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Thank you for applying to work at Challengers…
Contents
Guidance notes for completing your application form .................................................................................... 1
The Challengers Approach............................................................................................................................................. 2
Job Description ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…. .................................................. 3
Application form................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Guidance notes for completing your application form
All applicants must use a Challengers Application Form to apply. The information you provide in your application
form is used by us when we decide whether or not you will be selected to attend an interview and also as a basis
for the interview itself. Your application form is, therefore, very important and we give the following advice to
help you complete it as effectively as possible.
Equal Opportunities and Disclosure section will be detached from the rest of the application form and kept in a
confidential/secure place. This will ensure an unbiased/unprejudiced selection of candidates in line with equality,
diversity principles and good practice.
ONLINE VERSION OF THE APPLICATION FORM
You may have been emailed the application form or downloaded it from the Challengers website.
You can ‘tab’ through the fields and type to enter the relevant details.
Use you space bar or mouse clicks to ‘check’ the ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ boxes.
If you email your completed form to Challengers, you will need to sign the printed version held at our offices.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Look carefully at the Job Description. This gives details of the skills, knowledge, qualifications and experience
which we require. Please read this carefully before completing the application form, so that you know what the
job involves and the range of expertise needed.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
When listing your employment history you should ensure that the dates are correct and in the right order and
that there are no gaps. Please let us know what you were doing during any periods without paid employment.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Address all the points on the job description and outline your experience and skills substantiating your statement
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with examples and evidence. Can you show you meet the requirements for the job? By looking at your past and
present experience you may identify “hidden” skills that you might have taken for granted. This includes any
relevant experience gained through your community, voluntary, leisure, family or home interests.
Ask yourself why you are interested in the job, it can be useful to list these reasons and refer to them. Is the job
you wish to apply for a promotion or is it a good employment or career move? Could it broaden or give you
greater experience?
Place the information in a logical order and make sure that you have included everything you need to.
If you need to continue onto another sheet please attach this to the application form with your name clearly
marked at the top. You may enclose additional information if you so wish.
REFERENCES
You are asked for the names and addresses (including the postcode) of two people we can contact for references.
You should give your present or most recent employer or, if you are a student, an appropriate academic reference
should be given. You cannot use members of your family as referees.
IF YOU NEED HELP
If you need assistance to complete the form, let us know and we will be pleased to help – call 01483 579 390 or
email work@disability-challengers.org
The Challengers Approach
Please read The Challengers Approach carefully – this is our ethos and it is very important that you understand it
and be committed to the aims of our organisation.
OUR VISION
An environment where facilities are provided for disabled and non-disabled children and young people to play
and have fun together, thereby changing the way that society regards and treats disabled young people
generation after generation.
OUR MISSION
To provide a broad range of play, leisure, respite and short breaks thus giving support to disabled children and
young people, their family and friends.
THE CHALLENGERS APPROACH
To enable children to challenge their impairments through play in a stimulating and safe environment.
To provide suitable care for disabled children and young people whatever their impairment with
appropriate knowledge, skill, competence, initiative and sensitivity.
To create an atmosphere where self-expression, co-operation, learning and sharing are encouraged,
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nurtured and supported.
To create a welcoming and supportive environment and proactively enable young people and their
families who use Challengers to participate in the planning and development of our services.
We never exclude a child on the grounds of the severity of their impairment and we do not set
geographical limits - play and leisure opportunities for disabled young people are few and disabled
people seldom have a local resource.
To positively discriminate in favour of disabled young people while inequality of provision exists.
To uphold and encourage freedom of choice for the individual and so we aim to provide both Exclusive
and Inclusive programmes in the communities in which we work.
To treat each other with respect and consideration.
To accept responsibility for one’s own actions.
To conduct all our affairs with regard to individual differences.
To be sensitive to everyone’s right to privacy and confidentiality.
To examine what we do and continually try to improve.
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JOB DESCRIPTION: Community Fundraising Officer – Hampshire, Berkshire and South West Surrey
REPORTING TO: Head of Fundraising
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees
LIAISING WITH: Members of the Fundraising team; Communications Team; Head of Operations and Play & Leisure
team; Finance & Administration; Trustees; Volunteers, any other organisations as may become relevant
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Community Fundraising Officer will be a member of a dynamic team of committed and passionate individuals
working to raise the profile of Challengers across Surrey and neighbouring counties. The team aims to maximise the
revenue and capital funding the charity receives in support of play and leisure opportunities for disabled and non
disabled children, young people and young adults.
He or she will be working with a variety of supporters including community groups, schools, societies, supporter groups
and individuals, to cultivate support for Challengers and manage these supporter relationships. They will also contribute
to appeals and campaigns; help to organise and deliver community fundraising events as well as help to promote the
charity’s work and reputation with the public.
This role will be Farnham based with the majority of the work being undertaken within the community. The worker
however will be required to attend Fundraising meetings and attend regular face-to-face meeting with their line
manager and the wider Challengers team.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To use personal networks and local knowledge to galvanise support within the community.

Cultivate, develop and manage effective relationships with a range of community donors, including working
with new, existing or lapsed donors and organisations.

Provide clear and effective communication and feedback where relevant to all donors and prospects.

Make effective applications which may be in writing, through verbal presentations or interpersonal
communications to help achieve team targets.

Research new Community Fundraising opportunities in areas in which Challengers operate to generate further
support and awareness of our services.

Develop and implement campaigns and approaches to existing and new potential supporters.

As part of the Fundraising Team, work jointly to meet both community and wider team financial targets
associated with this position.

Monitor online fundraising, through supporting those raising funds, to creating and maintaining clear income
and communication records.

Within the Fundraising Team, assist with promotion of community events and work with the Communications
Team to publicise events on the website, newsletters and various web –based functions.
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
Lead or contribute to the organisation of fundraising events or activities including supporting community
groups, volunteers or outside agencies to deliver events raising funds on behalf of Challengers. This will include
support of the planning, budgeting and promotional stages, as well as work on the event day.

Represent the charity at presentations, meetings and other functions promoting the work of Challengers and
advocating The Challengers Approach, based on the Social Model of Disability.

Work with the Communications Team to design and produce different forms of publicity and promotional
material and ensure that the image of Challengers is used effectively, represented correctly and presented in
line with current policies and vision.

Maintain clear records of all contacts, activities, leads and funds raised on the Challengers database as well as
using excel spreadsheets for project based reporting on Community income.

Produce reports on income, approaches and donations in the pipeline for the Head of Fundraising as
requested.

Strive to present a positive and realistic image of Challengers, its work, and disabled people to the wider
community at all times.

Maintain a safe working environment at all times in accordance with the Challengers health and safety and
related policies.

Any other duties as required from time to time by the Head of Fundraising or Chief Executive.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualities, character, attitude and experience expected of Challengers staff
To conduct yourself and represent the Charity in a manner which reflects all the values of The Challengers Approach.
Essential:

Proven ability to work on own initiative with limited supervision

Proven social network with prominent local connections who will support the work of Challengers

Experience of public speaking and making direct approaches for support

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

An ability to relate to a range of people, including potential sponsors and donors, disabled children and their
parents and carers, the media, colleagues, a range of community groups and the general public.

An ability to tailor your approach to a variety of audiences and deliver effective and engaging presentations.

A creative ability to produce engaging fundraising and communications literature.

An understanding of the principles of fundraising, marketing and promotion.

An ability to work on his/her own projects as well as work as an effective team member.

An ability to produce clear, concise written reports and effective promotional materials.

Able to use Microsoft packages including Word, Excel and Outlook amongst others.

Flexibility to work outside conventional office hours when required including weekends and evenings.

Polite telephone manner.

A proactive, flexible and driven approach to their work.
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
Full clean driving license and car owner with ability to use own vehicle for travel to meetings and events and
therefore hold the necessary business use insurance.

A clear understanding of The Challengers Approach and the Social Model of Disability and a commitment to
deliver programmes to this ethos.
Desirable:

Understanding of the issues facing disabled children and young people, their families and carers and of issues
surrounding social exclusion.

An understanding of the role of not for profit organisations in the provision of services.

Fundraising experience or relevant transferable skills.

Experience of using a database for data entry and record keeping.

Experience of working with or supporting disabled children and young people, their families and carers.
Application Form
Complete this form and return it by email to work@disability-challengers.org or post it to HR at
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU (remember if you use a large envelope you will need a
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large letter stamp).
CHALLENGERS OFFICE USE ONLY
Date
entered:
Interview
Our Ref:
WHICH POST ARE YOU APPLYING FOR?
Community Fundraising
Job role
Title
(Miss/Mrs/Mr/other)
Date:
Officer
Forename
:
Surname:
Postal address
Town
Postcode
Email address *
Home Tel
Mobile
Other Tel
* Please note we do most of our communication via email.
Date of Birth
Age - Optional
(optional)
Nat Ins No
OTHER DETAILS
How did you find out about this
vacancy prior to visiting our website?
Do you hold a full driving licence?
YES
NO
Do you have use of a car?
YES
NO
YES
NO
If required do you have a permit to
work in the UK?
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HEALTH DECLARATION
Do you know of any health reasons which
would prevent you from carrying out the duties
YES
intrinsic to this position as outlined in the job
NO
description?
If you ticked ‘yes’, please give details and
supply information of any adjustments you will
need to make in order to carry out these
duties.
DISCLOSURE DECLARATION (This section must be completed)
The position for which you are applying potentially involves significant unsupervised contact with
children and is therefore subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order
1975. This means that you must disclose details of any convictions, bindover orders or police
cautions, warnings or reprimands, including those which are considered “spent” under the terms
of the Act. Please use the Disclosure Form at the end of this Application Form if this applies to
you. This information will not be used to discriminate against you unfairly.
DO YOU NEED TO COMPLETE THE DISCLOSURE FORM?
YES
NO
IF YES PLEASE COMPLETE THE SECTION ON THE LAST PAGE OF THIS FORM
Please supply any certificates or documents which are relevant to this role
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS (including current course if applicable)
Date from
Date to
College/University
Qualification & date if
applicable
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TRAINING – PLEASE PROVIDE COPIES OF ANY RELEVANT CERTIFICATES
Date
Course/Certificate
Awarding body
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Give details of all previous employments, full and part time, paid or unpaid.
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List in order, STARTING WITH THE MOST RECENT FIRST.
Explain any breaks in your employment history.
Date from
Date to
Name & address of employer
Job title and duties
Salary and reason
for leaving
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SUPPORTING INFORMATION - this section must be completed
Please tell us why you are applying for this role, plus any relevant experience to support your
application with particular reference to the job description.
This statement is crucial to further consideration of your application.
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REFERENCES – Please note:
Please supply FULL contact details of two people who will provide a reference for you. Please do
not supply both from the same place of work or education.
ONE MUST BE FROM YOUR CURRENT OR MOST RECENT EMPLOYER OR, IF YOU ARE A FULLTIME STUDENT, FROM YOUR PLACE OF EDUCATION.
REFEREES MAY NOT BE MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY.
REFEREE 1
Title
(Miss/Mrs/Mr/other):
Forename:
Surname:
Relationship to
you:
Organisation:
Postal address:
Postcode:
Daytime
Email (essential):
May we contact this person
now?
phone:
YES
NO
REFEREE 2
Title
(Miss/Mrs/Mr/other):
Forename:
Surname:
Relationship to
you:
Organisation:
Postal address:
Postcode:
Daytime
Email (essential):
May we contact this person
now?
phone:
YES
NO
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PLEASE READ AND SIGN THIS SECTION
I confirm that the information which I have given is true and complete.*
I consent for Challengers to carry out the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service checks, and to
monitor status of a check on line using the DBS Update Service if this is subscribed to.
I have read and understand the job description and The Challengers Approach.
Signed:
Date:
* Any false statements or omissions may result in dismissal.

If you have emailed this form to Challengers, you will need to sign a printed version at interview.
NB: Please complete the Equal Opportunities Section on the following page and, only if applicable to
you, the Disclosure.
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING
Challengers is committed to achieving a Play and Leisure service which provides equality of opportunity
and freedom from unlawful or unfair discrimination. Our policy covers all aspects of our operations,
including recruitment. Please complete this part of the form. This information will be used only in order
to monitor our recruitment processes and prevent unfair discrimination on any grounds.
Forename:
Surname:
Male
Female
Disabled
Non-Disabled
How would you describe your ethnic background?
White & Black Caribbean
British
White
Irish
Dual
White & Black African
Other White background
heritage
White and Asian
Other Mixed background
Indian
Asian or
Pakistani
Black or
Black Caribbean
Asian
Bangladeshi
Black
Black African
British
Other Asian background
British
Other Black background
Other
Chinese
ethnic
Chinese
Please feel free to expand or specify:
group or
background
DISCLOSURE
The position for which you are applying potentially involves significant unsupervised contact with children and
is therefore subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
If you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not "protected" as defined
by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013) by SI 2013
1198, please complete the information below and return it with your application. This information will
not be used to discriminate against you unfairly. For more information on the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act please go to: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1198/pdfs/uksi_20131198_en.pdf
Title (Miss, Mrs, Mr,
other):
Forename:
Surname:
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Postal address:
Postcode:
Details about your criminal record:
Date
Nature of Offence
Place offence occurred and
Details of conviction,
Court which issued
bindover caution or
conviction if applicable
warning
I declare that the above information is accurate and complete.
Signed:
Date:
It is our policy to employ the most suitable personnel and ensure equality of opportunity in the advancement of employees and not to
discriminate against any person on the grounds of age, race, national origin, sex, marital status, disability or sexuality.
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Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724