Supporting Roma Voice Project

Roma often experience deep social exclusion across the majority of countries within
the European Union and often have significantly complex and varied needs. In recent
years there has been an increase in the number of Roma arriving in the UK to live in
various communities. Although a number of local areas are becoming more aware as
to the presence of Roma living in their localities very little activity is being undertaken
to ensure their active inclusion. This inactivity has been attributed to a lack of
understanding by 'local decision makers and service providers' as to the cultural
differences within the Roma communities, their specific needs and how best to
respond to them, a lack of capacity within the Roma communities, and a lack of
funding for participatory inclusion initiatives. As part of an exciting new project which
aims to support the inclusion of Central and Eastern European Roma populations
within the UK through a rights based approach to gathering evidence and developing
advocacy and leadership we are seeking to recruit to the following posts:
-

1 x Community Co-ordinator (based in Salford, Greater Manchester)

6 x Community Inclusion Advocates (2 based in each of the following areas;
Salford, Leeds and London Borough of Newham)

This project aims to deliver in line with the Council of Europes Ten Basic Principles for
Roma inclusion. This is a partnership project led by the University of Salford alongside
BHA for Equality, the Roma Support Group and Migration Yorkshire. Working with these
organisations the Community Co-coordinator and Community Inclusion Advocates will:

Support the infrastructure which will allow a culture of Roma leadership to

develop.

Help understand the experience of Roma who are living across the UK through a
participatory action research methodology.

Create the bridge between Roma populations and statutory and community
organisations from which rights based inclusion initiatives can be implemented.

The project is funded jointly by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust and Metropolitan
Migration Foundation.
You must apply for this role by completing our application form available from
http://www.thebha.org.uk/workingwithus where you will also find the person
specification and job description. The application form can be downloaded from
the website or you can request it by emailing us at recruitment@thebha.org.uk If you
have difficultly accessing an application form please contact Gertrude Wafula (BHA for
Equality) on 0161 874 2177 who will also be able to help with any informal enquiries
about these posts.
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All application forms must be completed and returned by, 13th February 2015
12noon (via email or post) to: BHA for Equality 609 Stretford Road, Old Trafford, M16
0QA. Interviews will be held in February 2015.

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SUPPORTING ROMA VOICE COMMUNITY CO-ORDINATOR

Part time (0.5FTE)
Contract is expected to begin April 2015 till January 2017
Salary scale 6 (24,029 pro rata)

Role Overview
This exciting post will form the central role of the project. The post-holder will be
expected to drive and co-ordinate the inclusion activities within and across the three
local areas (London, Newham and Salford) within the project. They will supervise the
Community Inclusion Advocates and support them by making and maintaining links
with organisations, professionals, stakeholders, decision-makers and communities as
appropriate to meet the aims of the project. They will support the local level activity
but also provide connections to wider stakeholders and groups across the UK. They
will work with the four project partners and benefit from direct line management
support by BHA for Equality. The post will be based at the BHA for Equality offices in
Manchester. The project team will be able to offer the post-holder: participation in a
comprehensive induction process, access to various training, on-going support and
supervision, personal and professional development and flexible working.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Proactively lead and supervise a small team of Roma Community Inclusion

Advocates in their duties and maintain regular communication with the
advocates.
2. Through reflective supervision conduct peer support with advocates and act as
first point of contact for advocates in order to support their local level activities.
3. Organise events and meetings with relevant stakeholders to promote the
inclusion of Roma and the empowerment of the community.
4. Prepare, with support, written communications that can be disseminated to
relevant stakeholders regarding the aims and progress of the project.
5. Provide support to the participatory action research component of the project.
6. Accurately record data and trends as they arise, i.e. through supervision with
advocates, and prepare data for monitoring and reporting requirements.
7. Adhere to policies and procedures of BHA for Equality, such as equality and
diversity, lone-working, health and safety, confidentiality, data protection.
8. Research and recommend the future aims/goals/actions of the project.
9. Contribute to the sustainability of the project by assisting in securing further
funding beyond the lifetime of this project.

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10.
Contribute to the training of the Community Inclusion Advocates, and be a
positive role model for the advocates and the Roma communities.
11.
Support advocates in their completion of project administration (e.g.
timesheets, expenses etc.) in a timely and accurate manner.
12.
Perform general duties as required to enable the effective and efficient
administration of six advocates.
13.
Report regularly to the designated line manager, both informally and
through formal line management processes, including monthly supervision.
14.
To liaise with the project partners (University of Salford, Migration
Yorkshire and Roma Support Group) and funders as required.
15.
Any other duties commensurate with the role as may reasonably be
requested by line management.
16.

The post will be based in the BHA for Equality offices in Manchester.

The above duties are not intended to be an exhaustive list, but an indication of the requirements of
the post. The duties within this may be varied from time to time to reflect the changing needs of the
organisation and its services.

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Person Specification for Community Coordinator

Essent Desirab Assessed
ial
le
Application/Interv
EXPERIENCE
iew/ Assessment
Test
1. Demonstrate experience of leadership E
Application
&
and promoting positive change in the
Interview
community.
2. Demonstrate experience of providing E
information to enable the production of
reports for both internal and external
audiences.

Application
Interview
Test

&

3. Demonstrate a keen interest in E

personal
development
and
have
experience
of
accessing
learning/training opportunities
4. Experience of administration processes E
such as completion of timesheets,
claiming
expenses,
maintaining
records.
5. Experience of reporting to a line E
manager and recording data effectively
for purposes of project monitoring.
6. Experience of supporting others in a
pastoral capacity.

Application
Interview

&

Application
Interview

&

Application
Interview

&

Application
Interview

&

Application
Interview

&

Application
Interview

&

Application
Interview

&

Application
Interview

&

KNOWLEDGE
7. Knowledge about the needs of the E
Roma community, the provision of
services and the emergent gaps
between these.
8. Fluency in English (verbal and written) E
and an appropriate Central and Eastern
European (CEE) language is
an
essential requirement, with proficiency
in Romani language being desirable.
E
9. Have a thorough knowledge of the wide
range of Roma culture.

SKILS/ABILITIES
10.
Have excellent verbal and written E
communication skills and confident in
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communicating with a wide range of

individuals and organisations.
11.

Ability to attend to detail.

Application
Interview

&

12.

Ability to motivate others.

Application
Interview

&

13.
Demonstrate ability to train, E
mentor and build capacity of others.

Application
Interview

&

14.
Ability to engage the community E
and work at a grassroots level.

Application
Interview

&

Application
Interview

&

Application
Interview

&

Application
Interview

&

Application
Interview

&

18.
Passion about the empowerment E
of the diverse Roma community in the
UK and demonstrate a commitment to
addressing inequalities experienced by
members of these communities.

Application
Interview

&

19.
There will be a need to work E
flexibly so must demonstrate a
willingness to work some evenings and
weekends.

Application
Interview

&

20.
Willingness
to
undertake
a E
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
check.

Application
Interview

&

15.

Presentation skills.

16.
Ability to work independently for E
periods of time and as part of a wider
team
17.
Willingness and ability to travel E
within the UK.
OTHERS

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COMMUNITY INCLUSION ADVOCATE

Six posts available
2 x based in Salford, Greater Manchester
2 x based in Leeds, Yorkshire & Humber
2 x based in Newham, London
Part time/Sessional
Contract begins April, 2015 till January, 2017
Salary scale is a living wage at 7.85 per hour (Salford and Leeds) and 9.15 per hour
(London) (Indicative work commitment is a minimum 3 hours per week but may
fluctuate)

Role Overview
These exciting roles will form a vital component of the Supporting Roma Voice project.
The post-holders will benefit from a period of participation in training around capacity
building and leadership training in order to develop their skills around rights based
community advocacy. The post-holders will be supported to engage in and develop a
participatory action research project and then put their experience and knowledge
into practice by creating a dialogue between central and eastern Roma in particular
areas (Leeds, Newham and Salford) and policy makers and practitioners. The Roma
Support Group (RSG) will provide training for the Community Inclusion Advocates and
on-going support for the duration of the project. Through the project partnerships
existing and established networks, the Community Inclusion Advocates will be
introduced to key officers within the relevant local authorities and other organisations
(e.g. housing associations, Citizens Advice Bureau, Police, health, education, etc.) and
supported, on an on-going basis, to co-develop plans for embedding participatory
approaches to engagement and inclusion initiatives. The Community Inclusion
Advocates will be paid a living wage allowance together with expenses. The Advocates
will be supervised by a Community Co-ordinator who will be based in Manchester. The
project team will be able to offer the post-holders: participation in a comprehensive
induction process, access to various training, on-going support and supervision,
personal and professional development and flexible working.
Job Description
1. To promote and support the empowerment of members of the local Roma
communities.
2. Record activities accurately and in accordance with requirements of the project.
3. Make strong links with community members, local services and other relevant
group/persons.
4. Facilitate meaningful engagement with members of the local Roma community
through (but not limited to); focus groups, one-to-one sessions/meetings, group
meetings, signposting, supported introductions etc.

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5. Reflect the diverse needs and views of the Roma community as a whole as far
as practicably possible.
6. Recognise own limitations, work within them and ask for support where
necessary.
7. Maintain regular (weekly) contact with the Community Coordinator to share
information.
8. Participate in individual and peer supervision.
9. Attend an initial programme of training to prepare for role and engage in
fortnightly support and training.

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Person specification for Community Inclusion Advocate

Essent Desirab Assessed
EXPERIENCE
ial
le
Application/Intervi
ew/ Test
1. Have a thorough understanding of and working E
Application & Interview
with a wider range of Roma culture

2. Must be a confident and effective E

communicator.
3. Must demonstrate an interest in E
empowering and supporting others to
identify their needs and contribute to
solutions.
4. Must demonstrate a commitment to
learning and personal development.
5. Experience of administration processes
such as completion of timesheets,
claiming
expenses,
maintaining
records.
KNOWLEDGE
6. Fluency
in
spoken
English,
an
appropriate
Central
and
Eastern
European
(CEE)
language
and
proficiency in Romani language is
essential.

Application & Interview

Application & Interview

Application & Interview

Application & Interview

Application & Interview

7. Have a thorough knowledge of the wide E

range of Roma culture.

Application & Interview

8. Must demonstrate a commitment to a E

rights-based model of working.

Application & Interview

SKILLS/ABILITIES
E
9. Must be patient, have understanding
and be a good listener.
10.
Must have a willingness to travel, E
including to network events, training
sessions and other requirements of the
project.

Application & Interview

Application & Interview

11. Willingness to attend training courses and

workshops

Application & Interview

12. Willing to participate in regular supervision with

the line manager

Application & Interview

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13. There will be a need to work flexibly so must

demonstrate a willingness to work some
evenings and weekends.

Application & Interview

OTHERS
14.
Must demonstrate a commitment
learning and personal development.

to

15.
Willingness
to
undertake
a E
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
check.

Application & Interview

Application & Interview

Note: Interviews for the London based posts will take place in London.
The interviews for the other posts will take place in either Leeds or
Manchester

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