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Page 1 of 15
3 January 2017
Dear Applicant,
Re: Head of Operations - YMCA Guildford
Thank you for your interest in the above post.
Enclosed is a job pack containing the following:
o Welcome to Applicants
o The YMCA Movement & Our Vison
o About Us
o Job Profile
o Person Specification
o Principal Terms & Conditions
o The Recruitment & Selection Process
o Our Executive and Leadership Team
o Our Finances & Our Strategic Vision
o Our Locations
o Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders
I have also enclosed an application form for your completion. Please be aware that the closing
date for this vacancy is Wednesday 1st March 2017 at 9am and the interview date is Friday
10th March 2017.
Please return email applications to [email protected] or hard copies by hand or post
to Human Resources, Reed House, 47 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2BE.
We look forward to receiving your completed application. If you have not heard from us within
2 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application was not successful on this
occasion.
YMCA DownsLink Group requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to
safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable
adults.
Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Yours faithfully,
Emily Whiter
Recruitment & HR Systems Co-ordinator
Page 2 of 15
Welcome to Applicants
Thank you for your interest in this role and I hope you find this pack and our website answer
any questions you may have about this role. You probably will have heard of YMCA, the largest
and oldest youth charity in the world but you may not have heard about us. YMCA DownsLink
Group is a grouping of local YMCAs across Sussex and Surrey, who over the past seven years
have taken the decision to work more formally together to increase the capacity and impact of
YMCA work in the region. Our last merger was in 2014 when we welcomed YMCA Guildford into
the organisation. This collaboration was the point we changed our name from Sussex Central
YMCA to YMCA DownsLink Group to reflect the increasing geography of our organisation. We
took our name from a well-known bridle path that connects the South and North Downs called
the Downs Link Way. So while we have a long heritage, we are a young organisation with a
new team of Chair and Chief Executive. This creates opportunities that I hope you will relish.
We believe that the work of the YMCA is transformational and our vision is built on
transforming young lives. At YMCA DownsLink Group our work is targeted towards young lives
on the fringes of our society with the aim of helping them to belong, contribute & thrive. Our
services are focused on five key themes:-
1. Helping young people belong
2. Supporting wellbeing in young lives
3. Keeping children & young people safe
4. Helping young people achieve
5. Empowering young people to influence
Last year our services reached over 15,000 young lives across Sussex & Surrey. We are an
ambitious organisation committed to further increasing our reach and the impact of our work.
We are currently investing in and strengthening the leadership of our organisation to support
this ambition and to bring new skills and experience to the team to support our development
as an organisation.
Included in your application pack is a Snapshot of our work for 2016, our new 2020 Vision
Youth Minded Community Approach which sets out our vision for development of our YMCA
over the next four years and a copy of our executive & operational leadership structure.
I hope that you are sufficiently interested to read on and find out more about YMCA DownsLink
Group and this role. I shall look forward to receiving your application and wish you well.
I welcome your interest.
Chas Walker
Chas Walker
CEO, YMCA DownsLink Group
Page 3 of 15
The YMCA Movement
YMCA
The YMCA is the largest and oldest youth charity in the world. It is a global, faith-based
movement responding to the needs of young people around the world. From its humble
beginnings in the City of London in 1844, the YMCA has grown to become a worldwide
organisation reaching around 45 million members in 119 countries. As the founding ‘country’,
YMCA England plays an important role in the worldwide movement and YMCA Europe.
YMCA England
The YMCA Movement in England, Wales & Scotland is a federation of over 125 YMCAs each of
which is an independent, self-governing charity that affiliates to the YMCA Federation. YMCA
England supports and represents the 125 YMCAs in England helping them transform
communities; it gives the YMCAs a national voice, by speaking with government, key policy
makers and national media. As a representative body, it is able to advocate for the needs of
the most vulnerable young people in England. It supports the YMCAs by promoting high
standards of working, sharing best practice, fundraising on their behalf, partnering with them
to pilot new projects, and providing training opportunities for their staff and volunteers.
Our Vision
Our vision is of an inclusive Christian movement transforming communities so that all young
people can belong, contribute and thrive.
You will need to demonstrate a commitment to our aims and ethos, but do not have to be a
practicing Christian to be part of our organisation. We value diversity in our staff team to
reflect the people that we work with and our aim to be inclusive and accepting.
Page 4 of 15
About Us
YMCA DownsLink Group has around 400 staff and 150 volunteers and our current turnover is
£11million. We accommodate over 700 young people every year, provide community based
support, learning and advice services to over 5,000 young people and our specialist
therapeutic services works with over 7,000 children, young people and families.
Page 5 of 15
About Guildford
There are records of YMCA in Guildford going back to the 1890’s and Guildford has a long
history of having a thriving and valued local YMCA supporting local young people and serving
the local community. In 2014 Guildford YMCA formally merged into YMCA DownsLink Group,
but has retained its local focus and identity as YMCA Guildford, part of YMCA DownsLink Group.
YMCA Guildford is currently focused around the Guildford Y-Centre, a town centre housing
project for 116 residents, aged from 16–25. The accommodation is available to both students
and supported housing residents. This is based on approximately a 75%/25% split
respectively. The supported housing residents receive medium to high level support, aimed at
enabling them to move on to greater independence. Our support provision is funded by Surrey
County Council and referrals for the accommodation are taken from local statutory and
voluntary agencies. Our student accommodation services support students from both the
Academy for Contemporary Music and Surrey University.
The building has a residential and commercial café on site, which provides breakfast and
evening meal for the residents and is open commercially during the day serving drinks and
food. The Centre also benefits from a basement with significant potential for further
development to our offer to local young people and the wider community. We also rent some
office accommodation in the building to local organisations and have social space for the
residents.
We are working to expand our service provision in Guildford. We are currently redeveloping
our housing project in Wharf Road, Guildford, which is due to open August 2017. Midwey
House will provide the first Foyer in Guildford, with 34 studio flats for 18-25 year olds offering
training and support into employment.
YMCA Guildford has well established links and support from its local community and strong
partnerships with stakeholders and other local organisations. Our aim is to further develop
these through volunteering and partnership working to enable us to continue to increase the
services we offer in this area.
Page 6 of 15
Job Profile
Job Title Head of Operations – YMCA Guildford
Reporting to Director of Communities and Property Services
Service Area Communities and Property Services
Location Guildford Y-Centre, Guildford
Contract Type and
Employment Period
Full time - 37 Hours per week
Permanent
Salary Band Leadership Team
Job Purpose:
The post holder will have day to day accountability for the operations and development of
YMCA Guildford within the wider YMCA DownsLink Group Structure. The role will provide
strategic leadership to a diverse team of local staff and managers, develop strong local
partnerships and local governance and accountability, and oversee the growth and
development of YMCA DownsLink Group’s youth minded community approach strategy in the
Guildford area.
The objectives of the post will be to:-
To provide strategic leadership to YMCA Guildford
Have day to day accountability for the operations of YMCA Guildford
Build strong local partnerships and local support for YMCA Guildford
Work collaboratively as part of the wider Leadership Team of YMCA DownsLink Group
Grow and develop YMCA Guildford in line with YMCA DownsLink Group’s youth minded
community approach strategy
Responsibilities:
Provide leadership to YMCA Guildford’s housing projects for young people; maximising
opportunities for the residents to belong, contribute and thrive through high quality,
resident focused support and housing management services
Utilising the building infrastructure of YMCA Guildford and strong local support increase
the service offer to local young people
Identify and deliver new business opportunities, to further establish and grow YMCA
Guildford’s reach and profile within the local community
Lead on new business opportunities including the production and submission of tenders
Operational budget accountability, monitoring and management
Ensure YMCA Guildford meets the delivery outcomes and financial and operational
performance standards of YMCA DownsLink Group
Page 7 of 15
Accountability for the management of health and safety of the locality and work closely
with the Compliance and Facilities Manager to ensure high quality and safe
environments for residents, beneficiaries and staff
Work closely with YMCA DownsLink Property Services team to ensure high quality,
financially sound, housing management services
Develop and sustain positive links with the local community of Guildford and the wider
County of Surrey ensuring; positive partnership relations, strong local community,
financial and volunteer support and maximising local funding opportunities
Ensure YMCA Guildford is represented and participating well in local forums,
partnerships and networks
Develop, incorporate and maintain volunteer networks into service delivery structures
and work with YMCA DownsLink Group’s Chaplaincy services to engage with local
church and faith communities
Develop the commercial opportunities for YMCA Guildford, including the cafe and other
local social enterprise opportunities
Promote YMCA DownsLink Group’s service user participation plan and work closely with
others to ensure participation opportunities are available
Ensure YMCA Guildford delivers high quality services that meets the contractual
requirements of our commissioners and stakeholders
Contribute to the leadership and strategic development of YMCA DownsLink Group
Set a positive example and promote the values and ethos of YMCA DLG to all service
staff
Role model professionalism and commitment, equality and diversity
Act as an ambassador for the YMCA that may include establishing and leading networks
with partner organisations
Work collaboratively with the Leadership Team to deliver on the strategic and
operational objectives of YMCA DownsLink Group’s youth minded community approach
Carry out any other duties, as requested by the Executive Team
Nature and Scope:
This is a critical role that will lead YMCA Guildford into a new chapter, as part of YMCA
DownsLink Group’s wider strategy to recover and develop local YMCA identity and a greater
level of autonomy.
The post holder will need to show strategic leadership skills in leading YMCA Guildford, whilst
working as part of a wider Group leadership team balancing the local requirements of YMCA
Guildford with the wider strategic development of YMCA DownsLink Group.
The post holder will be able to demonstrate natural leadership qualities that inspire staff, build
confidence and relationship with senior local stakeholders and have a strong local profile in the
Community.
Page 8 of 15
The post holder will be expected to secure funding through tenders, bids and maximising
unrestricted funds through various fundraising activities working with the support of YMCA
DownsLink Group’s Business Development function. They will have financial and performance
accountability for their area and people management responsibility for locality staff including
recruitment and dismissal decision making for service staff.
YMCA DownsLink Group is an inclusive Christian organisation and the post requires an
understanding and respect for its Christian aims and purposes.
YMCA Guildford’s operational area extends across the west of the county of Surrey and
includes building strong working relationships with our neighbouring YMCA, YMCA East Surrey.
Page 9 of 15
Person Specification
Knowledge, Job Related Skills, Qualifications & Experience:
Experience
Demonstrate able experience of strategic leadership in either the charitable, housing or
commercial sectors
Experience of business and financial planning or relevant commercial experience
Experience of delivering services that transform lives
Experience of the needs of young people is advantageous but not essential
Experience of meeting targets and demonstrating the impact of services
Experience of generating new income sources
Experience of budget accountability and meeting financial targets
Demonstrable experience of motivating and supporting staff teams to achieve
Demonstrable experience of building significant professional networks leading to
development of service provision
Experience of line management / staff supervision
Experience of leading change management
Skills & Abilities
Excellent problem solving and motivational skills
Excellent IT skills & numeracy ability
Ability to work as part of a wider dispersed team extending beyond the Association
Excellent communication skills, verbal, interpersonal and written on all levels and
according to need
Excellent administrative and organisational abilities with close attention to detail
Ability to work to deadlines and manage stressful periods activity
Ability to deal with difficult and challenging situations involving staff, service users and
the local community
Qualifications & Training
Preferable, but demonstrable experience of strategic leadership essential
Knowledge
An understanding of the issues of vulnerable young people and delivering services to
meet their needs advantageous
Knowledge of safeguarding children & adults at risk
An understanding of participation and coproduction important
Understanding of housing provision and landlord functions and responsibilities
advantageous
An understanding of and an ability to adhere to professional boundaries essential
Knowledge of trauma informed working and psychologically informed environments
and or willingness to learn and develop in this area
General
Flexibility and adaptability to include some work over weekends, evenings and to
attend overnight seminars as required
A commitment to the Aims and Purposes of the YMCA
Hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle
Page 10 of 15
Principal Terms & Conditions
1. Salary and benefits
£50,000 pa, plus the following benefits:
- Competitive stakeholder pension: with Legal and General.
- Health shield cash plan: covers the cost (up to an agreed limit) of health and
well - being treatments.
- Life assurance policy: 2x annual salary
- Childcare voucher scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme / interest free bike loan
2. Holiday entitlement
30 working days, plus all public holidays.
3. Working hours
Normal hours of work are 37 hours per week. However, due to the seniority of this post
there is a requirement for flexibility in meeting the full responsibilities of the post and
this will include occasional evening and weekend work, given that many of our support
services are provided around the clock.
4. Location
Your normal place of work will be Guildford, but given the seniority of the role, travel
across all our operating areas and occasional national travel is also expected.
Consideration may be given to a relocation allowance for the successful candidate.
5. Probation and notice
There is a six month probationary period after which the notice period for the role is
three months.
Page 11 of 15
The Recruitment and Selection Process
We aim to ensure that you have sufficient time and opportunity to find out about YMCA
DownsLink Group.
If you are interested in the role please complete our application form, making clear your skills
and experience and your interest in working with us.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 1st March 2017 at 9am
Date for interview is Friday 10th March 2017
There will be an opportunity to meet some of our young people and members of staff during
the selection process.
Our Executive and Leadership Team
CEO
Director of Communites and Property Services
Head of Operations -
YMCA Guildford
Head of Communities
Sussex South
Head of Communities
Sussex North
Head of Housing and Property
Services
Director of Children and Young People
Head of Learning
Head of Therapeutic
Servces
Head of Young People
Director of Finance and Resources
Head of Finance
Head of People
Head of Quality
Executive Assistant
Executive Team
Leadership
Team
In Progress
Page 12 of 15
Our Finances
Please click here to view the Snapshot of our 2015-16 annual
report and accounts.
Detailed financial information is available on our website at YMCA DownsLink Group Annual
Report and Accounts 2015-16
Our Strategic Vision
Please click here to view our 2020 Vision document. This sets out
our strategy for the next 4 years.
Page 13 of 15
Our Locations
The map below identifies the location of our key properties and what we do there.
Page 14 of 15
Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders:
YMCA DownsLink Group actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, with the right mix of
talent, skills and potential, and applications are welcome from a wide range of candidates.
We undertake not to discriminate unfairly against any applicant on the basis of a criminal
record or other information revealed. Criminal records and other information will be taken into
account for recruitment purposes only when they are relevant.
We select all candidates for interview based on their skills, qualifications and experience. We
ask all applicants called for interview to provide details of their criminal record. Depending on
the nature of the position applied for, YMCA DownsLink Group may request details of your
entire criminal record or only of ‘unspent’ convictions as defined in the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974.
We request that this information is sent under separate, confidential cover to a designated
person within YMCA DownsLink Group and we guarantee that this information is only seen by
those who need to see it as part of the recruitment process. We would point out that for the
successful candidate, this information will be verified by requesting a Disclosure1 statement
from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.
Failure to reveal information that is relevant to the position sought could lead to withdrawal of
an offer of employment or subsequent dismissal.
We ensure that all those in YMCA DownsLink Group who are involved in the recruitment
process have been suitably trained to identify and assess the relevance and circumstances of
offences. We also ensure that they have received appropriate guidance and training in the
relevant legislation relating to the employment of ex-offenders e.g. the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974.
At interview, or in separate discussion, we ensure that an open and measured discussion takes
place on the subject of any offences or other matters that might be relevant to the position.
For those positions where a Disclosure is required, application forms and guidance notes will
contain a statement that a Disclosure will be requested in the event of the candidate being
made a conditional offer of employment.
We undertake to discuss any matter revealed in a Disclosure with the person seeking the
position before withdrawing a conditional offer of employment.
Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with YMCA DownsLink
Group. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of
any offences. However, as the nature of the YMCA DownsLink Group’s work brings its
employees & volunteers into contact with young people (those under 18 years old) and/or
vulnerable adults, a criminal record or other information which makes an application
unacceptable for a position of trust will render the applicant unsuitable.
As an organisation using the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure service to assess
applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, this policy complies with the DBS Code of Practice.
1 Applicants for certain positions who are made a conditional offer of employment will be subject to a criminal record
check – known as Disclosure – from the Disclosure and Barring Service
Page 15 of 15
Declaration of Criminal Background & Guidelines for
Working with Young People and/or Vulnerable Adults
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 sets out to help people who have been convicted of a
criminal offence and have not been convicted again in a specified period. This period is known
as a rehabilitation period. Once a rehabilitation period has expired and no further offending has
taken place, a conviction is considered to be ‘spent’. Once a conviction is spent, the convicted
person does not have to reveal it or admit its existence in most circumstances.
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order) gives some exemptions from the
Act, whereby details of ‘spent’ convictions have to be declared. One of these exemptions is
working with young people and/or vulnerable adults. When recruiting people to work in such
positions of trust an employer is entitled to ask for details of all convictions, spent and
unspent.
If you are invited to an interview please bring with you a completed Declaration of Criminal
Background Form which is enclosed in this application pack. It asks for details of spent and
unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings. You should complete the form
and place it in an envelope marked ‘Private and Confidential’, addressed to the Interview
Panel. Your name should be clearly stated on the front.
The information relating to criminal convictions will only be seen by the interview panel if we
are considering offering you employment. If you wish to discuss the information that you have
given, please mention this to an interviewer. Having made its selection, the panel may wish to
discuss any information given with you. Having a conviction will not necessarily bar you from
consideration for the post. Criminal records will be taken into account only when they are
relevant to the position for which you are applying. The information you provide will remain
confidential.
If you are made a conditional offer YMCA DownsLink Group will apply for an Enhanced DBS
Disclosure depending on the nature of the job.
The DBS offers organisations a means to check the background of job applicants to ensure that
they do not have a history that would make them unsuitable for the post. DBS Disclosures are
provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service, an executive agency of the Home Office.
Enhanced disclosures provide details of a person’s criminal record including convictions,
cautions, reprimands and warnings; they also contain details from lists held by Government
departments of those considered unsuitable for this type of work. Organisations using the DBS
process must comply with the Code of Practice, a copy of which is available on request.
If you have any queries, please speak to a member of the HR team.