Operations Officer (Central England Region)

Transcription

1 Job applicant information pack Operations Officer (Central England Region) Developing young people for life and work 1

2 The Duke of Edinburgh s Award The Duke of Edinburgh s Award (DofE) is a world leading youth charity which gives all year olds the chance to develop skills for life and work. We engage, inspire and empower over 300,000 young people a year across the UK and from every possible background. The DofE Award is a game-changer. We know that perseverance and passion for long-term goals is linked to success in education, life and work. Our structured programme of volunteering, physical and skills based challenges inspire, guide and support young people to achieve. We believe that anything is possible and the possibilities are endless. The positive effects of the DofE are proven and far-reaching. Communities are enriched with passionate and driven volunteers, businesses benefit from work-ready, competent recruits and young people are given the confidence to shine. Our Vision is: To reach more young people from diverse backgrounds and equip them to succeed in life. Our Mission is: To inspire, guide and support young people in their self-development and recognise their achievements. Our Values are: Together we have passion: We have strong belief in our Vision, Values and Mission; we care about the cause; we care about the results of our actions; we want to make a positive difference. Together we are ambitious: We are driven; we are achievement focussed; we have a desire to succeed. Together we are better: Together we are greater than the sum of our parts; we achieve more by collaborating with colleagues. Together we demand quality: We will be and do our best; we expect maximum individual commitment and performance; each of us will make a positive difference. 2

3 Job title: Operations Officer (Central England) Hours: 35 Hours per week (see note on page 6) Reports to: Location: Operations Manager West Management Area Telford, Stafford, Burton, Lichfield, Tamworth and South Derbyshire. Summary and main purpose The Duke of Edinburgh s Award (the DofE) is a UK charity that makes a difference to young people s lives. Over 275,000 young people per year from every possible background take part in a DofE programme to broaden their horizons, develop their leadership skills, learn to work with others, volunteer in their local communities, increase their employability, and prove to themselves they can succeed at a serious challenge. The Operations Officer will support the operation and development of the DofE across the Central England Region and be responsible for their area s contribution to the performance, programme and financial targets contained within the Regional Operating and Financial Plans. 3

4 The role This is an exciting time for the DofE, our participants, volunteers and supporters. We re looking to recruit a dynamic, creative, proactive and skilled individual who will be a welcome addition to our small but effective team. You will report to an Operations Manager, and will be responsible for the day to day contact with, and support of, Licensed Organisations. You will also work with our partners to monitor and enhance the quality of DofE delivery across the Region. This will include helping our partners to implement changes introduced from time to time to DofE programmes and the way they are managed. My current role gives me an understanding of what participants go through working towards their Awards and the support that Leaders give the young people they work with. I made some great friends through doing my own DofE that I still have today and it was one of those things on my CV that helped me get into the university I wanted to go to. Pete Singleton, South West Regional Director The role will also involve creating regular opportunities to engage with our network of delivery partners, including periodic formal reviews of their DofE Operating Licence. You will also be responsible for increasing the availability of DofE to the young residents of the Region. This will involve: Establishing new Centres in cooperation with existing and new Licensed Organisations; Encouraging non-participating schools and other potential providers to start Groups; Promoting DofE to other organisations which work with young people, particularly those from deprived backgrounds. 4

5 Key accountabilities Reporting directly to an Operations Manager and working within the Central England Regional Office team, your duties will include, but not be limited to, the following: Establish, promote and maintain strong working relationships with Licensed Organisations (LOs) to ensure the delivery of high quality DofE programmes across the Region. Be responsible for the contribution to the Region s performance, programme quality and financial targets made by your portfolio of LOs. Assist in the achievement of Regional growth by driving the achievement of staff and volunteers in the Region. Identify and develop possible new LOs or Approved Activity Providers within the Region. Ensure effective day to day contact and support for LOs, including the induction and training of new LO staff. Perform Licence Reviews in line with the licensing cycle. Assist with the planning, promotion and management of regional events. Assist with the planning, promotion and delivery of regional training to LO staff and volunteers. Work with the LOs to develop capacity to deliver training. Attend LO meetings and presentations as agreed with the Operations Manager. (Some of these will require evening or weekend working.) Develop DofE work with disadvantaged young people, those with special needs and those from minority ethnic communities. Keep abreast of Government, Local Authority and other policies and link these to the policy and operation of the DofE in the Region. Ensure the delivery of the DofE via your allocated LOs meets UK quality standards and work with staff and volunteers to develop strategies to maintain and improve quality. Assist with queries and enquiries received at the Regional Office. I am so proud to lead our vibrant and ambitious fundraising team and with our Diamond Anniversary coming up in 2016 there has never been a better time to join The Duke of Edinburgh s Award. Jacqui Larcombe Director of Fundraising

6 The post holder will also: Contribute to achieving the overall objectives of the DofE Charity. Undertake any additional and ad hoc tasks as required. Participate in team meetings and other meetings as required. Assist at fundraising events when appropriate. Work within an equal opportunities framework. Adhere to all the DofE Charity s policies, procedures and working practice. Hours Although your basic working hours are 35 hours/week Monday-Friday, the role requires a lot of flexible working and there may well be occasions when you will be required to attend evening or weekend events and meetings. In such circumstances you will be expected to shift your day accordingly or, in some cases, time off in lieu may be agreed This is the most exciting and rewarding role of my career. I get to work with a passionate and dedicated team helping to bring to life a range of activities and events to celebrate 60 years of the DofE, its participants and supporters. Michaela Blackburn Diamond Challenge Project Lead Location This role will require the successful applicant to live in Telford, Stafford, Burton, Lichfield, Tamworth or South Derbyshire. However, you should be prepared to travel within the Central England Region where required. As our network grows we undertake regular reviews of Operations Officers portfolios and responsibilities so operational areas can change. The Region s office is based at Sutton Coldfield where you will be expected to attend Regional meetings, however the role is home based and your main duties will be undertaken in the area identified above. 6

7 Qualities and knowledge Essential Full Car Driving Licence. Responsibility of overseeing performance and activity of multiple sites Experience of managing projects to specified targets or KPIs (e.g. time and Financial budget). Ability to communicate and network effectively on all levels including public speaking. Desirable Professional qualification in teaching and/ or youth work or a related field. Experience of running DofE and/or other accreditation programmes. Experience in the training of adults. Knowledge of local authority and voluntary organisation structures. Knowledge and experience of working in a school or educational environment. Skills Able to demonstrate leadership and decision-making skills. Able to organise and plan effectively. Ability to work collaboratively and as a team Member. Ability to work alone, on own initiative, manage time, prioritise workloads, work under competing pressures and to deadlines. Qualities Enthusiastic and influential communicator. Resourceful and outgoing personality. Able to act as a catalyst to the development of the DofE. Able to relate well to people. Possesses vision and imagination. Shows determination to complete a task. Commitment to quality, continuous improvement, integrity and equal opportunities. Measures of success Ever-increasing number of groups involved in the DofE. Increasing number of disadvantaged Groups and young people reached. Achievement of Region s targets relating to new starters and Awards achieved (completion rates). Contribution to the business plans for the Region. Quality of DofE delivery in the Licensed Organisations. Competencies Excellent written and oral communication skills. Able to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences including Headteachers, youth workers, local politicians. ICT Skills and database operation. Able to organise and run effective meetings and training programmes for adults. A car driver, able to organise travel and plan time effectively. Able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends. Understanding of Regional networks. 7

8 What is the DofE? Anyone aged can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh s Award. There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. With assistance from DofE Leaders, young people will select and set objectives in each of the following areas: Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community. This cannot be for a business or family member but can be for a charity or for a not-for-profit organisation. Examples: Raising money for a charity. Being a football coach. Helping at an after-school club. Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities. Examples: Joining a local athletics club. Improving their martial arts skills. Taking weekly dance lessons. Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests. Examples: Learning how to juggle. Improving musical skills. Build a website, blog or video diary. Expedition: planning, training for and completing a supervised adventurous journey as one of a team in the UK or abroad. It can be by canoe, kayak or boat; on foot; on horseback; by wheelchair or by bicycle. At Gold level, participants must do an additional fifth Residential section, which involves staying and working away from home doing a shared activity. Examples: Assisting at a kids summer camp. Helping deafblind young people and adults to enjoy a holiday in France. Joining a conservation camp. DofE.org 8 The Duke of Edinburgh s Award is a Registered Charity No: , and in Scotland No: SC038254, and a Royal Charter Corporation No: RC Registered Office: Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, WINDSOR, Berkshire SL4 1EU 23/03/17