Ironbridge Coracle Trust

Ironbridge Coracle Heritage Project Manager

The Ironbridge Coracle Trust (ICT) works to advance the culture and heritage of the craft of coracles and coracle making in the Ironbridge Gorge and on the River Severn for the benefit of the public.

Our aims are:

- to see the heritage of coracles better interpreted and understood in Ironbridge

- to restore and give access to the last coracles makers workshop on the Severn

- to capture the memories of a fast disappearing generation of local people who remember coracles being used on the river

- to share the skill set required to build, maintain and scull Ironbridge coracles

- to continue the tradition of an annual coracle regatta on the River Severn and

develop it into a river festival

The Ironbridge Coracle Heritage project

Background

The ICT has been awarded a development phase grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund to enable the preparation of a second-round application for a grant to develop the Ironbridge Coracle Heritage project which is aimed at ensuring the continuation of the tradition of the Ironbridge Coracle.

The project will halt the decline of the last historic coracle maker's shed in England, which is situated on the bank of the Severn within the World Heritage Site (WHS) of the Ironbridge Gorge, and help secure the future of the historic craft of coracle making.

The project will stabilise and repair the building and implement a comprehensive interpretation and activity plan.Artefacts from the shed will be conserved and a coracle trail developed across the Gorge; telling the currently undocumented stories of the colourful life of the people who worked the river.

The project will engage with the local community to record the living history of the Rogers, the last coracle makers.

The shed and the proposed Coracle Heritage Centre at the nearby Greenwood Centre will become a focal point for people to learn about the heritage of coracles through training, volunteering, school visits and demonstrations.

Purpose of the job

A project manager is required on short term 9 month contract (3-4 days per week) to support the ICT development of the project to a round 2 application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). There may be an extension to February 2019.

The post holder will recruit and manage the project team required to develop the project to meet the requirements of a round 2 submission. This will include will finalising specifications for project roles (developing interpretation and activity plans, conservation building works), contract management and managing risk and reporting on progress to the steering group.

The post holder will also be responsible for liaison with some key partners to ensure their engagement with the project as well as supporting the ICT to organise and deliver the annual Ironbridge Coracle Regatta.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the ICT steering group to finalise and award contracts to be delivered during the development phase to include the following: site investigations- including archaeological and asbestos, detailed design work with planning submission for change of use and long term maintenance plan and outline specifications for capital works at delivery stage, assessment of condition of collection with some initial treatments, interpretation and activity plans.
  • Day to day management of development phase contracts.
  • Liaison withlocal residents and former friends of Eustace and Harry Rogers to ensure their continued engagement in the development of the project.
  • Plan the training programme and further prepare the hide coracle making apprenticeship for the delivery period
  • Liaison and consultation with key stakeholders, such as Telford and Wrekin Council, Environment Agency, Small Woods Association, Ironbridge Gorge Museums and the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust to ensure plans are in keeping with these organisations visions.
  • Manage the finances of the project, working with the ICT Treasurer and reporting to HLF
  • Develop a business plan for the delivery phase of the project and for maintaining the project outcomes into the future
  • Provision of regular reports, written summaries of progress and achievements of targets to include meetings with the steering group as appropriate.
  • Preparation of information for the second-round application, including timetable, structural plans from consultants, costs and cash flow
  • Working with ICT secretary, identify sources of local external funding, develop and submit applications for funding in order to support thedeliveryphase
  • Work with the ICT to organise and manage the development of the Ironbridge Coracle Regatta into a Community River Festival for 2018
  • Supporting and developing the involvement of volunteers during the development phase.

Person Specification

Experience and Knowledge

  • Demonstrable expertise of tender and procurement management for capital and restoration projects
  • Prior experience of and knowledge of HLF submission management and coordination,
  • Sound understanding of HLF funding application process requirements
  • Experience of engaging the wider community in heritage projects

Skills

  • Robust project management skills, including project mapping, cost control and budget management
  • Preparation of business plans and complex funding applications
  • First class drafting skills, methodical with excellent attention to detail
  • Excellent organisational skills, efficient record management
  • Highly computer literate (MS Office applications),
  • Excellent time management skills, able to prioritise and multi-task in order to meet deadlines

Personal Qualities

  • Effective communicator to develop strong working relationships with trustees, volunteers and external parties
  • Assertive and proactive approach to work
  • Highly organised with ability to work under own initiative to achieve results
  • Outgoing, confident and friendly personality and a good networker – broad background of working with people from all walks of life

Terms of Contract

The Project Manager will be appointed in February 2018and may be self-employed freelance or may be employed by Small Woods Association on a part-time basis for the development phase of the projectdue to end November 2018/Jan 2019. Salary will be in the region of £150 /day for the initial period as freelance, £24,000 pro rata if employed by Small Woods.

Location

The post holder will be based at the Small Woods Association Offices, Green Wood Centre, Coalbrookdale. If freelance they will be home based, and should carry their own relevant insurances.

Management

The post holder will report directly to the ICT steering group. Day to day management of the post holder will be by Jude Pilgrim of the ICT.