34341 - Stakeholder Engagement Manager in the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales

Role is part-time.  22 hours and 12 minutes a week (3 days).

Job Purpose

• Lead on the implementation of the OVC stakeholder engagement plan, which enables the VC to: (i) to present the views and needs of victims across the whole of Government and elsewhere; and (ii) seek the views of victims and those responsible for victims’ services so as to feed these views into policy formation.

• Provide regular updates on the implementation of the plan to senior managers within the OVC.

• To assist in arranging stakeholder visits and one to one meetings and prepare briefing when required.

• Proactively engage with stakeholders in the third sector and Police and Crime Commissioner offices to promote the work of the VC and to identify examples of good practice.

• Act as secretary to the Victims’ Commissioner’s Advisory Group, which meets 4 times a year, drafting the minutes and agendas and overseeing the collation of the relevant papers and acting as a contact point for members of the Group.

• Occasionally accompanying the VC on visits.

• Line manager to a part time Band D who handles the office correspondence and take responsibility for drafting more complex drafts.

The post holder will be working as part of a small and busy team and will be expected to be flexible and carry out ad hoc duties as and when required. Very occasionally, there may be a requirement for overnight travel.

This is a part time post, three days a week (22.12 hours)

Background

As a member of a small office of staff you will work alongside the Commissioner on a daily basis and should expect to develop a trusted relationship with them.

The role of the independent Victims’ Commissioner is to:

• Promote the interests of victims and witnesses;
• Encourage good practice in the treatment of victims and witnesses; and to
• Keep under review the operation of the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (The Victims’ Code).

The Office of the Victims’ Commissioner is an Arms Length Body; the sponsoring department is the Ministry of Justice.

The Office of the Victims’ Commissioner will have seven staff:

• CEO;
• Head of Analysis and Review;
• VAWG Policy Officer
• Research Officer;
• Communications Manager;
• Stakeholder Engagement Manager
• Personal Assistant and Office Manager; and
• Correspondence Manager.

We would be happy to discuss flexible/part-time/job share working arrangements according to the business needs of the team.

Details of the work of the Victims’ Commissioner and her office can be found on her website: www.victimscommissioner.org.uk

Person Specification

The post holder must have the ability to:

• Actively build and maintain a network of colleagues and contacts to achieve progress on the VC’s objectives as set out in her first term strategic plan

• Build a stakeholder database from scratch, with the support of other team members and IT colleagues.

• Communicate effectively to a wide range of stakeholders, both orally and in writing, demonstrating clarity, accuracy and brevity and being comfortable in adopting the Commissioner’s voice and perspective.        

• Confidently engage with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels to generate commitment to goals

• Exemplify positive and empathetic behaviours when meeting victims.

• Adapt quickly to changing priorities and demonstrating flexibility within a small but busy team.

Job Description

1. Implement the OVC stakeholder engagement plan, ensuring all key stakeholders have regular contact with the OVC and are kept informed of VC activities and that the VC is kept updates on activities of key stakeholders.
2. Arrange regular team meetings to discuss the progress of the plan and where further activity is required and circulate updated copies of the plan so that senior managers can keep track of progress.
3. Review and develop efficient and effective systems for dealing with ever increasing volumes of public correspondence and enquiries, ensuring that correspondence is dealt with swiftly and effectively, reflecting the tone of the VC.
4. Proactively develop networks of contacts within the third sector and Police and Crime Commissioners that might facilitate the delivery of the VC strategic priorities.
5. To assist in arranging stakeholder visits and one to one meetings and prepare clear, concise briefing when required. Occasionally to accompany and support the Victims’ Commissioner on visits and meetings with CJ agencies and stakeholders.
6. Act as secretary to the Victims’ Commissioner’s Advisory Group, which meets 4 times a year, drafting the minutes and agendas and overseeing the collation of the relevant papers and acting as a contact point for members of the Group.
7. Other tasks appropriate to the role as assigned from time to time by the CEO or other managers
8. Line manager to a part time Band D who handles the office correspondence and take responsibility for drafting more complex drafts.

Success Profiles – behaviours

Communicating and influencing

Ensure that important messages are communicated to and received from colleagues and stakeholders respectfully, taking into consideration the diversity of interests.

Encourage the use of different communication methods, including digital resources and highlight the benefits, including ensuring cost effectiveness.

Ensure communication has a clear purpose and takes into account people’s individual needs

Making effective decisions

Consult with others to ensure the potential impacts on end users have been considered.

Present strong recommendations in a timely manner outlining the consideration of other options, costs, benefits and risks.

Working together

Establish professional relationships with a range of stakeholders. Collaborate with these to share information, resources and support.

Invest time to develop a common focus and genuine positive team spirit where colleagues feel valued and respect one another.

Leadership

Ensure colleagues and stakeholders have a clear understanding of objectives, activities and time-frames.

Desirable Skills

• An understanding of the criminal justice system and/or partner roles, or a willingness to learn  
• Strong communications skills, both orally and in written form
• Strong inter-personal skills
• Strong organisational skills

Key Documents

Victims’ Commissioner’s Annual Report 2018/19 www.victimscommissioner.org.uk