Application Pack Community Development Officer Advertised May 2015 Contents Job Advert About the Bumblebee Conservation Trust About the ‘Making a Buzz for the Coast’ Project Job description Person specification Summary of terms and conditions of employment Recruitment and selection process Application Form Equal Opportunities Form Job Advert A unique opportunity to join a successful and growing conservation charity! Community Development Officer Salary £24,000 (pro rata) We are looking for a Community Development Officer to fill a part-time (17.5 hours per week) 1 year fixed-term post during the development phase of ‘Making a Buzz for the Coast’ - an ambitious natural heritage project focusing on Kent’s wild pollinators, especially bumblebees and solitary bees. For an application pack please visit our website: bumblebeeconservation.org/vacancies/ Bumblebee Conservation Trust University of Stirling Your role will be to engage and consult communities, schools, Stirling colleges and other interested groups; test approaches and FK9 4LA play a lead role in developing the project’s activity plan and Tel: 01786 467818 learning and participation policy; and assist on production of admin@bumblebeeconservation.org the Stage Two delivery phase application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Charity numbers: 1115634; SC042830 You will be self-motivated and enthusiastic, with excellent communication skills. You will have proven experience of engaging and motivating people, and be comfortable interacting with all levels of the community to build networks. You will be able to use your initiative to solve problems and effectively prioritise your workload. You must be willing to travel throughout the project area (Kent) and have access to your own vehicle. Please refer to the job description and person specification for more details of the role. This is a part-time, fixed term position which will primarily be based from home (hot desk options can also be considered). To discuss the post informally, please contact: Sam Page, Conservation Officer Tel. 07780 931 114 sam.page@bumblebeeconservation.org Closing Date: 12 pm Thursday 21 May 2015 Interview date: 02 June in Ashford, Kent (TBC). This post is subject to funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund (pending approval). About the Bumblebee Conservation Trust The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is a UK-based national charity (England & Wales 1115634, Scotland SC042830) and a Company Limited by Guarantee (No. 05618710). The Trust was established in May 2006 in response to ongoing declines in many bumblebee species, due primarily to habitat loss through agricultural intensification. In the last 70 years two species have become nationally extinct whilst populations of several others have crashed dramatically. Over one third of social bumblebee species are now regarded as species of principal importance under the UK Post2010 Biodiversity Framework. Bumblebees are ‘keystone’ pollinators, integral to our natural environment, and providing significant economic benefits through pollination of crops. We aim to help bumblebees and the habitats that they depend on through conservation and education. This is an exciting time to join the Bumblebee Conservation Trust as we move into the next phase of our development following the launch of a new five year strategic plan. For more information about our work, visit our website (http://bumblebeeconservation.org). BBCT Application Pack Page 2 of 17 About the ‘Making a Buzz for the Coast’ Project Making a Buzz for the Coast is an exciting community focused project and call to action, designed to engage and encourage local people living in Kent (and part of East Sussex) to do something positive to help and protect our bumblebees and other pollinating insects. This exciting and ambitious project will take place along the 300 miles of coastline, from Dartford to Rye, and will focus on communities and land within 5km of the coast. The project will act as a flagship initiative within the new DEFRAled National Pollinator Strategy and will help to deliver Kent County Council’s ‘Plan Bee’ aimed at mobilising the people of Kent to take action to help pollinators. Making a Buzz for the Coast will also play an important role in delivering Biodiversity 2020 (England’s national strategy for wildlife and ecosystems) in Kent through restoration of priority habitats, increased habitat connectivity and safeguarding threatened species. The project has been developed in partnership with several organisations including Kent Wildlife Trust, RSPB, the Short-haired bumblebee project and Kent County Council and is made up of eight work strands (see below) which share the common themes of community engagement and learning and have skills for bees at their heart. The project will also involve a range of key stakeholders and other partners including landowners, local authorities, schools, community organisations, local industry, businesses, the Environment Agency and the Highways Agency. Making tangible improvements to bee habitat and linking together areas of habitat is a key element of the project and one of Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s key strategic and long term aims. Why Kent? Kent’s cultural and economic heritage is intrinsically linked to bees. With its rolling landscapes which give rise to a long tradition of fruit production and horticulture, abundant orchards and flowering crops, Kent is heavily reliant on bees and the pollination services they provide. Declines in wild pollinator populations over recent decades have led to a pollination deficit which negatively impacts on yields as well as fruit or seed quality. Furthermore, bees are fundamental to ecosystem functioning in a diverse range of habitats and bee declines have been linked to decreases in floristic diversity and wider biodiversity losses. The Kent coast is a hotspot for rare bumblebees such as the shrill carder bee Bombus sylvarum (the UK’s most threatened bumblebee), brown-banded carder bee Bombus humilis and moss carder bee Bombus muscorum, (priority species under Section 41, NERC Act 2006) as well as several rare solitary bees such as the sea aster mining bee Colletes halophilus. These species exist in small, isolated and highly fragmented populations along the coast which leads to inbreeding and a reduction in genetic diversity, making populations even more vulnerable. They also have specific habitat requirements (e.g. forage and nesting preferences) and the coastal habitats with which they are associated such as grazing marsh; vegetated shingle; saltmarsh; sea walls; chalk grasslands; and brownfield sites are under threat from development pressures, agricultural intensification, inappropriate management, neglect, climate change and coastal squeeze. One of the primary aims of Making a Buzz for the Coast will be to safeguard these rare bee populations by creating and restoring habitat in existing population centres and linking isolated populations through the creation of flower-rich ‘stepping stones’ and habitat corridors along the coast. Making a Buzz for the Coast has four aims: 1) To protect and enhance Kent’s wild pollinator populations, with particular focus on bumblebees and solitary bees, to boost pollination services and conserve biodiversity. 2) To safeguard and strengthen rare bumblebee populations, linking isolated populations. 3) To provide habitat for the newly reintroduced short-haired bumblebee – unique to Kent. 4) To raise awareness about bumblebees and other pollinators, the benefits they provide and what can be done to help them, inspiring individual action. These four aims will be achieved through the delivery of 8 work themes, shown here: BBCT Application Pack Page 3 of 17 Work strands – summary 1. Practical Conservation and habitat works: This work strand will build on the success and experience of the pioneering Short-haired Bumblebee Project which has been taking forward the reintroduction of this extinct species in the Dungeness area. Habitat creation through Making a Buzz for the Coast across East and North Kent will benefit many species of bumblebee and other pollinators and will also provide vital habitat for this bumblebee – thus helping to guarantee its future survival. 2. Through BEE-Roads, roadside verges with potential for floristic improvement for bees will be identified and targeted for sensitive management in partnership with Highways Agencies and Kent Wildlife Trust’s Roadside Nature Reserves scheme. 3. Landowner engagement - working with farmers, fruit producers, holiday parks, parish councils and large estate owners, we will help to restore and create bee-friendly habitat. Specialist land management advice and management plans will be followed up with ongoing support. Targeted landowner events such as workshops and farm days on best practice sites will be integral to engaging landowners and equipping them with the skills to restore and create habitats for bees. Conservation volunteer task groups will provide practical hands-on help on the ground. Advice and assistance will be sought from other local initiatives, such as the recently launched Coronation Meadows project, to help coordinate the supply and harvest of local wildflowers including key forage plants for rare bees and identifying green hay donor sites. 4. Skills for Bees – Volunteering and skills development are key components of Making a Buzz for the Coast. Volunteers and trainees will be recruited from across the community in each of the core delivery zones and will be trained and supported to get involved in a range of activities such as practical conservation tasks, surveys, leading guided walks, helping at community events, giving talks and training others to deliver events. BBCT Application Pack Page 4 of 17 5. BeeWalk - Habitat and bee surveys will be an essential part of the project to help us gather baseline data, monitor bee populations and evaluate the success of habitat creation and restoration projects. BeeWalk will monitor bumblebee population densities along the Kent coast. The presence of several confusing rare bee species in Kent can make it difficult to distinguish rare bees from some of the more common species without adequate training. This makes it difficult to get reliable data to properly monitor populations. With support from HLF, we will recruit and train local volunteers to undertake regular bee surveys as part of BBCTs national recording scheme Beewalk. Volunteers will attend a staged bee ID training programme (from beginners to advanced) and receive ongoing support through local survey groups and a mentoring scheme whereby expert volunteers will accompany newly trained volunteers on their surveys and lead guided walks so new volunteers can practice their skills and build confidence in identifying difficult species. We will also devise a system to help with verification of records. The scheme will then be properly evaluated with a view to rolling it out to other regions with similarly confusing and challenging species. 6. Have you seen this bee: This second monitoring project will teach local communities how to identify the Shrill carder bee: a rare and characteristic species which can be spotted by its shrill buzz and distinctive colour pattern. People will be encouraged to take photos and submit their records to BBCT, so that we can get a better idea of the distribution of this vulnerable species and track any population movements. 7. Buzzing Communities: This work strand will engage local communities in learning about the rare and special bees that are found on Kent’s coast and will raise awareness about the importance of bees and pollination services to Kent’s biodiversity, cultural heritage and local economy. A series of guided walks, talks, bee identification training and other events (many led by volunteers) aimed at local communities, schools, families and visitors to the Kent coast will take place throughout the life of the project. Information and interpretation boards will be installed at habitat restoration sites with public access to increase understanding about bees and what they need. 8. Buzzing Gardens is a vibrant gardening project aimed at helping schools, community groups and local businesses and individuals to do bee-friendly gardening and enter an annual Garden with Best Buzz competition in partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT), which will culminate in an exciting Town or Village with the Best Buzz competition in Year 3 and build on learning from KWT’s ‘Painting the Town Green’ Big Lottery project. BBCT Application Pack Page 5 of 17 Job Description Job Title: Community Development Officer Reporting to: Project Development Manager Responsible for: Volunteers Hours: This is a part-time (17.5 hours, 2.5 days a week) fixed term position and will be based in the project area (Kent coast) / working from home. Job purpose: To engage with communities, schools, colleges and other interested groups to inform the community involvement aspects of Making a Buzz for the Coast - an ambitious natural heritage project focusing on Kent’s wild pollinator populations especially bumblebees and solitary bees. To assist in the development of the project’s activity plan, and learning and participation policy. To work with the CEO, fundraising consultant and other staff on the production of BBCT’s Stage Two application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Main responsibilities: Project Development To work closely with the Buzz Project Development Manager and project partners to develop engagement, training and volunteering opportunities across the project. To play a lead role in developing the activity plan for Making a Buzz for the Coast. To identify and plan volunteer and trainee opportunities across the project, including work strand one (Habitat Works and Practical Conservation). To develop a volunteer recruitment and retention strategy for the project and to identify, sign up and support “Super Volunteers” to act as project ambassadors. To develop opportunities for engagement and learning in work strand four (Skills for Bees), which includes organising and running taster events; approaching schools, colleges and community groups; and assisting in the development of a learning and participation policy. To coordinate activities under work strand five (BeeWalk Rare Species) and test approaches to training and supporting volunteers to identify and survey bumblebees (including rare species) as part of an enhanced bumblebee recording scheme. To undertake community consultation exercises to gauge interest, test approaches and ideas as part of work strand six (Have you seen this Bee?); with particular focus on identifying events, talks, workshops and shows for promoting this initiative. As part of work strand seven (Buzzing Communities), to identify and sign up community groups, societies, and schools in the project; and consult local communities to inform activities, including competitions and roadshow. To identify and scope out the types of materials needed to support community engagement across the project. General To build on learning from the Trust’s highly successful Bees for Everyone project but focusing on Kent’s local needs, interests and opportunities. To carry out your duties with regard to BBCT’s policies and procedures including health and safety and fundraising regulations Contribute to the overall outputs of the BBCT team and carry out duties with due regard to the well-being and safety of others at all times. Undertake any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post as deemed appropriate and by agreement with the CEO. BBCT Application Pack Page 6 of 17 Person Specification Essential Desirable Experience of community engagement and a proven record of engaging and motivating people. Knowledge of bumblebee ecology, conservation and bee-friendly gardening. Experience of organising and delivering talks and community events. Bumblebee identification skills. Experience of working with volunteers. Experience of carrying out community consultation. Excellent written and oral communication skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences. Good presentation and IT skills, including social media. Active interest in bumblebees and pollinator conservation, and a desire to learn about bumblebee ecology and identification. Ability to think creatively and use own initiative. Well organised, with excellent skills in planning and prioritisation. Willingness to travel throughout the project area. Full clean driving licence and access to own car. Knowledge of good practice in volunteering, learning and participation. Experience of developing projects and/or activity and training programmes. Experience of working with partner organisations. Relevant qualification (e.g. ecology/conservation, community development) This post is subject to funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund (pending approval). BBCT Application Pack Page 7 of 17 Summary of terms and conditions of employment Terms and conditions: This is a part-time, fixed term (1 year) post. Salary: £24,000 per annum/pro rata Pension: This fixed term post is eligible for the BBCT pension scheme Location: This role involves travel throughout the project delivery area (Kent) and will be home-based (although hot desk options can be considered). Hours of work: The post holder will be employed part-time for 17.5 hours per week. Some occasional evening/weekend work may be required and a system of flexitime is in place to compensate this. Annual leave: Annual entitlement of 35 days (on a pro rata basis for part-time staff) inclusive of Bank/Public Holidays. Policies and procedures: We have policies designed to ensure the safety and well-being of both workers and volunteers e.g. health and safety, lone working. Recruitment and Selection Process The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. This means that when carrying out our work and in the employment of staff to undertake this work, we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all persons regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or economic status. Pre-employment checks: We will require a minimum of two appropriate references and will check original documents proving your qualifications, identity, and right to live and work in the UK before you can start work with us. You will be asked to provide details of any unspent criminal convictions. References: Referees should be your present and last employer. They should have had either managerial or supervisory responsibility for your work, and not be colleagues, subordinates or friends. Where appropriate (i.e. when this is your first employment), a tutor’s reference and a personal reference or similar will be acceptable. Referees will be provided with a copy of the job description and person specification for the vacancy. BBCT will only approach your referees once an offer of employment has been made. How we use your personal information: The information which we gather from you during the recruitment and selection process is retained and processed in accordance with the provisions set out by the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA). Please note that by submitting an application for employment, you are also agreeing to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust processing such information as may be necessary to assess your application, provided that proper regard is had to the data protection principles in force. If your application is successful, the information you provide will be retained and will form part of your personnel file. If you are not offered work with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, all documentation related to your application will normally be confidentially destroyed after a period of six months. How to apply: If you are interested in joining us, please complete the application form below and return by email to admin@bumblebeeconservation.org no later than 12 pm on Thursday 21 May 2015. In order to ensure that all applicants are assessed equally and fairly, applications will only be accepted on the form provided. Please do not send CVs. Interviews are expected to take place on 01/02 June 2015 (TBC). BBCT Application Pack Page 8 of 17 Application Form PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER CLOSING DATE: 12 pm on Thursday 21 May 2015 APPLICANT INFORMATION TITLE: SURNAME: INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION: Complete using black ink (block capitals) or typescript (normal case) Answer all questions Do not attach a C.V. PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO: Recruitment, Bumblebee Conservation Trust University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA admin@bumblebeeconservation.org FORENAME(S): ADDRESS (including postcode): DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER: EVENING TELEPHONE NUMBER: EMAIL ADDRESS: CAN YOU PROVIDE PROOF OF YOUR RIGHT TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE UK? Yes No (please tick/double click to select) DO YOU HOLD A FULL CLEAN DRIVING LICENCE? Yes No (please tick/double click to select) DO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A CAR TO USE AT WORK? Yes No (please tick/double click to select) IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY WILL YOU REQUIRE ANY REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS MADE TO ENABLE YOU TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW? Yes N/A (please tick/double click to select) If yes please provide details: HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF A CRIMINAL OFFENCE (DECLARATION SUBJECT TO THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS ACT 1974)? Yes No (please tick/double click to select) If yes please provide details: BBCT Application Pack Page 9 of 17 EMPLOYMENT HISTORY PRESENT OR MOST RECENT EMPLOYMENT DATE FROM: DATE TO: JOB TITLE: COMPANY NAME: DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: SALARY: FULL TIME PART TIME (please tick/double click to select) REASON FOR LEAVING: IF STILL EMPLOYED PLEASE STATE NOTICE PERIOD REQUIRED: PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary DATE FROM: DATE TO: JOB TITLE: COMPANY NAME: DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: SALARY: FULL TIME PART TIME (please tick/double click to select) REASON FOR LEAVING: DATE FROM: DATE TO: JOB TITLE: COMPANY NAME: DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: SALARY: FULL TIME PART TIME (please tick/double click to select) REASON FOR LEAVING: BBCT Application Pack Page 10 of 17 DATE FROM: DATE TO: JOB TITLE: COMPANY NAME: DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: SALARY: FULL TIME PART TIME (please tick/double click to select) REASON FOR LEAVING: DATE FROM: DATE TO: JOB TITLE: COMPANY NAME: DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: SALARY: FULL TIME PART TIME (please tick/double click to select) REASON FOR LEAVING: DATE FROM: DATE TO: JOB TITLE: COMPANY NAME: DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: SALARY: FULL TIME PART TIME (please tick/double click to select) REASON FOR LEAVING: EDUCATION DATE FROM: DATE TO: SCHOOL/COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: QUALIFICATIONS Please state level and grade obtained BBCT Application Pack Page 11 of 17 DATE FROM: DATE TO: SCHOOL/COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: QUALIFICATIONS Please state level and grade obtained DATE FROM: DATE TO: SCHOOL/COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: QUALIFICATIONS Please state level and grade obtained TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT DATE FROM: DATE TO: TRAINING INSTITUTE/AWARDING BODY: QUALIFICATIONS Please state level and grade obtained DATE FROM: DATE TO: TRAINING INSTITUTE/AWARDING BODY: QUALIFICATIONS Please state level and grade obtained DATE FROM: DATE TO: TRAINING INSTITUTE/AWARDING BODY: QUALIFICATIONS Please state level and grade obtained MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES (if applicable) NAME OF INSTITUTE/PROFESSIONAL BODY: MEMBERSHIP TYPE: NAME OF INSTITUTE/PROFESSIONAL BODY: MEMBERSHIP TYPE: NAME OF INSTITUTE/PROFESSIONAL BODY: MEMBERSHIP TYPE: BBCT Application Pack Page 12 of 17 PERSONAL STATEMENT Detail how your knowledge, skills and experience will enable you to fulfil the requirements of the post. Please refer to the job description and person specification when completing this section. You can also include details of any voluntary activities or interests, as well as any other relevant information you would like us to consider in support of your application. Please do not exceed 2 sides of A4 in length. BBCT Application Pack Page 13 of 17 REFERENCES Please give details of TWO people who can confirm your suitability for this role. This should include your present/most recent employer and they must not be related to you in any personal capacity (e.g. friends or family members). We will only approach referees if you are offered the post. TITLE: SURNAME: FORENAME(S): JOB TITLE: ADDRESS (including postcode): DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER: EVENING TELEPHONE NUMBER: EMAIL ADDRESS: CAPACITY IN WHICH KNOWN TO YOU: TITLE: SURNAME: FORENAME(S): JOB TITLE: ADDRESS (including postcode): DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER: EVENING TELEPHONE NUMBER: EMAIL ADDRESS: CAPACITY IN WHICH KNOWN TO YOU: BBCT Application Pack Page 14 of 17 DECLARATION I confirm that, to the best of my knowledge, the information on this form is correct. I accept that if any of the enclosed information is found to be untrue after my appointment, I may be liable for dismissal without notice. I authorise you to contact the references listed on this form and make any other checks deemed appropriate once an offer of employment is made. I am aware that the information given will be processed and stored by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and I have the right to view any personal data held about me (upon written request and payment of an administration fee). NAME (PLEASE PRINT): SIGNATURE: DATE: Please also complete and return the separate Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form BBCT Application Pack Page 15 of 17 Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL The Bumblebee Conservation Trust operates an Equal Opportunities Policy and no person will be discriminated against whilst seeking employment or during such employment with the Trust on the grounds of any protected characteristics such as age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, political allegiance, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, responsibility for dependants, or unrelated spent criminal convictions. The following information will be kept strictly confidential and stored separately from the application form before short-listing takes place. It will not form any part of the recruitment process or decision to appoint and will be used to provide data for monitoring purposes only. You may choose to leave any or all questions unanswered. POST APPLIED FOR: FULL NAME: AGE: DATE OF BIRTH: GENDER (Please circle/cross out as appropriate): MALE/FEMALE/ TRANSGENDER/ OTHER (Please specify)________________ MARITAL STATUS (Please circle/cross out as appropriate): MARRIED/CIVIL PARTNERSHIP/SINGLE/DIVORCED/LIVING WITH PARTNER/OTHER DO YOU HAVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEPENDANTS (e.g. children, elderly, or any other person for whom you are the main carer)? IS THIS THE SAME GENDER YOU WERE ASSIGNED AT BIRTH? Yes No (please tick/double click to select) CHILDREN ELDERLY OTHER NOT APPLICABLE DISABILITY Do you consider yourself to have a physical and/or mental impairment as defined by the Equality Act 2010/ Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (NI)? Yes ETHNIC ORIGIN How would you describe your identity? WHITE: BRITISH ENGLISH IRISH SCOTTISH WELSH OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY): _____________________________ BBCT Application Pack No (please tick/double click to select) Please give details if you wish: Page 16 of 17 MIXED: WHITE AND BLACK CARIBBEAN WHITE AND BLACK AFRICAN WHITE AND ASIAN OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY): _____________________________ ASIAN, ASIAN BRITISH, ASIAN ENGLISH, ASIAN SCOTTISH ASIAN IRISH OR ASIAN WELSH (Delete as applicable): INDIAN PAKISTANI BANGLADESHI OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY): _____________________________ BLACK, BLACK BRITISH, BLACK ENGLISH, BLACK SCOTTISH, BLACK IRISH, BLACK WELSH (Delete as applicable): CARIBBEAN AFRICAN OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY): _____________________________ CHINESE, CHINESE BRITISH, CHINESE ENGLISH, CHINESE SCOTTISH, CHINESE IRISH, CHINESE WELSH (Delete as applicable): CHINESE OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY): _____________________________ OTHER ETHNIC ORIGIN: (PLEASE SPECIFY): ____________________________________ RELIGION/CULTURAL BACKGROUND NONE CHRISTIAN BUDDHIST HINDU JEWISH MUSLIM SIKH OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY): _____________________________ WHERE DID YOU SEE THIS POST ADVERTISED? SIGNATURE: DATE: Thank you for taking the time to complete this form. BBCT Application Pack Page 17 of 17