• Baroness Neuberger – Faith Commentator and Social Reformer
• Anne Vince – Chief Executive, United Religions Initiative UK
• Annie Merry – Director, Faiths4change
• Rosie Edwards – Author, Church Urban Fund report ‘Believing in Local Action’
• Dr Doreen Finneron – Executive Director, Faith Based Regeneration Network

Friday 14th November; Swansea Discover IT Centre (Leonard Cheshire); Swansea; SA7 0AL

AbilityNet's Switched on Communities Project is running this one-day course to supporting individuals with a learning difficulty in the voluntary sector.

Computers can help an individual and tutors get the most out of their abilities whether they want to manage their work and communicate more effectively or explore their interests. This course is aimed at voluntary sector workers on a budget wishing to equip themselves with information on software and solutions that can help those who have a learning difficulty. At the end of the course, you will have a greater awareness and practical knowledge of how the computer can be used to help address and support individuals.

Please call 01792 791920 for more information or to book a place.

30th October 2008, 1.30 – 5.00 pm;
Berkeley Business Centre, Citygate House, 246 – 250 Romford Road, London E7 9HZ

The The Volunteer Network Centre, Newham, is holding a one-day training on Volunteer Policies for volunteer involving organisation in Newham. The workshop will cover: Recruitment; Diversity; Induction and training; Expenses; Supervision and Support; Insurance; Equal Opportunities and diversity; Health and Safety; Grievance and Disciplinary procedures; Confidentiality.

A Certificate of Attendance will be given to each participant. Refreshments will be provided.
If you would like to book your place, please contact Eyasu Buba on:
020 8536 1937 or via e-mail: eyasu.buba@vncnewham.co.uk

Number Basics (13-15th Oct or 24-26th Oct)
Develop your Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Positive & Negative number, Estimation and Calculator skills - the best place for everyone to start. Feeling rusty? Lack confidence? Just want to get your brain working? There’s plenty of help, tips and practice. Aimed at E2-E3, but with activities for learners at all levels.

Number Plus (next term)
Develop your skills with Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Ratio, Proportion and Scale. Learn short-cuts, tricks and tips and finally get to grips with the topics everyone hates! Aimed at E3-L1 learners, but with activities for all levels.

Measures Basics (3-5th November or 21-23rd Nov)
Develop your understanding of Metric & Imperial systems and your skills measuring Length, Height, Width, Weight & Capacity. Work with tapes, rulers, scales and use decimals effectively. Activities for students at all levels, from beginner to confident.

Measures Plus (next term)
Develop your skills in Perimeter, Area, Volume, converting Metric & Imperial, working with Composite shapes and Useful Formulas. Learn quick ways to find perimeter, area or volume. Learn new ideas and carry out practical activities. Aimed at L1-L2, but with activities for students at all levels.

Data Basics (24-26th November or next term)
Develop your ability to gather, record, present and read information in Tables, Charts, Graphs, Surveys. Information management is an essential skill today; learn simple ways to gather and organise data. Aimed at E3-L1 students, with activities for students at all levels.

Data Plus (next term)
Develop further skills in Collecting, Sorting and Presenting information, using Mean, Median, Mode and Range. Take information management to the next level: learn how to analyse it, use spreadsheets and present your findings. Aimed at L1-L2 learners, with activities for students at all levels.

For more information please contact Hillcroft College on 02028 399 2688 or e-mail on operations@hillcroft.ac.uk

A telephone helpline and email service, supported by the London Development Agency, is currently being run by Greater London Volunteering to help individuals and third sector organisations find out more about getting involved with the Games.

The Big Opportunity Direct Helpline is open Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 10am-12 noon and 2-4pm, and Weds: 11am-2pm and 4-6pm.

Phone: 0844 856 3420 ; E-mail: tbod@glv.org.uk ;
Typetalk: Dial 18001 0844 856 3420 ; Skype: the.big.opportunity.direct

Deadline: 3 November 2008

Barclays has teamed up with the Hammersmith and Fulham Volunteer Centre to promote its 'Looking after Local Communities' Initiative for Voluntary or Community organisation based in West London

The initiative allows Barclays to respond to requests for support from local charities or organisations
In terms of donations, the minimum is £100 and maximum £500. Your application will be judged on:
- the impact the funds will have on the local community
- your involvement with the organisation (do you volunteer with the charity?)

Below are some examples of how the Barclays funding may make an impact in the local community using a Looking after Local Communities Grant:
• A local playgroup had all its toys destroyed in a fire. Barclays make a donation that enabled the playgroup to buy new toys for the children to enjoy.
• A local community group are suffering from a leaky roof after a winter storm and Barclays provided a small amount of funds to have it fixed.
• A youth group wants to organise a trip for it’s members but the minibus needs an MOT and repairs a small grant would get them back on the road again.

For further information and to get an application form contact Doreen Grant-Oppan, Head of Business, Hammersmith and Fulham Volunteer Centre, 148 King Street (on Galena Road), London, W6 0QU, email Doreen@hfvc.org.uk or fax 020 8741 3344.

Minimum grant: £1 million; Maximum grant: £5 million
Total available: £190 million between 2008 and 2010.

Do you have the vision and drive to work with young people to deliver a world class place for them to go? If so, myplace may be able to help you turn your ideas into reality. myplace aims to deliver world class youth facilities driven by the active participation of young people and their view and needs.

This funding programme is delivered by The Big Lottery Fund on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

For further information click here.

£15,775 (25 Hours per week)
Closing dates for applications for the post is: Friday 17th October 2008 at 5pm .
Interviews to be held on Tuesday 29th October 2008 at the Hackney office.

We are looking for a person to assist with the smooth running of the Health Links service which is based in Hackney. You will play an important role in providing administrative support to the Project Manager and undertake general office tasks. You will be accountable to the Project Manager and will work closely with the project team to ensure the development of the service.

The successful candidate will have:
• Experience of administrative tasks
• Ability to use a range of IT software
• Ability to negotiate with other services and professionals
• Experience of collecting and maintaining monitoring records
• Experience of organising and servicing meetings
• Knowledge of Hackney
Experience of the community/voluntary organizations is preferable.

To request an application pack phone: 0207 4265385 or email info@safh.org.uk
An application pack can also be downloaded from: www.safh.org.uk
The Brady Centre, 192 Hanbury Street, London E1 5HU

SAfH is committed to equality of opportunity

Finance Manager: part-time 14hrs per week £29,246- £30,773 pro-rata
Closing Date for applications: 17th October 2008 11:30pm (by post or email).
Successful candidates will be notified on 20th October 2008 to attend an interview on 22nd October 2008. We would like the successful candidate to start on 1st November 2008.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

This post offers the opportunity to establish and maintain financial management procedures for the organisation. You will also need demonstrable experience of financial management and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements as relating to Company and Charity Law and ensure adequate resource acquisition for the development of services in the support of ROTA’s Charitable aims.

Race on the Agenda (ROTA) is London’s leading social policy think-tank focusing on issues affecting
Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities and the Third Sector that serves them. We are
committed to working towards achieving social justice and the elimination of discrimination and promoting human rights, diversity, equality of opportunity and best practice.
We are recruiting this post at an exciting time of growth for ROTA.

Further information and application pack: Saifur Valli Saifur@rota.org.uk :020 7729 1310
You can also download the application pack from www.rota.org.uk

Salary £20,099 - £22,845 (pro rata) Fixed-term to September 2011 Ref No: E/00196
Closing date for applications is Tuesday 14th October 2008

The Refugee Council has signed a contract with the UK Border Agency (UKBA) for the provision of advice and support to new refugees through the new Refugee Integration and Employment Service (RIES). The Service Coordinator’s role is primarily one of supporting the RIES Team (East of England) in the coordination of services. The post-holder would also have some administrative duties including mailing documents to service users, responsibility for a small petty cash float, the processing of invoices passing through the office, gathering and processing statistics, purchasing of day to day office stationary and other materials, answering the phone and dealing with informal enquires. In order to assist the Team Manager, the post-holder may also be required to carry out certain Health and Safety responsibilities in relation to the office premises.

Although this is a part-time post, the post-holder would be required to work the 21 hours evenly over a 5 day week (Monday – Friday) approximately 4 hours a day with a floating hour to be used when most appropriate, in agreement with the Team Manager.

You will have experience of administration work in an office environment. You will also have excellent IT skills, including experience of producing work using word processing, spreadsheets and database packages, in particular diary management through Microsoft Outlook.

For further information and a full application pack click here.

Salary £22,122 - £25,320 (pro rata) Fixed-term to September 2011 Ref No: E/00195
Closing date for applications is Thursday 16th October 2008

The Refugee Council has signed a contract with the UK Border Agency (UKBA) for the provision of advice and support to new refugees through the new Refugee Integration and Employment Service (RIES).

This Employment Advisor role is the point of contact for all RIES clients engaging within the employment services and will be required to work closely with other roles within the overall RIES service. The post-holder will carry out a full assessment with each individual refugee in relation to their skills, experience and aspirations, within this thought will be given to identify possible barriers (and solutions to these) that may prevent them from achieving their aims. From this assessment an Employment Action Plan will be developed recording the actions required by all parties involved, and timescales for these. The plan will contain action points relating to informal learning, specialist training and perhaps more formal educational requirements. Also entered within the plan will be possible support options such as assistance from volunteers and referrals to specialist agencies. This plan will be reviewed and monitored regularly and the Employment Advisor will provide support and advice to each individual throughout the process.

The post-holder will also provide an amount of employment brokerage in one or two major cluster areas. Other positive initiatives would include awareness raising for employers, and job search, CV development, interview technique training for refugees.

For further information and a full application pack click here.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 15th October 2008
Salary £22,122 - £25,320 (pro rata) Fixed-term to September 2011 Ref No: E/00193

The Refugee Council has signed a contract with the UK Border Agency (UKBA) for the provision of advice and support to new refugees through the new Refugee Integration and Employment Service (RIES).

This Employment Advisor role is the point of contact for all RIES clients engaging within the employment services and will be required to work closely with other roles within the overall RIES service. The post-holder will carry out a full assessment with each individual refugee in relation to their skills, experience and aspirations, within this thought will be given to identify possible barriers (and solutions to these) that may prevent them from achieving their aims. From this assessment an Employment Action Plan will be developed recording the actions required by all parties involved, and timescales for these. The plan will contain action points relating to informal learning, specialist training and perhaps more formal educational requirements. Also entered within the plan will be possible support options such as assistance from volunteers and referrals to specialist agencies. This plan will be reviewed and monitored regularly and the Employment Advisor will provide support and advice to each individual throughout the process.

The post-holder will also provide an amount of employment brokerage in one or two major cluster areas. Other positive initiatives would include awareness raising for employers, and job search, CV development, interview technique training for refugees.

For further information and a full application pack click here.