Village Agents are an innovative response
to a recognised need that many people living
in our rural communities are unable to connect
with the key services that help maintain well-being
and support their quality of life.
The Community Council for Somerset is currently developing the ‘Somerset Village Agents
Project.’ This is a tried and tested concept originating with our sister organisation,
Gloucestershire Rural Community Council. We have been successful in obtaining funding for
this project.
Village Agents will support people living in rural areas of Somerset, bridging the gap between
the local community and the statutory or voluntary organisations and are able to offer help or
support.
We will have a team of 16 part-time Village Agents who will:
provide high quality face-to-face information and support
offer a facilitated signposting service and put people in direct contact with the
appropriate agency using the Somerset Advice Network’s Common Referral System
help individuals make informed choices about their future needs
work in small clusters of communities across Somerset
identify unmet need in their communities
primarily support older people, but other disadvantaged and isolated people are also
able to receive Village Agent support
be recruited locally and receive ongoing training
be supported by a part time project manager
The scheme works because Agents live close to the communities in which they work.
Consequently, they know the villages and their people well.
Agents provide an overview of services available in the county and offer help to access them.
They help in myriads of other ways too - thus winning the trust of those they help and enabling
particularly older people to stay independent for longer.
For further information, contact Sarah Aston, Village Agents Project Manager
Email: [email protected]
Office: 01823 331222 Mobile: 07971 024496
Victoria House, Victoria Street, Taunton, TA1 3JZ
Tel: 01823 331222 Email: [email protected] Website: www.somersetrcc.org.uk
The Community Council for Somerset is a Company limited by Guarantee,
Registered in England & Wales No. 3541219, and is a Registered Charity No. 1069260
COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR SOMERSET
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title
Employing
Authority
Office Location
Hours
Salary Scale
Leave
Objective
Village Agent
Community Council for Somerset
Community and home based within identified localities.
8 to 10 per week
£12,145 per annum pro rata
20 days per year pro rata
To provide help and support to people living in rural areas,
bridging the gap between the local community and statutory or
voluntary organisations.
Village Agents Project Manager
n/a
Accountable to
Responsible for
KEY TASKS
To work within designated parishes in both a reactive and proactive way.
To respond holistically and appropriately to the issues and needs identified and provide
accurate, high quality information.
To create referrals of appropriate urgency to relevant agencies and service providers.
To engage with customers in a friendly, courteous, prompt and appropriate manner, using
excellent communication skills and ensuring delivery of high quality customer service at all
times.
To be aware of the particular needs of the whole range of client groups including those unable
to access services directly and to refer these clients on to other services effectively.
To develop effective working relationships with all partners and stakeholders including Parish
Councils, relevant CCS staff, Village Agent Manager and other Village Agents.
To work as part of a team, contributing to meetings, attending relevant training, cascading
information and providing ongoing support and information to managers, to enable the smooth
running of the project.
To access and accurately maintain electronic/hard copy client records, calls and referrals
ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act, maintaining management information to
assist in workload/
demand profiling and to inform continuous improvements to the services provided.
To effectively promote the Village Agent service and engage with people with needs in the
most appropriate way.
To create a robust and sustainable database of clients.
To adhere to all health and safety requirements both in the home and in the communities,
taking reasonable care not to do anything that may endanger yourself or others.
TARGETS
To take responsibility for your own time management and administration.
To report regularly to the Village Agents Project Manager
To attend relevant village agent progress meetings and training
To make necessary links to local services and stakeholders.
To take part in training that is relevant and appropriate to the post as approved by your line
manager.
To complete weekly timesheets.
To undergo an annual appraisal and regular supervisory sessions (4-6 weekly).
To attend regular staff/team meetings.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR SOMERSET
PERSON SPECIFICATON
POST:
Village Agent
ATTRIBUTES
Qualifications &
Training
Knowledge
Personal
Qualities
ESSENTIAL
Requirements necessary for safe
and effective performance of the
job
Good level of education.
Community Awareness.
Computer literacy to include
keyboard skills with use of internet
and email.
Excellent communication skills by
telephone and face to face with
patience and understanding.
Use of initiative/self-motivated.
Non-judge mental.
Thorough and attentive to detail.
Positive outlook.
Problem solver, pragmatic and
resilient.
Flexible and adaptable.
Able to maintain confidentiality.
Willingness to participate in
training and acquire new skills.
The ability to work in a team and
network with partners.
The ability to work confidently
alone.
The ability to manage your own
workload and identify priorities.
The initiative to develop the role.
DESIRABLE
Experience in providing
information to members of the
public and professionals using
telephone and active listening
techniques.
Experience in working effectively
with people who may be
confused, distressed, angry etc.
Experience of working with
vulnerable people.
Experience of rural issues.
Experience of public speaking.
Experience of delivering a
presentation.
Values
Other
Commitment to the needs of
people living in rural areas.
Desire to help people.
Access to a phone line and
itemised bill.
Full current driving license
Have access to a reliable car
To live in the parish cluster or very
close
Broadband connection.
Good written, verbal and
administration skills.
Effective record keeping of visits
and budget
Enhanced CRB will be conducted