The CARE Project also reduces food waste by redistributing surplus food from large suppliers into food parcels and through our Bag a Bargain scheme. You will oversee the effective running of the project, supporting volunteers and staff, coordinating operations, and ensuring that service users continue to receive timely, dignified, and reliable support.

Important note:
This role has a particular focus on streamlining services, strengthening systems, and embedding clear processes to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the CARE Project. We are therefore especially interested in candidates with project management experience and a proven ability to lead and implement change.

However, this is not a desk-based or purely strategic role. Alongside oversight and development work, the postholder will be expected to remain actively involved in the day-to-day delivery of the project, including working directly within the food hub, supporting volunteers, handling food supplies, and assisting with deliveries when required. The role requires someone who is comfortable moving between planning and practical delivery.

The CARE Project Lead is a key member of The Parish Trust team. This is a demanding and fast-paced position that is pivotal to the ongoing delivery of the CARE Project. It would suit someone who shares the vision and ethos of The Parish Trust, is structured and organised in their approach, and has a strong commitment to community support and social justice. The postholder must be flexible, confident working both independently and collaboratively, and adaptable within a changing environment. This is a daily, face-to-face role with significant engagement across the local community.

What you should know about the job

Contract: Up to 18 hours per week (temporary contract)
Working pattern: To be agreed in consultation with your line manager and reviewed once the successful applicant has settled into the role.
Salary: £37,966 p/a (pro rata based on a 40-hour working week). Overtime may be available when required. The Parish Trust operates a progression programme for professional development.
Location: The Parish Trust, 7 Roundabout Court, Bedwas House Industrial Estate, Bedwas, Caerphilly, CF83 8FS (with some limited home working possible).

Main Duties

Project Oversight and Development

• Streamline existing services and workflows across the CARE Project.
• Develop, document, and implement effective operational processes.
• Identify inefficiencies and introduce practical improvements.
• Support the long-term planning and sustainability of the project.
• Monitor performance and impact, reporting to senior leadership where required.

Volunteer Organisation

• Ensure suitable volunteer numbers across all project streams.
• Oversee volunteer training and compliance with due diligence requirements.
• Ensure volunteers have access to training resources and refresher training.
• Organise volunteer troubleshooting and support sessions.
• Act as a key point of contact for volunteers during shifts, alongside the wider staff team.
• Log volunteer hours and maintain accurate records using volunteer management systems.

Food Hub Operations (hands-on as required)

• Maintain appropriate operational records including cleaning schedules, food logs and temperature records.
• Oversee the Food Hub when open and ensure deliveries are received and processed to a high standard.
• Participate in packing food parcels, sorting, storing and organising stock when required.
• Coordinate food collections from suppliers and distributors, ensuring continuity of supply.
• Ensure support requests are handled efficiently and appropriately.
• Oversee the care, inspection and logging of the charity van and assist with deliveries when needed.

Building and Facilities

• Help ensure the building is kept clean, organised and fit for purpose.
• Ensure opening and closing procedures are followed correctly.
• Support general maintenance, tidiness and site security.
• Monitor the condition of the premises and report issues as necessary.

Collaboration with Other Staff

• Work closely with colleagues to address issues relating to food supply, stock levels and operational pressures.
• Coordinate with staff regarding volunteer matters, rotas and capacity.
• Line manage part-time staff where applicable (funding dependent) or demonstrate willingness to do so.

General

• Maintain records of project impact for funders and reporting purposes.
• Contribute to the development of new initiatives that enhance the service.
• Network with partner organisations and stakeholders to raise awareness of the CARE Project and The Parish Trust.
• Undertake other duties as required to ensure the smooth running of the project, including operational support.

Person Specification

Essential

• Sympathetic to the vision and ethos of The Parish Trust.
• Ability to handle sensitive information discreetly and confidentially.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Confident working independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in IT including the usual operating software packages.
• Willingness to be trained in food hygiene, manual handling and health and safety.
• Proactive approach to work, able to identify needs and act without constant direction.
• Comfortable undertaking practical, manual tasks as part of the role.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience working or volunteering within a charitable or community organisation.
• Project management or service-development experience.
• Experience of leading change or implementing new systems.
• Experience using databases, Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams.
• Management or volunteer coordination experience.
• Level 3 certificate in food hygiene, health and safety or manual handling.

Job Purpose:

The Acting Youth and Children’s Programme Manager will develop, implement, and manage a variety of programs aimed at supporting the growth and development of children and young people within the community. This role is central to ensuring that The Parish Trust provides engaging, educational, and supportive activities that align with our mission and values, bringing life in all its fullness to all our young people and children, and sowing faith, sharing hope, and showing love in their lives. Children and Young People are a top priority for The Parish Trust and our investment in them is key to alleviating and overcoming the challenges that so many face in society today that The Parish Trust seeks to provide help with.

You will be a key person in the staff team of The Parish Trust and will assist in setting the strategic and operational direction of youth and children’s work within the charity.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development and Management:

• Design and deliver a comprehensive range of programs for children and young people, including educational workshops, recreational activities, and community service projects.
• Collaborate with other staff, volunteers, and external partners to ensure programs are inclusive, diverse, and meet the needs of the community.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of programs, making improvements based on feedback and best practices.

Leadership and Supervision:

• Recruit, train, and manage a team of volunteers and part-time staff to assist in the delivery of youth and children’s programs.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to volunteers, ensuring a high standard of service delivery.

Community Engagement:

• Act as the primary point of contact for children, young people, parents, and guardians involved in the programs.
• Foster strong relationships with local schools, community groups, and other organisations to promote collaboration and support for the programs.

Administration and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of program activities, attendance, and outcomes.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management, funders, and stakeholders.
• Assist in the development of funding proposals and manage budgets effectively.

Safeguarding and Compliance:

• Ensure all programs comply with relevant safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of child protection issues and legislation, and helping the Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) with identifying training needs for staff and volunteers as necessary.

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential:

• Degree educated
• A recognised qualification in Education, Social Work, Youth Work, or a related field.
• Experience in a similar role, with a proven track record of managing youth and children’s programs.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in supervising staff and volunteers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire young people.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends as required.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a charity or non-profit organisation.
• Understanding of the local community and its needs.
• First Aid and other relevant certifications.
• A heart and passion to explore new and innovative ways to expand youth and children’s work.
• The ability to speak Welsh.

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate about supporting and empowering children and young people.
• Creative and innovative in program development.
• Empathetic and approachable, with a genuine interest in the well-being of young people.
• Proactive and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to the mission of The Parish Trust.

Genuine Occupation Requirement

Due to the Christian ethos of The Parish Trust and the nature of the role, it is an occupational requirement that the Acting Youth and Children’s Programme Manager must either be a committed Christian or demonstrate a strong sympathy and alignment with the vision and aims of the charity, which are based on Christian principles.

The role involves:

• Leading programs that may include faith-based content and activities.
• Representing the charity in a manner consistent with its Christian values.
• Working closely with local churches and faith communities.
• Promoting an environment that reflects the charity’s Christian ethos in all youth and children’s programs.

Therefore, whilst it’s not essential for the successful candidate to be a practising Christian, it is essential for the post-holder to have a deep understanding and respect for the Christian faith and be able to actively support and contribute to the mission of The Parish Trust.

Person Description: Acting Youth and Children’s Programme Manager

Education and Qualifications:

• Degree educated
• Recognised qualifications in Education, Social Work, Youth Work, or related field.
• Relevant certifications in safeguarding, first aid, etc., are a plus.

Experience:

• Experience in a youth and children’s program management role (paid or voluntary).
• Experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a team, including volunteers.
• Experience in community engagement and building partnerships.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficient in program development and project management.
• Ability to handle administrative duties efficiently, including reporting and budgeting.
• Skilled in developing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders.
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding and child protection.

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate and committed to the development and well-being of young people.
• Creative and resourceful in problem-solving and program design.
• Empathetic and able to build trust with children, parents, and the community.
• Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple tasks.
• Team player with a strong sense of collaboration and cooperation.
• Ethical and aligned with the values and mission of The Parish Trust.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Clean driving license and access to a vehicle (if required for the role).
• Enhanced DBS check (or equivalent) required.

This job specification and person description aim to attract dedicated and capable individuals to effectively manage and develop The Parish Trust’s youth and children’s programs, ensuring a positive impact on the community.

Important Notice: Please note that this role is temporary and does not confer any right or expectation of a permanent position. The contract will run until the return of the substantive post-holder from maternity leave, which may be earlier than anticipated, subject to statutory notice.