Big Lottery Fund Head of Knowledge Candidate Briefing Pack February 2016

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1 Big Lottery Fund Head of Knowledge Candidate Briefing Pack February 2016

2 An introduction from Joe Ferns UK Knowledge and Portfolio Director It's an exciting time at the Big Lottery Fund. We are responsible for distributing 40 per cent of all the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery and in our financial year, we awarded more than 1 billion to projects with a social mission. We believe people should be in the lead in improving their own lives and communities, so our approach will focus on the skills, assets and energy that people can draw upon and the potential in their ideas. We know that strong, vibrant communities can be built and renewed by the people living in them - making them ready for anything in the face of future opportunities and challenges. The scale and complexity of what we are trying to achieve is enormous but so is the prize. I've never worked for an organisation which has the potential to enable such deep and enduring differences to so many people's lives. We've set ourselves some big challenges and now I need to build a senior team with the energy, vision and confidence to deliver. I can promise it won't be easy but I can also promise you will be at the cutting edge of knowledge, learning and grant making with access to an unparalleled network of relationships in an organisation with big ambition, which is moving quickly and getting things done. Joe Ferns UK Knowledge and Portfolio Director Big Lottery Fund

3 Job Purpose Role Overview Big Lottery Fund distributes money raised by the National Lottery for good causes across the UK. We are committed to ensuring that these investments make a real difference to communities and people most in need. We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Knowledge to join our Knowledge, Learning and Programmes team. Knowledge is power. To put people in the lead, we will put knowledge in the hands of those best equipped to change lives in their communities. This is a great role for someone who understands what knowledge can do - and realise it needs to go way beyond just research, making sure it informs what we do at all levels, improves policies and practices and can help map and influence activities. We are looking for someone who is a great communicator and has designed and run complex knowledge programmes involving teams from a range of functions. You need a good grasp of working with research and are able to take a pragmatic and proactive approach. We know that we occupy a privileged position as the UK's largest funder of good causes, with great relationships and connections to every community across the UK. With this privilege comes a duty to make sure we are doing everything we can to enable people and organisations to fulfil their potential and improve their communities. Our knowledge and learning will make us a better grant-maker but will also transform the organisation in many other ways. What we learn about the issues our funding addresses has immense value to society and we will constantly strive to ensure we make the most of it. As a result of our work, people inside and outside the Fund will make informed decisions; create new ideas and understand the difference our grants have made. We will be a more responsive, supportive and human funder because we will have insight, empathy and intelligence about the people, communities and issues we work with. We will be recognised as a source of credible, rigorous and accessible information. We will pursue opportunities to learn and understand but will always do so with a focus on the human experience and practical application of our knowledge. We are an equal opportunities employer. We positively welcome applications from people with a disability who are under-represented in our workforce.

4 Job Description Job Title: Head of Knowledge Salary: In the region of 60,000 to 70,000 Location: London The Head of Knowledge will lead the process of building a central, expert and analytical function to support and enable colleagues across the organisation to make better use of knowledge and learning. You will help build an organisation with a dynamic approach to and culture of generating, gathering, organising and sharing knowledge learning and data. Play a lead role in the Fund generating knowledge about our funding, and gather knowledge from outside the organisation, to inform what we do and improve our policies and practices. Organise the knowledge we hold across the Fund, ensuring it is structured and accessible to all, ensuring that new knowledge is relevant and builds on evidence we already have. Map activity and understanding of the knowledge needs of our different portfolios, to fill gaps when needed and avoid duplication. Quality assure, ensuring that the knowledge we generate and gather has a clear purpose and that it will be fit for that purpose in terms of timing and quality. Ensure expert statistical and analytical services are provided to the wider organisation. Consider how our learning and insight might inform our external communications and our funding across the portfolios.

5 Person Description Specialist Knowledge, Skills and Expertise: Experience of using knowledge management to transform the way organisations work, along with experience of working at a strategic level to a culture of learning within an organisation. You will have the ability to communicate complex concepts in clear and compelling ways and credibility in strategic partnership working and stakeholder management, including excellent influencing and negotiating skills. You will posses significant experience of leading teams of people and experience of budget management. Excellent analysis, understanding and awareness of external policy and operating environment. You will have customer, equalities and external awareness including linking our funding to both internal and external opportunities and expectations. Key behaviours for this role and function include: Leadership & Personal Responsibility Leads the implementation of strategy, creating high engagement, performance and capability development. Working Together Enables teams to implement strategy and support a collaborative working environment. Customer Service Defines service implication of the Fund's strategy, benchmarks service delivery and develops plans and priorities. Continuous Improvement Recognises and harnesses creativity and innovation to improve service provision and add value to our staff and customers.

6 How to Apply Please enclose with your application: A full CV A supporting statement of not more than 2 pages (total) summarising your proven ability related to the person and job specifications Recruitment Process Deadline for applications: Thursday 10 th March Terms of appointment: The Fund is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We are committed to increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities and will respond positively to meet individual needs throughout the recruitment process. Once in post, we will ensure that any appropriate reasonable adjustments to our workplace are made, in order to support colleagues with any form of disability.