us to monitor our policy on fairness.

Please rest assured that the information you provide will be regarded as strictly confidential and will not be used by the Recruitment Panel. In fact, the Panel never see this sheet. It is separated from the rest of the application form and given to another member of staff who is not involved in the recruitment process.

1) How did you find out about this vacancy?VODA website VONNE website Other website Word of mouth Jobcentre Plus Other Please specify:____________________

2) GenderMale Female

3) Ethnic OriginWhite Black or Black British British Caribbean Irish African Other Other

Asian or Asian British Indian Chinese Pakistani Other Bangladeshi Please specify:________________

4) AgeUnder 20 50-59 20-29 60-65 30-39 66+ 40-49

5) DisabilityUnder the Equalities Act a person is considered to have a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities. Based on this definition, do you consider yourself to be a disabled person? Yes No

If you are disabled please specify the nature of your disability:

6) Caring ResponsibilitiesAre you the main carer for…. an adult? a child?

Thank you for completing this form.