Vauxhall City Farm

Vauxhall City Farm Job Description Interim Farm Director - Maternity Cover (with possibility of permanency)

Job Title Farm Director Maternity Cover Salary £31,000 - £33,000 per annum Superannuation No scheme available Hours 37.5 hours per week to provide maternity cover including roughly one evening fortnight and one weekend per month for which Time Off in Lieu will be given. It is possible that a permanent job could be available 4 months before the end of the maternity leave. Annual leave 33 days per year including bank holiday allowance Over all All projects and development programmes and all staff, responsibility for trainees and volunteers.

Responsible to Chair of the Management Committee (MC) Accountable to Management Committee

Summary of activities The main duties of the Vauxhall City Farm’s (VCF) Director are: Coordinating fundraising, management of all Vauxhall City Farm’s 5 main projects and associated staffing. Leading on the redevelopment of the old farm offices. To maintain and co-ordinate with other staff and the treasurer on the finances and accounting procedures. To maintain Health and Safety and to ensure that all farm policies are adhered to, regularly reviewed and amended in accordance with current legislation. To work with the Chair of the MC, to be the public face of the farm representing the farm to funders and contacts, and at important local and national meetings. The post carries overall responsibility for Vauxhall City Farm under the Management Committee and the director would be expected to become familiar with all aspects of the farm operation and how the farm fits into the local community.

Qualities, key skills and attributes  We are looking for a team player with exceptional leadership skills  You like children and animals  You need to have good organisational skills  You need to be able to use your initiative, and be adaptable and flexible  You must be able to provide leadership and guidance to a diverse range of projects and employees. Main duties and responsibilities

1. Line Management of VCF’s 5 main projects and associated personnel. 1.1. To have strategic responsibilities for all of the activities of the Farm’s projects (Farmyard, Riding, Education, Youth and Horticultural) including staff, trainees and volunteer team together with any contractors, sessional staff or temporary work placements. This includes the co-ordination of recruitment, selection, induction, appraisal and supervision in line with the company’ policies and practice guidelines as well as the management of all formal staffing procedures such as grievance and disciplinary. It should be noted that the staffing at the farm includes a very diverse mixture of abilities, cultures and experiences that may need mentoring across the different projects. 1.2. To ensure the implementation of the staff handbook and a formal code of practice for staff, trainees and volunteers. To continually update health and safety documentation and to implement equal opportunity policies in relation to staff. To continually ensure that the farm’s employment policies and practices comply with current legislation and good practice. 1.3. To co-ordinate a diverse programme of events and activities, on and off site, which respond to the identified needs of local communities. 1.4. To develop and sustain local partnerships and liase, on behalf of the management committee, with the local authority, community groups, residents, businesses and appropriate local/regional/national bodies including the Federation of City Farms, the police and fire brigade. 1.5. To monitor and evaluate all the Farm’s activities and compile reports to the management committee on a monthly basis, as well as statistics and reports as required by funders. 1.6. To maintain morale and good working relationships with all staff and volunteers and clients. 1.7. To represent the farm at external meetings, follow up contacts, and provide presentations and talks where required. 1.8. To ensure the well-being of all animals by appropriate management of the farms staff.

2. Coordinating present fundraising activities and Initiate long-term strategies for further funding developments.

2.1. Supporting the fundraiser you will advise the management committee of future financial needs and be responsible to the Management Committee for raising needed funds. 2.2. Write reports to funding organisations and the management committee. 2.3. To identify needs and priorities for funding in consultation with staff and the Business Plan 2010-2012. To develop the operational plan for 2012 for the farm. To apply for grants, ensuring we comply with the grant conditions. To liaise with the Management Committee on potential programmes for development of farm buildings. 2.4. Be responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of existing and new grants, and to develop and maintain relations with all funders and business partners. 2.5. To lead on the development of the farm building on St Oswalds Place and all the related fundraising, planning and negotiation in liaison with the Development Sub-Committee, Fundraising Committee, London Borough of Lambeth and Ekarro Housing Co-operative.

3. Finances and accounting procedures

3.1. Together with the fundraiser and treasurer, put together and monitor an annual income and expenditure budget, within the context of a longer term financial plan. 3.2. Ensure that all accounts are prepared for annual audit and deal with any related enquiries. 3.3. Together with the bookkeeper and administrator, ensure all financial transactions are recorded. Ensure that all project managers are actively and affectively managing their budgets. 3.4. Together with the fundraiser and staff to ensure that restricted funds are spent on specific projects. 3.5. With the Treasurer of the Management Committee, ensure the Management Committee are informed of the farm’s finances, through monthly financial updates. 3.6. To co-ordinate the generation of income in conjunction with the Fundraising Manager and refer to the fundraising strategy to ensure the farm’s continued viability. This includes compliance with requirements of existing and future funders, the raising of additional income, promotion and fundraising.

4. Liaise with the Management Committee

4.1. To be responsible for the development of the Farm in accordance with the 3-year business plan agreed by the management committee – and to participate in any reviews or revisions. 4.2. To review the current business plan and work with staff and the management committee to create the business plan for Jan 2013 to Dec 2015. 4.3. To provide monthly updates ahead off all monthly management committee meetings and to attend Management Committee meetings and other management meetings as required. 4.4. To meet the Chair of the Management Committee on a monthly basis for supervision and review of objectives. 4.5. To work with the management committee to organise the annual AGM. 4.6. To liaise with the company secretary and treasurer to ensure that annual reports, accounts and returns are completed in line with governmental guidance. 5. Maintain all farm policies including health and safety, child protection and equal opportunties are adhered to, regularly reviewed and amended according to new legislation.

5.1. Co-ordinate site maintenance, including adequate security, of animals, buildings, equipment and vehicles. 5.2. Be prepared on occasion to help out with the livestock, horses, young people and schools including during emergencies or staff illness. 5.3. To be responsible for the development and management of the buildings, equipment and overall site. To ensure appropriate insurances and full compliance with any statutory requirements and conditions imposed by funders or sponsors and agreed by the management committee. 5.4. To ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation and good practice, being responsible for ensuring that all appropriate assessments are undertaken – for example Risk assessments, COSHH, Child safety, Welfare, Animal welfare etc. 5.5. To promote equal opportunities through all projects on the farm and to all staff and volunteers.

6. To provide a safe and inspiring environment for all users.

6.1. To ensure the farm remains open to the public 5 days a week and make sure it is accessible to all. 6.2. To provide a range of activities accessible to diverse needs and respond to the needs of users. 6.3. To encourage more visitors and users targeting underrepresented groups.