At a Glance
- Tasks: Support community organisations and lead the Charnwood Volunteers programme.
- Company: Charnwood Borough Council, a forward-thinking local authority.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, agile working, professional development, and free parking.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in the Voluntary and Community Sector and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 38220 - 39862 £ per year.
Charnwood Borough Council is an ambitious and forward-thinking local authority at the heart of Leicestershire. We are committed to supporting our communities, protecting the environment, and creating the conditions for a thriving local economy. Delivering excellent customer service is at the centre of everything we do.
The Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual, who will work as part of a busy and collaborative team. You will build strong relationships with residents, community organisations, and the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). You will provide direct support to organisations and help deliver our successful Community Grants programme.
The Person
The successful candidate will have a sound understanding of the Voluntary and Community Sector and experience of supporting community organisations to develop and grow. You will be confident in carrying out organisational health checks, identifying development needs and providing advice on areas such as governance, policies, business planning, financial sustainability, and organisational structure.
You will also have knowledge of external funding opportunities and experience of supporting community groups to access funding, including applications to the Charnwood Community Grants programme and other grant schemes.
A key part of the role will be leading the development of the Charnwood Volunteers programme, promoting the benefits of volunteering and encouraging greater participation by connecting people with local volunteering opportunities.
You will be organised, able to manage a varied workload, and committed to delivering high-quality support within agreed timescales.
As the role involves regular engagement with organisations and attendance at community meetings and events across the borough, you will be expected to travel throughout Charnwood as required.
The benefits of working with us:
- Agile working for many roles
- Generous annual leave of between 35.5 and 40.5 days per year depending on length of service, inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata for part time hours).
- Most services are closed over Christmas
- Opportunities for professional development linked to many roles
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Free parking
The Council strongly believes a diverse and inclusive workforce helps make our services better. We value the individual strengths of each colleague and the potential they bring.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and strive to promote a disability confident culture. To find out more about our Disability Confident commitments including reasonable adjustments and the guaranteed interview scheme please visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/equality_diversity_and_inclusion.
We have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) and have achieved the AFC’s Employer Recognition Gold Award. Colleagues are also actively engaged through our Staff Forum and groups such as our Health and Wellbeing Group and Equality Working Group.
About the Council
Charnwood is one of the largest shire district councils in the country based on population, serving around 183,000 people. We offer a range of services, with everything from refuse and recycling collections to the operation of a theatre and historic markets. Our services are built on our values: Pride in Charnwood; Customer Focused and Working Together.
About Charnwood
We are proud of our borough, and it is a great place to live, work visit and invest in. Charnwood boasts breath-taking landscapes which are great to explore. At the heart of Charnwood is Loughborough, home to a world class university, historic markets, and the only major bell foundry in the UK. It is a diverse community thanks to its student population and cultures from around the world.
Voluntary & Community Sector Development Officer M298 employer: Charnwood Borough Council
Charnwood Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a tangible impact on community development and infrastructure. With generous annual leave, professional growth opportunities, and flexible working arrangements, we prioritise employee well-being and career advancement, making it a rewarding place to work in the heart of Charnwood.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Voluntary & Community Sector Development Officer M298
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
✨Join Social Impact Networks
Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at Charnwood Borough Council. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re still in uni, tap into career services that may have exclusive listings for part-time roles in nonprofits. They often host job fairs or info sessions where you can meet representatives from organisations like Charnwood Borough Council directly. It’s a great way to make an impression beyond your CV!
✨Check Out Online Opportunities
Websites like Idealist or CharityJob specifically showcase part-time positions in the nonprofit sector. Make sure to check these regularly while keeping an eye on Charnwood Borough Council’s own job listings on our website. Being proactive here can put you ahead of the curve!
We think you need these skills to ace Voluntary & Community Sector Development Officer M298
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Voluntary & Community Sector Development Officer M298 at Charnwood Borough Council, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the Voluntary & Community Sector Development Officer M298, customise your documents to fit the vibe of Charnwood Borough Council. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charnwood Borough Council
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Charnwood Borough Council. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with Charnwood Borough Council's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
