COMMUNITY FIRST
6,993.11 per year
Hopton Park, Devizes
Part-time
18th November 2026
Recruitment Pack WALC, Local Councils’ Assistant Job Title: Local Councils’ Assistant Hours: 10 hours per week – ideally split over three days, includes occasional evening and weekends Salary: £6,993.11 gross per annum plus optional 7% employers pension contribution Contract: Fixed term (March 31st 2027 with possible extension). Start date January 2026 Location: The role will be a combination of office and off-site work, with some home working. Office based in Hopton Park, Devizes. This recruitment pack contains: Information about the role (page 2) • • Job description (page 3) • Person specification (page 5) To apply for the role, please complete the application form and return to Nicky Theobald by email: ntheobald@communityfirst.org.uk or by post: Community First, Unit C2 Beacon Business Centre, Hopton Park, Devizes, SN10 2EY Application Deadline 18th November at Midday Community First is an equal opportunities employer. About the Role Job Title: Local Councils’ Assistant Hours: 10 hours per week – ideally split over three days, includes occasional evening and weekends Salary: £6,993.11 gross per annum plus optional 7% employers pension contribution Location: The role will be a combination of office and off-site work, with some home working. Office based in Hopton Park, Devizes. Supervisor: Wiltshire Association of Local Councils, Local County Advisor Community First Community First is a registered charity (288117) based in Devizes. As a member of Action with Communities in Rural England, we support communities across Wiltshire and Swindon. Our Patron is Her Majesty The Queen. Wiltshire Association of Local Councils (WALC) supports and advises parish, town and city councils in Wiltshire and Swindon as they in turn support the communities in which they serve. Local Councils, as the first tier of local government, are in a position where they can really make things happen and make a difference in their communities. WALC endeavours to support and encourage Local Councils by offering guidance, advice and training to councils in membership. WALC has an Executive Committee made up of councillors from across Wiltshire and Swindon. WALC has membership on a variety of regional and local partnerships making sure the voice of local councils is heard, bringing the relevant issues to the fore whenever necessary. WALC has successfully lobbied Government in the past on issues important and central to parish and town councils in Wiltshire and enjoys representation on the NALC National Council and its various committees, offering a local voice at a national level. Due to the nature of the work, you will be required to undertake a satisfactory DBS check. If you would like to find out more about this position, please contact Ian Nockolds, Local County Advisor on: inockolds@communityfirst.org.uk or 07739 084867. Closing date: 18th November at Midday Interview dates: 27th November Community First is an equal opportunities employer. Registered Charity No. 288117. Please contact us if you would like a hard copy application form, or if you require any assistance in applying for this post. Community First is an equal opportunities employer. Registered Charity No. 288117. Community First – Recruitment Pack Page 2 Job Description Wiltshire Association of Local Councils (WALC) Local Councils’ Assistant Job Purpose To assist the Local County Advisor to enable local councils to act within their legal framework. The post holder will support the Local County Advisor to deliver a comprehensive information and advice service to the Wiltshire Association of Local Councils with the gathering and dissemination of information relating to Parish and Town Councils. WALC organises a range of training courses for member councils, for their councillors and council officers, some provided directly by the Local Councils’ Adviser and others bought in from outside. There is regular communication with the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and with other county associations, most particularly with those in the South West. The Local Councils’ Adviser and the Chairman or other designated representative of the Association regularly attend conferences and other meetings held by NALC, either remotely or physically as circumstances permit. Main Responsibilities • To provide assistance in meeting all administrative responsibilities within the post holder’s area of work. • To prepare correspondence, reports, agendas and other documentation. • To take and draft the minutes of Executive Committee meetings, which are generally held in the evening some three or four times a year. • To support the organisation of conferences, seminars, training and workshops. • To acknowledge and log incoming enquiries in the absence of the Local Councils’ Adviser, providing basic information where appropriate and ensuring timely referral or follow-up. • To support the compilations of the monthly newsletter to the WALC membership of news, advice and events. • To carry out other work or contribute to projects which may support the local councils’ service. • To provide cover for the Local Councils’ Adviser during periods of annual leave. General Duties The post-holder will contribute to achieving the overall mission of Community First. • Support the Wiltshire Association of Local Councils and carry out other such general duties as determined by the WALC executive committee. • Assume financial responsibility for own operational budget • Participate in the team working approach of Community First Community First – Recruitment Pack Page 3 • Take responsibility for her / his own development, inform the line manager of any development needs and take part in prescribed development activities • Work within the agreed policies and procedures of Community First • Carry out such other general duties as shall be determined by the Deputy Chief Executive. Support other members of staff as required by the workload and by absences due to leave, sickness etc. • Ensure that office security is maintained and confidences are not breached. Community First is committed to Equal Opportunities and the post holder is expected to be familiar with the Equal Opportunities Policy and to complete his or her duties in a manner consistent with this policy. This job description does not form part of the contract of employment but indicates how the contract should be performed. The job description will be subject to review and amendment in the light of experience and in consultation with the post as part of the annual appraisal process. The responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and would not in themselves justify the re-evaluation of a post. In cases, however, where a permanent and substantial change in the duties of the post occurs, consistent with a higher level of responsibility, then the post would be eligible for re-evaluation. Community First – Recruitment Pack Page 4 Person Specification Local Councils’ Assistant e c n e i r e p x E & e g d e l w o n K , s l l i k S ) s l l i k s l a n o s r e p r e t n I & s l l i k s g n i v l o s m e l b o r p , y t i v i t a e r C ( Essential Desirable Relevant qualification or two years relevant experience. Understanding and experience of using Microsoft Office 365 Experience within the voluntary / community sector. Experience and/or understanding of updating WordPress websites or a willingness to learn Understanding and experience of working with remote meeting platforms, such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom Experience in delivering administration tasks in an office setting Have an understanding of Local Councils and their roles within the community. Experience of how Parish and Town Councils work Experience of organising physical and remote events and training courses Experience of organising event booking systems Experience of working with agendas and production of minutes of meetings. Experience in organising training courses Ability to travel around the County Well-organised, confident and self-motivated. s e t u b i r t t a l a n o s r e P m a e t i , s p h s n o i t a l e r g n d i l i u b , e v i t a i t i n I ( Ability to set own priorities and meet deadlines. Ability to cope under pressure. ) , . c t e a t a d , t n e m p u q e , i g n i k r o w Ability to keep confidences and act with tact and discretion. Tidy and well organised. Flexible approach to working hours and new areas of work. A desire and ability to work in a team setting. Good written and verbal communication skills Community First – Recruitment Pack Page 5
COMMUNITY FIRST
28,203 per year
Hopton Park, Devizes
Full-time
26th January 2026
Recruitment Pack Community Grants Manager Job Title: Community Grants Manager Hours: 22.5 hours per week, includes occasional evening and weekends Salary: £28,203 FTE gross per annum (Actual salary £17,385.41) with 7% employers pension contribution Contract: Permanent Location: The role will be a combination of office, with some home working. Office based in Hopton Park, Devizes. This recruitment pack contains: Information about the role (page 2) • Job description (page 3) • • Person specification (page 5) To apply for the role, please complete the application form and return to Nicky Theobald by email: ntheobald@communityfirst.org.uk or by post: Community First, Unit C2 Beacon Business Centre, Hopton Park, Devizes, SN10 2EY Application Deadline 28th January 2026 at Midday Community First is an equal opportunities employer. About the Role Job Title: Community Grants Manager Hours: 22.5 hours per week, includes occasional evening and weekends Salary: £28,203 FTE gross per annum (actual salary £17,385.41) with 7% employers pension contribution Location: The role will be a combination of office, with some home working. Office based in Hopton Park, Devizes. Supervisor: Deputy CEO | Head of Community & Partnership Development Community First Community First is a registered charity (288117) based in Devizes. As a member of Action with Communities in Rural England, we support communities across Wiltshire and Swindon. Our Patron is Her Majesty The Queen. Community First manages a range of community-focused grant programmes across Wiltshire and Swindon. This includes the Landfill Communities Fund, which provides capital funding for community, environmental and heritage projects near landfill operator sites, and the Wiltshire Community Transport Development Fund, designed to strengthen and expand community and voluntary transport services, trial new provision and support the development of new groups. Community First also administers community benefit funds for projects such as the Bradenstoke Solar Park Community Benefit Fund. Together, these programmes represent a substantial and long-term investment in local community growth, environmental improvement and resilience. Due to the nature of the work, you will be required to undertake a satisfactory DBS check. If you would like to find out more about this position, please contact Harry Tipple, Deputy CEO on: htipple@communityfirst.org.uk or 07802688038. Closing date: 26th of January at Midday Interview dates: 3rd of February 2026 Community First is an equal opportunities employer. Registered Charity No. 288117. Please contact us if you would like a hard copy application form, or if you require any assistance in applying for this post. Community First is an equal opportunities employer. Registered Charity No. 288117. Community First – Recruitment Pack Page 2 Job Description Community Grants Manager Job Purpose The post holder will be responsible for the administration and operation of the Landfill Communities Fund, Community Transport Development Fund, and the administration of other community funds such as the Bradenstoke Solar Park Community Benefit Fund (BSPCBF). Main Responsibilities • Liaise with groups/organisations as required to provide advice and support on the various grants programmes. • Manage the administration of the Landfill Grants Fund, the Community Transport Development Fund and community funds such as the BSPCBF. • Prepare the budgets for the programmes. • Monitor the expenditure of the budgets and report to the Deputy CEO | Head of Community and Partnership Development on a regular basis to update on any deviation from the budgets. • Prepare and present reports on the programmes to funders, decision panel members and Community First Board of Trustees. • Develop good working relationships with ENTRUST staff, respond to any enquiries that arise, cooperate fully in the annual audit, and advice Community First of any additional requirements and changes. • • Liaise with ENTRUST regarding any issues that arise in the preparation and during any grant life. Liaise with the Community Transport staff within Community First and the Passenger Transport Unit of Wiltshire Council in the delivery of the Community Transport Development Fund. • Ensure that Community First is made aware of any changes to the rules/legislation with regard to any of the grants programmes and that appropriate changes are made to any procedures and paperwork. • Lead the support for community groups in identifying and developing eligible projects which will meet with the grant giving policies of both programmes and will meet all regulatory requirements. • Develop and present eligible applications and funding proposals for the consideration of Landfill Communities Fund Panel. • Assist and generally advise community groups in finding additional sources of funding for their projects. • Develop and organise events to publicise the landfill tax grants scheme. • Identify, develop and recommend new lines of work for Community First. Community First – Recruitment Pack Page 3 • Develop close working relationships and good communication with local authorities, funding partners, voluntary organisations, and staff at Community First. • Maintain contact with other grant advisers in the county e.g. The Community Foundation for Wiltshire and Swindon, and Wiltshire Council, to help identify and develop suitable LCF proposals. • Attend Wiltshire and Swindon Funders network meetings. • Attend ENTRUST Communication Forum meetings. • Provide administration support for Community funds such as the BSPCBF annually and report to the committee any concerns that may arise. General Duties The post-holder will contribute to achieving the overall mission of Community First. • Budget holders assume financial responsibility for own operational budget. Non-budget holders ensure expenditure is necessary and within budget constraints. • Participate in the team working approach of Community First • Take responsibility for their own development, inform the line manager of any development needs, and take part in prescribed development activities. • Work within the agreed policies and procedures of Community First. • Carry out such other general duties as shall be determined by the Chief Executive or Deputy CEO. • Support other members of staff as required by the workload and by absences due to leave, sickness etc. • Ensure that office security is maintained and confidences are not breached. Community First is committed to Equal Opportunities and the post holder is expected to be familiar with the Equal Opportunities Policy and to complete his or her duties in a manner consistent with this policy. This job description does not form part of the contract of employment but indicates how the contract should be performed. The job description will be subject to review and amendment in the light of experience and in consultation with the post as part of the annual appraisal process. The responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and would not in themselves justify the re-evaluation of a post. In cases, however, where a permanent and substantial change in the duties of the post occurs, consistent with a higher level of responsibility, then the post would be eligible for re-evaluation. Community First – Recruitment Pack Page 4 Person Specification Community Grants Manager Essential Experience of awarding, managing or applying for grants. Strong knowledge of legislation, accounting requirements and good practice relating to grant awarding and reporting. Desirable Experience within the voluntary / community sector. Experience of working with and managing collaborative groups, ensuring that all parties are supported to contribute. Experience of planning and working towards targets. Experience of developing a grant monitoring database. Experience of efficiently managing and delivering a demanding and varied workload. Experience of developing grant terms and conditions Ability to advise and support community groups and other stakeholders on effective community engagement Good knowledge of GDPR compliance and data protection best practice. Strong knowledge or working with Microsoft 365. Excellent all-round communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely to a range of audiences. Ability to plan and manage budgets effectively. Strong administration skills. e c n e i r e p x E & e g d e l w o n K , s l l i k S ) s l l i k s l a n o s r e p r e t n I & s l l i k s g n i v l o s m e l b o r p , y t i v i t a e r C ( s e t u b i r t t a l a n o s r e P m a e t i , s p h s n o i t a l e r g n d i l i u b , e v i t a i t i n I ( ) , . c t e a t a d , t n e m p u q e , i g n i k r o w Well-organised, confident and self-motivated. Ability to set own priorities and meet deadlines. Ability to cope under pressure. Ability to keep confidences and act with tact and discretion. Tidy and well organised. Flexible approach to working hours and new areas of work. Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as independently Good written and verbal communication skills Community First – Recruitment Pack Page 5
Current Vacancies
As a Disability Confident ‘Committed’ organisation, we have committed to:
- Ensure our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible
- Communicating and promoting vacancies to recruit and retain disabled people
- Offering an interview to disabled people who meet the job requirements and person specification
- Anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required
- Supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work
- Provide at least one employment related opportunity that will make a difference for disabled people
Find out more about Disability Confident at www.gov.uk/disability-confident
Community Grants Manager
Hours: 22.5 hours per week, includes occasional evening and weekendsSalary: £28,203 FTE gross per annum (actual salary £17,385.41) with 7% employers pension contributionContract: PermanentLocation: The role will be a combination of office, with some home working. Office based in Hopton Park, Devizes.
Community First is a registered charity (288117) based in Devizes. As a member of Action with Communities in Rural England, we support communities across Wiltshire and Swindon. Our Patron is Her Majesty The Queen.
Community First manages a range of community-focused grant programmes across Wiltshire and Swindon. This includes the Landfill Communities Fund, which provides capital funding for community, environmental and heritage projects near landfill operator sites, and the Wiltshire Community Transport Development Fund, designed to strengthen and expand community and voluntary transport services, trial new provision and support the development of new groups.
Community First also administers community benefit funds for projects such as the Bradenstoke Solar Park Community Benefit Fund.
Together, these programmes represent a substantial and long-term investment in local community growth, environmental improvement and resilience.
Due to the nature of the work, you will be required to undertake a satisfactory DBS check.
If you would like to find out more about this position, please contact Harry Tipple, Deputy CEO on: htipple@communityfirst.org.uk or 07802688038.
For more information and to apply for the role, please download the recruitment pack and application form (see links below). Completed application forms should be sent to Nicky Theobald ntheobald@communityfirst.org.uk.
Closing date: 26th of January 2026 at Midday.
Interview dates: 3rd of February 2026.
Community First is an equal opportunities employer.
Chair of Trustees
Type: Voluntary (Expenses Paid)Time Commitment: Approx. 15–25 days/yearTerm: 3-year Trustee term, with annual renewal as Chair (up to 2 consecutive terms)
Community First is a leading charity supporting vibrant communities and brighter futures across Wiltshire and Swindon. We are seeking a visionary Chair of Trustees with a passion for local communities to lead our strategic development and governance.
As Chair, you will:
- Lead Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting.
- Support and collaborate with the CEO and Leadership Team.
- Act as a figurehead and advocate for the charity.
- Guide Board development and ensure effective decision-making.
- Uphold the charity’s values, legal compliance and strategic goals.
We are ideally looking for someone with:
- Experience as a Trustee or operating at Board/leadership level.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- A passion for community development and youth services.
- Business, VCSE sector, or partnership experience.
This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on local communities through innovative programmes, including youth services, outdoor education, community development and employability programmes.
For more information about the role, please download the Chair of Trustees Information Pack (see link below).
To apply for the role, please send a short statement (maximum of 2 pages) and a CV to Nicky Theobald at ntheobald@communityfirst.org.uk.
Application Deadline: 31st December 2025Interview Date: January 2025
Volunteer Club Leader – Carer Clubs
Carers Together Wiltshire is looking for Volunteer Club Leaders to support community-based Carer Clubs.
What are Carer Clubs?
Carer Clubs are all about unpaid Carers connecting, having fun, laughing, and looking after their mental well-being! We create spaces where we support Carers in finding a great balance between caring for others and looking after themselves.
Each club tailors their sessions focusing on what the Carer Club members want to do!
We often dive into an activity or listen to an inspiring or informative speaker, followed by a relaxed time with refreshments where Carers can chat, relax, and catch up. Whether it’s playing quizzes, card games, bingo, or just enjoying some extra social time to share stories and experiences – it’s all about making it fun and meaningful for everyone!
What does a Volunteer Club Leader do?
Our Volunteer Club Leaders run our community-based Carer Clubs and create a welcoming space for unpaid Carers at a local venue, where they can relax, unwind, and take a well-deserved break from their caregiving duties! The usual tasks carried out are:
- Organise and join fun monthly Carer Clubs, creating a lively space for Carers to connect and support each other!
- Greet and support new carers, helping them feel at home and encouraging them to sign up with Carers Together Wiltshire.
- Team up with fellow volunteers to create a friendly, open environment for everyone to feel welcome!
- Follow our guidelines to keep all Carers safe, and speak up if something seems worrying.
- Point Carers in the right direction for Carers Together Wiltshire services and other helpful resources.
- Keep track of Carer Club attendance to help us stay organized and on top of things.
As a Club Leader you will also help to promote the club in the local area to encourage unpaid Carers to take a break from their caring role in a fun and friendly environment.
How much time do I need to Commit?
As a Volunteer Club Leader, we ask for a minimum commitment of 3 hours per month at a Carer Club, but if you’re up for it, you’re more than welcome to lead more Clubs throughout the month, your time and energy are always appreciated!
Minimum monthly commitment: 3 hours
Induction Training: Two 2 hours sessions
Along with the initial training, volunteers need to join support and supervision meetings and attend additional training as necessary. We would love for you to come along to Age UK Wiltshire’s Bi-Annual get-togethers too. It’s a great chance to connect and stay updated!
What skills do I need to have?
We’re looking for Volunteers who are excited to take the lead in running a Carers Club and create a positive, welcoming atmosphere for everyone!
- If you’re someone who’s empathetic to the needs of unpaid carers and are friendly, patient, reliable, and approachable, we’d love to hear from you.
- You’ll be great at motivating and encouraging others with confidence, and most importantly, you’ll bring a sense of fun and energy to everything you do!
- You’ll be able to build supportive and caring relationships, communicate clearly, and enjoy presenting to groups. Listening with empathy, especially when someone’s feeling distressed, is second nature to you – you know when to listen rather than solve.
- If you’re keen to learn new skills and happy to take part in online or group training, plus work as part of a supportive team to help develop the clubs – we think you’ll be a perfect fit!
- It’s all about, growing together, having fun, and most importantly making a difference!
What will I get out of Volunteering for Carers Together Wiltshire?
- An informative induction to Carers Together Wiltshire and Age UK Wiltshire, where you’ll discover all the amazing services we offer.
- Access to 10 engaging online training courses covering essential topics like GDPR, Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and Slips, Trips & Falls.
- First Aid Training to feel confident in any situation.
- All the equipment you’ll need to run engaging club sessions.
- We’ve got you covered with out-of-pocket expenses.
- Be part of a supportive team that helps you grow and share new ideas.
What are the practical considerations?
You must be 18yrs or over, prepared to undertake the training requirements and meet the time commitments in this Volunteer role profile.
I have some questions, who can I talk to?
Contact: Emily Clark – Events and Engagement Officer
Tel: 01380 710 311