Engaging Communities Officer - South West & South Central

Job Introduction

We are looking to recruit an Engaging Communities Officer, to coordinate our regional activity in reaching and engaging with Black and South Asian communities, and other lesser heard communities.  This will involve close working with the Regional Teams to ensure that these communities are at the forefront of all our work in improving the health of people with or at risk of diabetes.

These key roles within the Operations Directorate, will help to increase the diversity of our large volunteer family, as well as our work to advocate for communities by influencing diabetes care in the NHS. You will join a network of Engaging Communities Officers from across our Regions, to share practice, learn from each other and develop knowledge and skills as needed, so that you can have the best possible impact with the team in your region. 
This is an exciting time at Diabetes UK as we work to deliver our 2020-25 strategy.  Tackling inequalities is a cross-cutting theme throughout all our outcomes and our strategy recognises the need to reach more Black and South Asian people, to provide information and support on diabetes management and risk.

We have a friendly and inclusive working environment here at Diabetes UK and are proud of our hybrid approach which allows great flexibility in the way that we work. This means that you can balance your working time between home and the office, subject to the needs of your role.

Interview date: 17 November 2023

Role Responsibility

The role involves a variety of work from identifying priority areas for reach and engagement; working with the regional team to advise and support on the recruitment, training and retention of volunteers; advocating for communities in our influencing work, to building relationships with volunteers and local organisations who can act as ambassadors, spokespeople to enable Diabetes UK to better meet the needs of diverse communities.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be passionate about tackling inequalities in healthcare, possess strong project management skills and be a genuine team player.  They will also understand the role that volunteers and connecting with local organisations can play in improving community health, alongside knowledge of local NHS structures and systems.

Package Description

What we can offer you: 

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time)
• A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,600 towards a range of out of pocket health expenses like new glasses, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath appointments) 
• Early finish Friday and flexible working as part of our approach to activity based working (not applicable to roles with fixed shift patterns)
• 2 Days TOIL in recognition of fixed shift patterns (pro-rata for part-time)
• Discounts on gym membership
• Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life  
• Annual season ticket loan* (on completion of your probation period and if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)
• Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities 
• Generous pension provision, life assurance and income protection insurance
• Cycle to work scheme* (eligible for scheme if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)

*Some benefits aren't available until you've passed your probation period and are dependent on the length of contract.

About the Company

For nearly 5 million people with diabetes in the UK, there’s no day off. At Diabetes UK, we fight day in, day out for better care, treatment and support. We won’t stop until diabetes can do no harm.

With more people than ever living with diabetes and millions more at risk of developing type 2, our work has never been more needed. We make sure they get the care and support needed to live well with diabetes and avoid devastating complications.

We fund critical research, which has led to life-changing discoveries – like the first insulin pen and programmes to put type 2 diabetes into remission. Now, we want to do this for everyone and find a cure.

We can’t do any of this without you. Our staff are passionate and determined about helping everyone affected by diabetes. For over 85 years, they’ve been behind vital policy changes, as well as new treatments and technologies to make living with diabetes easier every day.

But there’s more to do. And you can be part of it.

We’re a really diverse bunch and we recognise and respect your value as an individual. As well as helping people with diabetes, you’ll be part of one of the top 30 Best UK Charities to Work For, and one of the top 75 Best Large Companies in London.

We’re committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and we need our staff and volunteers to support this.

Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm. Join us today, and together, we can make that a reality.

To find out more about what we do, check out our website.

Diabetes UK