VITAL REGENERATION – VITAL PEOPLE CHAMPION
(VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY)
Vital Regeneration is seeking an experienced project leader to work closely with
the CEO and Deputy CEO on the continued implementation of the Vital Values our
People Action Plan (a set of actions aimed at improving and developing our HR
and people-related policies and processes). A key task within the role will be to
act as the independent facilitator for the charity’s Staff Consultative Group.
The ideal time commitment would be up to two days a week on average. The
role will normally be located at our premises close to Marylebone Station.
Background
Vital Regeneration is an award-winning charity with a mission to bring about
positive change for people living in London’s most deprived neighbourhoods.
We are a ‘local champion’ in developing strong, creative programmes that have
reached more than 7,500 people through learning, employability and community
enterprise. We help people who are homeless, long-term unemployed, older
people, and young people not in employment, education or training.
Please visit www.vitalregeneration.org for further information about the
charity and our projects.
Vital Values Our People Action Plan
The Vital Values Our People project began as a staff consultation exercise in
summer 2010. This included a staff survey, which sought views on a wide range
of issues relating to working for the charity and invited suggestions for
improvements.
In the light of the consultation results, the charity’s trustees agreed to the
implementation of a set of actions on HR and people-related matters to address
the issues raised. These actions are captured in the Vital Values Our People
Action Plan.
Good progress has been made with implementing the Action Plan to date – for
example the charity’s first Staff Handbook has been launched and a new staff
appraisal scheme is being rolled out. However, there is more to do. We want to
develop further the Action Plan so that it continues to reflect the priorities we
need to address, as the charity grows.
We are seeking someone who, working with the CEO and Deputy CEO, can
maintain the momentum on the Action Plan by co-ordinating a range of actions –
taking the lead on specific actions where appropriate - and ensuring that
implementation of the Action Plan remains on track.
Staff Consultative Group
The Staff Consultative Group was launched in August 2010 as an early outcome
from the Vital Values Our People project. It is a forum for discussions and
consultations between the charity’s senior management team and staff
representatives on a wide range of issues relating to working for the charity –
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from the future direction of the charity to individual policies and procedures. The
group currently meets monthly, with meetings chaired by the CEO. There are
five staff representatives on the group, drawn from across the charity.
The group has quickly established itself as an important forum and has been
welcomed by staff. We now wish to ensure that the group is further embedded
within the organisation as a highly effective vehicle for meaningful discussions
and consultations between senior managers and staff. We are seeking someone
who has the necessary skills and experience to support us as a facilitator of the
group and its work.
Specific tasks of the role
The specific tasks would include:
Vital Values Our People Project Coordinator
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Coordinating the range of actions within the Action Plan, and leading on
specific actions where appropriate.
Monitoring progress against the plan, chasing up actions as necessary.
Preparation of progress reports to the Board of Trustees and senior
managers.
Identifying and prioritising further issues that the Action Plan should
address.
Staff Consultative Group Facilitator
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Facilitating the work of the consultative group, ensuring the group remains
focused on its remit, that effective discussions take place and best use is
made of the time in meetings.
Providing input to group discussions from an independent perspective.
Identifying ways in which the group can work more effectively together
including facilitation of group training and development activities.
Preparing meeting agendas in consultation with group members and
taking notes of group meetings.
Following up action points from meetings as required.
Development Activities
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Review and development of people and organisational policies, ensuring in
particular that policies reflect any legislative changes.
Keeping the Staff Handbook under review and updating as required.
Coordination of staff away days, development activities and Continuous
Professional Development.
Support for the annual staff appraisal cycle and salary benchmarking
process.
Coordination of the staff survey; analysis and presentation of key findings
and forward action plan to the Board of Trustees and the Senior
Management Team.
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Skills/experience sought
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Project leadership experience essential.
Previous successful experience in a similar role highly desirable, as are
relevant HR knowledge and qualifications.
Change management experience; previous experience of meaningful staff
engagement an advantage.
Strong interpersonal skills, quickly able to develop effective working
relationships at all levels.
Ability to secure quickly the trust of managers and staff.
Non-judgemental approach essential. Confidence to act as “honest
broker” where necessary.
Excellent written and oral communications.
Empathy with the vision and mission of the charity.
Other Information - This is a volunteer role. Reasonable expenses will be
covered. This position is subject to an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau
Disclosure check.
Closing date for applications – 24 March 2011. Applications should be
submitted in the form of a CV with covering letter.
Contact point for applications/enquiries – Martin Parker,
mparker@vitalregen.org, 020 8123 2039
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