Increasing volunteering – CAB Network

The Increasing Volunteering project was developed following a successful virtual Adviser Training Programme in 2020. It is designed to provide virtual training with live trainers for all bureaux in Scotland in conjunction with the Adviser Training Programme. The project is focused on supporting Scottish bureaux to increase their volunteering capacity through training support due to an increasing demand on services.

National Projects

Citizens Advice Bureau West Lothian offer advice services in relation to National Project work covering various specialised topics and facilitated by trained project advisers.

Summary of the Role

The Team Leader will be responsible for the running of the projects and engaging with Bureaux in relation to the Increasing Volunteering project. They will provide supervision to ensure teams operate efficiently and are achieving required outcomes.

The Team Leader will ensure that the projects are adequately staffed at all times and provide a level of session support and quality assurance.

Main Responsibilities

• To act as the main point of contact for the team.
• Ensure that work rotas are maintained and that there is adequate staff to cover during periods of absence.
• Training and Induction of Training Officers.
• Support new staff when completing the ATP together with shadowing, mentoring and management checks.
• Manage PR activities – social media, press, radio.
• Ensure training delivery is to a high standard and evaluate effectiveness.
• Review and evaluate the projects at regular intervals and ensure targets are being met and quality is consistent.
• Assist and support training officers to implement new programmes and distribute these to participating bureaux.
• Engage with and ensure an effective working relationship with participating Bureaux.
• Organise bespoke training as required.
• Support staff with regards to identifying training needs and ensuring access to appropriate training.
• Provide monthly and quarterly progress reports in relation to the Increasing Volunteering Project.
• Ensure project staff are producing and submitting reports as required.
• Carrying out other duties as specified by the Manager and required by the needs of the post.

The postholder will be responsible for recruiting, training and supporting volunteers who provide advice services by phone, email, at the CAB and in community locations and those that carry out other tasks to support the work of the CAB

Experience of recruiting, training and supporting volunteers and of working (paid or unpaid) in an advice or information service is important, as is understanding of good practice and the legal aspects of volunteering. Effective verbal and written communication and commitment to the mission, aims and teamwork ethos of Dalkeith CAB are essential.

An experienced adviser is required for a new project to improve the financial circumstances of the families supported by Midlothian’s Family Wellbeing Service and improve the outcomes for the children.

The project will work with, and receive referrals from, the Family Wellbeing Service team members. The worker will link with other agencies and work closely with Penicuik CAB’s other family income maximisation advisers and specialist debt worker to develop a wraparound service to increase household income and improve quality of life for the family.

The project worker, in partnership with the GIRFEC and Hawthorn Income Maximisation Workers will provide awareness raising sessions with the Family Wellbeing team members and any other agencies, as appropriate.

Based at the Penicuik CAB and working at any centres deemed appropriate, the worker will provide help and assistance with checking benefit entitlement, completing benefit applications and challenging benefit decisions. The work will also include income maximisation, budgeting advice and some assistance with debt issues (including housing debt).

A working knowledge and understanding of welfare benefits and good interpersonal skills are essential. The post holder will be responsible for developing and delivering the service to meet the needs of the families.

Penicuik CAB is committed to equal opportunities both in service provision and employment.

Are you passionate about community engagement and making a positive impact? Join Scotmid, one of the largest independent retail cooperatives in the UK. Operating Lakes & Dales Coop food retail stores in the north of England, we are committed to fostering strong community ties and driving meaningful change.

Role Description:

We are seeking a proactive Membership & Community Manager to lead our membership, community, and charity strategy across the Lakes & Dales Region. Your responsibilities will include developing membership initiatives, nurturing community relationships, fundraising for our Charity Partner, and orchestrating engaging events. This role will be instrumental in furthering our presence in the Lakes & Dales area.

Desired Qualities:

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues from various departments.
• Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Eagerness and ability to take a hands-on approach to tasks and projects.
• Proficiency in independently managing multiple projects.
• Ability to organise engaging events.
• Ability to build meaningful connections with colleagues, members, communities, and charities.

Travel and Location Details:

You will be required to attend meetings and events at our head office in Newbridge, Edinburgh, as well as occasional travel across trading areas in Scotland and Northern Ireland. A valid driving license and willingness to travel are essential. Some overnight stays may be necessary.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic home-based role primarily centred around the Lakes & Dales Region (encompassing postcodes DL13, CA 10 & 12, NE25)
• Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a company car
• 30-hour work week, with occasional evening and weekend commitments