Community Action SuffolkRecruitment PackCommunity Food PartnershipManager Dear ApplicantThank you for your interest in working for CAS and the role weare currently advertising.CAS is a diverse and responsive organisation and I am incrediblyproud to lead such a trusted and passionate team. Our enabling workhas such a positive impact on VCFSE organisations and thecommunities they serve.This application pack should provide you with all the information youneed about the role, as well an idea as to what CAS is all about,what we do and where we see our future.We achieve this through our high performing and motivated staffteam as well as our person centred approach to our work keepingpeople and communities at the heart of what we do. As well asmaking a difference in our communities you will find that the CASteam provide a friendly and collaborative environment to work in andno two days are the same.I hope that you will find this opportunity both interesting and excitingand will consider submitting an application to join us. Hannah Reid, Chief Executive www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkWelcome from Hannah Reid, ChiefExecutive of Community Action Suffolk About CASWe exist to ensure the sector is supported, safe and sustainable. We provide(or signpost) whatever is needed behind the scenes to enable this, so thesector can concentrate on doing what it does best – making Suffolk anincredible place in which to live and work. CAS supports organisations in thesector to enable them to operate more effectively. We provide a voice fororganisations and groups who may not otherwise be heard and representtheir interests to the private and public sectors. We do this throughconferences, workshops, events, specialist networks, and by consultation withthe sector. We work closely with a wide variety of partners from other sectorsincluding Suffolk County Council, Borough and District Councils, Town andParish Councils, Health and Police, along with partners from the privatesector such as New Anglia Local Economic Partnership and local businesses.All these parties have a vital role in improving the lives of people in Suffolkand by working together we ensure Suffolk is the best place it can be for allthose living and working here.Our VisionCommunity ActionSuffolk’s vision is thatSuffolk is a countywhere every communityaspires, thrives andgrows.Our MissionCommunity Action Suffolk’smission is to strengthen andchampion community action inSuffolk by supporting thevoluntary, community and socialenterprise (VCFSE) sector in itswork. www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkOur mission is underpinned by our 4 Strategic Priorities...1.Focus on sustainableincome growth toensure CAS remains anessential business inSuffolk, driven bycontinuousimprovement2.Deliver high qualityneeds-led serviceswhich enable Suffolk’sVCFSE sector todeliver projects,activities & services inour communities in asafe, robust &sustainable way3. Promote the 4functions of localinfrastructure toincrease awareness &understanding of ourrole with keystakeholders4. Champion, promote& advocate for, theVCFSE sector inSuffolk in order tocreate & maintaininfluential, equitable &beneficial relationshipsacross sectorswww.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkOur values representwho we are, how we work, ouraspirations, purpose, & ourgoals. Chosen by our staff team, wereflect them in everything we doboth internally and externally. PersonCentredEnablingCollaborativeTrustedResponsiveCAS VALUESwww.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkThe role at a glanceHours - 37.5 hours per week Salary - £34,170 per annumStart date - As soon as possible Location - Community Action Suffolk, Brightspace, Ipswich- regular travelling around the county is requiredAccountable to - Deputy Director of Operations and Business Development Contract term - Fixed Termto 30 November 2026thApplication deadline - Applications for this role will be reviewed and considered on anongoing basis until the role is filled. Interviews will be arrangedaccording to availability. We therefore encourage you to submit your application at theearliest opportunity to avoid disappointment, as we reserve theright to close this job listing once a successful candidate isappointed. Should you not hear from us within 7 working days from receipt ofyour application, you have not been selected for an interview. Completed applications should be sent tosusan.butler@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk or via post toSusan Butler, Community Action Suffolk, 160 Hadleigh Road,Ipswich, IP2 0HH. www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkMAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESProvide line management, support and development to the Community Food TeamEffectively line manage our Team of Community Food Partnership OfficersProvide strategic leadership to realise the outcomes of the project and meet funder requirements, includingagreed targets and KPIsWork with partners and colleagues to identify new opportunities that would enhance this area of CAS’swork and help work towards the legacy pillar of the project – leaving a sustainable footprint after the fundedperiod.To ensure effective reporting of the impact of activities delivered by the Team through capturing andrecording outputs, outcomes, stories and case studiesEnsure regular monitoring and reporting to appropriate bodies, including regular contact with Suffolk CountyCouncil, presenting at the Tackling Poverty Subgroup and Collaborative Communities Board as appropriateEnsure all finance processes and budget responsibility are managed timely and efficiently To provide strategic oversight and build effective partnerships with stakeholders, key partners andacross sectors to drive the development and delivery of the projectWork closely with Suffolk County Council Poverty team and District and Borough Council CommunitiesTeams to ensure joined up delivery against the Poverty Strategy and other relevant policies and strategiesContinually review and develop solutions to challenges faced by Food Projects and the wider Suffolksystem – supporting the Team to improve processes and build strong relationships within the voluntary,statutory and private sectorsScan and research innovative and successful approaches to providing infrastructure support to FoodProjects within Suffolk determined by intelligence and evidence of need Provide line management, support and development to the Community Food TeamTo provide strategic oversight and build effective partnerships with stakeholders, key partners and acrosssectors to drive the development and delivery of the projectTo be an ambassador for CAS supporting and promoting CAS’s diverse range of products and servicesTo be a positive and flexible member of a high performing, innovative and enterprising CAS team.JOB DESCRIPTIONJOB PURPOSEREPORTS TO: Deputy Director ofOperations & Business DevelopmentJOB TITLE: Community Food PartnershipManagerHOURS: 37.5 hours per weekSALARY: £33,500 per annumTERM: Fixed term until 30 November2026LOCATION: Office base Brightspace,Ipswich with blended home workingTo maintain oversight of the Suffolk Food Partnership and contribute to the development of the SuffolkSustainable Food Strategy – supporting the development of strategic partners and effective local workingrelationships with statutory, private and VCFSE sectors to position CAS as an organisation ready and ableto support Suffolk’s Food ProjectsLead on communications and advocacy for the project – raising the profile of the project and increasingawareness of the wider Suffolk Food System and support services i.e., devising campaigns with the team topromote key initiatives, such as, volunteering within Food ProjectsDevelop and maintain processes to enable access to resources to ensure positive action withincommunities, including the development of pilot projects to test new approaches and ways of working i.e.,improving the sustainability of food supply or strengthening links to local growers and producersTo maintain oversight of the development of a bespoke Training Programme to support safe, robust andsustainably run Food Projects To be an ambassador for CAS supporting and promoting CAS’s diverse range of products and servicesDevelop and maintain an expert working knowledge about the diverse range of CAS’s products and servicesand seek to raise awareness and promote these locally and wherever possibleBe a first point of contact to share knowledge about who to turn to for support in CASTo work with the wider CAS team to raise awareness of CAS’s Community Food Partnership Project so theycan promote CAS’s diverse range of projects to their stakeholder groupsActively promote the benefits of CAS networkTo be a positive and flexible member of a high performing, innovative and enterprising CAS teamTo maintain with the team a library of resources and signposting material including online and digitalresources ensuring they are kept current and up to dateTo work collaboratively with colleagues to find solutions to issues as they ariseEffectively communicate and promote the benefits of the Community Food Partnership projectAttributesKnowledge,Experience andSkillEssentialDesirableAt least two year’s experience of workingin people management (AP, I)A good understanding of projectmanagement (AP, I)Ability to think strategically, problem solveand identify opportunities using data andanalysis (AP, I)Experience of working in collaborationand developing effective trustingpartnerships (AP, I)Excellent presentation skills and the abilityto share and disseminate knowledge andlearning in a range of different settings(AP, I)Experience in organising and managingpriorities and time (AP)The ability to communicate at all levelsand to a diversity of audiences withexcellent listening skills (AP, I)High level of IT competency including useof online platforms such as zoom, Teamsas well as Microsoft 365 and databases(AP)Experience of managing budgets (AP, I)Experience of setting and working totargets within an outcome framework (AP,I)An understanding of Food Poverty, itscauses and its impact on individuals andcommunities (AP, I) Demonstrableexperience of supporting and developingthe VCFSE sector and working to helpachieve broader (AP, I) Goodunderstanding and experience of how torun and lead successful communicationcampaigns (AP, I)A commitment to CAS, our values and an understanding of our services (AP, I)A commitment to tackling inequalities, promoting diversity and inclusion across all services(AP)Excellent team player with a positive attitude, flexible and a can-do attitude to “muck in”where required (AP)A collaborative and solution-based approach to solving problems.(AP, I)Ability to self-manage, organise, balance, and deliver against a range of competing priorities(AP, I)An ability to contribute to an emotionally healthy and fun working environment (AP)Frequent travel around the county and so an ability to travel within Suffolk or further afield asnecessary (AP, I)PERSON SPECIFICATION Assessmentmethods: I –Interview / P-Presentation / AP-Application Form / T- Test How to Apply  To apply you will need to complete our application form.  You can find a link to the application form below: https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/about-cas/vacancies/As part of your application you will be asked to:• Tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your skills and experiencedemonstrate your suitability for the role.• Provide full details of your education and employment history including dates• Include how you have demonstrated the CAS values of: Person Centred,Collaborative, Trusted, Responsive and Enabling within your supportingstatement• Provide details of two referees. One of your referees should be your current ormost recent employer. All posts are subject to satisfactory references as detailedin the selection process section below. If you would like to have an information discussion about the role, please contactSusan Butler on 01473 345400 or emailSusan.butler@communityactionsuffolk.org.ukYour completed application form should be sent toSusan.butler@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk or posted to CommunityAction Suffolk, Brightspace, 160 Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, IP2 0HH. Please markyour application for the attention of Susan Butler.When submitting an application please state where you saw the post advertised.www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkto completing our Application FormCAS aims to ensure that comparison between applicants for posts is thorough, fairand in line with our Equal Opportunities Policy. It is therefore essential that youcomplete the application form fully as it will be used to assess whether or not youare shortlisted for an interview.Please ensure you fully read the Job Description and Person Specification for therole before completing the application form. The application form is in two sections and section A and the Equal OpportunitiesForm will be separated from the application before being given to the recruitmentpanel for shortlisting. Your application will be assessed against the responses you provide in section B.Please ensure you relate your answers on your application to the requirements setout in the person specification and where possible provide examples. Pleaseaddress each point in sufficient detail as incomplete sections may impact on thelikelihood of your application being shortlisted.Please do not send us a CV as part of your application or to apply for the role. Wewill only consider candidates who have completed the application form. If there isinsufficient space on the application form, you may attach supplementary sheetsbut please include your name and the position you are applying for. www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkReferees Selection ProcessShortlisted candidates will be contacted and offered an interview date and time.Candidates will be notified of the method of interview. If the interview is face to faceyou will be notified of the location the interviews will be held and provided withdirections. All interviews will be confirmed via email once agreed. As part of the interviews candidates will be required to take part in a discussion orpresentation about our CAS values. The format for this discussion will be confirmedwhen the interview date and time is accepted.We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitmentprocess and we will always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print, or youwould like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us atlouise.bradshaw@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk or call 01473 345400 and ask tospeak to a member of the HR Team. Alwaysask your referees permission before giving their contact details for yourapplication. One of your referees should be your current or most recent employer/linemanager, academic tutor or a volunteer manager if applicable. Please do not givedetails of family and friends. Referees will only be contacted after an offer has been made and accepted. We willconfirm with you before we approach your referees.Accessibility and Adjustmentswww.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkEquality, Diversity and Inclusion CASis an equal opportunitiesemployerwhichwelcomesapplications from allsections of the community. Everyone can expect to be treated with consideration and respect and CAS iscommitted to providing an inclusive environment for all. Good working relationshipsenable the full potential, creativity and productivity of each individual, in anatmosphere where everyone can learn and work without prejudice, discrimination orharassment. The application pack contains an Equal Opportunities Form which we encourage youto complete and return with your application. Please be assured that this form is notpart of the application process and it is removed prior to the shortlisting process.The data we obtain from these forms is analysed to support our commitment to equalopportunities and the information will be used to help guide our recruitment strategies.www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkBenefits of working for CAS Ourpeople are passionate about what wedo and thedifference it makes to thecommunities we work in and the people that live in Suffolk. Working in theVoluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector has never been moreinteresting, offering talented people the opportunity to innovate, use their skillsand expertise to make a difference. We recognise that our people are central to what we do and the services weprovide. We are committed to creating positive and fulfilling roles and providingenvironments where people flourish, develop and have the opportunity to make areal difference in delivering good quality services. The benefits we offer to colleagues to support them in delivering their crucial roleincludes the following:Blended working where role allowsFlexible working options to support work/life balance33 days increasing to a maximum 36 (FTE) annualholiday which includes an allowance for bank holidaysUp to 4% matched pension contribution 2 days pro rata volunteering days to support volunteering in SuffolkStaff Discounts Scheme for a range of retailers including; shopping,holidays, insurance, eating out and health and leisure activitiesCompany Sick Pay SchemeContinued Professional Development for job related developmentFamily Friendly policies and practices Tailored induction www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkWhy work for Community Action Suffolk?Here's what our staff have to say... "When I started working at Community Action Suffolk, I was taking a leap from part time work around my young family toworking full time. They assured me that flexible working was in place and now, nearly two years on, I wish I had joined sooner!CAS ensures there doesn’t have to be a choice between being a parent, or working, by allowing for there to be a healthywork-life balance. The team is amazing, everyone supports each other, it really is a joy to come to work and see colleagues.Everyone is valued and, as an organisation, the staff really are kept at the heart of the work they do. Training opportunities,personal CPD and staff progression are encouraged, which allows for personal and professional growth at your own pace.The projects that CAS run are really varied, but everyone supports each other and genuinely takes interest in what is going onwithin the community. I feel fortunate to be part of a fantastic organisation who I am proud to represent and work for."  recently moved from working in the intense investments industry to Community Action Suffolk. I have really appreciated thechange in working environment, and the care CAS gives their employees. From my first day, I felt welcomed and part of theteam. The inductions provided to me, gave me an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how CAS operates, andeverything that it has to offer. Being a Support Services Assistant and part of the Reception team, I enjoy meeting such avariety of people and everyday has something new to offer. I would describe CAS as a very open, welcoming and friendlyplace to work. "Having worked in the corporate world for over 30years. Working for CAS has been like a breath offresh air. I received a very warm and professionalinduction. The staff are extremely helpful, friendly andnothing is too much trouble. A thoroughly enjoyableplace to work."“Well, what can I say! I’ve been here since 1998 and I can honestly say I fell into my first job here purely by chance. I didn’tknow anything about the charity or what it did at that point, and I applied on a whim! I liked the sound of it. I started as a part timesecretary and librarian (for the smallest library ever!). Since then, I have undertaken various roles at CAS and within one of itspredecessor organisations, varying from working with Village Halls, being the Rural Transport Partnership Officer, QualityStandards Officer, Reception and Buildings Supervisor and Community Oil Buying Co-ordinator! Pretty varied roles I’m sure you’llagree. Currently my work is around undertaking Research and supporting our Network Membership scheme. The one consistentthing throughout my time with CAS is the lovely people you get to meet and work with. That is the overriding comment madewhen people join or leave the organisation, that everyone here is lovely and that we all work as a team. Though many of us workin different areas, on different projects and at different times of the day and week and from different locations, there is alwayssomeone around who you can bounce ideas around with, ask for help from or simply have a chat with.”“Every day is different at CAS because the services we offer are so varied, and you never quite know what ideas or challenges ourcustomers will want support with. This provides lots of opportunities to connect and collaborate with colleagues across theorganisation, who may be working with the same people, or have relevant knowledge or skills to support you with your work.Working in this way is a great way to get to know colleagues across different teams and to share ideas and experiences, and staff arevery supportive of each other.As an organisation, CAS enables staff to have an effective work life balance, through blended working policies, and flexibility withworking hours when needed. Due to this, I have been able to move from part time working into a full time role that fits around mycommitments as a parent.In the 6 years I have worked for CAS I have been able to progress through variety of roles. Having started at CAS as the receptionist,this gave me a great understanding of the wide range of services and support that CAS provides. I have been given the opportunity toundertake training, learn new skills and work on a variety of projects over the years and now co-ordinate 2 projects within theorganisation.” "CAS show they care for their employees. As I had dedicated 10years to customer service at XXXX, I was nervous about moving onto a new career, but CAS has definitely proved most beneficial forme and my family. My health and wellbeing have improvedmassively and the work environment, including all the staff, havebeen most welcoming – it’s a joy to be at work." www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkGet intouchTo find out more about CommunityAction Suffolk please visit ourwebsitewww.communityactionsuffolk.org.ukCall us on 01473 345400or emailinfo@communityactionsuffolk.org.ukwww.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolk