Document1
Thank you for applying to work at Challengers…
Contents
Guidance notes for completing your application form .................................................................................... 1
The Challengers Approach............................................................................................................................................. 2
Job Description ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…. .................................................. 3
Application form................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Guidance notes for completing your application form
All applicants must use a Challengers Application Form to apply. The information you provide in your application
form is used by us when we decide whether or not you will be selected to attend an interview and also as a basis
for the interview itself. Your application form is, therefore, very important and we give the following advice to
help you complete it as effectively as possible.
Equal Opportunities and Disclosure section will be detached from the rest of the application form and kept in a
confidential/secure place. This will ensure an unbiased/unprejudiced selection of candidates in line with equality,
diversity principles and good practice.
ONLINE VERSION OF THE APPLICATION FORM
You may have been emailed the application form or downloaded it from the Challengers website.
You can ‘tab’ through the fields and type to enter the relevant details.
Use you space bar or mouse clicks to ‘check’ the ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ boxes.
If you email your completed form to Challengers, you will need to sign the printed version held at our offices.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Look carefully at the Job Description. This gives details of the skills, knowledge, qualifications and experience
which we require. Please read this carefully before completing the application form, so that you know what the
job involves and the range of expertise needed.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
When listing your employment history you should ensure that the dates are correct and in the right order and
that there are no gaps. Please let us know what you were doing during any periods without paid employment.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Address all the points on the job description and outline your experience and skills substantiating your statement
Page 1 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1
with examples and evidence. Can you show you meet the requirements for the job? By looking at your past and
present experience you may identify “hidden” skills that you might have taken for granted. This includes any
relevant experience gained through your community, voluntary, leisure, family or home interests.
Ask yourself why you are interested in the job, it can be useful to list these reasons and refer to them. Is the job
you wish to apply for a promotion or is it a good employment or career move? Could it broaden or give you
greater experience?
Place the information in a logical order and make sure that you have included everything you need to.
If you need to continue onto another sheet please attach this to the application form with your name clearly
marked at the top. You may enclose additional information if you so wish.
REFERENCES
You are asked for the names and addresses (including the postcode) of two people we can contact for references.
You should give your present or most recent employer or, if you are a student, an appropriate academic reference
should be given. You cannot use members of your family as referees.
IF YOU NEED HELP
If you need assistance to complete the form, let us know and we will be pleased to help – call 01483 579 390 or
email [email protected]
The Challengers Approach
Please read The Challengers Approach carefully – this is our ethos and it is very important that you understand it
and be committed to the aims of our organisation.
OUR VISION
An environment where facilities are provided for disabled and non-disabled children and young people to play
and have fun together, thereby changing the way that society regards and treats disabled young people
generation after generation.
OUR MISSION
To provide a broad range of play, leisure, respite and short breaks thus giving support to disabled children and
young people, their family and friends.
THE CHALLENGERS APPROACH
To enable children to challenge their impairments through play in a stimulating and safe environment.
To provide suitable care for disabled children and young people whatever their impairment with
appropriate knowledge, skill, competence, initiative and sensitivity.
To create an atmosphere where self-expression, co-operation, learning and sharing are encouraged,
Page 2 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1
nurtured and supported.
To create a welcoming and supportive environment and proactively enable young people and their
families who use Challengers to participate in the planning and development of our services.
We never exclude a child on the grounds of the severity of their impairment and we do not set
geographical limits - play and leisure opportunities for disabled young people are few and disabled
people seldom have a local resource.
To positively discriminate in favour of disabled young people while inequality of provision exists.
To uphold and encourage freedom of choice for the individual and so we aim to provide both Exclusive
and Inclusive programmes in the communities in which we work.
To treat each other with respect and consideration.
To accept responsibility for one’s own actions.
To conduct all our affairs with regard to individual differences.
To be sensitive to everyone’s right to privacy and confidentiality.
To examine what we do and continually try to improve.
Page 3 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Events & Communications Officer
REPORTING TO:
Events & Communications Manager
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Head of Events & Communications, Chief Executive Officer and
Board of Trustees
LIAISING WITH:
Members of the Fundraising team; Communications Team;
Operations Team; Finance Team; Quality Team; CEO; Trustees;
Volunteers and any other organisations as may become relevant
Contract Type:
Full-Time 35 Hours per week
General Description:
The Events & Communications Officer will be a member of a dynamic team of committed and passionate
individuals working to raise the profile of Challengers across Surrey and neighbouring counties. They
will also support the team to maximise revenue and capital funding in support of play & leisure
opportunities for disabled and non-disabled children, young people and young adults.
He or she will have responsibility for working with the team across a number of projects with a main
focus on Challengers social media and with the planning and delivery of a portfolio of fundraising and
communications events. Other responsibilities will include building on relationships that are already in
place, researching new possible events to raise the profile of the charity and working with the team to
increase the awareness of Challengers in the wider community.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What the job involves

Management of the charities social media platforms, including scheduling posts and interacting
with families and supporters.

Planning and organisation of a portfolio of events throughout the year.

Be responsible for researching and keeping up to date with other possible events that could
create new revenue for Challengers.

Administrative duties relating to the annual portfolio of events and campaigns.

On event days overall management of event logistics, initial set up, management of volunteers
Page 4 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1
and general tasks associated with the event.

Contribute to the design and production of different forms of publicity and promotional
material and ensure that the image of Challengers is used effectively and represented correctly
and presented in line with current policies and vision. This may include videos, invitations,
promotional material and approaches to supporters in relation to events.

Contribute to feedback given to participants and interested parties pre and post – event, this
will involve utilising email and social media.

Write thank you letters to donors and supporters when required.

Represent the charity at presentations, meetings and other functions promoting the work of
Challengers and advocating the Challengers approach which is based on the Social Model of
Disability.

Work with members of the team to create inspiring and engaging videos to promote
Challengers. This will involve visiting Challengers schemes to make sure footage and images are
up to date. Full training will be given on video making software.

Work with the fundraising and communications team on campaigns throughout the year to
increase awareness and engage with supporters through email and social media.

Support individuals taking part in events and encourage them to fundraise.

Ensure that the Challengers database is accurate and kept up to date.

This role involves out of hours working and a willingness to work flexibly is required. Time will
be given back in lieu (TOIL)

Any other duties that from time to time are required by the Events & Communications Manager
or Head of Events & Communications.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualities, character, attitude and experience required
To conduct yourself and represent the Charity in a manner which reflects all the values of The
Challengers Approach at all times.
Essential:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

An ability to relate to a range of people, including potential sponsors and donors, disabled
children and their parents and carers, the media, colleagues, a range of community groups and
the general public.

Able to use Microsoft packages including Word, Excel and Outlook amongst others

The ability to prioritise tasks, apply common sense and sound judgement with excellent
organisational skills, attention to details and the ability to plan in advance.
Page 5 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1

An ability to work on his/her own projects as well as work as an effective team member.

Flexibility to work outside conventional office hours when required including weekends and
evenings – a time off in lieu policy is in place (TOIL)

Full clean driving licence, car owner or access to a car and willing to use car for work purposes –
will be required to have business insurance.

Polite telephone manner.

A proactive, flexible and driven approach to their work.

A clear understanding of The Challengers Approach and the Social Model of Disability and a
commitment to deliver programmes to this ethos.
Desirable:

Knowledge and experience of using creative software such as the Adobe suite and Final Cut Pro.

A creative ability to produce engaging fundraising and communications literature.

An understanding of the principles of fundraising, marketing and promotion.

Understanding of the issues facing disabled children and young people, their families and carers
and of issues surrounding social exclusion.

An understanding of the role of not for profit organisations in the provision of services.

Previous experience of working in a communications, fundraising or events team.

Experience of using a database for data entry and record keeping.

Experience of working with or supporting disabled children and young people, their families and
carers.
Application Form
Page 6 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1
Complete this form and return it by email to [email protected] or post it to HR at
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU (remember if you use a large envelope you will need a
large letter stamp).
CHALLENGERS OFFICE USE ONLY
Date
Interview
entered:
Our Ref:
WHICH POST ARE YOU APPLYING FOR?
Job role
Title
(Miss/Mrs/Mr/other)
Events & Communications Officer
Forename:
Date:
Surname:
Postal address
Town
Postcode
Email address *
Home Tel
Mobile
Other Tel
* Please note we do most of our communication via email.
Date of Birth
Age - Optional
(optional)
Nat Ins No
OTHER DETAILS
How did you find out about this
vacancy prior to visiting our website?
Do you hold a full driving licence?
YES
NO
Do you have use of a car?
YES
NO
Page 7 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1
If required do you have a permit to
work in the UK?
YES
NO
Page 8 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1
HEALTH DECLARATION
Do you know of any health reasons which
would prevent you from carrying out the duties
YES
intrinsic to this position as outlined in the job
NO
description?
If you ticked ‘yes’, please give details and
supply information of any adjustments you will
need to make in order to carry out these
duties.
DISCLOSURE DECLARATION (This section must be completed)
The position for which you are applying potentially involves significant unsupervised contact with
children and is therefore subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order
1975. This means that you must disclose details of any convictions, bindover orders or police
cautions, warnings or reprimands, including those which are considered “spent” under the terms
of the Act. Please use the Disclosure Form at the end of this Application Form if this applies to
you. This information will not be used to discriminate against you unfairly.
DO YOU NEED TO COMPLETE THE DISCLOSURE FORM?
YES
NO
IF YES PLEASE COMPLETE THE SECTION ON THE LAST PAGE OF THIS FORM
Please supply any certificates or documents which are relevant to this role
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS (including current course if applicable)
Date from
Date to
College/University
Qualification & date if
applicable
Page 9 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1
TRAINING – PLEASE PROVIDE COPIES OF ANY RELEVANT CERTIFICATES
Date
Course/Certificate
Awarding body
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Give details of all previous employments, full and part time, paid or unpaid.
Page 10 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1
List in order, STARTING WITH THE MOST RECENT FIRST.
Explain any breaks in your employment history.
Date from
Date to
Name & address of employer
Job title and duties
Salary and reason
for leaving
Page 11 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1
SUPPORTING INFORMATION - this section must be completed
Please tell us why you are applying for this role, plus any relevant experience to support
your application with particular reference to the job description.
This statement is crucial to further consideration of your application.
Page 12 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1
REFERENCES – Please note:
Please supply FULL contact details of two people who will provide a reference for you. Please do
not supply both from the same place of work or education.
ONE MUST BE FROM YOUR CURRENT OR MOST RECENT EMPLOYER OR, IF YOU ARE A FULL-TIME
STUDENT, FROM YOUR PLACE OF EDUCATION.
REFEREES MAY NOT BE MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY.
REFEREE 1
Title
(Miss/Mrs/Mr/other):
Forename:
Surname:
Relationship to
you:
Organisation:
Postal address:
Postcode:
Daytime
Email (essential):
May we contact this person
now?
phone:
YES
NO
REFEREE 2
Title
(Miss/Mrs/Mr/other):
Forename:
Surname:
Relationship to
you:
Organisation:
Postal address:
Postcode:
Daytime
Email (essential):
May we contact this person
now?
phone:
YES
NO
Page 13 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1
PLEASE READ AND SIGN THIS SECTION
I confirm that the information which I have given is true and complete.*
I consent for Challengers to carry out the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service checks, and to
monitor status of a check on line using the DBS Update Service if this is subscribed to.
I have read and understand the job description and The Challengers Approach.
Signed:
Date:
* Any false statements or omissions may result in dismissal.

If you have emailed this form to Challengers, you will need to sign a printed version at interview.
NB: Please complete the Equal Opportunities Section on the following page and, only if applicable to
you, the Disclosure.
Page 14 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING
Challengers is committed to achieving a Play and Leisure service which provides equality of
opportunity and freedom from unlawful or unfair discrimination. Our policy covers all aspects of our
operations, including recruitment. Please complete this part of the form. This information will be used
only in order to monitor our recruitment processes and prevent unfair discrimination on any grounds.
Forename:
Surname:
Male
Female
Disabled
Non-Disabled
How would you describe your ethnic background?
White & Black Caribbean
British
White
Irish
Dual
White & Black African
Other White background
heritage
White and Asian
Other Mixed background
Indian
Asian or
Pakistani
Black or
Black Caribbean
Asian
Bangladeshi
Black
Black African
British
Other Asian background
British
Other Black background
Other
Chinese
ethnic
Chinese
Please feel free to expand or specify:
group or
background
DISCLOSURE
The position for which you are applying potentially involves significant unsupervised contact with children
and is therefore subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
If you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not "protected" as
defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013) by
SI 2013 1198, please complete the information below and return it with your application. This
information will not be used to discriminate against you unfairly. For more information on the
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act please go to:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1198/pdfs/uksi_20131198_en.pdf
Title (Miss, Mrs, Mr,
Forename:
Surname:
Page 15 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724
Document1
other):
Postal address:
Postcode:
Details about your criminal record:
Date
Nature of Offence
Place offence occurred and
Details of conviction,
Court which issued
bindover caution or
conviction if applicable
warning
I declare that the above information is accurate and complete.
Signed:
Date:
It is our policy to employ the most suitable personnel and ensure equality of opportunity in the advancement of employees and not to
discriminate against any person on the grounds of age, race, national origin, sex, marital status, disability or sexuality.
Page 16 of 16
Challengers, Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1TU | 01483 579 390 | www.disability-challengers.org
Registered Charity No. 1095134, A Charitable Company limited by guarantee No. 4300724