The closing date for receipt of your completed application form and covering letter is: 12 noon on Monday 7 th April 2014.

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1 Welcome Dear Applicant Thank you for your enquiry regarding the position of Office Manager with the Field Studies Council. This post is predominantly based at FSC London Region s Juniper Hall Field Centre with other responsibilities across the region. Please find enclosed the following information: 1. Job Description and Person Specification 2. Summary of the main terms and conditions for the post 3. Information about FSC please also visit: If you wish to apply for this position please: 1. Download and complete the Application Form for Non-Education Posts as fully as possible. A word version of the FSC Application Form and guidance notes can be downloaded from our website: 2. Write a short covering letter explaining why you are applying for the position and how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role Completed forms and covering letter should be returned for the attention of: Human Resources, FSC Head Office, Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 1HW Alternatively you can your application to: hr@field-studies-council.org The closing date for receipt of your completed application form and covering letter is: 12 noon on Monday 7 th April Interviews are planned for the week commencing 14 th April 2014 at FSC Juniper Hall. If you have any queries regarding this vacancy please call Human Resources on We look forward to receiving your application in due course. Please be advised that as a charity, we endeavour to keep our administrative costs to a minimum and therefore you will only be contacted if we wish to progress your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion, however, if this is the case, we sincerely thank you for your interest in our organisation and encourage you to apply for any future posts that may be advertised. Mark Bolland Director of Operations Field Studies Council is a limited company No and a Charity, registered in England and Wales No and registered in Scotland, No. SC Registered Office: Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 1HW

2 JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: FSC Grade: Based at: Reports to: Office Manager Senior Team Leader FSC London Region (predominately at FSC Juniper Hall) Head of FSC London Region This post holds line management responsibility for all other FSC London Region administration staff Overall Job Purpose: To manage the main FSC London Region office systems and to provide critical support to the learning location teams in terms of communication with the customer, administering the invoicing/accounts system, and responding to enquiries from both staff and customers. A flexible approach and willingness to adapt to changes within FSC London Region are essential along with a positive contribution to a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The Core Values that we regard as essential for every member of staff include: a passion to deliver the highest standards of customer care; honesty and openness; an ability to work safely; a desire to show pride in all aspects of their work; a flexible approach with a willingness to adapt to changes within the learning locations; and a commitment to inspiring environmental understanding through first-hand experience. Key responsibilities: Managing the FSC London Region office and FSC systems across the network of learning locations within the London Region, and undertaking general office administration Effectively line managing the administration staff at FSC Juniper Hall and across the FSC London Region, including having an active role in the management of their performance. Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of all areas of FSC s work in the London Region work in order to respond knowledgeably to enquiries from the public and members of learning location staff. Ensuring that telephone, and in-person enquiries are handled appropriately, and the highest standards of customer care are achieved at all times, including the implementation of target setting and monitoring. Developing and running a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System to monitor enquiries, track potential customer bookings, and place these at the learning location that is most appropriate across the London Region. Being a key front of house member of staff at and a first point of contact for customers at Juniper Hall. Being a role model for customer care across all FSC London Region locations. Having management responsibility for the FSC London Region bookings diary and availability calendar: including the processing of bookings from initial enquiry stage through to final payment and the customer s arrival at the learning locations; the inputting of data onto the FSC database; and liaising with kitchen, housekeeping, administrative and education teams on a weekly basis to ensure the communication of customer needs is achieved and met, especially with regards to arrival and departure times, meal and dietary requirements and the multivariate individual needs of our customers. Working with the Bursar at FSC Juniper Hall to ensure the effective management of FSC London Region s financial systems in conjunction with Head Office e.g. purchase and expenses, petty cash, returns, sales and cash, and stock taking. Working closely with other FSC London Region staff to monitor and control income & expenditure in line with the learning locations budget, and to produce management information for the Head of FSC London Region. Responding to requests for further information for market analysis

3 Taking a proactive approach to the identification and implementation of initiatives to improve systems Contributing to the leadership of the learning locations across the London Region as a member of the Management Team, including being part of the Learning Location's daily duty management team Assisting with the production of the Annual action plan and undertaking associated reporting Driving: We have a number of vehicles which you may be asked to drive. To do so, you will need to be 21 years or over, have a full valid driving licence, to have been driving for at least two years, and undertake an internal assessment on commencement in the role. Attending staff meetings as well as FSC internal and external training as required, in order to share best practice and improve team and learning location performance, and participating fully in staff development activities (sometimes this may involve travel to other learning locations with the occasional overnight stay) The role involves manual handling, such as taking delivery of parcels and moving office files Behavioural Responsibilities: Following all FSC procedures and complying with FSC s statutory and legal requirements relating to food hygiene, health and safety, manual handling, the correct use and management of substances hazardous to health (eg. cleaning products) and general conduct Maintaining a high standard of customer service and ensuring the highest standards of quality are achieved in all duties carried out Maintaining a high standard of personal hygiene & personal appearance in accordance with FSC policies Working closely with other learning location staff with regard to ensuring that appropriate levels of service are maintained during absences and periods of high workload Ensuring a happy, productive working environment that integrates well with other staff at the learning location Fulfilling your obligations under the FSC Behaviour Partnership Contributing positively to the environmental performance of the Centre Any other duties that may reasonably be required by the Head of FSC London Region or the Directors of Operations & Finance to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Learning Location Issued March 2014: This job description should be seen as enabling rather than restrictive, and will be subject to regular review.

4 PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title: OFFICE MANAGER Learning Location: FSC London Region ESSENTIAL/DESIRABLE FACTORS FOR THE POST E D How is this identified? 1. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum of 5 GCSEs to include English (or appropriate vocational experience) Application/Interview Minimum of NVQ Level 2 Business Administration or equivalent Application/Interview ICT Qualification Application Management Qualification Application First aid qualification Application 2. EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Minimum of 3 years relevant experience of working in an administrative role Application/Interview Minimum of 5 years general management experience Application/Interview Minimum of 2 years people management / supervisory experience Application/Interview Professional and articulate telephone manner Interview Ability to effectively manage tasks on a day to day basis Interview Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing Application/Interview Ability to lead and work as part of a team in a busy office environment Application/Interview Accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work Application/Interview Proficient in the use of standard office software and technology Application/Interview Experience of using databases and financial systems Application/Interview Experience of using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system Application/Interview Previous experience of working across multiple sites Application/Interview 3. PERSONAL QUALITIES Ability to work using own initiative and as a competent and effective team leader Demonstrable personal time management and prioritisation skills Interview Committed and proactive approach to personal development, motivated to learn new skills and seek new challenges Application/Interview Interview Ability to motivate and inspire others Interview Commitment to improving the FSC s environmental performance Interview 4. OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES Full valid Driving Licence Application Full D1 entitlement with minibus driving experience / certification Application

5 Contract Term: This is a permanent post. Remuneration: FSC Grade: Senior Team Leader SUMMARY OF MAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS FSC Salary Grade: Scale Points 18-21: actual salary 25,021-28,553 per annum. Hours of work: This is an annualised hours contract which is based on a notional average of 40 hours of work per week (2080 working hours over a full year); this means that the weekly hours may be variable each week to meet the business demands. Weekend and evening work will be required. Whilst the hours of work may be variable the salary is paid in 12 equal monthly instalments. Annual & Bank Holidays: The holiday year runs from 1 January to 31 December each year. You will accrue an entitlement to paid annual holidays equivalent to 5.6 working weeks during a complete holiday year. This entitlement includes the Public/Bank holidays or substitute days (as defined in FSC s Employee Handbook) when they fall on a contractual or scheduled day of work. Part time workers will receive a pro-rata of the entitlement. For anyone who joins part way through the year they will receive a pro-rata entitlement of the 28 days. In addition to the above, we recognise and reward staff loyalty by awarding additional paid leave days, based on length of service, up to a maximum cumulative total of 5 additional days paid leave (pro rata for part time). Pension: The post-holder will be eligible to join one of FSC s Pension schemes. Sickness: During periods of certified sickness the post-holder will be eligible to receive sick pay in accordance with FSC s sickness absence procedures. The payment of sick pay is subject to compliance with FSC s rules for the notification and verification of sickness absence, details of which will be provided to the successful applicant upon commencement of employment. Additional Employee Benefits: These include an Employee Assistance Programme, Life Assurance* and Health Cash Plan with Westfield Health* (*exclusions apply). Further details are given on appointment, as applicable, or are available by contacting Human Resources at FSC Head Office on Probationary Period: This post has a 6 month probationary period, during which your suitability for the post will be assessed. Post Classification / Level of Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check Required: Category A (as defined in the FSC Code of Conduct) / Enhanced.

6 FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL: BACKGROUND INFORMATION FSC believes the more we know about and take inspiration from the world around us the more we can appreciate its needs and protect its diversity and beauty for future generations. FSC is the only environmental education charity dedicated solely to providing informative and enjoyable opportunities for people to experience the environment at first hand to discover, explore, and be inspired by the natural world. Over the last 70 years FSC has touched the hearts and minds of people of all ages through courses at our network of learning locations, work overseas and the production of resources. Each year over 130,000 people experience FSC through a visit to one of our learning locations either as a child on a family holiday course, a young person on a school fieldtrip, an adult on a leisure learning course or a teacher on a professional development course. FSC is a leading provider of learning outside the classroom, welcoming over 3,000 schools to its UK wide network of learning locations each year. Natural history courses range from walking and exploring the countryside to more specific courses on species or habitats. Art courses including painting, drawing crafts, photography and creative writing. All have one thing in common the use of the natural world as inspiration. Family holidays and activity courses are a great way for the family to enjoy spending time together, experiencing stunning scenery, fantastic wildlife and exciting activities. FSC publishes a wide range of identification guides including the renowned AIDGAP series of keys and fold-out charts. FSC is committed to developing and providing taxonomic training to increase the identification, monitoring and recording skills of environmental professionals and volunteers. FSC also offers professional training opportunities in fieldwork for trainee and experienced teachers. Some of the FSC s proudest moments have arrived when trying to reach those that are not able to visit an FSC learning location because they have been disadvantaged in some way. Through generous donations and membership, FSC has established the Kids Fund, a vehicle to provide financial support to enable such groups to visit an FSC learning location. Despite all that we have achieved so far, we hope to provide even more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to discover, explore and understand the natural world. However, as an Investors in People charity, we realise we can t achieve this without staff that have a real passion for the work of the charity and a pride in their role within it. Every role in the charity is vital to delivering its mission and vision if this inspires you and you meet the requirements of the post we would love to hear from you. For more information please also visit FSC Juniper Hall Juniper Hall is set in a quiet wooded valley in an unspoilt area of the chalk North Downs. Juniper Hall, leased from the National Trust, is a superb country house dating from the 17th century. It is about 1km from Box Hill and only 40km from central London. Set in a dry valley at the foot of Box Hill, the centre runs geography, ecology and environmental studies courses for school students and pupils and an extensive programme of environment, art and craft courses for adults and families. We have a diverse customer base with all Key stages from primary through to A-level groups equally represented as well as University and PGCE groups. Accommodation for the guests is spread between Juniper Hall itself and Cedars, which is a more recent addition. The centre can accommodate up to 100 people in a mixture of twin rooms and dormitories. Juniper Hall also contains recreational space for the guests and some resident staff rooms. Looking after our customers is of paramount importance and all staff play their part in ensuring we offer outstanding customer service. The management of the Centre is inclusive, with everyone being expected to contribute and having the opportunity to develop their skills and experience. There are approximately 30 staff at the Centre, with about half living residentially. Juniper Hall lies halfway between the towns of Dorking and Leatherhead and being just 10 minutes from the M25 J9 has good transport links with London and the South East. Box Hill and Westhumble station is one mile away and has regular trains to London. There is a bus stop outside the centre with buses to Dorking and Kingston.

7 FSC Amersham Amersham Day Centre is located in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The 30 hectare site provides a mosaic of woodland, grassland and pond habitats for all ages to study. The Centre, which is not residential, is close to the River Chess, High Wycombe and recreation sites at Coombe Hill and Wendover Woods. The Centre welcomes community groups including Scouts and Guides and also provides holiday activities and environmental birthday parties in addition to a full range of school based courses. Teaching is varied at Amersham, all tutors teach both Biology and Geography across a wide range of ages, from Key Stage 1 up to A-Level. Courses include Year 1 Barnaby Bear, KS2 Habitat studies, River Studies from KS2-5, KS3 Weather and Microclimate, GCSE Woodland Ecosystems, A Level Ecology Coursework and many more. FSC Epping Forest Epping Forest Field Centre is situated in the heart of Epping Forest. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Epping Forest is nationally important for its wildlife. The forest is on the border of Greater London and has excellent transport links (Central Line for Underground Services into London and close to the M25 and M11). The Centre is managed by the Field Studies Council on behalf of the City of London Corporation, and was established to commemorate the European Year of Conservation in The Centre specialises in connecting people of all ages with the natural environment by providing safe and enjoyable learning experiences in Epping Forest and the surrounding area. Through first hand investigations and discovery, the Centre aims to realise the FSC s mission to bring environmental understanding to all. It is a non-residential centre that provides courses for learners of all ages, from toddlers to pensioners. In addition to its main work, providing fieldwork for schools groups, the Centre offers Eco activities (which include family courses, drop in days and holiday activities for children), Leisure Learning courses for adults and a range of community and outreach activities in association with many partners. FSC London FSC London is the FSC s first inner-city centre with the potential to continue the development of FSC s profile in built environment education, and the strength of its links with the capital s secondary schools. The office is located above the Stratford Centre, close to both train and bus links. It is currently staffed by a Head of Centre, supported by an administrator, with a team of education staff delivering the fieldwork. The dynamic, changing location, with the Olympic Park and regeneration of the Lea Valley makes it an ideal site for visiting and local students to study. A large proportion of the education sessions are outreach-oriented, using sites, spaces and communities throughout east London for fieldwork. These include one day sessions in and around east London, as well as shorter sessions in the View Tube, a temporary facility constructed from reused shipping containers, next to the Olympic Park. Building on the FSC s successes through projects such as London Outdoor Science, Schools in the Parks, Eco-Challenge and National Citizens Service, the FSC was awarded the contract to build and deliver education in three of London s Royal Parks. Bushy Park has two classrooms and an office space and is the base for the Royal Parks activity in south west London. It is an important hub for developing innovative teaching approaches and resources most suited for teaching in an urban park environment at all levels.