Community Organiser Energising Horden in Peterlee

To apply please complete and return an application form available at www.eastdurhamtrust.org.uk/join-the-team and provide a CV to Melanie.Bennison@eastdurhamtrust.org.uk
Duration: 12 months fixed term

Overview

East Durham Trust is recruiting a Community Organiser to deliver the Energising Horden project – an innovative community energy initiative based in one of England’s most deprived former coalfield villages. This role will support the community of Horden to establish a resident-led governance body that can own, manage, and benefit from renewable energy projects. The postholder will be central to ensuring that local residents—particularly those in vulnerable situations—have a voice in shaping and leading community energy schemes. Projects underway include the Horden Mine Water Heat Scheme, feasibility studies for wind, solar, and anaerobic digestion through the Community Energy Fund, and the wider Energising East Durham programme.

About the Project

The Energising Horden project is a first-of-its-kind initiative to ensure that a former coalfield community leads the transition to renewable energy. The project will empower residents to establish their own governance structure, enabling them to own and benefit from major energy schemes, including what could become Europe’s only community-owned mine water heat network. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact by embedding community ownership at the heart of the energy transition in East Durham.

Role Purpose

The Community Organiser will:

• Build relationships with local residents to ensure all voices are heard, especially those from marginalised or vulnerable backgrounds.
• Support the development of an accessible and inclusive community-owned governance structure (such as a Community Benefit Society or Community Land Trust).
• Facilitate local involvement in major community energy opportunities, ensuring decision-making is rooted in resident priorities.
• Ensure the community of Horden has ownership of and benefits from current and future renewable energy infrastructure.
• Help secure the legacy of the project, ensuring community energy revenues are reinvested into tackling fuel poverty and supporting local households.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Community Engagement

• Actively engage with residents across Horden, including those with complex lives, to ensure inclusive participation.
• Organise meetings, workshops, and events to raise awareness of community energy opportunities.
• Build trust and confidence within the community, particularly among groups who may feel excluded from decision-making.

Governance Development

• Support local residents to design and establish an appropriate governance model (e.g., Community Benefit Society, Trust).
• Provide accessible information and capacity building to enable residents to participate fully and equitably in governance.
• Facilitate democratic processes and ensure transparency in decision-making.

Project Delivery

• Work alongside partners and technical experts on feasibility studies and infrastructure planning.
• Ensure community perspectives are represented in ongoing energy projects, including the Horden Mine Water Heat Scheme.
• Support residents to influence how revenues and benefits are reinvested locally.
• Report on progress and outcomes to the Energy Saving Trust and other funders.

Organisational Duties

• Contribute to the overall work and ethos of East Durham Trust.
• Adhere to all organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity.
• Maintain accurate records and data to support monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of community organising, engagement, or development in disadvantaged communities.
• Understanding of community energy and renewable energy initiatives.
• Knowledge of governance models for community-owned organisations (e.g., Community Benefit Societies, Trusts, Co-ops).
• Experience of supporting residents with complex lives and barriers to participation.
• Strong knowledge of poverty, inequality, and fuel poverty issues affecting communities like Horden.

Skills

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to build relationships and trust with diverse groups of people.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Confidence in supporting community members to understand technical and governance issues in an accessible way.
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends when required.
• Strong IT skills to support digital engagement and reporting.

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to social justice and community empowerment.
• Enthusiasm, resilience, and creativity in overcoming barriers to participation.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and respectful approach to working with communities.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.

Other Requirements

• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle (desirable).
• Willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of the community.

Note: This description reflects the current role requirements and work context as provided by East Durham Trust.