VOLUNTARY SECTOR NORTH WEST
Policy and Communications Officer
JOB DESCRIPTION
Main Purpose
The development of the voluntary and community sector’s contribution to policy and
strategy development nationally and in the North West through
 Developing new opportunities for communicating with the sector
 Producing current policy briefs and information
 Facilitating virtual networks
Accountability
The post holder will report to and be managed by the Director of VSNW.
Principal Duties
1. Develop communications with the VCS via ICT
2. Identify opportunities for VCS engagement with policy & strategy development
3. Produce accessible précis of consultation documents - either directly or by
working with the agency originally producing the document
4. Develop and manage virtual networks of VCOs with similar interests
5. Collate and produce VCS policy responses
6. Ensure up to date and relevant information on the VSNW website
7. Ensure the VSNW website continues to be as fully accessible as possible to all
potential users
8. Lead on a major review of VSNW membership
Internal Relationships
To be a co-operative and supportive member of the VSNW staff team, ensuring that
all members are aware of any issues in the post holder's workload which may impact
on other staff.
To link to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that Board Members are kept in touch with
the main strategic issues concerning Policy and Communications.
Governance
To encourage the involvement of VCS users of the project in active membership of
VSNW.
At all times to take account of equal opportunities considerations in working with
sector, paying particular attention to the needs and perspectives of groups and
communities which are marginalised or excluded from participation in regional
governance.
To attend and produce reports for the Board of Trustees as required.
To observe all policies and procedures that are determined by VSNW’s Board of
Trustees, e.g. Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, Complaints Procedure,
Financial Procedures etc.
To undertake regular supervision sessions with the Director of VSNW and to keep
her or him informed of significant developments in the progress of work.
General
To undertake such tasks as may be reasonably requested by the Director of VSNW
to further the objects of the organisation.
VOLUNTARY SECTOR NORTH WEST
Policy and Communications Coordinator
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Experience
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*Experience of policy and development work
*Experience of consulting with and reporting to a wide range of stakeholders
*Experience of developing policy briefs and responses
*Experience of implementation of virtual forums and networks
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*Experience of partnership working between VCS and statutory agencies

*Broad experience and understanding of VCS


Skills, knowledge and abilities

*Knowledge of appropriate ICT methods for network participation

Knowledge of relevant information sources
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*Ability to monitor use and accessibility of ICT
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*Strong organisational, communication, presentation and report
writing skills
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*Ability to be self-servicing with good IT and monitoring skills

*Knowledge of key policy issues and challenges for the sector, both
regionally and nationally.

*Ability to develop and maintain information systems
Other requirements
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*Commitment to development work that empowers participants and
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communities.
*Commitment to working collaboratlively with VSNW team members

*Willingness to travel widely across the North West region.
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*Adherence to VSNW’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
* Essential criteria