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- Tasks: Join a committee to oversee the Waterways Ombudsman Scheme and ensure effective complaint handling.
- Company: Be part of the Canal & River Trust, dedicated to improving waterways.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network with diverse professionals, and have travel expenses covered.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience and ability to work collaboratively in diverse environments.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with only four meetings a year, perfect for students.
Time Commitment & Travel
You will be required to attend four formal meetings annually. Three meetings will be held virtually (maximum of half a day each, but normally less than two hours), and one full‑day meeting will be held in person, with the location determined by the majority of Committee members. This equates to circa 20 hours per annum. Although the role is unremunerated, reasonable travel expenses will be paid.
Role Overview
The Waterways Ombudsman Scheme is in place to ensure the independent handling of complaints made against its navigation authority members, the largest of which is the Canal & River Trust. The Waterways Ombudsman is appointed by a Waterways Ombudsman Committee (WOC), who oversee the working of the Scheme and the remuneration of the Ombudsman on an independent basis. The Scheme is a certified Alternative Dispute Resolution entity and a full voting member of the Ombudsman Association.
Key responsibilities
- Attending meetings of the Waterways Ombudsman and helping to set its work programme.
- Providing leadership and expertise to support the work of the Scheme, including ensuring the memorandum of understanding and service level agreements are fit for purpose and that appropriate assurance is maintained.
- Representing the Waterways Ombudsman Scheme in developing beneficial relationships with local organisations and community groups.
- Representing the Scheme in contact with current and potential member Trusts, partners and membership organisations.
- Contributing to the appointment of the Ombudsman and additional Committee members.
- Keeping the operation of the Scheme under review, ensuring it meets its purpose and is adequately funded.
- Contributing to the publication of the annual report.
- Upholding the code of conduct and complying with the Nolan Principles.
About You
- Relevant leadership experience demonstrating the ability to work strategically and collaboratively at all levels.
- Experience of committee/board membership or working in similar collaborative environments.
- Ability to work closely with other members from diverse backgrounds to deliver effective, committed and appropriately challenging oversight of the Scheme.
- Experience of working in, and networking with, diverse partnerships to deliver agreed objectives within public, private, charitable or voluntary sectors.
- Excellent communication skills across a range of media and confidence engaging with diverse audiences.
- Enthusiasm for, and understanding of, the Waterways Ombudsman Scheme, its audience and purpose.
- Experience or demonstrable understanding of dispute resolution principles and disciplines.
- It is important that members have no current direct or significant involvement in the waterway sector.
Contact & Application
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates. Please apply through the APPLY button on our website.
Timelines – It is anticipated that a single interview will be held for successful applicants with the Waterway Ombudsman and nominated representatives of the Committee during February/early March in time to join our April formal meeting.
Remuneration
This is a voluntary role, but reasonable domestic travel expenses will be paid. If you are passionate about canals and waterways and want to contribute your expertise to our cause, we would love to hear from you!
Committee member -Waterway Ombudsman employer: Canal & River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal & River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Committee member -Waterway Ombudsman
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the waterways sector or related fields. Attend local events or online webinars to connect with potential committee members and get the inside scoop on what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your knowledge of the Waterways Ombudsman Scheme. Familiarise yourself with their mission and recent developments so you can show your enthusiasm and understanding during the chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership experience! Think about specific examples where you've worked collaboratively or led a project. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can benefit the committee and the Ombudsman Scheme.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the waterways community.
We think you need these skills to ace Committee member -Waterway Ombudsman
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the Waterways Ombudsman Scheme shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about canals and waterways, so share any relevant experiences or interests that connect you to this role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of your leadership and committee experience, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your communication is easy to understand. This will help us get a good sense of who you are and what you bring to the table.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we find enough suitable candidates. Head over to our website and hit that APPLY button to get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Waterways
Familiarise yourself with the Waterways Ombudsman Scheme and its purpose. Understanding the key responsibilities and the role of the Ombudsman will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership and collaborative skills. Highlight situations where you've worked strategically with diverse groups, as this is crucial for the committee role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since you'll be engaging with various stakeholders, being able to communicate effectively across different media is essential. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues.
✨Understand Dispute Resolution
Brush up on dispute resolution principles and be ready to discuss how they apply to the Waterways Ombudsman Scheme. Showing a solid understanding of these concepts will demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the role.
