Business Partnership Volunteer
Task Profile & Person Specification
Faith at Work in Worcestershire (FWW) is a countywide Ecumenical Project set up by the regional bodies of five church denominations (Church of England, Methodist, Baptist, Roman Catholic and United Reformed Church). Its purpose is to lead and encourage the Church’s engagement with business, public sector organisations and the wider economy through developing Workplace Chaplaincy; recruiting, training and supporting local volunteer chaplains. FWW is registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
As part of our development plan we wish to identify one or more Business Partnership Volunteers (BPV) to help build productive relationships with workplaces.
Aim of the BPV:
To build positive and productive relationships with workplaces, particularly within the private sector.
Accountable to:
The FWW Development Officer
Normal Hours:
By negotiation depending on a person’s availability, up to 14 hours per week contributed by either one or more volunteers.
Place of volunteering:
The FWW registered office (Unit 14b Top Barn Business Centre, Worcester Road, Holt Heath, WORCESTER WR6 6NH) would serve as a base and is where the Development Officer and Communications & Administration Officer normally work (p/t). Usually, though, the BPV would operate from home and out in the field.
Main Tasks
- To build relationships with a variety of workplaces, companies and businesses across Worcestershire in order to, but not confined to:
- Identify and recruit workplaces for chaplains to visit, meet and engage with staff.
- Promote FWW and its programmes, including chaplaincy, seminars and training.
- Seek support for FWW from the business community both in kind (e.g. recruiting trustees, supporting events) and funding (through sponsorship and as Individual and Corporate Supporters of FWW).
- Engage with business networks, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Business and the Local Enterprise Partnership, as well as local networks and local government Economic Development teams, in order to promote the work of FWW.
- Research into trends in the local and regional economy, sharing insights with the supporters, chaplains and trustees of FWW, and beyond to the wider church and community through the FWW communications programmes.
- To support the recruitment, training and placement of FWW’s chaplains, the prime responsibility for which lies with the FWW Development Officer.
- To undertake other duties, as required, to fulfil the main purpose of the role.
Person Specification
This task would suit someone who:
- Has worked in the private or public sector in a strategic, leadership, management or mentoring role, ideally within Worcestershire. The role involves marketing FWW, its programmes and chaplaincy and so experience in marketing would be an advantage.
- Is confident and personable, able to make relationships and respond to whatever situation they find themselves in.
- Is in sympathy with the aims and objectives of FWW and its Christian ethos.
- Is self-reliant, able to work without supervision and take responsibility for areas of work.
- Has good communication skills, written and oral, and is organised and efficient.
- Is familiar and confident with IT, including a full range of Microsoft applications.
- Is able to travel to visit businesses and attend events across the county.
This post does not qualify for checks with the Disclosure and Baring Service (DBS), but FWW operates Safer Recruitment (see below under Application Process).
Terms and Conditions
The role is a voluntary one with full travel, other expenses, and equipment as required provided. FWW operates a range of policies that apply to the welfare and well-being of staff and volunteers, including health and safety, and safeguarding.
Those recruited will be provided with induction and orientation on FWW, including taking part in the 6 session training course, ‘An introduction to Workplace Chaplaincy’, undertaken by all chaplains.
Application process
The FWW safeguarding policy means all recruitment, of staff and volunteers, is guided by our Safer Recruitment process which includes a written application form and references.
In the first instance those interested should contact the FWW Development Officer for an informal conversation, after which an application form will be completed and references taken up. An interview will then be arranged, with representatives of chaplains and trustees, during which candidates will be asked to make a short presentation.
Depending on applications more than one person may be recruited forming a small team. In this case people will be invited to meet one another to ensure compatibility.
If you are interested, please contact Revd Dick Johnson, Development Officer by email to dickjohnson@faithatwork.org.uk or by phone on 07946 655450.
DEADLINE for expressions of interest: Friday 8th January 2021.