Area Engagement Officers x 2 (East of England or South Central/South West

These roles will sit within the Area Engagement and Partnerships team, and will increase awareness and understanding of the criminal justice voluntary sector operating within these geographical areas. 

The postholders will work with the Area Engagement and Partnership Managers to identify, communicate and engage with the range of voluntary sector organisations working with individuals and their families within the CJS ensuring Clinks provides effective support to help voluntary organisations better meet their aims. To enable Clinks to share information about the sector with HMPPS and other stakeholders. 

They will also work closely with the National Influencing and Networks Team.  

It is essential for the postholder to be based within, and have strong knowledge of the geographical area they will be covering.   

 Please note: Clinks would welcome the opportunity to discuss potential secondments from locally or regionally based voluntary organisations. 

Please note: This is a Fixed Term Contract until 31st March 2027.

More information about our area based work is here: Our Work | Clinks  

About Clinks  

Clinks supports, promotes and represents the voluntary sector working with people in the criminal justice system and their families. 

Our vision is of a vibrant, independent and resilient voluntary sector that enables people to transform their lives. 

Job summary 

This role will increase awareness and understanding of the criminal justice voluntary sector operating within East of England or South Central/South West. 

The post holder will undertake an initial analysis project to identify place-based voluntary sector organisations and the range of and types of services and support provided to people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families. 

They will identify place-based needs and lead on the collation and sharing of information across the Clinks team and with stakeholders, to highlight the challenges and opportunities. 

The post holder will need to build new, and nurture existing relationships, with key partners and a range of agencies across sectors.  

The post will work within the Area Engagement & Partnerships Directorate and with other Clinks’ staff to identify new members and engagement opportunities, deliver events and training, and provide opportunities to support the capacity and capability needs of the voluntary sector, with a focus on place-based small and specialist organisations working in the CJS.  

The post will deliver activity to meet funder requirements, aims and objectives.  

Reports to: Area Engagement and Partnerships Manager  

1. Duties and key responsibilities 

Area Engagement and Impact 

• Identify and increase awareness of voluntary sector organisations based in the East of England or South Central/South West, the range of and types of services and support provided to people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families, where they deliver and how they are funded.
• Understand the work of local and regional voluntary sector infrastructure organisations in a the East of England or South Central/South West to strengthen the support offered by Clinks and increase partnership working and collaboration.
• Work alongside the National Influencing & Networks team to use this intelligence to influence key decision making at a local and national level.
• Gather intelligence from the sector to identify and understand the needs of place-based organisations and share feedback with HMPPS and other key stakeholders to develop operational processes and influence future commissioning opportunities.
• Provide support to voluntary sector organisations, keeping the sector informed and up to date and capturing the support provided and its impact.
• Respond to requests from voluntary sector organisations in need of support and signpost or consider what assistance Clinks (and others) can provide.
• Work alongside the Area Insights and Impact Officer to capture the needs of the sector and influence and inform future activity.
• Provide regular area specific communications to organisations utilising Clinks communication channels to share good practice, resources and publications.
• Produce regular blogs, case studies and social media activity to showcase the work of place-based voluntary sector organisations.
• Develop and build upon existing place-based networks to support collaboration and co-ordination between the voluntary, statutory, and private sectors in the criminal justice system.
• Provide information to help statutory partners and key stakeholders to understand the voluntary sector, its structures and how to work with it. 

External Relationships 

• Identify and explore opportunities to develop relationships with area-specific agencies working within criminal justice including Probation, Prisons and local statutory agencies to increase knowledge of locally based voluntary sector services and establish, and embed Clinks’ support
• Provide representation at various meetings, both internally and externally with partners and stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively to ensure effective information flow across directorates and to and from the sector and stakeholders
• Develop relationships with regional and local infrastructure organisations to widen Clinks reach and identify joint working opportunities. 

2. General responsibilities   

• Represent and be an ambassador for Clinks
• Work to support the mission, ethos, and values of Clinks
• Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop, or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position
• Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace
• Work collaboratively with others in all aspects of our work 

This job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require.  

Person specification

Experience, Skills and Abilities  

• Significant experience of working or volunteering in the voluntary sector in the East of England 

• Relationship building and management with a range of stakeholders and networks. 

• Good attention to detail and ability to maintain effective records, utilising a range of different methods. 

• Ability to think strategically about the voluntary criminal justice sector, and to analyse and respond to change. 

• Ability to prioritise, multi-task and work under pressure, juggling a busy and varied workload.    

• Excellent IT and digital skills, including use of Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams and Zoom. 

• Adaptability and flexibility in being able to deal with new situations quickly and efficiently.   

• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken, and ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders, at all levels of seniority.   

• Convening meetings, arranging and chairing events both in-person and online. 

• Ability to support and coordinate a complex network of organisations including representing diverse views, and promoting their work and issues. 

• A collaborative approach to working with colleagues but also able to work alone. 

• Highly organised with good project and time management skills. 

Knowledge  

• Role of the voluntary sector in addressing social exclusion. 

• The criminal justice context and related policy. 

• Understanding the role of national and local infrastructure organisations 

• An understanding of East of England geographical area 

Personal attributes and other requirements  

• Able to travel extensively across the East of England with occasional travel across England and Wales.
• Able to work evenings and weekends and stay away from home overnight where necessary.
• Work well as part of a small team and independently, with a flexible approach to work.
• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities. An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  
• Commitment to the values and ethos of supporting people in the criminal justice system.