Engaging Communities Officer (South West)

Job Introduction

We are looking to recruit three Engaging Communities Officers, one in each of the London, North of England and South West regions, 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.  

Interviews: 12th January 2021    

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 
• A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,500 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
• 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)
• 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

Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time.  There are currently 3.8 million people in the UK diagnosed with diabetes, and 1 million more with undiagnosed Type 2.

We are working to make sure that those affected by diabetes get the best care and support they need to live well with their condition and avoid life-changing complications.  We're leading the way by funding critical research, improving healthcare and treatment so we can reach our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.

Diabetes UK staff are motivated and experienced and extremely passionate about helping people affected by diabetes.  We have been fighting for people with diabetes for more than 80 years and changed millions of lives thanks to the new treatments, technology and policy changes we've been behind.

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

We're a diverse bunch and as a charity we recognise and respect the value of everyone.

We've recently been awarded a One Star Accreditation status by Best Companies.  And this year we were named 65th in the top 100 not-for-profit organisations in the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For list. 

We're committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect all staff and volunteers to actively support this commitment.

We have a vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.  If you’d like to be part of that, why not join us? 

To learn more about the work we do - Click here

Diabetes UK