Social Engagement Officer: Developing People

This is a new post designed to support the Engagement offer at Westminster Abbey as it enters a new phase of development. The post-holder will be joining the department, formed in 2022 to deepen visitor engagement with Westminster Abbey. The team has been trialling different ways of engaging new audiences and wants to develop this further in line with Abbey strategies.

The post holder will build on skills and employment opportunity-based programmes which the team has been trialling over the last few years with staff, volunteers and community organisations. Examples of these include a volunteer training to deliver guided tours of the Abbey; programmes for staff which give them enrichment opportunities and develop their understanding of the Abbey and its narrative; programmes like the World of Work programme developed with the King's Trust for young people to give them experience of the workplace

They will also develop and deliver new engagement projects for children, young people and adults that prioritise developing skills and employment opportunities with community organisations. In line with the department strategy and social engagement policy, the Developing People offer focuses on broadening access and deepening personal engagement inspired by the Abbey's working life and history.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the Abbey's skills and employability offer, including tours, workshops and activities for a broad range of audiences through programmes such as World of Work and opportunities for uniformed groups.
• Build and develop relationships with community partners, identifying new opportunities that draw on skills from across the Abbey and support its Social Engagement objectives.
• Develop and oversee work placements and internal development opportunities, including work shadowing, placements and secondments, ensuring high standards of safeguarding and wellbeing.
• Coordinate and promote employability and skills programmes, working with colleagues and partners to manage programme administration, marketing and engagement, and support the growth of the Engagement Ambassador programme.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of programmes, developing effective evaluation methods, maintaining accurate data and using insights to inform future activities and measure success.
• Work collaboratively across the Engagement team and wider Abbey, including developing digital content, recruiting and supporting Engagement Volunteers and Ambassadors, and contributing to adult, family and community programmes where required.

About you

• A strong knowledge and understanding of informal learning, community work or youth engagement, with confidence in using a variety of learning and development approaches.
• Bring significant relevant experience or a degree in a relevant subject, with experience developing and delivering creative engagement events or projects on time and within budget.
• A confident and effective communicator, able to engage successfully with a wide range of audiences, with public speaking skills being an advantage.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, commission and oversee external suppliers, and develop engaging trails, guides and supporting materials.
• A collaborative, proactive and creative team player, bringing an energetic, solutions-focused and innovative approach to their work, with experience of developing digital materials being an advantage.
• Can appreciate and communicate the Abbey's role as a living church and worshipping community to people of all faiths and none, and is committed to the Abbey's values and to promoting diversity through its engagement work.

Working Hours

These are 40 hours per week, and the full-time equivalent hours are 40 hours per week. The post holder will be required to work over weekends and occasional evenings.

Onsite Arrangements

As a working church and a major visitor attraction, being present on site allows our teams to deliver exceptional experiences and maintain the unique atmosphere of the Abbey. Working on site each day is the default expectation for all staff to promote collaboration and connection.

Where a role is suited to remote working, staff may have the flexibility to work off-site for up to 40% of their time each week, with the remainder spent at the Abbey. To keep our teams strong and responsive, roles may require presence on specific days, and we need at least half of each team to be on site from Monday to Friday.

Annual Holidays

The full-time holiday entitlement is 33 days per annum, including recognised public holidays.

Training

On-site training will be provided in all aspects of the job. Any further training needs will be assessed through the probation period and in annual appraisals.

Staff Discount

All employees receive a 20% discount on purchases from the Westminster Abbey shop and a 30% discount on purchases from the take-away catering outlets

Pension Scheme and Life Assurance

All employees can join a Group Personal Pension plan, where the minimum employee contribution is 3% and the maximum employer contribution is 9% (as determined by the level of the employee contribution). You will be auto-enrolled into our qualifying workplace pension scheme after 3 months, if you meet the eligibility criteria.

All employees are covered by death-in-service life assurance, whether or not they choose to join the pension scheme.

Season Ticket Loan

A season ticket loan is offered after completion of the probationary period, repayable over 10 months.

Safeguarding

Westminster Abbey is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk. To prevent them from harm, we undertake appropriate checks (including the relevant level of criminal record check) on staff and volunteers and require them to complete relevant safeguarding training. This post requires a enhanced level criminal record check.