Community Rail Partnership Officer

This exciting role for a Community Rail Partnership Officer will cover the Southend Line from Billericay Station to Southend Victoria Station and the Crouch Valley Line from Wickford to Southminster. Working with key aims to encourage train travel, community engagement and tackle social inclusion. Supporting volunteers/station adopters is a big part of this role.

With a good knowledge and understanding of the railway industry and integrated transport, particularly the promotion of sustainable travel, this role will work closely with the community and voluntary sector so will need to evidence collaborative working which engenders successful delivery. Experience of project/organisational and event management, community-based projects and Community Interest Companies will be key to success in this role.

To read more about our business area, please visit: Climate, Environment and Customer Services

Accountabilities

• Responsible for the promotion, management and operation of the Community Rail Partnership aspects of the rural branch lines.

• Responsible for managing resources to deliver objectives and functions of the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership in a financially sustainable environment.

• Responsible for ensuring transport and station environments address travel needs of respective communities in a cost-effective manner, through attending meetings with transport operators, voluntary organisations, statutory authorities and the public.

• Develops links between the railway, local businesses, the tourism industry and other agencies with interests in the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership. Generates local projects by identifying potential new partners and supporters.

• Facilitates and encourages participation and involvement of the community to gain a sense of ‘ownership’ for the lines. Attend project working groups identifying projects, sources of funding and sponsorship.

• Identifies potential opportunities for new business and employment on social development adjacent to the lines.

• Develop ways of integrating the railway with other forms of transport, to increase general patronage of the lines for work, recreational, cultural, social and other purposes, in accordance with the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership Terms of Reference.

• Works collaboratively with the Rail Engagement Manager, to administer and monitor the annual budget, ensuring the spend is in accordance with the aims and objectives of the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership Steering Group. Producing regular progress reports.

• Contributes to the production of publicity material, including the website, for events and information relevant to the community.

• Educated to Level 3 (A level) or equivalent proven experience.

• Evidence of continuing professional development, and knowledge in relevant professional area.

• Knowledge and understanding of the railway industry, integrated transport particularly the promotion of sustainable travel, community and voluntary work, business organisations and their relationship with statutory undertakings.

• Experience of project/organisational and event management, community-based projects and Community Interest Companies.

• Ability to build strong partnerships with the public and private/voluntary sector organisations, which are collaborative and engender delivery.

• Proven track record in undertaking research with an awareness of environmental, social, transport and tourism issues.

• Evidence of delivering successfully against local and personal objectives.

• 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + choice to buy extra.

• Generous Local Government Salary related pension scheme.

• Access to hundreds of discounts and benefits through Essex Rewards.

• Access to our health and wellbeing support platform with Vita Health Group.

• Up to 4 days per annum volunteering leave.

• Cycle to Work Scheme.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk