Forward Trust Job Description

Forward Trust is a social justice charity that helps thousands of people to recover from addiction and mental health problems, leave behind crime, find jobs, homes, and a sense of belonging.

We campaign to change public attitudes and policy so that people, who are often written off by society, can access support that transforms lives. We are proud to be the UK’s leading addiction recovery charity, improving public awareness and understanding, demonstrating the potential of people to recover and rebuild their lives.

Reporting to the Head of Facilities (HOF), you will be a key contributor to the Charity’s Environment & Sustainability Development agenda, leading the development of the Charity’s Environmental Management System, Carbon Management Plan, and Sustainability and Travel Plans. You will also be responsible for ensuring that sustainable practices are embedded throughout Charity operations.

You will ensure that an organisation is operating in accordance with environmental guidelines and targets. Your role will involve examining corporate activities to determine where improvements can be made and ensuring compliance with environmental legislation across the organisation.

You'll also create, implement, and monitor environmental strategies to promote sustainable development. Your wide remit means you'll review the whole operation, carrying out environmental audits and assessments, identifying and resolving environmental problems and ensuring necessary changes are implemented.

As a key part of our ambition to be a Charity externally recognised for its commitment to the sustainable development of its estate and innovative approach to improving environmental performance, you will work with key stakeholders from across the organisation, influencing and engaging them with the objective of reducing the Charity’s environmental impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the Charity’s Environment & Sustainability Management Strategy, developing Action Plans, Procedures and Procedural Guidance for the effective application of sound environmental management practice.
• Effectively communicate the wider Environment & Sustainability Management Strategy, to ensure its aspects are understood by Executive & Senior Management across the Charity.
• Actively participate within the work of the Governance & Quality Assurance Committee, contributing to discussions, effectively communicating information to and from the group, acting as the source of authority and expertise on environmental management matters.
• Develop, coordinate, and introduce processes to support accreditation against the ISO 14001 EMS framework. To manage ISO 14001 processes and systems, prepare and review documentation and undertake internal audits to prepare the organisation for ISO 14001 external assessments, and to work to maintain ISO 14001 accreditation.
• Undertake impact assessments to evaluate the implications of new legislation and identify opportunities for potential funding e.g. HEFCE, to develop business cases in support of key environmental initiatives.
• Lead the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) programme through liaison with Executive & Senior Management across the Charity, identifying appropriate actions and developing management plans to effectively address any issues arising from those assessments,
• Act as facilitator for existing networks and forums i.e. Sustainability Group, Sustainability Champions etc. to promote initiatives and provide appropriate guidance and support to those groups, promote, and raise awareness, at all levels of an organisation, of the impact of emerging environmental issues.
• Take the lead on sustainable procurement for all goods and services.
• Coordinate all aspects of pollution control, waste management, recycling, environmental health, conservation, and renewable energy.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the FM team including the Facilities Managers, Housekeeping, and Catering Services Managers to support the development of schemes which support the overarching Environmental & Sustainability Management Strategy e.g. Carbon Management Plan, Waste Management Plan, Traffic & Parking Plan, Sustainable Food Policy etc.
• Develop metrics for effectively monitoring and reporting improvements in environmental performance using appropriate media and technologies.
• Produce accurate and relevant reports e.g. Annual Reports for presentation to relevant groups i.e. Board of Trustees, Governance & Quality Assurance Subcommittee and external groups as required.
• Actively participate in external networking to identify current best practice and benchmarking initiatives that may be used and applied effectively within the Charity,
• Proactively track and monitor legislation and sector initiatives and to ensure policies, procedures and operations are compliant and consistent with best practice.
• Develop and then Lead the Charity’s Sustainability Awareness Campaigns
• Coordinating the implementation of new building projects with the HOF.
• Support the Risk, Safety and Compliance Manager in coordinating reviews, internal audits and ensuring that any corrective works are undertaken in a timely manner.
• In conjunction with HOF manage budgets and accounts.

Specific Requirements

• To attend Facilities/Forward Trust meetings and other relevant meetings/events.
• To ensure compliance is always maintained to the highest standard.
• Ensure departmental compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and ethical responsibilities.
• Comply with safeguarding/prevent agendas.
• Work with colleagues to achieve effective performance management, including regular performance reporting and monthly reviews.
• To manage complaints relevant to the function.
• To co-ordinate the submission of bids and tenders relevant to the role.
• To uphold the organisation’s commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion by actively demonstrating these in all areas of work and interactions with others.
• To uphold the Organisations commitment to the safety of our staff, volunteers, and clients through the promotion of Health & Safety at Work.
• To represent Forward at meetings including strategic, advisory, planning and implementation including multi-agency forums and partnership team meetings.
• To attend meetings on behalf of the HOF as and when required.
• Any other duty / responsibility commensurate with the role and salary.

Qualifications

Essential

• An environmental degree / diploma or working toward completion in a relevant environmental subject i.e. Sustainability / Environmental Management.
• A sound understanding of technical matters relating to environmental management.

Desirable

• Membership of an appropriate professional institute e.g., Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) - Affiliate or Practitioner.
• Advanced environmental management training (Level 3 or above) including auditing to ISO14001 standards.
• A Formal project management qualification e.g. PRINCE2 etc.
• A Formal management qualification e.g. ILM or NEBSM.

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience as a multi-site Environmental & Sustainability Manager.
• Demonstrates an awareness of environmental management systems and environmental tools.
• Extensive knowledge of Climate change and the reduction of carbon footprint by scope.
• Practical understanding of ESG reporting, ISO14001 and ISO50001 standards.
• Demonstrates an awareness of responsible procurement and relevant and proportionate application within the Voluntary/Public Sector/Private Sector.
• Experience of collecting data, maintaining, and analysing data for inclusion in papers, reports and projects or presentations.
• Experience of using a range of information technology applications and an awareness of how they can be utilised in the context of the job role.
• Excellent presentation skills and ability to present to stakeholders at all levels.
• Self-motivated and able to work under own autonomy or as part of a team.

Desirable

• Project Management Experience.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Skills/ Knowledge

Essential

• A genuine interest in and understanding of environmental issues, relevant legislation.
• Passionate about the role Sustainability plays in being a successful partner of choice, and the desire to make a positive difference, especially within the charity sector.
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills is required together with proven leadership capabilities.
• Should be proactive team player with strong customer service and problem-solving skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Negotiation skills for negotiating contracts and for managing projects.
• The ability to set targets, deadlines, and budgets.
• Skilled in building relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

Desirable

• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word and database skills.    
• Knowledge of issues relating to criminal justice, addiction, and recovery

Our Vision:

Our vision is that anyone – whatever their history or circumstances – gets the opportunity and support to live a positive life that fulfils their potential, and to inspire others to follow the same path.

Our Mission:

We exist to help anyone impacted by addiction, crime, homelessness, mental health, or long-term unemployment to turn their lives around and to achieve mental and physical wellbeing. Our services work to inspire the belief in a better life, and support people to achieve that goal. We campaign to build awareness so that more people feel able to ask for help in a society that believes in the power of second chances and long-term recovery.

Our 9 Core Beliefs

1. Addiction or offending behaviour are often rooted in adverse childhood experiences - neglect, abuse, and trauma - or mental health problems in adulthood.
2. Poverty, and lack of positive opportunity or networks, are also significant factors in the development of drug or alcohol addiction, or criminal lifestyles.
3. Anyone, irrespective of their past or current circumstances, is capable of confronting their problems and challenges in life and, with the right support, making lasting and positive changes.
4. Change and recovery depends on people taking responsibility for their own actions, and for confronting negative behaviour patterns.
5. Instilling self-confidence and self-belief in people who have become accustomed to alienation and disappointment, is core to enabling change.
6. Change and recovery is grounded in human connection and community, with family, friends and loved ones involved wherever possible, and opportunities provided for people to build self-respect through making positive contributions to the communities in which they live.
7. People who have succeeded in turning their lives around are important role models and sources of support and inspiration for others, as peers, educators, and members of staff.
8. The benefits to communities and society of enabling change and recovery are long term and wide reaching.
9. Wider understanding of the causes of addiction and offending will reduce the prejudice and shame that stops people asking for and getting help.

Our Values:

We deliver all our services with compassion and without condemnation. We are a safe place to start a changed life and we will be there for people for however long it takes, because change and recovery happens one day at a time. To do this we:

• Do not judge or condemn people, recognising that many who come to us have been accustomed to stigmatisation and marginalisation.
• Empower people to make their own positive choices.
• Stay with people throughout their journey, connecting for a lifetime, though we also respect people’s wishes when they want to move on.
• Treat everybody equally with dignity, compassion, and empathy.
• Create an environment where people have a freedom to be themselves without fear or judgement.
• Recognise the importance of family relationships, positive or negative, in people’s lives (and also the importance of directly supporting family members). We believe how a family is defined is up to the individuals involved, and that we all hold our own unique version of what family looks like.
• Believe that the principles of honesty, self-care and self-improvement are universally relevant – to us as volunteers, staff, and Trustees, the same as our clients.

Forward Trust Job Description

We are Forward, the social enterprise that empowers people to break the cycle of crime or addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been helping people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends, and a sense of community.

Reporting to the Head of Facilities (HOF), the Facilities Manager will play an important and responsible role at Forward Trust, helping a defined portfolio of sites to function effectively by ensuring that all aspects of the Facilities Operational Activities are synchronized effectively under the direction of the Head of Facilities.

In this role, you will be expected to oversee the maintenance and operation of buildings and other infrastructures within the portfolio to ensure all facilities are functioning optimally and safely. Duties include managing maintenance, negotiating with suppliers and contractors, managing building renovations and office moves. Also responsible for compliance with relevant health and safety regulations

This is a busy and demanding role that requires an individual with both customer service and practical skills, and a positive attitude. You need to be proactive and organised and show initiative when faced with difficult situations.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing repairs and monitoring systems performance;
• Maintaining an adequate inventory of parts and ordering items as necessary;
• Overseeing and supervising the maintenance staff where in place;
• Ensuring compliance with security and safety regulations;
• Managing renovations, refurbishments and office moves;
• Providing advice on energy efficiency;
• Contract Management of property maintenance contract providers;
• Coordinating the implementation of new building projects with the Head of Facilities;
• Support the Risk, Safety and Compliance Manager in coordinating reviews, internal audits and ensuring that any corrective works are undertaken in a timely manner;
• In conjunction with HOF manage budgets and accounts, taking equipment and asset audits.

Specific Requirements

• To attend Facilities/Forward Trust meetings and other relevant meetings/events;
• To ensure compliance is maintained to the highest standard at all times;
• Ensure departmental compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and ethical responsibilities;
• Comply with safeguarding/prevent agendas;
• Work with colleagues to achieve effective performance management, including regular performance reporting and monthly reviews;
• To manage complaints relevant to the function;
• To co-ordinate the submission of bids and tenders relevant to the role;
• To meet with Direct Reports on a regular basis;
• To carry out QLMs and other supervisions of Direct Reports;
• To uphold the organisation’s commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion by actively demonstrating these in all areas of work and interactions with others;
• To uphold the Organisations commitment to the safety of our staff, volunteers, and clients through the promotion of Health & Safety at Work;
• To represent Forward at meetings including strategic, advisory, planning and implementation including multi-agency forums and partnership team meetings;
• To attend meetings on behalf of the HOF as and when required;
• Any other duty / responsibility commensurate with the role and salary.

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualification in Facilities Management;

Desirable

• IOSH managing safely Qualification

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience as a multi-site Facilities Manager.
• Project Management Experience;
• Experience of management and delivery of contract performance targets;
• Experience of leading operational teams;
• Excellent commercial acumen;
• Experience of managing conflicting expectations of the client and consumer within one business area;
• Self-motivated and able to work under own autonomy or as part of a team.

Desirable

• Experience of managing Health & Safety.

Skills/ Knowledge

Essential

• Understanding of the issues and challenges of operating large complex facilities;
• An understanding of legislation relevant to FM and especially within the charity sector;
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills is required together with proven leadership capabilities;
• Should be proactive team player with strong customer service and problem-solving skills;
• Knowledge of Information systems and the ability to use these effectively for reporting purposes;
• Leadership skills to manage maintenance team and contractors;
• Good verbal and written communication skills;
• Negotiation skills for negotiating contracts and for managing projects;
• The ability to set targets, deadlines and budgets;
• Skilled in building relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

Desirable

• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word and database skills.

Our Vision:

Our vision is that anyone – however marginalised, and whatever their history or circumstances – gets the opportunity and support to live a life that fulfils their potential, and to inspire others to follow the same path.

Our Mission:

We exist to help anyone impacted by addiction, crime, homelessness, or long-term unemployment to turn their lives around. Our services work to inspire the belief in a better life, and support people to achieve that goal.

We campaign to build awareness so that more people feel able to ask for help in a society that believes in the power of second chances and long-term recovery.

Our Values:

We deliver all our services with compassion and without condemnation. We are a safe place to start a changed life and we will be there for people for however long it takes, because change and recovery happens one day at a time. To do this we:

• do not judge or condemn people, recognising that many who come to us have been accustomed to stigmatisation and marginalisation.
• empower people to make their own positive choices.
• stay with people throughout their journey, connecting for a lifetime, though we also respect people’s wishes when they want to move on.
• treat everybody equally with dignity, compassion, and empathy believe that everyone should be welcome and free to act and be as they perceive themselves to be.
• believe that the principles of honesty, self-care and self-improvement are universally relevant – to us as volunteers, staff, and Trustees, as well as our clients.