Voluntary Action Scotland

Head of Partnership Programmes

Job description

Job Title: Head of Partnership Programmes

Location:Central Glasgow, with travel

Salary:c. £45,000

Line manager:Chief Executive

Reports: Research and Information Assistant

Main purpose:To plan and manage and develop VAS’ major partnership programmes and activity including in particular to manage the development and delivery of the Third Sector Interface (TSI) and Community Planning Improvement Programme.

Scope: VAS is a partner in or has responsibility for a small number of partnership programmes and projects designed to support and develop the work of TSIs covering assessment and improvement,standards, quality and managing information. Theseare developing fields of activity that require co-ordination and management.

The primary focus of the role is the TSI and Community Planning Improvement Programme which is a partnership between VAS, the Improvement Service and the TSIs. It aims to support TSIs to clarify and strengthen their role in Community Planning.

The first phase of the programme in 2014/15 will work with five pathfinder TSIs to develop and apply a TSI self-assessment and improvement planning model, to develop a benchmarking framework and to develop a knowledge management approach to share learning with all other TSIs. The subsequent phases of the programme will enable these tools to be rolled out to all TSIs who wish to participate.

Main duties and responsibilities:

  1. Developing an overall programme plan to deliver the priority action areas.
  2. Developing a performance reporting framework for the programme and preparing monthly reports on progress against the programme plan and any issues.
  3. Developing a plan for comprehensive engagement and communication with TSIs, Community Planning partners and other key stakeholders.
  4. Delivering a TSI self-assessment and improvement framework, guidance and tools.
  5. Delivering a benchmarking framework for TSIs.
  6. Delivering a programme of supported self-assessment and improvement planning for the 5 pathfinder TSIs.
  7. Delivering an improvement plan for each TSI that bridges across Community Planning Partners locally and follow-on support to help TSIs with the implementation of their improvements.
  8. Developing mechanisms and opportunities for TSIs to share learning and knowledge and build capacity in improvement activity.
  9. Developing a bank of evidence of ‘what works’ and why in relation to building the third sector relationship with Community Planning, public service change and preventative activity.
  10. Engaging with TSIs and Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) to agree a clear and shared definition of the TSI and wider third sector role in Community Planning and feeding this into the work of the National Community Planning Group, and wider advocacy work of VAS.
  11. Undertaking an evaluation of Phase 1 of the CPI programme and producing an evaluation report with recommendations for improvement for Phase 2.
  12. Developing proposals for a rolling programme of improvement support for TSIs beyond 2014/15, based on the learning from Phase 1.
  13. Developing linkages and managing these across: the development of quality training and accreditation in the network; the development of common standards and services; the development of a stronger outcomes focus for VAS and TSIs; the management of information across the network.

The Head of Partnership Programmes will formally work to the Chief Executive of Voluntary Action Scotland as the lead delivery partner. The post holder will be the daily operational lead for the delivery of the TSI and Community Planning Improvement Programme and will manage all activities relating to the programme, including liaison with TSIs, IS, partner bodies and other key stakeholders. The post holder will work closely with the TSI Self-Assessment and Improvement Planning Project Manager, in relation to the delivery of the elements of the programme relating to self-assessment, improvement planning and benchmarking. The post holder will make recommendations to the Chief Executive of VAS on the future development of Phase 2 of the programme. The post holder will also lead VAS engagement in programmes concerning quality, common services and outcomes and information management.

Key tasks and accountabilities:

  1. To develop an effective programme of work to deliver the expectations of the TSI and Community Planning Improvement Programme.
  2. To effectively manage the delivery of the programme including governance arrangements, the coordination of plans, resources, budgets, risks, quality, performance and delivery, ensuring the provision of regular and accurate progress and performance information for the VAS Board and stakeholders.
  3. To support TSIs and partners through programme implementation and further development phases, in order to maximise impact.
  4. To effectively manage all identified communication activities including marketing and promotion, workshop and events planning and execution, and stakeholder engagement.
  5. To work with partners and stakeholders, promoting and supporting collaborative and partnership working across TSIs and Community Planning Partners.
  6. To work with stakeholders to build relationships and to effectively engage, persuade and influence on desired outcomes.
  7. To engage with and support key activity focussed on quality, standards, outcome measurement and information management.
  8. To develop and manage research and analysis activity and build VAS knowledge base.
  9. To promote, manage and embed an effective approach to knowledge sharing and dissemination of information to partners and the wider public sector.
  10. To manage resources both human and financial
  11. To undertake other specified duties and responsibilities from time to time as required.

Special working conditions

As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder.

The post holder will be expected to carry out any other duties as defined within the broad scope and purpose of the job as requested by their line manager.

The post holder will be expected to attend the VAS annual conference which may involve one or more overnight stays. Some travel within Scotland may be required to support meetings and events outwith Glasgow.

Person specification

Education, training & qualifications:

Essential

  1. Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience

Desirable

  1. Postgraduate/professional qualification
  2. Qualified Project or Programme Manager

Skills

Essential

  1. Proven record of ability in demonstrating a wide range and high level of consultancy skills, with particular emphasis on collaborative working
  2. Proven record of ability to think innovatively and creatively
  3. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
  4. Ability to build productive relationships, persuade and influence senior partners / stakeholders
  5. Proven record of ability in demonstrating a range of high level business and commercial skills
  6. Proven record of ability in leading, managing and delivering programmes of work

Desirable

  1. Proven record of ability in leading, managing and delivering research
  2. Project or programme management skills including risks change and issue management

Knowledge

Essential

  1. Excellent project or programme management skills
  2. Experience of managing projects or programmes across organisational boundaries and with multiple stakeholders.

Desirable

  1. Applied knowledge of evaluation approaches
  2. Experience of using knowledge management approaches and online knowledge management tools
  3. Applied knowledge of self-assessment, quality and improvement approaches
  4. Knowledge of Scotland’s third sector and its role in public service change

Experience

Essential

  1. Significant experience in managing gall dimensions of change/improvement programmes

Desirable

  1. Experience of working in third sector or public sector

Other requirements

Desirable

  1. Full driving license

Summary terms and conditions of employment:

Salary:c £45,000

Working week:Full-time position. 9am – 5.30 pm with 1 hour unpaid for lunch (37.5 hrs per week). Some flexibility will be required.

Annual leave:25 days annual leave plus 9 public holidays.

Place of Work:Central Glasgow. Some travel willbe required.

Pension: VAS will contribute 6% of salary to a recognised personal pension scheme of your choice.

Probation period:The post is subject to a 6 month probationary period. Following successful completion of the probationary period the notice period will be 1 month.

Sick pay: Statutory sick pay is available for the first year of employment after which organisational sick pay of 6 weeks full pay and 6 weeks half-pay is available subject to certain conditions clarified in the full terms and conditions provided upon joining the organisation.