Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Dear applicant,
Head of Services to Voluntary Organisations
Thank you for showing an interest in the above vacancy. As advised within the advertisement, applications will be accepted by receipt of CV with a covering letter which includes a statement explaining why you are interested in this position. Please address your application to my attention.
Within the Head of Services to Voluntary Organisations job pack you will find a letter from our Chief Executive Brian Horner with further details of Voluntary Norfolk, a Voluntary Norfolk Background Information sheet, Job Description, Health Questionnaire, and a CRB information sheet. As part of our commitment to equal opportunities and to help us ensure we recruit from all sections of the community, we would appreciate your completing the Equal Opportunities form enclosed. The information provided by you will stay confidential under the Data Protection Act.
If you have been successfully shortlisted to the first round interview stage, which is due to take place on Friday 21st May 2010, you will be notified by telephone on Tuesday 18th May 2010.
I wish you good luck with your application.
Yours faithfully,
Michelle Winmill
HR Manager
27 April 2010
Dear candidate
Thank you for your interest in the post of Head of Services to voluntary organisations here at Voluntary Norfolk. This is a crucial post within our senior management team and we want to fill this vacancy with the right person.
Voluntary Norfolk is the largest local infrastructure organisation in the county and indeedone of the largest in the country as well as being the major volunteering agency in Norfolk. We celebrated our 40th Anniversary last year and were honoured to be the Civic Charity for Norwich during the Mayoral year. We currently employ 95 members of staff and recruit and support over 2000 volunteers each year. Our head office is located in Norwich where all of our core and specialist staff are based. Other fieldwork staff work from a number of key locations across the county.
Staff and trustees have worked hard in recent years to develop Voluntary Norfolk into a strong and healthy organisation with a reputation for innovation and a network of strong relationships at local, regional and national levels. We were one of the first voluntary organisations working at a local level to grasp the potential significance of the Local Area Agreement and secure funding for a project to support the involvement of the voluntary sector in this development. This aspect of our work has been featured as a national example of good practice by IDeA and NCVO. Through our Public Services Development project we’ve promoted best practice in commissioning and procurement, and jointly published with NCVO a national guide for commissioners and procurement officers. We’re now running a Personalisation project to build the capacity of local voluntary organisations working in health and social care to respond effectively to the challenges of this agenda. Funded by the Big Lottery we’re leading a Sustainable Funding project in Norfolk with the support of local partners and NCVO. A number of staff at Voluntary Norfolk are connected into national debates and developments and bring the knowledge they acquire back to Norfolk for the benefit of Voluntary Norfolk and the local voluntary sector. For example I’m a member of the Funding Commission looking at the challenges ahead in funding the voluntary sector over the next decade.
However, we are by no means complacent about the challenges facing the voluntary sector or ourselves in the next few years. We’re already putting in place our plans to ensure that we will be able to continue to support volunteers and voluntary organisations. We have a suite of meeting and training rooms at our head office which are used by a wide range of voluntary and statutory organisations and which generate income for us. We provide a range of back of house services including payroll and financial management for voluntary organisations, enabling them to access excellent support at lower than market rates and again, providing income for our organisation. Last year we successfully launched our own regional jobs website for the sector, which has already proved to have met a need in the sector. Most recently we acquired the business of an existing social enterprise and now run our own HR support and training consultancy as a separate company, SM Associates. The development of services that will benefit the voluntary sector and also generate independent income for Voluntary Norfolk is an ongoing activity within our future plans.
I have a great management team and a very supportive Board of trustees. As one of my managers has said what she loves about working for Voluntary Norfolk is that it is an impatient organisation which likes to get things done.
Hopefully, all this has whetted your appetite. So what are we looking for in our newest recruit to the senior management team? Well, the person specification should help you decide if you’re that person, but in short, if you like a challenge, have a sense of humour and are resilient, adaptable and happy to multi-task in an ever-changing environment, because things are never quiet here, you just could be our next Head of Services to voluntary organisations.
If you think you are, it would be great to hear from you and I hope you will seriously consider putting in an application.
If you do, I wish you the best of luck.
Yours sincerely
Brian Horner
Chief Executive
Background to Voluntary Norfolk
Voluntary Norfolkis the biggest voluntary sector support and development organisation in Norfolk and one of largest in the UK, as well as being the major volunteering organisation in the county.
Originally established in 1969 as Norwich Organisation for Active Help, Voluntary Norfolk’s mission has remained unchanged throughout the ensuing decades: to support volunteers and voluntary organisations. In 2009 we celebrated our 40th Anniversary and were honoured to be named as the City of Norwich’s Civic Charity for 2009/10.
We support the work of voluntary and community organisations through a range of free and paid-for services and by providing a voice for the voluntary and community sector within key partnerships in the county.
We employ almost 100 paid members of staff and have a growing membership of over 300 local voluntary and community organisations.
Voluntary Norfolk provides a range of support services to local voluntary organisations and groups, including our newsletter, “Voluntary Norfolk News,” a regular e-bulletin, and information and advice on funding, start-up and management issues. We have a well stocked public resource base in our Norwich head office, with books, journals, databases, Internet access and information sheets for voluntary groups wanting to build their organisations and develop their services. Members enjoy the benefits of email updates, priority booking on events and seminars, our trustee network and voting rights at the AGM. Voluntary Norfolk also processes CRB checks on behalf of members.
We manage three Volunteer Centres,in Norwich, Thetford and Great Yarmouth, providing an effective volunteer recruitment service for local organisations.
Volunteers are placed either with local organisations providing services to people with a wide range of needs, or directly with individual clients, via the unique community-based network of Voluntary Services Co-ordinators (VSCs). We also manage a number of specialist volunteering services, usually concerning the involvement of specially-trained volunteers with particular client groups. Current examples of these services include:-
- Befriending Service for people with mental health problems (in Norwich).
- Health Connector Service to help people make healthy lifestyle choices
Voluntary Norfolk also coordinates the recruitment and training of volunteer drivers for the Transport Plus partnership.
Voluntary Norfolk manages staff teams which support development of the voluntary and community sector in Norwich, Great Yarmouth and North Norfolk.
Great Yarmouth Voluntary Sector Partnership and vcsTogether North Norfolk both have steering groups drawn from local organisations and are working successfully to develop the collective strength and voice of the sector locally.
Voluntary Norfolkprovides a voice for the voluntary and community sector on local and county strategic partnerships and forums, and takes lead responsibility for voluntary sector outcomes in the Local Area Agreement (LAA) in Norfolk. This aspect of the LAA is recognised as one of the leading examples of best practice in the country.
Another area of major progress has been the on-going development of the Norfolk Compact, an agreement between organisations in the voluntary and community sector and those in the public sector aimed at improving relationships and working practices. Voluntary Norfolk employs the Norfolk Compact Officer and there is a programme of raising awareness and understanding about The Compact. To assist the voluntary sector to respond to the challenges of the personalisation agenda Voluntary Norfolk employs a Personalisation Development Officer. In late 2009, in order to help to build the skills base of the third sector in the county, Voluntary Norfolk acquired the training and consultancy company SM Associates, which is now developing a series of sector-specific courses and providing HR support to a number of voluntary organisations. Voluntary Norfolk is involved in tackling the worklessness agenda and coordinates the delivery of the Steps to Work programme. Voluntary Norfolk has recently started working with the DWP and local job centres to support jobless people into volunteering opportunities.
Voluntary Norfolk hosts the vinvolved youth volunteering team and works withthe Norfolk Youth Volunteering Consortium. The programme is designed to develop new volunteering opportunities for young people in Norfolk and rock concerts, fashion shows and clearing a garden for the Norwich-based children’s charity, Red Balloon, have been some of the most popular of vinvolved’s recent activities.
Voluntary Norfolk hosts the Norfolk LINk. LINks were set up in England to give communities a stronger voicein how their health and social care services are delivered. LINks are the successors to the Patient and Public Involvement Forums.
Voluntary Norfolk is a company limited by guarantee, with an elected Board of Trustees and is registered as a charity.
Major funders and supporters of Voluntary Norfolk include Big Lottery Fund, Breckland Council, Broadland Community Partnership, Broadland District Council, Department of Work and Pensions, EEDA, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Norfolk County Council, Norfolk County Strategic Partnership, North Norfolk District Council, North Norfolk Strategic Partnership, Norwich City Council, Primary Care Trusts in Norfolk, South Norfolk District Council,TNG, v Charity.
Voluntary Norfolk’s headquarters are located at:
83 – 87 Pottergate
Norwich
NorfolkNR2 1DZ
Further information about Voluntary Norfolk can be found on our website:
VoluntaryNorfolk
Job description
Title: Head of Services to Voluntary Organisations
Reporting to:Chief Executive
Responsible for:
Norwich Voluntary Sector Development Manager, North Norfolk Voluntary Sector Development Coordinator, Great Yarmouth Voluntary Sector Development Coordinator and their teams, and the Personalisation Development Manager
Main Relationships:
Voluntary Norfolkheads of departments, Voluntary Norfolk staff, Chief Executives and managers of voluntary organisations, staff of voluntary organisations and key contacts in public bodies.
Main Purpose of the Job:
To be responsible for the development and delivery of support services to voluntary and community organisations.
Main Responsibilities and Tasks:
To lead on strategic development issues related to the sector.
To develop new and additional support services for the sector and Voluntary Norfolk’s membership.
To be jointly responsible for developing work around quality and performance improvement across Voluntary Norfolk.
To be a member of the Voluntary Norfolk Senior Management Team.
To be responsible for the development and implementation of new projects and services.
To deputise in the absence of the Chief Executive.
All Voluntary Norfolkemployees are responsible for:
Working to the policies of Voluntary Norfolk.
Promoting equal opportunities and respecting diversity within all aspects of their work.
Complying with Health and Safety regulations.
Carrying out additional duties where appropriate which may be allocated from time to time by the Chief Executive.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
(Essential / Desirable)
We are looking for:- The ability to understand the subtleties of a complex environment
- An entrepreneur who can see beyond the present
- Someone who will be trusted as a ‘safe pair of hands’
The person appointed to this post would normally be expected to meet the following:
Experience and Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent standard of education
- At least 3 years management experience at a senior level within a voluntary, public or social enterprise organisation
- Previous experience of working at a senior management level within the voluntary and community sector
- Experience of working in a project management role
- Experience of working with public bodies, nationally and regionally
Skills and Knowledge
- Understanding of the “politics” of working with statutory funders and partners and an ability to work effectively within this framework
- An ability to act as a representative of and voice for the voluntary and community sector in partnership settings
- Skills in negotiation, including the ability to differentiate between the relative importance of short and long-term objectives, with an understanding as to when (and when not) to compromise
- Well organised with an appreciation of the importance of forward planning
- IT competent in the use of MS Word, Outlook, e-mail
- Financially literate with a positive approach to making the most effective use of resources
- Experience of managing budgets
- Experience of being a champion for an organisation or cause
Attributes
- Resilient with a proven ability to manage competing demands and pressure.
- A commitment to working collaboratively with other members of the Senior Management Team whilst accepting the personal accountability which goes with being a senior manager
- Constructive approach to problem solving
- Energetic and resourceful
- Personal commitment to equal opportunities and diversity
Voluntary Norfolk Medical Enquiry Form
Name:Address: / Present Occupation:
Proposed Occupation:
Head of Services to Voluntary Organisations
1. Are you at present receiving treatment from a doctor? / Delete as applicable
Yes No
2. Have you been admitted to hospital for any illness, injury or surgery during the past three years? / Yes No
3. Are there any other matters relating to your health which may affect Voluntary Norfolk’s view about your suitability for appointment? / Yes No
4. Do you consider yourself to have a disability as per the Disability Discrimination Act 1995? / Yes No
5. If your answer is “yes” to any of the above, please give full details below. This information will be treated confidentially. You may use a separate sheet if necessary.
6. If you have been absent from work due to illness in the past 12 months, please state;-
- No. of occasions and reasons for absence
- No. of working days absent.
7. Are you in good physical and mental health at present? If “No” please explain. / Yes No
I declare that I have disclosed a full and accurate account of my health as requested above. I accept that any misstatement or omission may constitute grounds for Voluntary Norfolk subsequently to terminate my appointment without notice.
Signature: Date
Employing People With A Criminal Record
Voluntary Norfolk aims to promote equality of opportunity with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. Voluntary Norfolk welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Criminal records will be taken into account for recruitment purposes, only where the conviction is relevant. Unless the nature of the work demands it, applicants will not be asked to disclose convictions which are 'spent' under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Having a spent or 'unspent' conviction will not necessarily bar applicants from employment. This will depend on the circumstances, background and nature of the offence(s).
Voluntary Norfolk meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, for some posts. Therefore all applicants who are offered employment for these posts will be subject to a criminal record check by the Criminal Records Bureau before an appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions.
Equal Opportunities
Post Applied For: Head of Services to Voluntary Organisations
Voluntary Norfolk is committed to both the principle and the practice of Equal Opportunities. We welcome applications from all parts of the community regardless of gender, physical ability, nationality, race, religion, or sexual orientation. We are keen to receive applications from every candidate with relevant skills and qualifications.
To monitor the effectiveness of our Equal Opportunities Policywe would appreciate your completing the attached form.
(please tick one box):
White / Mixed / AsianBritish / White & Black Caribbean / Indian
Irish / White & Black African / Pakistani
Other White / White and Asian / Bangladeshi
Other Mixed / Other Asian
Black or Black British / Other Ethnic Group
Caribbean / Chinese
African / Other Ethnic Group
Other Black
Age 16 -30 31-45 46- 60 61-70 70+
Gender
Female Male
Disability
YesNo
Care of Dependents
YesNo
How did you learn of this vacancy?......
The information you supply will be used to produce statistics evidencing the application of the Equal Opportunities Policy and will be treated confidentially. This form will be kept separate to your application documentation and the information you have shared will not be made available to the people involved in shortlisting or to members of the interview panel.
Thank you very much for co-operating in completing this form.