We are the Third Sector Interface for Dumfries and Galloway. We work alongside the sector, partners and communities to address key local priorities, build capacity and maximise investment in our region. As part of the national network of Third Sector Interfaces across Scotland, our joint manifesto sets out commitments to enhancing and developing the role of the third sector as a key partner; a focus on place, community and locality; volunteering and the strengths of local people and communities; a fairer and wellbeing-focussed economy.

We’re now looking for an experienced programme/project leader to join us as we shape a new regional approach to community transport.

As the Lead for Community Transport, you will design and deliver a partnership programme focused on the future of community transport across Dumfries and Galloway and its integration with regional transport, community and economic priorities.

You will join the Community Transport Strategic Development Group and work with partners in Dumfries and Galloway Council, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, South of Scotland Enterprise, transport providers and other stakeholders with a view to developing a sustainable operating/business and funding model over a 30-month programme.

As a member of our Lead Officer Group, there will also be active participation in wider organisational planning and delivery to ensure progress towards our medium-term outcomes.

To be successful, you’ll join us with experience of managing a strategic programme or project, working with stakeholders and with excellent planning and relationship building skills. Although there is not a requirement to be an expert in community transport or transport infrastructure, the skills to engage subject matter experts and stakeholders is essential and an understanding of wider community engagement and infrastructure could be beneficial.

You will be a compassionate and supportive leader with a commitment to excellence and improvement, someone who values the capacity of people to make change. You will have interest in community working and will bring a focus on evidence, insights and learning to influence change and build confidence in us.

Purpose of Job

To implement all aspects of the Midlothian Climate Hub. This post provides a unique opportunity for someone with a passion for reducing the impacts of climate change, and the potential of empowered communities, to make a major contribution to forward planning, project delivery and policy at local, regional and national levels.

Job Overview

This post is one of two part-time Community Engagement Officer posts in the Hub. The other was filled on 8 January 2024 and this second post has fallen vacant. In accordance with an agreed Hub work plan, the Community Engagement Officer will develop and deliver community group support packages to further develop groups’ capacity for climate actions, including skills development, sharing and learning, and help signpost community groups to funding opportunities. They will use communication strategies targeted to the circumstances of the local communities they are engaging. The community outreach work will be as inclusive as possible to ensure that no communities or groups are excluded from the support available from the Hub.

The postholder will be a good team worker, and be prepared, within the context of a 21-hour working week, to work flexibly across Midlothian in response to demands as and when they arise. This may involve some evening and weekend work. Time off in lieu can be provided when required.

About Us.

The Highland Third Sector Interface started work in late 2012 and officially launched early 2013. We are funded by the Scottish Government, among others, and are one of a network of 32 other ‘Third Sector Interfaces’ across Scotland.

What is a TSI?

A Third Sector Interface provides a single point of access for support and advice for the Third Sector within a local area. They have an outcome framework that they have to work within, but how that is done is very much based on local need and diversity within the geography and nature of the Third Sector in that area.

About the CJP

The Highland Community Justice Partnership (CJP) was established in 2016 in response to the new Community Justice Scotland Act (2016). The role of the Partnership is simply to work better together in partnership to help prevent offending and reduce reoffending.

About this Role

The model for community justice in Scotland places local strategic planning and delivery of community justice services through Community Planning Partnerships. The purpose of this post is to support the delivery of the local Highland Community Justice Outcome Improvement Plan, the operation and reporting of the Community Justice Partnership.

Responsibilities:

CJP Support

• Support the CJP to build relationships and cooperation, supporting the development and delivery of the Community Justice Outcome Improvement Plan

• To support information sharing and transparency across the governance pathway through the CJP, Highland CPP and elsewhere as agreed.

Community Justice Development

• Support the CJP to leverage in resourcing to deliver change and actions within the Plan that develops approaches to community justice in Highland

• Actively involve the Third Sector, communities, service users, families and victims of offending in the planning and delivery of the work of the CJP and individual partners.

Reporting

• Preparing and submitting reports and other information , with support from the CJP, to Scottish ministers and CJS

• Prepare and submit the annual report, based on the information submitted by the CJP organisations, both to the Scottish Ministers/CJS and a second public facing report to demonstrate progression and performance of the CJP

As a team member

• Provide line management for the CJP Development Officer

• Work collaboratively and respectfully of colleagues, stakeholders and others

• Be professional, bringing your best effort and in an honest and non-judgmental way

• Undertake any other reasonable task