Job Description: Community Champion
Employer: ESS Education and Support Services (CIO)
Location: Community Hub, Langport, Somerset (with some outreach across Somerset)
Contract: Fixed-Term (12 months), Part-time (20 hours per week)
Salary: £15 per hour
Start Date: 3rd November 2025
About the Role
The Community Champion will play a central role in strengthening and expanding the work of ESS Education and Support Services' Community Hub. As a dedicated advocate for local people, the post-holder will lead on community engagement, coordinate and promote events, and work closely with residents, partners, and local organisations to ensure the Hub remains a safe, inclusive, and responsive space.
This is a newly created role, designed to give the community a clear point of contact and leadership, ensuring that services and activities are accessible, well-structured, and aligned with local needs.
Key Responsibilities
Community Engagement & Advocacy
* Act as the visible and accessible advocate for the local community.
* Build strong relationships with residents, local groups, charities, schools, councils, and businesses.
* Lead regular open community meetings and drop-in sessions to gather feedback and strengthen collaboration.
* Support and amplify the voices of community members, particularly those facing hardship or exclusion.
Programme Development & Delivery
* Oversee and coordinate the Community Hub's programme of events, groups, workshops and activities.
* Identify emerging community needs and develop new projects and services to meet them.
* Ensure events and workshops (e.g., cancer and addiction support, digital cafés, employability skills, literacy/numeracy, budgeting, and healthy eating) are well-organised, accessible, and impactful.
* Collaborate with local partners to create and deliver learning opportunities and skill-building workshops.
Leadership & Coordination
* Head up the Community Committee, facilitating collaboration and decision-making.
* Work closely with the Hub team and wider charity team to ensure a joined-up approach.
* Document successes, impacts, and learnings to help shape future projects and funding opportunities.
Outreach & Communication
* Improve signposting and access to information about local services.
* Strengthen connections with other community hubs and networks across Somerset.
* Actively promote the Hub's work to increase awareness, footfall, and engagement.
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Experience
* Experience in community development, engagement, or a similar role.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse groups of people.
* Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver events or community programmes.
* Organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
* Commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and empowering local voices.
Desirable Skills & Experience
* Experience working in a voluntary, charitable, or community setting.
* Knowledge of local services and networks within Somerset.
* Experience in producing newsletters, communications, or promotional materials.
* Understanding of the challenges facing communities experiencing hardship, isolation, or disadvantage.
What We Offer
* A meaningful role where you can make a tangible difference in the community.
* The opportunity to shape and grow a vital community service.
* Supportive induction, training, and ongoing development.
* Pension contributions and other statutory entitlements.
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: £15.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20 per week
Benefits:
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person