Research & Campaigns Officer

Hours: 37 per week (part-time role considered)
Location: Based in Bargoed, with an expectation to travel as required
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary
: £31,535
Who we are and what we do

Citizens Advice Caerphilly Blaenau Gwent (CACBG) is one of the largest Citizens Advice services in Wales and across the Citizens Advice network. We are an established and well regarded local independent charity who provides free, impartial and confidential advice.

CACBG provide a variety of services across Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent, with a smaller number available further afield. Over the past six years, we've developed a successful contact centre in Caerphilly, which now accounts for more than half of our business.

We also undertake Research and Campaign work to influence policy makers and to effect change.

Our main office is in Bargoed. From here we operate a range of service delivery channels including drop-in sessions, appointments, telephone, letter and home visits. when feasible. We also run weekly outreach services across Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent.

We provide a range of specialist services to help people resolve their debt and welfare benefits problems and provide advice on energy issues. Help to Claim assists people with new Universal Credit claims. Other services target those experiencing mental health issues, or living with learning disabilities.

Our Caerphilly office is a 150 seat contact centre that provides a number of services under contract to national Citizens Advice.

We offer an attractive remuneration package with excellent benefits:

• Hybrid Working (following completion of a successful probationary period)

• Ongoing personal training and development

• 24/7 access to our Employee Well-Being Service, which includes a virtual GP and perks such as high street shopping discounts

• Pension scheme

• A safe and friendly working environment

• Eye care voucher

• Healthy work/life balance

Role purpose

• To identify and promote the interests of clients with policy makers and service providers.

• Play a major role in developing and implementing CACBG's Research and Campaigns Plan.

• Contribute to the development of research and campaigns work within CACBG and the wider Citizens Advice service.

Planning

• Contribute to the development of CACBG's Research and Campaigns Plan.

• Monitor the implementation of the Research and Campaigns Plan and report on progress.

• Ensure research and campaigns work reflects and supports Citizens Advice service's equality and diversity strategy.

• Coordinate the organisation's involvement in national, regional or local research and campaigns activity.

• Ensure outcomes of the organisation's work, including engagement in campaigns, are reported to Citizens Advice.

• Assist the Chief Executive and other members of the team in preparation for external meetings/events related to our campaigning goals.

• Involve people with lived experience in Research and Campaigns work. Plan and support their involvement in all aspects of our work including input into planning and policy development and engagement with campaign actions and events.

Develop and coordinate a network of volunteers and paid staff

• Work with the management team to bring together a network of staff and volunteers and support them to actively participate in research and campaigns.

• Support staff and volunteers to record information accurately and gather case studies and client stories.

• Work with the management team to ensure that research and campaigns are integrated into all induction and training as appropriate, and to deliver small group training sessions.

Networking and Media

• Develop effective on-going relations with appropriate authorities, agencies, organisations and individuals at local and national levels, including councillors,…