Cath Witherington, CEO Introduction

I saw an article this week that really struck a chord with me. It estimated that UK charities spend £900m a year applying for grants, with the burden being  especially heavy for small and medium-sized charities, which can end up dedicating more than one-third of their resources to preparing fundraising bids.  This is according to Pro Bono Economics which has published its research.  The findings are set out in this paper, Giving Pains.  The recommendations certainly align with what I have been saying since joining Voluntary Action Doncaster.  Funders should:

• make application processes simpler and more streamlined.
• ensure processes and requirements are proportionate to the level of funding sought and the size of the recipient.  
• systems should be designed to facilitate achieving impact, effectiveness and value for money.

We all know that far too often the costs arising from charities making applications for funding for which they are unsuccessful or ineligible are viewed as ‘wasted’ resources. Imagine the difference that could be made if that £900m a year could be better on delivering support to individuals and communities!  Staff find it demoralising and even personal when bids are unsuccessful.  The resources (people, time, effort, energy) taken up applying for funds and meeting monitoring conditions imposed by funders is an essential overhead that needs to be managed better.  But it’s not an overhead which the voluntary and community sector can control. 

It’s quite shocking to see that among small and medium-sized charities (i.e. those with annual incomes of less than £1m), spend more than one-third of their total resources on fundraising applications.  Given many funders are oversubscribed it is inevitable that the majority of funding applications are unsuccessful.  Organisations applying to more than one funder “usually have to enter similar information many times, often in different formats and with small changes required to answer slightly different questions or criteria”. 

Locally, I know that we do have sympathetic funders who recognise the unintended consequences of the competitive nature of grant funding and are trying to be more creative.  Voluntary Action Doncaster is playing its part too.  We are strong advocates for clear, simple and proportionate funding opportunities with all funders we work with; we are managing some micro-grants with a simple and light touch approach to the application and evaluation process; and we are starting to help organisations with funding applications (this is an area of support which we will continue to develop).

If you are a voluntary or community group or organisation that needs help in dealing with funders or making a funding application or if you can share a funding experience (good or bad) which we can learn from – we’d love to talk to you. We are arranging a series of workshops to hear what you want and need from us.  Look out for more details about these workshops coming after the summer break. 

Reports and Information

New research from Charity Commission

The Charity Commission published its latest research last month which covers the views of both the public and trustees. The study found people living in more affluent areas with higher ethnic and cultural diversity trusted charities more compared to those in less diverse areas with low economic security. It also reported that fewer members of the public (56%) thought charities were ‘essential’ or ‘very important’ for society than last year (60%).

Key points from the public survey:

• Following a post-pandemic rise last year, overall trust in public institutions has fallen, in some cases sharply.
• Public trust in charities has dipped slightly from 64% in 2021 to 62% in 2022* but largely held up, relative to other institutions.
  • That charities are making the impact they promise to make
  • That the way they go about making that impact is consistent with the spirit of ‘charity’
  • That all charities uphold the reputation of charity in adhering to these

From the trustees’ research:

• Charities are continuing to respond and adjust to the post-pandemic context.
• Trustees’ understanding of their role and responsibilities has not changed since 2020.
• Most trustees are aware of key responsibilities, but there are some gaps around decision making and financial oversight
• Most trustees continue to recognise the importance of taking public expectations into account and feel a collective responsibility to uphold the sector’s reputation.
• Trustees who regularly engage with the Commission and use its guidance are more likely to understand their responsibilities correctly (but currently this is only about 30% of trustees).

You can explore the details of the research on the Commission’s website.

Banking challenges for the third sector podcast

The Third Sector features and analysis writer Rebecca Cooney and senior reporter Russell Hargrave have broadcast a podcast exploring a recent report by the Civil Society Group, which looks at the difficulties charities face with finding appropriate banking facilities. They are joined by one of the report’s authors, Clare Mills, director of policy and communications at the Charity Finance Group, to discuss what the challenges are for charities and what can be done to resolve them. To listen to the podcast click here Third Sector Podcast: Banking challenges | Third Sector.

‘Left behind’ neighbourhoods uniquely vulnerable to rising cost of living

New research from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods, published as part of its inquiry into levelling up, shows people living in England’s most ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods face higher levels of financial, food and hardship vulnerability, and will be hardest hit by the cost of living crisis.

August Grocery – Community

ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Tesco, Waitrose and other supermarkets are giving third-sector organisations free funding. Register your organisation with fundraising website easyfundraising, and when your supporters, staff and volunteers buy their weekly groceries online, supermarkets will donate money to you. For example, Sainsbury’s will donate £1.50 to you every time one of your supporters shops online with them. One person shopping every week could raise £72, while 10 people would raise £720 just by doing their usual online shop.

It’s a free, easy and low-effort way of creating a pot of funds to help carry on your work. Get started here

Annual Celebrating Safeguarding Awards – Doncaster Safeguarding Children Partnership

As part of Safeguarding Week 2022 (21st to 25th November) the  Annual Celebrating Safeguarding Awards is being held on Monday 21st! 

We are so pleased to announce we will be holding this in person, with the venue to be confirmed very soon!  

We would request you to take time to think about those services, groups, adults and young people who deserve to be recognised for keeping others safe and/or have raised awareness. We hear so many amazing stories across all communities in Doncaster, especially during some uncertain times. Our awards ceremony is a great way to give recognition to those who deserve it, and let others know of the great stories which have occurred right here in Doncaster.   

Please see attached a nomination on an online form on Microsoft Forms. Please use it to make your nomination before Monday 24th October.  

For a Microsoft Word nomination form or if you have any questions please contact Niall Werrett-Garfitt Niall.Werrett-Garfitt@doncaster.gov.uk 

Sexual Health Services 4 Doncaster Updated Stakeholder Pack

We are delighted to announce that we have now relocated to our new clinic, and wanted to provide you with the attached updated partner pack.

Our new location – 3 High Fishergate, Doncaster, DN1 1QZ

Service offer

We provide advice, information, testing and treatment for sexual health concerns as well as contraception and psychosexual services.

Monkey pox

If you see or speak to anyone who you suspect has monkeypox, please get in touch with Sexual Health Services 4 Doncaster straight away. They will then advise you of the next steps. Phone us on: 01302 272165 or 0800 246 5390

In the meantime, advise the person to stay at home and avoid close contact with other people, including sharing towels or bedding until they have been assessed.

For more information and to access all up to date guidance, visit  the Government’s website.

Cost Of Living Payments

Millions of people on means-tested benefits will receive the first of two Cost of Living Payments totalling £650 from 14 July 2022, as part of a £37 billion government package to help families with cost of living pressures.  The first £326 instalment for qualifying low-income households in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be paid by their usual payment method from 14 July 2022, continuing to the end of the month. For those eligible, the rest will follow in a second instalment in the autumn.

People receiving tax credits and no other eligible benefits will receive their first payment from HMRC in autumn and the second in winter.  In total, millions of vulnerable households will receive at least £1,200 from the Government this year to help cover rising costs. There are specific payments for those on means tested benefits, for pensioners, those on disability benefits and to help people with energy bills.

For more information, go to the Cost Of Living Payment page on www.gov.uk  

The Government is looking to share information about help with the cost of living payments as widely as possible. We would like to ask all our readers to share the information about The cost of living payments with all your networks and consider ordering posters to display in communal staff areas or in areas visible to members of the public such as charity shops, community centres, etc.

You can order copies of the posters (available in the toolkit) to display in suitable venues and community spaces so that the information reaches as many members of the public and employees as possible – they might not be eligible themselves but might mention it to others who are.  

Posters are available to order in A3, A4 and A5 size and can be ordered from DWP leaflets: order form GOV.UK , using the following codes:

 In English – COL A3POSTER (E), COL A4POSTER (E), COL A5LEAFLET (E)

The Cost of living stakeholder toolkit includes a range of materials for employers and partners to use and also provides an update about the first cost of living payments. It contains:

• A downloadable poster and ordering instructions
• social media copy and assets in English and Welsh
• newsletter copy, FAQs and links
• factsheet
• adaptable assets for stakeholders
• printable PDF for stakeholders
• help with the cost-of-living information booklet – easy read (English)
• cost of living poster – easy read (English)
• BSL information on YouTube

Short Placements (Work Experience) –  Sheffield Hallam Students

Can you provide any short work experience opportunities for second year students?

Typically they

• Provide between  120-300 hours depending on the department
• Take place at different times depending on the subject area
• Allow students to explore an idea/project you haven’t got round to exploring/doing or for short term support

The Finance, Accounting and Business Systems Department is currently looking for short placements.  The deadline for submitting a project/opportunity is 31 August.  More information is available on their website. 

If you need any support with submitting a project, please email business@shu.ac.uk who will put you in touch with the right person to talk through in more detail.

Breathe & Connect With Darts

Tuesdays from 9 August 2022, 1pm–2:30pm at The Point, 16 South Parade, Doncaster, DN1 2DR 

The next block of free Breathe & Connect sessions is about to start at The Point in Doncaster. Breathe & Connect is a programme designed by darts specially for adults with Long Covid and other long-term breathing-related issues. 

Long Covid means that your symptoms carry on even after your Covid infection has finished.  Symptoms might include breathlessness, fatigue, finding it difficult to focus, pain and/or feeling depressed or anxious. Breathe & Connect uses singing, breathing techniques, relaxation and gentle movement to help manage these symptoms.

Breathe & Connect runs in 7-week blocks at The Point in Doncaster town centre. Sessions take place on Tuesdays from 1pm – 2.30pm and refreshments are provided. You don’t need a referral to join, but booking is essential. Email Amy on amy@wearedarts.org.uk  to secure your free place on the next block. 

Doncaster Summer Staycation

Stuck for what to do over the summer holidays? We’ve got you covered!

Our Doncaster Summer Staycation is back for 2022, with even more free & inexpensive activities for children and young people across the borough.

Over the next 6 weeks, you can discover a jam-packed and varied list full of summer fun. From summer camps, sports days, film & media workshops, music lessons, arts & crafts, and so much more!

You can find everything we have to offer through this link, all organised by area so you can find activities local to you.

Events

Eco festival – August 27 2022

St Peter’s Church The Vicarage, Church Street, Doncaster, Askern, South DN6 0PH

10am to 3pm

Come and join in and see how you can live an environmentally friendly life and save money.

Food will be available or you can bring your own picnic.

Reboot Sessions – Stainforth

Do you often feel lost, alone and unsure how to deal with your mental health? You’re not alone.  Many people feel the same way.

From Wednesday 14th September, we’ll be running The Reboot Sessions in Stainforth.

Meeting at Stainforth Resource Centre at 10am, we’ll meet for 2 hours every Wednesday morning  for 12 weeks to help you with your mental health.

We’ll learn about anxiety and how to understand it better. We’ll work on increasing your confidence, help you to connect with others and recognising when your own emotional wellbeing needs help.

Supporting you to be more resilient, understand your needs and how to communicate them to others.

To book your place on these sessions contact wellbeing@doncastermind.org.uk or call/text Jenni on 07760 562 448.

Schools’ Climate Assembly

Schools’ Climate Assembly is a national gathering of young people from across the UK, to engage, learn, and have their voices and demands heard in the climate crisis.

Schools’ Climate Education South Yorkshire (SCESY) is delighted to share the news that one of our region’s schools, King Edward VII School, Sheffield, has been chosen to host the next SCA event.

First hosted in 2021 to coincide with COP26, this year’s event is being delivered in partnership with Friends of the Earth on October 20th 2022, at King Edwards VII School in Sheffield. The day is free to attend, and will bring together 1500 14-18 year-olds from across the UK, to discuss, share and speak out on the climate crisis.

While we are excited that the event is taking place in the South Yorkshire region, schools across the whole of the UK are invited to apply. Details of the event can be found on Schools Climate Assembly’s website.

Schools are invited to bring 10 pupils to take part in the event, along with accompanying staff. During the day there will be interactive workshops delivered by organisations at the heart of the climate movement, as well as talks from campaigners and experts. The day will end with a chance for young attendees to have their say, make their demands for action clear and use their collective voice for change.

The event is free to attend for schools across the UK, with support available for those coming longer distances or who have any other barriers to attendance. There are only a limited number of spaces available – please reply expressing interest to pip@schoolsclimateassembly.org  at the earliest convenience.

Address: King Edward VII Upper School, Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2PW

Timings: Event 10am – 4pm, sign in from 9.30am.

SCESY can be contacted at admin@scesy.org.uk 

Doncaster Chamber Corporate Cup

Swap the boardroom for the changing rooms. Celebrate beating the competition on the pitch while building relationships off the pitch at our 5 a-side football tournament. 

Could you be the first winner of the Doncaster Chamber Corporate Cup? 

Followed by a networking opportunity and BBQ. The winners will take home a trophy and winners medals. 

Enter as a business team of 8 or as an individual there is space for all comers. 

Register here

Date and Time:  Thursday Sep 15, 2022.        12:00 PM – 6:00 PM BST

Location: Goals Worcester Avenue, Wheatley, Doncaster , DN2 4NB

Fees/Admission:   Members £30+VAT per person    Non-Members £50+VAT  per person

Contact Information:   Events Team events@doncaster-chamber.co.uk 

Summer at The Point – South Parade, DN1 2DR – FREE 

The Point has lots on offer this summer. From the sights, smells and sounds of Regarding Forests and the Rewilding the Point trail to fun-filled activity sessions, there is something for everyone.  

Rewilding The Point 

In response to the current exhibition, Regarding Forests, the participants from the Creative Directions group have constructed a series of animals inspired by the natural world. Ladybirds, birds, deer and snakes are hiding all over. Follow the trail around The Point to discover them all.   

Free Family Activity Sessions 

Families are welcome at The Point for free creative activity sessions. Explore the gallery with friendly artists and take part in fun creative activities inspired by the exhibition on display. Suitable for all ages and abilities.  

16th August – 10am or 1.30pm 

23rd August – 10am or 1.30pm 

30th August – 10am or 1.30pm 

Book your free places here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/darts-18443322819  

Regarding Forests 

The Point’s current exhibition is by artist, Chrystel Lebas, who presents two new works from the Regarding Forests photographic series in a multi-sensory installation. Audiences are invited to pause and take a moment to reflect and relax in a peaceful environment with images, sounds and scents of the Hoh Rain Forest in Washington State, USA, and ancient cedar trees of the Japanese island of Yakushima. There are also free resources in the learning space for visitors. Regarding Forests is a touring exhibition by Wellcome Collection and is open until 28th Oct 2022.  

Free All Aboard Creative Sessions 

Two All Aboard creative sessions will take place this summer before weekly sessions restart in September. These inclusive, fun and engaging activities are designed for children with additional needs as well as their siblings and families. No experience is needed – artists, materials and support will be provided so everyone can be included, learn new skills together, and take part. Activities will be adapted to suit everybody’s needs – this might include SEND, physical or learning disabilities e.g. Neurodiversity, autism, Asperger’s, behavioural difference, d/Deaf, visually impaired – if you are unsure what the experience will be like, just get in touch for a chat.  

17th August – 10am – Create mysterious forest music with Dyzelle 

24th August – 10am – Join Alice for a fun session of movement and stories 

Find out more and book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/darts-18443322819  

Come along to a Swag taster 

Young people who love singing and dancing are welcome to come along and get to know Swag Choir, our energetic singing group for 9-16 year olds. This group is a friendly and welcoming group for all abilities and no auditions are required for joining. Sessions will restart in September (Tuesday evenings in term time), and are free. 

24th August – 2pm 

Book on to the taster session here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/darts-18443322819  

For a friendly chat about any of these activities, contact The Point on 01302 341662 or email amy@wearedarts.org.uk or sophie@wearedarts.org.uk             

Training Opportunities

Tackling Fuel Poverty: Thinking Big to Solve a Growing Problem for the Short- and Long-Term

Date of Event: Tuesday, August 23rd 2022

Time of Event: 9:30 AM — 1:20 PM

Programme:

• Examine government measures to tackle the current problem of spiralling energy bills and what more can be done to assist customers in the short-term
• Assess the UK’s energy price cap and the regulation of energy prices in the UK
• Discuss how fuel poverty can be tackled and what steps government, local authorities and other stakeholders should take to do so
• Assess structural problems in the UK energy market that leads to the UK having particularly high levels of fuel poverty among European countries
• Explore the impact of Covid-19 on cold weather planning and levels of fuel poverty in the UK
• Develop effective strategies for protecting and supporting the most vulnerable energy customers at both a national and regional level
• Analyse the regional and socio-economic inequalities which are present in the UK and complicate current efforts to address fuel poverty
• Highlight the significance of strong local leadership and partnership working across the public, private, voluntary and community sectors to tackle fuel poverty 
• Share best practice on strengthening responses to reduce excess winter illness and death
• Identify how key indicators can be used to help the most vulnerable at the earliest opportunity
• Examine what can be learnt from energy market regulation and structures in other European countries  
• Discuss how the cost of UK energy bills can be decoupled from international energy markets

More information and how to register can be found here

Building Vaccine and Screening Confidence for Higher Risk Populations

Building on the success of the Covid-19 Vaccination Webinar workshops responding to Vaccine Hesitancy, we have worked in partnership with Health Education England to commissioned a similar workshop to align with what will be a highly important Autumn/Winter vaccination programme for 2022/3. We particularly wish to target participants who come into contact with low vaccine and screening uptake populations, including: areas of high deprivation, ethnic minority groups, parents of 2&3 year olds and school age children, those in at risk categories and care home settings.

Concept and Objectives

The primary objective of the Autumn booster programme this year will be to increase protection against severe COVID-19 disease for those at higher risk.  In addition there is an added need to address the inequalities in uptake of flu vaccination.

Vaccine hesitancy amongst some eligible populations can present a risk to population health and more often negatively impact some of our poorest communities and/or risk groups.  Our conversations our powerful, therefore the provision of skills training that uses the principles of Making Every Contact Count (MECC) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an important skill that can be utilised to combat disinformation and myths and whilst providing the necessary reassurance and confidence in what is a safe and effective vaccine.

The skills training covers:

• How can we work together to build vaccine confidence, what we know and how this links to health inequality
• Core skills and processes (OARS, Evoke-Provide-Evoke, Decisional Balance, and the 3As)
• Skills practice – Building confidence in the vaccine
• Resources that staff can use to respond to questions and concerns

The session will be interactive and include modelled conversations that showcase the core skills and processes being used.  The application of this work can be far-reaching. Although this is focused on Flu Vaccinations, these skills can be utilised for childhood immunisations, Covid vaccine, cancer screening and other health-promoting activities.

This provision has been funded by Health Education England Y&H in partnership with the NHS Public Health Programmes Team Y&H.  Each workshop can caterer for 30 people and lasts for 1.5 hours, dates available from the 12th September 2022 – 10th January 2023.

More information and how to book can be found here.

Employment Hub – Launchpad Doncaster

CRF/Innovate info (for those out of work):

Our support is based on what people need to move forward, and this can work alongside any other support they may be receiving. We are looking to support the community to:

• Choose your career, prepare, search, and apply for it
• Gain employment or become self-employed
• Develop life skills and build confidence
• Access training to increase career opportunities
• Easily access available benefits

This support can be delivered face to face, over the phone or online if needed.

Contact info:

Email at: employmenthub@doncaster.gov.uk 

Or call Lyndsey: 07980 934766 or Paul: 07814 068226

Find us on Facebook @DNemploymenthub

Advance info (For those in work):

Advance is funded through European Social Fund (ESF) and is a programme designed to help people in Doncaster to ‘thrive in their chosen career’.

We are based within the Business Doncaster team at Doncaster Council and work with indigenous businesses across Doncaster and those looking to invest.

We offer bespoke service for businesses to support with their recruitment and the upskilling of staff helping the business to thrive.

Advance is also now across the rest of the SYMCA. 

Contact info:  Their email address is: advance@doncaster.gov.uk 

Their phone number is: 01302 735554

Facebook: @Advancedoncaster 

Launchpad (For those wanting to become self-employed):

Launchpad is a fully inclusive programme designed to help ambitious entrepreneurs set up, run and grow successful businesses and also supports businesses (with less than 10 employees and less than £10m Turnover) to take the next step and grow their business.

Launchpad Doncaster is delivered by Business Doncaster and Doncaster Chamber. It brings together a wide range of business start-up and support services including workshops, events and one to one support from business advisors and coaches. We run a monthly business start-up workshop, held over 3 half days which covers all aspects of starting a business including business planning, funding, marketing, pricing and bookkeeping.

Contact info:  Email: debbie.richardson@doncaster.gov.uk 

Number: 01302 736986

Facebook: @ LaunchpadDoncaster

Funding Opportunities

Giving World

An organisation offering free essential goods for groups, Giving World have partnered with Food Aware to expand in the North to redirect business end-of-line, surplus and discontinued stock to the most deprived communities.

They now offer greater volumes of vital and life enhancing goods, such as clothing, non-perishable foods, toiletries, cleaning and household products, from a new distribution hub in Rotherham.

To access these goods when you need them, simply register your organisation here

Goods are free and can be collected directly, or delivered at cost.

Launch of Digital Growth Grants to Support Tech Start-Ups

The Digital Growth Grant is intended to boost the growth of innovative tech start-ups and scale-ups. It will focus on opening up access to skills training and advice, and providing support services to the digital and tech sector, including improving connections with investors.

The scheme is inviting bids to accelerate the growth of tech start-up and scale-up ecosystems across the regions and nations of the UK. The successful bidder will be awarded up to £12.09 million to be spent over two financial years 2023/24 and 2024/25.

The deadline for applications to be submitted is 15th August, 2022 (12:00pm).

More information can be found here.

Homelessness in Doncaster – Tender

The Homeless Service forms part of Doncaster’s Resettlement Pathway for individuals experiencing homelessness including those with complex needs. The service comprises of the following elements:

• Wharf House Hostel
• Open House Plus Hostel
• Outreach service
• Floating support service

The provider will work in partnership with the Complex Lives Alliance.

Closing date is 12pm on 17th August 2022. This is a one year contract from 17/11/2022, with possible one year extension. Full details here

Volunteering Opportunities

Please see what current volunteering opportunities are available on our website.  

Sub Regional Migration Groups (SRMG) – VCS Representative Role

Migration Yorkshire works with VCS representation at sub regional strategic meetings to ensure the voices of migrants and those supporting them are heard at a strategic level. 

There is a nomination process in each local authority in Yorkshire & Humberside so the VCS in each area can select their own representative to attend Sub Regional Strategic Migration Group meetings for Sept 2022-Aug 2023. Please see the role description and terms of reference for the meeting attached. To note, Migration Yorkshire ask that the process is clear and fair, and that the representative is nominated from and by the VCS and not statutory services. If there is only one candidate, the VCS still should agree that they should be the representative.

This email is to ask for those who are interested to contact Vicky Ledwidge at Migration Yorkshire via Victoria.ledwidge@migrationyorkshire.org.uk by 12th August, who will then arrange for an anonymised voting process.

Heal Me Happy CIC

Seeking Volunteer(s) @ Heal Me Happy CIC – Askern

Are you an enthusiastic, driven individual with good time keeping skills and like meeting new people?  This volunteering opportunity could be just right for you!

The Role

You will support a wide range of community activity sessions – setting up and tidying the room, putting out and collecting materials and helping participants e.g. by serving refreshments and befriending whilst in the space to  make sure everyone feels welcome and heard.

You will also have the opportunity to be involved in activity planning and raising awareness through social media.  Volunteers will be able to develop their skills in communication styles, planning , graphic design , time keeping , emotional wellbeing  and life coaching. Fully supported by the Community interest company director who is a certified Life Coach & Transformation Mentor and professional florist. 

Expenses covered.

Ideally Heal Me Happy is looking for volunteer support for upto a max of  10 hours per week.   

To find out more and arrange an informal chat about the role email Heal Me Happy Cic at isiashaj@healmehappy.life

Job Opportunities

Please see this week’s Advance Vacancy Bulletin  with a range of roles based within Doncaster.

South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA) – Employment Specialist

The Good Work Team at South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA) are looking to recruit a diverse range of talented individuals with the transferable skills to join us as community-based Employment Specialists.  There’s no need to have worked in the employment sector or to be the ‘finished article! We’ll provide all the training and support you need to provide exceptional individual support to customers facing barriers, and help them into sustainable paid work.

We offer our employees a rewarding and flexible role within a diverse, inclusive, and friendly team, with a competitive salary and a fantastic package of benefits!

Our employment benefit package includes:

• A starting salary of £23,613, plus Essential Car User allowance paid at £94.36 per month, and additional mileage payments (dependent on holding a full driving licence and access to a vehicle)
• A generous pension
• The option to choose between full and part time hours
• Flexible working arrangements (including hybrid working, flexi time and condensed hours) to encourage a healthy work life balance
• A generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days plus all statutory bank holidays and an additional 4 bonus (SYHA) days (That’s 31 days plus bank holidays in total!)
• Access to our corporate benefits package including a shopping discount scheme, employer paid Westfield Health Plan, discounted counselling sessions (for if you ever need some support), huge discounts at a variety of local gym’s and much more.
• Access to a wide range training programmes to complement your plans for personal and professional development. 

Follow the link for more information.

Engagement and Partnership Officer for the ICS/VCSE

The South Yorkshire Integrated Care System (SY ICS) is a partnership of health and care organisations, local government and the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector.  It exists to improve population health, tackle health inequalities, enhance productivity and help the NHS support broader social and economic development.

We are looking to recruit a key post to increase the capacity of VCSE leaders and infrastructure organisations to engage in the programme and contribute to transformational change.

The Engagement and Partnership Officer will support the development of meaningful engagement, involvement and collaboration between the VCSE sector and ICS in the South Yorkshire area (Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham), ensuring that the VCSE sector realises its potential as a key strategic delivery partner.  Employed by Voluntary Action Rotherham on behalf of the partnership, the post holder will lead and coordinate VCSE engagement activity within thematic work-streams, ensuring the sector supports local health and wellbeing priorities.

Closing: 15th August 2022

Follow the link for more information.

South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum – Weekend Reception/Shop person required

The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum is a Registered Charity run by volunteer Trustees and mainly staffed by volunteers. The museum has around 100 airframes, half complete and half cockpit sections. Some of these have been restored to display condition and some are still in the process. It is the largest collection of aircraft engines in a UK museum. Local aviation history goes back to 1909, when the first airshow ever in the UK was held at Doncaster Racecourse.  The Museum has been at Lakeside for 22 years and over that time has grown considerably.  The attraction expects to welcome 20,000 visitors this year.  Normal weekend visitor numbers are between 100 and 150 per day.  That is approx 35/45 tickets each day.  Event days have more footfall but there will always be backup assistance for the shop on those days.

The Role

Duties will be to operate the shop, take payment for entrance tickets and welcome visitors to the museum.  It would particularly suit someone with retail or customer service experience. 

What we are looking for:

• The ability to communicate effectively with our visitors and other team members.
• Experience of cash handling 
• Confidence to work independently and unsupervised and the ability to make decisions within agreed parameters
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload, balancing competing demands

This is a permanent, part-time position (15 – 16 hours a week).  The successful candidate will be required to work Saturdays and Sundays, all year round.  8 hours per day during summer (BST) and 7.5 hours per day over winter.  Salary to start at minimum living wage, currently £9.50 per hour.  Holidays, four weeks plus pro-rata Bank Holidays.  There may also be an opportunity, if desired, to work additional weekdays for holiday cover.

The successful applicant will enjoy being part of this close knit team and will learn more about our local aviation history and the exhibit over time. 

The closing date for applications is  31 August 2022.  To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why you think you would be great in this role to : contact@southyorkshireaircraftmuseum.org.uk

Contribute to our Next Newsletter!

If you have an article, job opportunity or funding opportunity you would like to see included in the next edition of this newsletter, please send it to us at info@voluntaryactiondoncaster.org.uk by 1pm on Wednesday 17th August 2022.