ReachOut Plus

Job Description

Title:General Manager

Responsible to:The Board of Trustees, via the Chair

Staff Responsible for:Administration support staff, project managers and their teams covering 3 sites in St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and Chellington.

Based at:St Albans Office

Hours of Work:37 hours per week (full-time)

Purpose

To support the Charities overall objective of creating opportunities that change people’s lives, particularly young people and those with physical disabilities, mild to moderate learning disabilities, autism & special needs.

ReachOut Plus are looking for a General Manager to lead through strong management with clear drive and focus, who will inspire staff and volunteers to deliver the aims and objectives of the organisation, maintaining the highest level of delivery and accountability.

To manage the day to day running of the charity and the various projects that are delivered through the Waterways Experience, the Chellington Centre, the Enable project, the Circles of Support project, and through Fundraising.

Working with the project leads to develop the organisation, lead and empower staff and volunteers to deliver the opportunities made available.

Key tasks:

  1. Supporting and developing existing projects including the Chellington Centre, the canal boat Waterways Experience, the Enable holiday program, and the Circles of Support program.
  1. Ensuring that procedures are in place for the effective management, training and development of staff and volunteers, support and communications.
  1. Working with the Board of Trustees to budget and monitor the expenditure related to projects, and ensuring that effective strategies and detailed plans are in place for marketing, fundraising, and individual project areas, in relation to all aspects of work.
  1. Monitoring, evaluating and reviewing programs of activity related to all projects.
  1. Representing ReachOut Plus in meetings with key state holders.
  1. Working with the Board of Trustees on the strategic planning and direction of the organisation.
  1. Working with the Board of Trustees in the delivery of effective governance across all areas of the organisation.
  1. People and Financial Management To:
  1. Ensure that clear targets and objectives are established and maintained for all staff and volunteers to enable them to deliver their role within the organisation.
  2. Provide effective line management, clear direction and day to day supervision to all staff and volunteers, motivating and supporting them to deliver against their objectives and the overall plan for the charity.
  3. Monitor charity expenditure and costs against agreed budget . funding guidelines and ensure ReachOut plus operates cost effectively at all times.
  4. Recruit and train staff or volunteers, providing work ‘buddies’ where appropriate to ensure effective training (databases, protocols, products, services, sales etc) is delivered as part of their induction and/or ‘on the job’.
  5. Carry out quarterly and annual staff appraisals to ensure individual objectives and personal development plans are consistently being met.
  6. Attend and contribute to Trustee meetings, presenting a management report and providing constructive data to enable the Trustees to effectively govern the organisation.
  7. Act as the primary liaison point between the ReachOut Plus team, donors (existing and new) and the Board of Trustees and ensure two way communications at all times.

B. Operations and Delivery To:

  1. Monitor and manage our people resource against the demands of our service, taking into account contractual arrangements, staff performance, annual leave, sickness cover, etc.
  2. Ensure adherence to Employment, Health and Safety, Data Protection, Child Protection, Safeguarding, Disclosure and Barring Service checks and ensure compliance with the policies of ReachOut Plus and its ethical codes of practice.
  3. Effectively delegate tasks as appropriate to other key members of staff, ensuring they take ownership of their areas of responsibility and share workload.
  4. Handle complaints and grievances from customers, clients, staff or volunteers, ensuring a timely response and work within the appropriate policies as set down by the organisation.
  5. Oversee the maintenance of buildings and property and ensure running repairs and cleaning contracts are regularly reviewed and upheld.
  6. Line manages and works with the Marketing Assistant to maintain and develop website content, social media and all other areas of promotions.
  7. Work with the Charity Administrator in the day to day management of the charities finances, record keeping, debtor and creditor management, payroll, and financial reporting.
  8. Oversee and/or play an active role in negotiations with suppliers as appropriate.

C.Development To:

  1. Actively contribute to the growth and strategic direction of the charity and delivery of its business plan.
  2. Be the day to day contact and help to steer the Fundraising department, ensuring effective implementation of our fundraising and marketing strategy to increase our profile and secure more sustainable income.
  3. Take the lead on development initiatives as appropriate.
  4. Establish and maintain relationships / partnerships to promote the organisation amongst the local community and identify new areas to extend our work and outreach program.

D. GeneralTo:

  1. Keep abreast of and conform to any legislation relevant to our services in consultation with the Board of Trustees.
  2. Safeguard at all times the confidentiality of information relating to children, families, staff and volunteers.
  3. Ensure that all within the team have a grasp of the Charity’s structure, values and purpose and have opportunities for involvement in its further development.
  4. Promote and foster ROP’s reputation and standing within the community and with private, statutory and voluntary sector agencies and organisations.
  5. Attend staff and department meetings as and when required.
  6. Perform other duties not specified in the job description, but which may be reasonably expected of a General Manager and as directed by the Board of Trustees.

E. Post Requirements:

  1. Owner – Driver essential.
  2. Knowledge of Child Protection, Equal Opportunities, Diversity and Data Protection essential.
  3. Knowledge of voluntary and/or health sectors, disability awareness and safeguarding essential.
  4. Knowledge of the principles of fundraising and/or marketing desirable.
  5. Proven planning and organisation skills essential.
  6. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels are essential.
  7. The ability to lead and motivate diverse groups of people, and a ‘can do’ attitude is essential.
  8. A proven ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team, as well as the ability to manage time effectively, prioritise and juggle a varied workload is essential.
  9. A good level of computer literacy and database skills, including the ability to use finance systems is essential.
  10. A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail is essential.
  11. A good negotiation and diplomacy skill, with the ability to network confidently with a variety of stakeholders isdesirable.
  12. Proven experience of project management is essential.
  13. Budget management, including forecasting, cash flow, financial control, is essential.
  14. Proven experience of managing and motivating staff and volunteers is essential.
  15. Experience of fundraising e.g. from community, trusts, businesses etc, is desirable.
  16. Able to work irregular and/or extended hours, including occasional weekends, is essential.
  17. Able to attend and represent the charity at a variety of event s and meetings as required is essential.
  18. Excellent presentation skills.
  19. Confident and good rapport with young people.

NOTES

The philosophy of the Charity is based on a team approach. Staff regardless of grade or discipline, are required to participate in this concept. The role of volunteers is integral with the work of ReachOut Plus and paid staff are required to underpin this in their attitude and actions.

All staff must be sympathetic and supportive of the Charities Mission, Vision and Values and have particular regard to the welfare and safety of all who use our services.

The Charity has in place provision for staff support. Please ask the Chair of Trustees for further details.

ReachOut Plus is very much a team and indeed a “family”. All members of staff are encouraged to support the various social and fundraising events which are part of its day to day life.

Health and Safety An extract from the summary of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1979 states:-

"Employees at Work: It is the duty of every employee while at work to carry out their work in a manner which is safe and free from risk to the health of himself/herself and other persons who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions. It is an employee's duty to assist and co-operate with his/her employer in complying with any relevant statutory regulations imposed on his/her employer".

This Job Description may change and the duties listed are not exhaustive, but such change will only be made following consultation between the (relevant) "Manager" and the post holder. A job description review automatically takes place as part of the Performance Management process.

Signature of Line Manager

Signatureof Employee:

Date: