Rural Community Halls Advisor & Partnerships Lead

Community Engagement and Support

• Provide tailored advice, guidance, training, and practical support to voluntary groups, village and community hall committees, and other stakeholders—primarily within rural communities—on:
  • Governance, management, statutory requirements, and the sustainable development of village and community halls
  • Charity law, compliance, and recognised good practice
  • Funding opportunities, grant applications, and income generation
• Develop, maintain, and distribute up-to-date information resources, including guidance notes, model policies, templates, and promotional materials relevant to village and community halls at local, regional, and national levels.
• Coordinate and support a countywide membership network or forum for village and community halls, including membership administration, communications, promotional activity, and stakeholder engagement.
• Produce and distribute the bi-monthly Village Halls Newsletter and contribute regular content to organisational publications, including Village Viewpoint, Monthly e-bulletin, and the Annual Report.
• Support the development and delivery of projects and initiatives that strengthen the role of village halls as sustainable hubs for rural community life and wellbeing.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with local authorities, statutory agencies, funders, and community stakeholders to ensure rural community needs are recognised and reflected in policy development, funding opportunities, and service provision.
• Represent Northamptonshire ACRE at relevant meetings, committees, events, and partnership forums at local, regional, and national levels.
• Deliver presentations, workshops, and training sessions to community groups, local authorities, parish councils, and other stakeholders as required.
• Contribute to media and communications activity, including press releases, newspaper articles, website content, and media interviews, in line with organisational policy and communications practice.
• Maintain accurate records, monitor activities, and produce reports on work undertaken, ensuring timely updates to webpages and organisational systems.
• Organise and support events, workshops, conferences, and community engagement activities linked to the work of the Rural Team and Village Halls Adviser role.
• Work flexibly, including attendance at evening and occasional weekend meetings and events where required.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level and scope of the post, as directed by the Chief Executive.

Partnership Building and Stakeholder Management

Act as a trusted and impartial adviser, facilitating constructive dialogue and balancing the interests of communities, stakeholders, and partner organisations.

Training, Policy, and Advocacy

• Deliver training, workshops, and advisory support to communities, parish councillors, volunteers, and community facility representatives on the effective running of a community facility, governance, and related issues.
• Promote and share examples of good practice, innovative approaches, and successful case studies across rural communities and partner networks.
• Contribute to the development, review, and promotion of policies and strategies affecting rural communities, village halls, and affordable rural housing.
• Advocate for the needs and priorities of rural communities within local and regional policy discussions and partnership initiatives.

Project Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor and evaluate projects and activities to ensure delivery against agreed objectives, funding requirements, and organisational priorities.
• Prepare and submit regular progress reports, funding updates, and performance information as required by funders and senior management.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with data protection legislation and organisational procedures.
• Submit quarterly work reports, monthly timesheets, and other administrative requirements in a timely manner.

Professional Development and Team Contribution

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments, legislation, funding opportunities, and best practice relating to rural communities, village halls, community development, and affordable housing.
• Participate in relevant professional development, networking opportunities, conferences, and training events at local and national levels.
• Contribute positively to the effectiveness and development of Northamptonshire ACRE’s Rural Team, supporting collaborative working and organisational objectives.
• Demonstrate flexibility, initiative, and a commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of the role.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…