Irish In Britain

About West Hampstead Women’s Centre

West Hampstead Women’s Centre (WHWC) has supported women in the community since 1984, providing advice and advocacy, wellbeing activities, learning opportunities and social groups in a safe, welcoming women-only space. WHWC takes a holistic approach to supporting women facing multiple barriers, bringing together practical support, social connection, personal development and opportunities to build greater confidence, independence and wellbeing.

Role Overview

West Hampstead Women’s Centre is looking for a female Irish Women’s Group Facilitator to co-ordinate and facilitate our weekly Irish Women’s Group. We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of Irish culture and the experiences and needs of Irish women living in England, gained through an Irish background and other relevant lived, community or professional connection with the Irish community. The role involves developing an engaging programme with group members, organising activities and health awareness workshops, building community links and helping women access relevant information, activities and support.

This post is open to women only. This is an occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, having regard to the nature and context of the role and the women-only setting in which it is based.

Main Purpose of the Role

To co-ordinate and facilitate the weekly Irish Women’s Group at West Hampstead Women’s Centre (WHWC) and develop a programme that responds to the interests, needs and experiences of Irish women.

The postholder will build positive relationships with group members, organise activities and health awareness workshops, provide general information and signposting and help women access appropriate support through WHWC and other organisations. The role will also involve developing links with Irish organisations and helping WHWC reach more Irish women.

The postholder will oversee the administration, monitoring and evaluation of the project and maintain accurate records and information required by WHWC and its funders.

Terms

Hourly rate: £22 per hour Hours: 4 hours per week, 184 hours per year Days: Thursdays, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm for the weekly group meeting, plus 2 hours for planning, administration and related work

Weeks: 46 weeks per year

Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding

Location: West Hampstead Women’s Centre, London NW6 2NP

Reports to: Centre Manager

Main Responsibilities

Group Facilitation and Programme Development

• Co-ordinate and facilitate the weekly Irish Women’s Group, developing an ongoing programme of activities, workshops, talks and events that reflects members’ interests and needs.

• Encourage women to contribute ideas and shape the group’s programme, creating a welcoming and supportive environment.

• Organise health awareness workshops and liaise with relevant professionals and organisations.

• Respond appropriately to issues or concerns raised by group members and recognise when further support may be needed.

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How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and your interest in the role to snezana@whwc.org.uk

Information, Signposting and Community Links

• Provide general information about WHWC and other relevant local services and

signpost women to appropriate support, including WHWC’s Advice and Advocacy

Service where appropriate.

• Develop and maintain positive links with Irish organisations, local services and other

relevant community contacts.

• Contribute to understanding the needs and interests of Irish women and identifying

appropriate ways to engage with and reach more Irish women.

• Promote the group and relevant WHWC services through community contacts,

outreach and appropriate publicity.

Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Co-ordinate the day-to-day administration of the project, working with Centre staff

and volunteers as appropriate.

• Maintain accurate records of attendance, contacts, activities and other work

undertaken and provide information required for monitoring, evaluation, funder

reporting and WHWC’s annual report.

General Responsibilities

• Work as part of the WHWC team and contribute to Centre events and activities.

• Attend supervision, staff meetings and training as required.

• Work in accordance with WHWC’s policies and procedures, including

confidentiality, safeguarding and equal opportunities.

• Undertake other reasonable duties relevant to the post as required by the Centre

Manager.

This is a group facilitation and community support role. The postholder will not provide

specialist advice or advocacy but will help women access appropriate advice and support

when needed.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Experience and Knowledge

• Experience of facilitating groups, co-ordinating community activities or developing

programmes, including organising workshops, talks, activities or events.

• Experience of working with women in a community or voluntary sector setting.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of Irish culture and the experiences, needs and

issues affecting Irish women living in England, gained through an Irish background or

other demonstrable lived, community or professional connection with the Irish

community.

• Experience of working with community organisations, local services or other relevant

partners.

• Understanding of equality, diversity and the importance of culturally appropriate

services.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive

and trusting relationships with women and work sensitively with different

personalities and group dynamics.

• Good listening skills, with the ability to recognise when a woman may need further

support and signpost her appropriately.

• Ability to plan and facilitate activities and workshops and develop a programme that

reflects women’s interests and needs.

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to work

independently, use initiative, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.

• Good IT and record-keeping skills, including maintaining accurate monitoring

information.

• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with external

organisations and professionals and contribute effectively as part of a small team.

Personal Qualities

• Warm, approachable and respectful manner.

• Commitment to working with women in a supportive and non-judgemental way.

• Sensitive to the experiences and circumstances of Irish women and committed to

equality and equal opportunities.

• Reliable, flexible and willing to contribute to the wider work of the Centre.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working with Irish community organisations or groups.

• Knowledge of local services relevant to Irish women.

Experience of organising health-related activities or working with health

professionals.

• Experience of community outreach and engaging women who are not currently using

services.

• Experience of monitoring, evaluation and reporting for a funded project.