Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 25 August 2022
We are working with the local voluntary and community sector and Lancashire and District-wide partners to support VCFSE organisations and people living in our communities. We encourage you to share this page with others.
An archive of previous editions can be found here.
Click headings below to expand each section.
Third Sector Trends Survey Closing Soon
The closing date for the Third Sector survey will be closing soon. If you haven’t had the chance to complete this, please spare 101-15 minutes so that we can build a picture of what is happening locally and compare this data to 2016 and 2019 and what you think is going to happen next. It’s quick, interesting, and easy to do. You can respond on your phone, tablet, or computer. If you’re ready to answer the survey, start here.
All answers are securely stored completely anonymously and confidentially, and we will provide a report focusing on results from the Lancaster district in the coming months. If you want to find out more, please contact Yak Patel on 01524 555900 or email [email protected]
Lancaster Community Well-Being Fund – Round 2 closing 9 September 2022
The Lancaster Community Well-being Fund’s Round 2 deadline is fast approaching. Community groups have until the 9 September 2022 to submit their applications.
To date, there has been an encouraging volume of applications for projects focusing on youth, but there still remains a great opportunity for projects working within BAME communities.
The Well-being fund is a small grants programme for community groups within the Lancaster District, aimed at smaller local organisations with an annual income of less than £100,000. The fund is to enable activities to take place that positively improve physical and mental well-being in the community.
Find out more, access guidance, and start your application here.
If you have any queries regarding the programme or require guidance with your application please contact [email protected]
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The Population Health Investment Fund Deadline Extended to 8th September 2022
Bay Health & Care Partners have announced that The Population Investment Fund deadline has been extended to 8th September 2022. Organisations in the voluntary sector that are independent of government, private and public sectors are eligible to apply.
The Population Health Investment Fund was established in September 2020 with the aim of encouraging community-led responses in helping to address the inequalities in health across Morecambe Bay.
Application deadline now 8th September 2022
Read more and Download the application form here
If you would like advice regarding your application, please contact Sharon Phillips at [email protected] to book an appointment. These are available on Tuesday 30th August, Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd September
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Fundraising Levy 2022/23 – upholding excellent standards of fundraising
The Fundraising Regulator is the independent regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, whose role is to inform and protect the public and promote and uphold excellent standards of fundraising, so that people can have confidence and trust in fundraisers and charitable fundraising can thrive.
The regulation is mostly funded through an annual voluntary Fundraising Levy (the levy). The cost is shared by the charitable organisations which carry out the most fundraising activity and is an established cost of business for those which spend £100,000 or more each year on their fundraising.
The levy begins on 1 September each year. The Fundraising Regulator will shortly be contacting eligible organisations to inform them about their fee band for 2022/23.
For more information about the levy and registration fees, visit the Fundraising Regulator registration webpage.
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Community Ownership Fund Delivery Partner – Appointment Delayed
The Community Ownership Fund from DLUHC is currently open for expressions of interest. From Autumn 2022, there was supposed to be a development support provider available to assist applicants to submit a full bid to the fund. DLUHC have just announced that the tendering process for appointing the independent support provider has been delayed until the ‘autumn’.
This means that any local groups moving to full application stage currently will not have access to government funded support for sometime. This fund helps community groups buy or renovate assets that would otherwise be lost to the community.
For more information and to express your interest in application
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Intermediary Grant Maker required for £14m Know Your Neighbourhood Fund
The £14 million Know Your Neighbourhood (KYN) Fund will support activities enabling volunteering and tackling loneliness in targeted high deprivation local authority areas in England.
Launched on Friday 12 August, the Fund’s ambition is to develop an understanding of how to improve wellbeing and pride in place in communities through volunteering and community initiatives tackling loneliness. Citizens will be able to participate in local projects which build their skills, wellbeing and social networks.
DCMS are inviting bids through an open competition from non profit grant making organisations to take on an Intermediary Grant Maker role to deliver £14m funding to March 2025. Partnership bids are welcome.
DCMS will hold a virtual engagement session for clarification questions from 10:30am – 11:30am on Wednesday 31 August 2022.
The deadline for applications is 10am on Thursday 29 September 2022.
Find out more details on the above
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NSUN to Launch the Sustaining Spaces Fund
The National Survivor User Network are set to award grants of £500-£1000 to groups in England that facilitate community spaces where people with shred identities and experiences come together in support of one another’s wellbeing. This may be in the form of peer support, mutual aid or self-help, but it is not limited to groups defining themselves in this way.
Priority applications will be for:
• Groups led by and for people from racialised communities/people of colour
• Groups led by and for young people (approximately defined as 18-25)
• Groups led by and for people from LGBTQ+ and QTIBPOC communities
Applications will go live on Monday 22nd August 2022
The deadline for applying is Friday 16th Sept, 5pm
For more information follow this link
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Powering Up Programme now Open for Applications
Powering Up is a programme for community businesses who need support shifting from an emergency mindset to investing in future planning. The initial phase of the programme focusses on community businesses looking to learn how digital skills could help their business become more effective and efficient. The programme is also expanding to include support to help your business become more environmentally sustainable.
The Powering Up programme offers a tailored support package for each community business and is worth up to £20,000 in total, this can be drawn down over a 12-month period. It includes:
• Paid access to technical and business support providers (up to £9,000)
• Professional development and wellbeing support (up to £3,000)
• An £8,000 unrestricted grant to support you as a community business leader, and your team, to engage in the required support of the programme.
Learn more about the programme, eligibility and application
Call for evidence to report to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Just Fair have been commissioned on behalf of civil society organisations to prepare an independent report examining the UK government’s performance under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The commissioned work includes support sessions for organisations which want to supply evidence but have not taken part in this sort of work before, and seminars explaining how getting involved can strengthen your own campaigning work.
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Good Things Foundation’s Online Centres Network
The Good Things Foundation are providing community organisations free online digital inclusion support for their local members. If you’re a community organization looking to help bring digital benefits to your community, joining the network will provide range of service such as:
- Access to the National Databank
- Free training and resources
- Networking opportunities
- Access to an online learning platform
The network is open to any organisation that is delivering or wants to deliver digital inclusion support. Find out more and sign up here or contact [email protected] for more information.
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Get ready for the Charities Act 2022 – changes to Charity Commission guidance
The Charities Act 2022 simplifies charity law so that charities can spend less time and resources on untangling legal processes, from amending governing documents, to selling land, merging with other charities, and making use of permanent endowment funds.
The Act will be implemented in three phases over the next 15 months, with the first phase going live in autumn 2022.
To help the charity sector stay informed of the incoming legislative changes this autumn, the Charity Commission for England and Wales has published information about what impact these changes will have on their guidance.
For more information on the full implementation plan over the coming months, visit the DCMS Charities Act 2022 Implementation Plan webpage.
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Support on cost of living available via ‘Help for Households’ campaign and toolkit
Government has launched the ‘Help for Households’ campaign and toolkit in response to increasing prices and pressures around the cost of living. Countries around the world are facing rising goods and energy prices, inflation and cost of living pressures after the pandemic and Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The campaign aims to help people to access the range of support available, including new, exceptional one-off payments and existing benefits and schemes.
There are 41 schemes available to support citizens all of which can be found on the Help for Households Support website.
The Help for Households toolkit, includes free-to-download social media assets, newsletter copy, leaflets and FAQs, to help those most in need to access the range of support available at this time.
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Contingency Toolkit by Charity Excellence – Save Money, Without Cutting Costs
At a time when costs are rising, the Charity Excellence Framework provide 20 suggestions to help reduce overheads and administration costs. This was published during the height of the pandemic but is still relevant now.
Learn more on how to reduce costs, without damaging your charity
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The Charity Commission Clarify Respective Responsibilities for Bullying and Harassment
The CC have clarified the roles and responsibilities for responding to incidents of bullying and harassment in charities. Following a collaborative project involving a range of charity sector and other representatives, safeguarding guidance has been set out to include clear policies for staff, and procedures to be in place.
Read more about the clarifications made on this subject
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NDTi Join Mencap for Research into Work and Learning Disabilities
The National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) are working together with MENCAP to conduct research on those with learning disability and work life. They are looking to explore what those with learning disability want to achieve from work, what helps them find and undertake the job they want and what difficulties they are faced with in the process.
The research team are looking to hear from as many people as possible in the UK with a learning disability. The team are working with a group of people with lived experience of a learning disability and a range of experiences of work to plan, design and advise on different parts of the research including methods, questions, analysis and sharing the findings.
The research has a planned completion date by October 2022.
Do you have a learning disability or know someone that does? Your help with this project could help make a difference.
Here is a short video, explaining a little more on what the research is about…
I’d like to help contribute, take me to the survey!
Further reading about the research being conducted by NDTI and Mencap
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DataConnect22 Annual Conference is Back for September
Organised by the Government Data Quality Hub and Central Digital and Data Office, this fully online free conference is taking place on 26-30th September 2022. In previous events, speakers from all over the public and third sector educated and enlightened participants bringing together people and data stories with workshops, show and tells and “community meet-ups”. There will be speakers from government bodies such as the DWP, Office for National Statistics, Central Digital and Data Office, Environment Agency and others.
Critical and Creative Approaches to Mental Health Practice Drop In at the Gregson Community Centre
Reimagining Mental Health: A day of talking, reading, viewing and creating
Critical and Creative Approaches to Mental Health Practice (CCrAMHP) are hosting a mental health service drop in session for people with lived experience of mental distress (whether through using mental health services or supporting family or friends), mental health practitioners, students, educators, researchers and all interested others. The session will involve reading and other group interactive activities, viewing films and getting into conversation that make room for the sharing of experiences, ideas and practices.
Where: The Gregson Centre, 33-35 Moor Gate, Lancaster, LA1 3PY
When: Sat 22 Oct 2022, 10am-5pm
For more information please contact [email protected]
#iwill Fund Extension and Youth Volunteering Research
On Thursday 7 July, DCMS and the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) jointly announced a £12 million extension to the #iwill Fund, creating further social action opportunities for young people throughout England.
Initially launched in 2016, the Fund has a goal of making social action a part of life for all young people, focusing on those who would not normally have the opportunity to participate.
Minister for Sport, Tourism, Heritage and Civil Society, Nigel Huddleston, highlighted the transformative impact that participation in social action, such as volunteering and campaigning, can have on young people, and the #iwill Fund’s role in facilitating this activity.
Learn more about the #iwill fund
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Smartphone Film Workshop at the Dukes (16-25 Year Olds)
The Dukes are hosting a unique interactive session for young people looking to enhance their creative filmmaking skills using just their Smartphones. The workshop will be run by filmmaker Josh Wilkinson who will provide all the essential tips and tricks for making a short film using the device already in your pocket!
The event is FREE but registration is required.
*Travel bursaries are available if needed.
This workshop will take place on Saturday 3rd Sept, 11am
Find out more and reserve your place
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Education and Children’s Services Digital Consultation: Parent and Carer Virtual Drop-in Sessions
Lancashire County Council are reviewing how parents and carers currently contact the council to seek support, access services or share information about their children. LCC are looking to make this easier for residents of Lancashire and want to improve their use of technology to support these tasks wherever possible.
A short online survey is required to get involved. You can also attend one of their four virtual drop-in sessions and share your views with the team. The virtual drop-in sessions will be held using Microsoft Teams.
Dates and times for the Virtual Drop-in sessions:
Parent & Carer Teams Meeting – 8 Sept, 10.30am to 11.15am
Parent & Carer Teams Meeting – 15 Sept, 12.10pm to 12.55pm
Parent & Carer Teams Meeting – 5 Oct, 5.30pm to 6.15pm
Parent & Carer Teams Meeting – 10 Oct, 10.30am to 11.15am
NHS England: Social Prescribing Link Workers Workforce Strategy
NHS England are looking to inform the future workforce strategy and build on the learning since the introduction of the Social Prescribing Link Worker role and would value your input.
Over the Summer and Autumn they are keen to work with Social Prescribing link workers, employers and wider stakeholders to understand if the current workforce is of the right size, with the right skills, organised in the right way and delivering services to provide the best possible patient care.
To ensure that they consider the broader workforce needs this includes gathering information from the wider workforce as well as from colleagues in other healthcare settings such as secondary care and community services.
They are holding a number of virtual engagement workshops in September (click the dates to sign up):
- Tuesday 13th September (1.30pm-3.30pm): Session for social prescribing link workers
- Friday 16th September (10am-12pm): Session for employers, PCN managers, GPs and host organisations
- Wednesday 21st September (10am-12pm): Broader stakeholders
- Thursday 22nd September (1.30pm-3.30pm): Open session for all – Contributions from Social
Prescribing link workers, employers, VCSE organisations, Local Authority, GP federations, and broader stakeholders are welcome.
For more information and registration details
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For Dom, Bruno & the Amazon at Halton Mill
A month of activities in November 2022 centred around Halton Mill, honouring Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira, and others risking their lives protecting the rain forests.
Environmental journalist Dom Phillips was travelling in Amazonia with indigenous expert Bruno Pereira, investigating the undeclared war on indigenous communities and solutions to tackle the destruction of the rain forest, when they were murdered by people involved in illegal fishing.
Dom’s sister, Lancaster musician Sian Phillips, has led a choir in Halton for many years and her bands have played at the Mill.
Halton Mill is honouring Dom, Bruno and other activists who have lost their lives with an exhibition and other activities – films, talks, arts activities, and a two day conference in partnership with Lancaster University Environment Centre – during November, to coincide with COP27 when eyes will be on the world’s leaders and their responses to the environmental crisis.
Find out more about the events and partnership, sponsorship and volunteering opportunities.
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FoodFutures Harvest Market
Held in the Market Square from 10am until 5pm on 16 September, the event features local food producers, crafts people and artists as well as musical performances.
Some spaces for stall holders are also still available.
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Escape2Make Green Festival
The festival, taking place at Scotch Quarry Park on 27 August, is the culmination of a series of summer holiday workshops for young people, and will feature:
- Yoga
- Drumming
- Ceramics & woodwork
- Textiles
- Pizza making
- and much more…
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SELNET Social Business Expo
The Expo, taking place on 13 September, offers opportunities for social enterprises, charities and entrepreneurs to showcase their services, network, and share best practice, alongside three panel discussions:
- How businesses can bring social enterprises into supply chains and the value that social businesses bring to the local economy
- ‘Gross domestic happiness’ – What’s the point of measuring gross domestic product when it doesn’t include measuring people’s wellbeing & happiness?
- How to overcome the main fears that hold our sector back from reaching their true potential
Find out more and book tickets.
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Eden Project Communities Present Community Camp
The Eden Project Communities are hosting a fully funded, immersive learning experience to help in making change in the community. The Community Camp will offer a mix of practical activities, workshop sessions and networking opportunities for people across the UK interested in community action. Two of of the four camps will take place at the Eden Project Cornwall and the remaining two will be online sessions.
Online Community Camp: Monday 7th, Thursday 10th, Monday 14th, Thursday 17th and Monday 21st November 2022 (all sessions 6.30 – 9pm)
Online Community Camp: Monday 30th January, Thursday 2nd February, Monday 6th, Thursday 9th and Monday 13th February 2023 (all sessions 6.30 – 9pm)
Follow this link for your Camp Application
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FundraisingTech 2022
Fundraising everywhere are hosting FundraisingTech this November which will provide direct access to the experts behind some of the sector’s top digital tools. There will be opportunity to ask questions and hear how charities are engaging with donors, remaining compliant and raising millions. All speakers briefed to deliver only advice and insights that can be applied assist with your strategies.
Sessions can be watched live or on-demand in your own time until the end of the year.
The event will take place on Thursday 24th November, 12pm
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Out in the Bay Groups – LGBT Support
Out in the Bay have a variety of upcoming group events to get involved with. Here are some useful dates for the calendar:
Family Support Group – 3rd Tuesday in the month
Trans Female Group – 2nd Tuesday in the month, 4-6pm
Trans Male Group – 1st Tuesday in the month, 4-6pm
Over 50s Group – Every Thursday, 1-3pm
Coffee Afternoon – Every Monday 4-6pm
The above events will be held at 30-32 Claremont Rd, LA4 4HL
For more information contact: 07449311406
Find out more about Out in the Bay
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Exploring Social Prescribing with FoodFutures
FoodFutures will be hosting an event in September that seeks to bring together local residents, community initiatives and key stakeholders to discuss the approaches to social prescribing. The event will build on the experience and understanding of what is currently happening across North Lancashire and surrounding areas. This collaborative event seeks to identify opportunities and approaches that can bring together community health and wellbeing projects to improve the health and wellbeing for individuals, families and their wider communities.
All views and ideas are welcome. Lunch is provided.
Booking is essential and numbers are limited.
Employment Consultant (North West) with the Forces Employment Charity
RFEA The Forces Employment Charity is looking for a highly motivated Employment consultant to join its Ex-Forces Employment team in the North West. The successful applicant will have a track record providing employment and job finding support. Principal responsibilities will involve providing advice and guidance to support veterans into employment, develop links with local and regional businesses and business forums and facilitate veterans to access suitable training courses and employment grants.
Salary: £27,500 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full time (35 hours per week)
Location: North West
Closing date: 18th September 2022, Midnight
For more information and to apply
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Night Support Worker at Langley House Trust
The Langley House Trust are looking to recruit a Night Support Worker (Care) to join their team at the Lancaster care home. The role will involve assisting in the delivery of a stable and effective programme by the efficient delivery of the day-to-day service. The key purpose of the role is in supporting clients to achieve the outcomes laid out in their care/support plan and also ensure that the security of the project and it’s surroundings is maintained.
Salary: £20,415 per annum + Excellent Benefits
Contract: Permanent, Full time (36 hours per week)
Location: Lancaster
Closing date: 31 August 2022
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Catering Assistant at The Glen in Morecambe
Elior are seeking a Catering Assistant for their Healthcare Division at The Glen in Morecambe. The successful candidate will become a critical member of the team, where there will be opportunity to grow within the role. There will be responsibility for ensuring the kitchens and service area is always clean and tidy, well presented and well-stocked. In addition, the Catering Assistant will be responsible for keep menus up to date and offer a warm and friendly service.
Elior are a multi-award-winning global player in the hospitality sector, founded in 1991 with over 105,000 colleagues wordwide, serving over 4 million guests every day. The organization is committed to looking after the planet, supporting the community, cutting waste and supporting wellbeing.
Salary: £9.75 per hour + a wide selection of health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits
Contract: Permanent, Full time (36 hours per week)
Location: Morecambe
Closing date: Unconfirmed
Find out more and application details
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Home Energy Advisor with Green Rose
Green Rose are seeking a Home Energy Advisor to provide home energy advice and support to local households, through home visits and telephone calls, fulfil appointments, track stock and other requirements. Green Rose are a social enterprise working across Lancashire to help local households understand and reduce their home energy costs and to make their homes more sustainable.
The role is home-based with travel across North Lancashire.
For further information follow this link
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Area Business Manager at Barnardo’s
The Manager will bring team building and organisational strengths to a team across multiple retail branches, ensuring that the very highest standards of presentation and customer services are upheld.
Salary: £32,449 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Location: Morecambe and Lancaster
Closing date: 5 September
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Volunteer Coordinator at The Gregson Centre
The postholder will harness volunteer skills, celebrate their contributions and extend The Gregson’s volunteer family.
Salary: £25,000 per annum pro rata
Contract: 12 hours per week for 12 months.
Location: Lancaster
Closing date: 16 September
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Grants Officer at Francis C Scott Charitable Trust
The Grants Officer will liaise with grant holders and applicants, complete the grant administration and assessment process’, prepare papers for Trustees and support the Director in the development of new strategic funding models and programmes
Salary: £25,000 – £30,000 per annum
Contract: Full time
Closing date: 21 September
Download the application pack to find out more.
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Support Worker – Supported Living at Making Space
An opportunity has arisen to join an award-winning and value based national charity. Making Space are seeking a support worker to join the team at their supported housing service based in Lancaster. The role will involve supporting adults on a person centered basis to live independently in their own properties with the aim of help them move towards independent living. The focus of Making Space is on building relationships, connecting communities and providing quality care as unique as the people they support.
Salary: £9.90 per hour
Contract: Part time
Location: Lancaster,
Closing date: Unconfirmed
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Visitor Experience Manager – Leighton Moss RSPB
RSPB Leighton Moss are looking to expand their team with a Visitor Experience Manager. The chosen candidate will form a key part of the flagship reserve visitor operation, leading, inspiring and supporting staff and volunteers to ensure the visitor experience is excellent. This role will be responsible for leading and delivering a high quality and on-brand visitor experience.
Salary: £23,939 – £26,558 per annum
Contract: 12 months covering a secondment, Full-time
Location: Carnforth, Lancashire
Closing date: 02 Sept 2022, 11.59 pm
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Honorary Treasurer at The Lancashire Association of Boys & Girls Clubs
The LABGC are actively seeking an Honorary Treasurer. The role will require someone with an excellent understanding of financial management, accounting and book keeping frameworks and able to support, advise and guide the Trustees, Finance Officer and County Director in financial matters. The potential candidate must have an interest in disadvantaged young people’s welfare and their personal social development.
Lancashire Association of Boys & Girls Clubs is a charity who support over 60 youth clubs across Lancashire, with many member clubs dotted around Lancaster.
If you are interested in this role and would like to learn more please contact;
Adrian French (County Director), Lancashire Boys & Girls Clubs
Email: [email protected] Tel: 01524 65106
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Fylde Coast LET Operations Lead at Empowerment Charity
Empowerment is looking to recruit an Operations Lead to be part of their growing Fylde Coast Lived Experience Team. Empowerment is an innovative charity based in Blackpool, which has made a long term commitment to supporting their local communities and improving lives.
The purpose of this role is to lead and co-ordinate the key operational functions of this dynamic and expanding team; including responsibility for safeguarding, buildings, volunteers, training and overseeing their Fylde and Wyre Operations.
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time
Location: Blackpool
Closing date: Not available
Interviews: 09 Sept 2022, 11.59 pm
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Recovery Worker at Richmond Fellowship
The Richmond Fellowship Outreach Service are looking for a caring, flexible and creative recovery worker to join their team in Lancaster. The applicant must be able to thrive under pressure and know how to connect with people at all levels and really enjoy helping others to live as independently as possible.
No relevant experience is required as full training will be provided, although candidates with an understanding of mental health issues and/or lived experience is welcomed.
Salary: £20,054 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Lancaster (On-site)
Closing date: 04 September 2022
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EDI Champion at Escape2Make
Escape2Make are excited to recruit a person to join as their champion to further develop equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in their practice as an organisation. EDI is a vital construct of good governance and the delivery of E2Ms charitable purposes.
E2M are looking for a passionate, motivated, individual who has strong Lancaster and Morecambe community links to work alongside all trustees in developing their reach and practice as a charity around EDI. Capabilities required for the role include;
– Community links
– Media
– Research / evaluation
– Training
Join their vibrant board and make a difference in your community!
If your organisation needs support whether it be working with volunteers, completing accounts and payroll, finding funding, solving governance issues, or just want a listening ear, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team:
Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]
Volunteering and upskilling your workforce, contact [email protected]
Payroll, bookkeeping and independent examinations, contact [email protected]
Membership queries: [email protected]
Partnerships, networks and strategic development, contact [email protected]
Alternatively, call us on 01524 555900
To promote your events, training, jobs, and sector news, email [email protected]
