INFORMATION PACK Manager Recruitment Supporting families on a low income and facing challenging circumstances access a much-needed break away from home. Page 1 of 11
INTRODUCTION The Caravan Project has been supporting families on low incomes access a much-needed break from home for over 30 years, and now we re looking for an innovative self-starter to grow our small charity and create an even bigger impact in the future. As a result of continued support from Glasgow Housing Association and the Family Holiday Association as well as new funding from the Big Lottery Fund and the Robertson Trust we are looking to recruit a Manager to support our Trustees deliver our ambitious plans for the next three years. CONTENTS In this pack you will find: Background information on The Caravan Project and our recent successes The Job Advert for the Manager post that has been circulated around our networks and advertised on the Goodmoves website. The Job Description detailing the key tasks and responsibilities of the role A Person Specification highlighting the key skills, competencies and abilities of our ideal candidate Guidance on completing the Application Form. You will also be able to download an application form from http://caravanproject.co.uk/manager. RECRUITMENT TIMETABLE Our timetable for the appointment of the Manager is as follows: Deadline for applications 12 noon on Thursday, 4 th May 2017 Stage 1 interviews Tuesday, 16 th & Thursday 18 th May 2017 Stage 2 interviews Thursday, 25 th May 2016 FURTHER INFORMATION If you would like to arrange an informal discussion with one of our trustees please contact Christine Dunlop on 0141 258 4720 to arrange a suitable time for a telephone conversation. Page 2 of 11
BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Caravan Project is the trading name of Drumchapel Caravan Project, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation that operates along co-operative principles (charity number: SC039952). ORGANISATION SUMMARY We currently have 26 member organisations, five trustees, one part-time and one sessional member of staff who are supported by approximately 30 volunteers (known more commonly as Caravan Reps). Established in 1985 following the gifting of a caravan we have developed and changed over a number of years and now we own and manage four caravans at the Craig Tara Holiday Park for the benefit of families living in poverty and facing challenging circumstances. THE SERVICE WE PROVIDE Operating across Glasgow, we provide a one-week holiday to 120 families per year. The families we support are those who need a short break most; for them a holiday is not a luxury, it is a much-needed break from the stresses and strains brought about by their circumstances. Whist a holiday would make a big difference to these families; many are unable to afford a trip to the seaside let alone a short break. For 200 families not only receive a one-week holiday, they also receive a number of additional free services: door-to-door transport fruit and vegetables hamper entertainment complex passes a discount card providing them with up to 50% off activities and purchases on site Research commissioned by the Family Holiday Association, carried out by the University of Warwick and backed up by our own research highlights the benefits a short break has on families: Bring families closer together and do more things together as a result of their holiday Increase the confidence of individuals who go on holiday Increase the social and support networks of parents, carers and families Improve mental health and wellbeing Improve individuals outlook on life; our holidays shows that even in difficult circumstances, good things can happen Page 3 of 11
Improve access to community services following the holiday RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS The last five years has been incredibly exciting for The Caravan Project: We ve remodelled our services becoming a co-operative and more financially sustainable Raised funds to replace our two caravans Bought an additional two new ones doubling our capacity, enabling us to support more families across Glasgow Provided greater support to families by negotiating a range of free and discounted services within the caravan park As a result the Caravan Project have won a range of awards and commendations. This includes: A Glasgow-west Community Champions award in early 2012 A Glasgow-wide Community Champions award in late 2012 A Scottish Charity Award in 2014 More recently we received funding from Glasgow Housing Association and the Family Holiday Association, who have financially supported The Caravan Project over the past five years, we also received new grant funding from the Big Lottery Fund and the Robertson Trust. As a result of this funding package we are able to embark on our ambitious plans for the next three years, which include: Providing respite breaks to 500 families Purchasing two new holidays homes to compliment the existing four we currently have Provide 200 families who cannot access a holiday the opportunity to participate in day trips and visits Develop new ways of reducing barriers to the holidays we provide and making them more affordable Promoting the social and economic benefits of social tourism in Glasgow and across Scotland In order to realise these ambitious plans, we are now looking to recruit a new Manager. Page 4 of 11
JOB ADVERT JOB OPPORTUNITY As a result of sustained funding from Glasgow Housing Association and the Family Holiday Association as well as new funding from the Big Lottery Fund and The Robertson Trust we are embarking on an exciting three year plan to provide more respite and social tourism opportunities to a greater number of families in Glasgow who need them most. MANAGER 35,000 for 35 hours per week This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic manager to guide the Project through its next phase of growth. We are looking for someone to lead the creation and implementation of our next Business Plan that will define and shape our work for the next three years. We are looking for someone with the necessary skills to develop the organisation in terms of income and expenditure, demonstration of social impact, management and governance. The successful applicant will work with our Administrator and key volunteers and will have responsibility for developing and delivering all aspects of our service in line with the expectations of our stakeholders and beneficiaries. As our only full time member of staff, the role will suit a self-starter, able to work on their own initiative and quickly identify and respond to opportunities. Candidates must have effective communication and networking skill and have experience of effective partnership working. Good knowledge of Glasgow s third sector and social inequalities would be beneficial. APPLYING Applications should be made using our application form and be submitted before the closing date of 12 noon on Thursday, 4 th May 2017. Please visit http://caravanproject.co.uk/manager to download an application form, information pack and to find out more about the services we provide. Page 5 of 11
JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Hours of Work: Salary: Contract: Responsible to: Responsible for: Location: Manager 35 hours per week 35,000, 5% pension contribution Permanent (subject to funding) Board of trustees Administrator, Driver/ Attendant and varying numbers of volunteers Knightswood Community Centre, 201 Alderman Road, Glasgow, G13 3DD MAIN PURPOSE To lead and develop our services, to provide strategic direction and build relationships with key stakeholders. This will include co-operating with member organisations, other partner agencies and service providers to establish, manage and develop family respite holiday opportunities and additional social tourism activities for families living in poverty and facing challenging circumstances who reside in Glasgow. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership Develop and maintain effective relationships with a range of local and national organisations. Engage service users, partners and volunteers in service planning. Create and facilitate a strong network of member organisations across the city. Advise trustees on the effective governance of the charity and provide developmental support to the board. Development of Business Develop and manage a business planning process in conjunction with the Board. Page 6 of 11
Engage new partner organisations from across the city to ensure high levels of referral and occupancy for respite breaks. Create financial projections for the next three years against which to benchmark the Project s performance. Provide reports to existing funders, build relationships with potential future sponsors and funders and submit funding applications and proposals. Develop and deliver new services in line with the Project s strategy and agreed funders outcomes. Develop and develop a number of social tourism initiatives. Oversee the Project s marketing, social media and on line presence to secure stronger engagement with families and other stakeholders. Negotiate discounts, sponsorship, offers and bulk purchases on behalf of the members Network. Management of People and Resources Supervise, support and motivate staff and volunteers to ensure they have the skills and confidence to deliver a high quality service. Ensure the effective maintenance of the holiday homes and equipment. Ensure excellent standards of care, member involvement and customer satisfaction. Develop the internal monitoring, booking and communication systems on an on going basis. Raise funds and generate income in line with targets and ensure the effective management of these funds in line with charity law, good governance and expectations of the funding bodies. Ensure that all legal, regulatory, employment, insurance and health & safety requirements are met. Review the project s policies and procedures to ensure they are up to date and fit for purpose. Arrange training and support for referrers so they are able to market and support families apply for and participate in the Project s services. Evaluate and demonstrate the impact the Project s services have on users, their families and the wider community. Page 7 of 11
PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Desirable Knowledge A qualification or significant experience in Community Work, Social Work or Social Enterprise. Understanding the funding landscape. Understanding and experience of business development, project management and the voluntary sector. An understanding of the issues preventing families from participating in holidays. Relevant Work or Other Experience Experience of successfully attracting revenue and capital funding. Experience of managing staff. Experience of developing and implementing policies and procedures that ensure compliance with law and best practice procedures. Experience of managing a voluntary organisation. Experience of reporting to a board of trustees. Experience of managing volunteers. Particular Skills and Abilities An enthusiastic self-starter, able to work on own initiative. Robust project management skills. Budget management experience. Able to monitor projects, mitigate problems and communicate impacts. Networking, partnership and co-operative development skills. Evidence of negotiating with commercial suppliers and corporate partners. Page 8 of 11
Essential Desirable Personal Qualities Ability to lead and motivate others visionary, creative and enterprising. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Highly organised and efficient, but also flexible. Additional Job Requirements Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends. Ability to regularly travel throughout Glasgow. Page 9 of 11
GUIDANCE ON COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM Please read these notes carefully, they have been written to help you make the best of your application. The decision to shortlist you for interview will be based on the information you provide in your application form. 1. Please do not send a C.V. To ensure equal opportunities in recruitment, we request that all applicants use the form provided. This form should be completed in black ink or typed for photocopying purposes. 2. Read through each section of the application form carefully. You may find it helpful to do a rough draft first. 3. The person specification describes the essential skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications that you will need in order to do the job as described in the job description. Your completed application form should demonstrate that you have these skills and that you understand and are committed to equal opportunities. 4. The application form outlines the requirements to declare criminal convictions due to the nature of the role. Any information given will be completely confidential, and will be considered only in relation to the application for the position that you have applied for. 5. The application form also outlines the requirement to provide evidence that they are entitled to live and work in the UK. If you are selected for interview you will be required to provide evidence that you are entitled to live and work in the UK. 6. The first referee quoted on the form should be your present employer or if you are not currently employed, your most recent employer. If you have not been employed, or have been out of employment for a period of time, you may wish to give the name of someone who knows you sufficiently well to confirm the information that you have given, and to comment on your ability to do the job. 7. The Personal Statement is very important. Examine the skills and experience being asked for in the person specification and demonstrate how your experience meets each of these requirements, giving specific examples wherever possible. Your evidence should be clear and relate closely as possible to the person specification. Give thought to previous work experience or other responsibilities that may help you to uncover skills that you may have taken for granted. Do not forget the skills and experience that you may have gained outside full-time work. If you have Page 10 of 11
been out of paid employment for a long time, or have never been employed, your job history may be less important than some of the responsibilities and experience that you have had more recently. 8. When completed, please read through your application form carefully, checking for errors or omissions. Check the closing date and make sure your application form is sent in plenty of time. Applications received after the published closing date will not be considered. 9. Your application should be submitted electronically to recruitment@caravanproject.co.uk. The project uses email as the standard method of communication so please ensure you regularly check your junk emails to ensure you do not miss any communication regarding your application. 10. Your application form will be acknowledged by email. Unfortunately due to the level of demand we are anticipating we will not be able to provide feedback at application stage. 11. When you receive the acknowledgement of your application you will also receive a link to complete an online Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. The completion of this form is voluntary and the information you provide is anonymous. 12. Prior to appointment the successful candidate will be asked to sign their application form, as it will be kept on file and form the basis of the contract of employment. Page 11 of 11