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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, promoting waterways and community engagement.
- 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 and strategic skills.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience, committee involvement, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with only four meetings a year, perfect for students or young professionals.
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 in London 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 in London
✨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 learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your knowledge of the Waterways Ombudsman Scheme. Familiarise yourself with its purpose, recent developments, and how you can contribute to its goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership experience! Think of examples where you've worked collaboratively in committees or boards. Be ready to discuss how you can bring that expertise to the Waterways Ombudsman Committee.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the waterways cause.
We think you need these skills to ace Committee member -Waterway Ombudsman in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the Waterways Ombudsman Scheme shine through in your application. We want to see why you care about canals and waterways, so share your personal connection or experiences that relate to the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant leadership experience and committee work. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and strategically, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit!
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!
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 your passion and commitment during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your relevant leadership experience and how it aligns with the committee's goals. Think of specific examples where you've worked collaboratively in similar environments, as this will demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice your communication skills ahead of time. Be ready to engage confidently with diverse audiences and express your thoughts clearly. This is crucial for a role that involves representing the Scheme and building relationships.
✨Understand Dispute Resolution
Brush up on dispute resolution principles and be prepared to discuss how they apply to the Waterways Ombudsman Scheme. Showing your understanding of these concepts will highlight your suitability for the role and your commitment to its objectives.
