Holiday Activities and Food Programme Support Officer

• Holiday Activities and Food Programme Support Officer
• Part Time 29.6 hours - Flexible Shift Pattern
• Fixed Term Contract until 31/03/2029

Support initiatives that make everyday life better for local people.

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Turn vision into action for children and families in Gateshead.

The Community, Health and Wellbeing Service at Gateshead Council works in close partnership with local communities, residents and organisations to improve health outcomes and quality of life across the borough. The team leads on the development and delivery of strategic programmes, projects and policies that address poverty, inequality and disadvantage, with a strong focus on supporting a healthy standard of living. Key areas include coordinating action to tackle poverty including food and fuel poverty and the Holiday Activities and Food Programme, supporting the Warm Welcome Spaces network, developing high-quality volunteering opportunities, and supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and reduce inequalities.

Inspire change. Strengthen communities. Improve lives.

This role will support the implementation and delivery of the Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) for Gateshead, providing high quality holiday activities for eligible children and young people across Gateshead in line with the requirements from the Department for Education (DfE). This work supports the key ambitions in Gateshead’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy to ensure a healthy standard of living for all, to give every child the best start in life and to enable young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives. This post will play a key role in achieving these ambitions by enabling the provision of free activities and food via HAF provision during the main school holidays – Easter, Christmas and Summer.

What you'll get to do:

• Support the HAF Lead Officer to ensure that programme and project planning, development and activity is coordinated and delivers planned outcomes and benefits in line with the Council’s strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement programme and project procedures to monitor and report on risk, change, benefits, finance and quality assurance.
• Support HAF activity providers through the provision of resources and activities that contribute to the achievement of DfE outcomes.
• Administer the grant application process from enquiry through to award, liaising with applicants to ensure budget, content and scope are within the parameters as defined by the DfE.
• Work in collaboration with internal Council services, commercial organisations and VCSE organisations to ensure the successful delivery of HAF in Gateshead.
• Support the HAF Lead Officer with the monitoring, recording, auditing and communication of project progress at clearly defined milestones.
• Work closely with the Council’s communications team to produce promotional content to be used on social media, the internet/intranet and in the Council’s newsletter.
• Build relationships with educational establishments to support and inform their research work in the child poverty arena.
• Collate, analyse and report on the success of the HAF programme as defined by the DfE.
• Support the HAF Lead Officer in ensuring all HAF provision adheres to relevant policies, procedures and practices including, financial regulations, Health and safety, safeguarding and Information governance.
• Ensure the necessary standards relating to safeguarding best practices/protocols are effectively communicated, monitored, and maintained as relevant within the scope of this post.

What you'll bring:

• Experience supporting or delivering customer-focused services, programmes or projects that make a positive difference to children, young people and families.
• Full UK driving licence or access to mobility support with the ability to travel across Gateshead as required.
• Knowledge or understanding of the Department for Education's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, safeguarding requirements, and the needs of diverse communities.
• Experience planning, coordinating or delivering activities, events or programmes for children and young people, with a commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
• Strong partnership-working skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with schools, community organisations, charities and other stakeholders.
• Ability to collect, analyse and present information accurately, using data to monitor performance, measure impact and meet programme targets.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work to deadlines and maintain attention to detail.
• Strong communication and digital skills, including confidence using Microsoft Office applications and communicating effectively with a wide range of people.
• The post holder will be required to work over key school holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Summer.

If successful, this role requires a DBS and you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.