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Job description

Develop, co-ordinate and sustain regular volunteer-led walks in towns, villages and rural communities throughout the Council area, through the recruitment, training and support of Volunteer Walk Leaders to in turn increase the number of people walking and meet the objectives of the Walking for All programme (see background note). Walking for All is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, (SEUPB).

Responsibilities

• Proactively engage with communities to identify potential Volunteer Walk Leaders in towns, villages and rural communities across the Council Area. Engagement will include travelling to and meeting with a wide range of groups in the local community
• Engage with potential volunteers to explain the responsibilities, expectations and benefits of the role of Volunteer Walk Leader and recruit.
• Plan and coordinate a series of one-day Walking For All training courses for Volunteer Walk Leaders including venue, materials, walking route.
• Deliver one-day training courses to new Volunteer Walk Leaders.
• Implement a strong support system for all new Volunteer Walk Leaders, including accompanying them on initial led-walks to build their confidence and ensure quality control.
• Put in place measures to support, motivate and retain Volunteer Walk Leaders (so that they maintain a weekly regular walk as a minimum) including regular and high levels of contact
• Encourage Volunteer Walk Leaders in your area to attend the annual Volunteer Walk Leader Celebration Event to recognise and reward Volunteer Walk Leaders for their contribution to Walking For All
• Plan, coordinate and host an annual Walking Celebration Event specific to the Council area for the Volunteers and walkers to celebrate their achievements and walking
• Roll out the incentive programme to all qualifying Volunteer Walk Leaders
• For established walking groups, pair up (twin) groups based on a cross-border and/or cross-community basis
• Plan, organise and host a series of events for the twinned walking groups such as a shared walking trip to an inspirational location, hosting a walk in each other’s local community, a walking activity day.
• Use appropriate social media platforms and other promotion such as poster and leaflet distribution to promote Walking For All across the Council area
• Attend events or organise presentations on Walking For All to promote the opportunities for Volunteers and walkers to relevant stakeholders and organisations
• Support the development of promotional content in your area such as the creation of videos
• Attend monthly Regional Meetings and liaise ongoing with other Walking For All Officers in your region in order to share best practice and improve effectiveness
• Work in partnership with the Health Trust Physical Activity Co-ordinator to ensure that there is no overlap and walk programme activities align. It is anticipated that regular meetings will be required.
• Where appropriate, work in partnership with other participation officers in the organisation or other organisations to share learnings and leverage activities
• Keep accurate records of the people and activities for Walking For All at all times.
• Prepare monitoring and evaluation reports for the Regional Managers and SEUPB on a quarterly basis.
• Meet and report to the Regional Manager on targets and outputs on a monthly basis
• Any other additional tasks as may be reasonably assigned according to the changing priorities of the Walking For All programme.
• Participate in and ensure compliance with all Council policies and procedures and operate within the highest standards of personal behaviour which reflect the core values of the organisation.
• Ensure full compliance with Health and Safety requirements and legislation in accordance with Council’s Policies and Procedures.
• Comply with and actively promote the Council’s policies and procedures on all aspects of equality.
• Supply photos and good news stories to the communication officer
• Organise and deliver additional training to the Volunteer Walk Leaders as appropriate
• Manage the programme budget associated with the project.
• Assist with the preparation of the quarterly finance reports to SEUPB.
• Report to the Project Working Group and Managers’ Group when required.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to scale, which may be required from time to time.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Five GCSEs Grades A to C or equivalent including Mathematics and English Language
• Level 3 qualification (such as A-Level, Level 3 NVQ, Advanced Apprenticeship) or equivalent in a related discipline such as health, sport, community development
• Demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that you have a minimum of two years’ experience in successfully delivering projects/programmes.
• At least 2 years experience working closely with a wide range of stakeholders including community groups, clubs, voluntary organisations.
• Capable of managing a project budget.
• Experience in the use of Microsoft Office applications to include: Word, Excel and Outlook. Demonstrate knowledge of the benefits of sustained physical activity.
• Full current driving licence and use of a car, or access to a form of transport that allows you to meet the requirements of the role.
• At least 2 years demonstrable experience organising meetings, events or training sessions.
• At least 2 years demonstrable experience with administrative duties to include completion of written reports to funders

Desirable Skills

• Willing to work with volunteers
• Delivering sport or health-related participation programmes.

Further Information

Hard copies can be made available on request End user: Derry/Londonderry City and Strabane District Council