VENTURE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Centre Manager

Reports to: Director

Responsible for:Receptionist, Caretaker, Tutors, Stewards and Volunteers

Salary: pro rata of £27,054(28 hours a week worked flexibly).

Hours: 28 hours per week

The purpose of the role is to be responsible for all aspects of operational management of the Venture Centre, working with the Director to ensure that systems of external and internal accountabilityare implemented effectively.

  • The post holder will line manage all administrative staff (including the Receptionist, Caretaker and Stewards) and all tutors, trainees and volunteers working at the Venture Centre and Notting Hill Adventure Playground.
  • The post holder will deputise for the Director when required.
  • The post holder will ensure that Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety Regulations and all other statutory regulations are complied with and will develop robust systems and procedures to monitor compliance.
  • The post holder will be responsible for all aspects of central administration, centre management and file management and will ensure that all systems are in place and followed for the effective delivery of projects.
  • The post holder will work with the Director and Receptionist to develop monitoring forms and monitoring procedures which provide the Trustees, Director, RBKC and all other funders with the monitoring information they require.
  • The post holder will work with the Director and other senior managers to maximise revenue opportunities and publicity for the Venture Centre and Notting Hill Adventure Playground.
  • The post holder will assist the Director in servicing the Management Committee of the Venture Community Association, including attending and minuting board meetings.
  • Given the nature of our organisation, there will be a number of occasions on which evening and/or weekend work will be required, and for this Time Off In Lieu will be granted.
  • This post will continue to grow and evolve over time, and as such duties will be varied and the post holder will be required to have a flexible and positive attitude towards change.

Key Performance areas and responsibilities

Staff Management and Supervision

  • Manage thecommunity centre staff , tutors and volunteers to ensure appropriate staffing at all times
  • Supervise staff through guidance, encouragement and feedback to deliver a quality service
  • Develop staff through mentoring, coaching and training as appropriate
  • Work with the Director to recruit staff and conduct reviews and appraisals

Monitoring and Reporting

  • Report both verbally and in writing as required to the Director and the Management Committee, including advice on issues affecting health and safety and compliance with other statutory regulations
  • Ensure that systems and processes are in place to provide RBKC and all other funders with the monitoring information and progress reports which they require
  • Ensure that all staff and tutors employed by the VCA and all groups working in partnership with the VCA complete attendance registers and class/course reports which give funders the monitoring information they require
  • Work with the Community Liaison Officer to provide monitoring reports to the Trustees, Director, RBKC and other funders, and ensure that all required reports are submitted in an appropriate and timely fashion

Administration and Finance

  • Ensure appropriate administrative and financial control of the VCA’s premises
  • Be responsible for all aspects of premises management
  • Ensure that all records are kept in accordance with the policy directives of the management and statutory bodies
  • Work with the Director and Finance Officer to develop an annual budget, and then ensure that the budget is adhered to throughout the year
  • Initiate and participate in income-generating initiatives and activities (including fundraising applications and promotional events)
  • Maintain detailed and accurate records of all cash collected or expended in the course of normal operations
  • Work with the Children’s Services Manager to ensure that all equipment meets Health & Safety and OFSTED standards
  • Work with the Children’s Services Manager to undertake regular risk assessments and undertake any required remedial action
  • Support the Director with key aspects of operational management (including annual reviews of policies and procedures, staff contracts, DBS checks, OFSTED requirements, and user group contracts)
  • Ensure systems for recording time, attendance and annual leave are complied with
  • Organise the programme of staff meetings
  • Keep a log of all User complaints and respond accordingly
  • Ensure that insurance and all other supplier contracts are reviewed and renewed annually
  • Ensure that all users/user groups have been supplied with appropriate instructions, policies and procedures, have signed the necessary agreements, and are paying the appropriate fees and/or subscriptions

Resource Management

  • Work with the Director and other senior managers to ensure the ongoing development of the building and play structures as a resource for the people of North Kensington
  • Maintain an inventory of all equipment purchased by the VCA
  • Be responsible for the safety, security and proper functioning of all activities, buildings and equipment on the site to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the registration requirements imposed under the Children Act 1989 and all other relevant legislation

Other

  • Carry out other duties as the Director and/or Management Committee may reasonably decide

Person Specification

PERSON SPECIFICATION / ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
Qualifications
Management or other relevant Qualification / x
Knowledge
Knowledge of Health and Safety Regulations and Procedures / x
Knowledge of Equal Opportunities Policies and Procedures / x
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (esp. Word, Excel and Access) / x
Knowledge of OFSTED requirements and procedures / x
Knowledge of the Child Care Bill 2004 / x
Knowledge of Early Years guidelines and regulations / x
Knowledge of the Community / Voluntary Sector / x
Experience
2 years’office management or in a senior role in a similar organisation / x
Experience of working in a diverse multi ethnic environment / x
Experience of working with senior staff / x
Experience of developing/implementing monitoring and reporting procedures / x
Skills
Ability to recruit, supervise and motivate staff and volunteers / x
Ability to manage premises and suppliers / x
Ability to engage with and respond to a wide range of users and user groups / x
Excellent communication skills both orally and in writing / x
Excellent organisational skills / x
Skills in finance administration / x
Ability to write fundraising applications and engage with potential funders / x
Ability to represent the Association at awards ceremonies and other external events / x
Personal Attributes
Friendly and responsive manner / x
Excellent multi-tasking skills / x
Able to liaise with people at all levels / x
Problem-solving approach / x
Flexible attitude to working hours (including evenings and weekends) / x
Relaxed when speaking to senor Council officials, politicians, other senior figures and the media / x

As a post working with (vulnerable) children and vulnerable adults, appointment to this post is subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check, and to approval by OFSTED as a Suitable Person for working with children, plus acceptable references from at least two referees (including current employer).

July 2014