CAfS

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  • Meet one of our new community climate champions

    Meet one of our new community climate champions

    Matthew Stemp joined our Climate Champions in the first call for volunteers, about three months ago.  He is a youth worker, who was interested in the programme as a way of meeting like-minded people in his area, and sharing his enthusiasm for making a difference with climate action. Here he explains how the first three months as a volunteer Climate Champion has gone.

    The first three months as a climate champion volunteer involved some training, we had some practical support like CAfS policies and data handling, and I also took one of their carbon literacy courses. All of this was very useful, but the Carbon Literacy course really surprised me in terms of the content and how practical it can be, providing me with resources and information that I can use in my role a climate champion. In fact, this inspired one of my first event ideas after reflecting on how heating our houses is responsible for a huge portion of Cumbria’s carbon footprint while also being connected to the cost of living crisis. I also met with Clare [ZCC Community Climate Champions coordinator] and other volunteers to develop my ideas and link up with other people and groups involved in climate action. 

    For my first go at community engagement, I’ve planned to run a workshop at an event in September which will explore how people can save energy and reduce costs with their housing. I’ve already made connections with a local eco-church network and will be engaging with young people locally to encourage them to attend and volunteer. I think that sometimes the best way to get communities involved in lowering carbon emissions is to link it in with areas such as saving money, community gardening and caring for nature. 

    There are challenges in this role; not everyone will have the time to give to a project like this and the geographical spread of Cumbria and lack of public transport can mean that it can be difficult to get good attendance at events. I was a bit surprised at how few people are involved in climate action locally, but this programme has already helped me to find others who are interested, and hopefully help me get a few more people involved. There is so much potential for our climate champion network as the group grows. For me, it’s all about joining the dots. 

    If you’re interested in getting involved and live or work in the Copeland area, you can find more here.

  • Contractor Opportunities: Home Energy Advisers

    Contractor Opportunities: Home Energy Advisers

    Home Energy Advisers

    Our Cold to Cosy Homes service is expanding to deliver even more free home energy advice across Cumbria. The service supports vulnerable people who may be living in cold, draughty, or damp homes. The eligibility requirements of Cold to Cosy Homes target households that either are already in or are at risk of falling into fuel poverty. It is open to all types of householders – homeowners, private renters and social housing tenants.

    To help us meet ambitious targets to make Cumbrian homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to heat, we are now recruiting for Home Energy Assessors in all areas of Cumbria. We’re looking for motivated individuals, with a commitment to supporting vulnerable clients, to join our fast growing team of advisers in delivering telephone and in-home energy advice. You will have excellent interpersonal skills, sensitivity to the needs of a diverse range of clients and enthusiasm to develop your knowledge of home energy efficiency.

    Key responsibilities and tasks:

    • Delivering energy advice by telephone, and in-person at people’s homes in Cumbria.
    • Identifying current insulation levels and heating system.
    • Identifying damp and mould issues.
    • Referring clients to relevant Heating and insulation schemes to further improve the efficiency of their home.
    • Installation of free simple energy-saving measures such as LED light bulbs, radiator reflector panels, and draught-proofing.
    • Tariff, Fuel debt and Smart meter advice.
    • Tips and advice on how to reduce energy.
    • Onward referrals to other organisations when required.
    • Provide a high quality of customer service, building a friendly. rapport with clients and a strong and credible reputation for Cold to Cosy Homes and CAfS.
    • Travelling independently around Cumbria to deliver the service.
    • Contribute positively to peer learning across our team of in-house and contractor energy advisors.
    • Contribute to the ongoing work of CAfS generally, including attending appropriate meetings and training sessions.
    Cold to Cosy Homes logo

    Our Cold to Cosy Homes service includes:

    • Advice about home energy efficiency by telephone and in-person at clients’ homes by trained CAfS employees and contractors.
    • Events and training about home energy efficiency for householders and volunteers.

    • The installation of energy efficiency measures such as low energy light bulbs, radiator reflector panels, and under door draught excluders..

    Our team of Home Energy Advisers work on a self-employed, sole-trader basis, providing their own insurance,  paying their own tax and National Insurance. You will need to commit to a minimum of two days a week for six home visits or ten advice calls, although we expect that there will be more work available! We experience our peak demand between September and March, with variations throughout the year. Unfortunately work is not guaranteed.

    A contract between CAfS and the contractor is agreed and signed before visits and/or calls can commence.

    Our Home Energy Advisors are part of our team, and are expected to participate in monthly training meetings, undergo regular quality assurance checks and relevant CPD training if required.

    How it works

    Visits and calls are arranged by CAfS Cold to Cosy Homes team for the adviser, for days that the adviser chooses and specifies as available (via our online calendar). Advisers should agree with Cold to Cosy Homes the days they are normally available, to enable the service to provide sufficient availability to meet demand across the team of advisers. Advisers can dictate the areas that they wish to work in – we encourage operating in your local area to limiting travel by car. Advisers are paid on completion of visits, calls, and events invoiced to CAfS monthly.

    Home Visits

    Home visits are typically 1.5 to 2 hours and experienced advisers can ordinarily complete up to three visits per day, depending on the geographical location of clients. The fee is £90 for a standard visit, which is fixed and covers all costs associated with visiting the client, including resource management, admin and travel time and costs.

    Telephone Advice Calls

    We expect our advisers to carry out two light touch advice calls in one hour, which including preparation and admin time. The fee is fixed at £15 per call.

    Events & Meetings

    Our advisers may be asked to attend events to help give advice, and are also required to attend internal meetings. This is covered by the standard hourly fee of £25 per hour.

    Essential skills and attributes:

    • Skills and experience of providing high-quality customer service.
    • Experience of working with a diverse range of people and communities.
    • Understanding of the issues households at risk of fuel poverty may face heating their homes.
    • Knowledge and understanding of sustainability issues and an interest in the objectives that CAfS seeks to deliver.
    • Strong team player and capability to work cooperatively as part of a small team as well as on own initiative without day-to-day supervision.
    • Ability to use remote working systems such as Teams, SharePoint and Microsoft Outlook
    • Good written communication and Microsoft Office skills.
    • Ability to travel independently throughout rural Cumbria.
    • Willingness to apply for a DBS check.
    • Willingness to undertake City & Guilds Level 3 Energy Awareness training and exam, as prerequisite for giving energy advice as part of the service.

    Desirable skills and experience:

    • Knowledge of domestic energy saving, the domestic energy market, tariff comparisons and switching, renewable energy and other schemes to help people save energy and afford their energy bills.
    • Experience of providing energy saving advice.
    • Experience of providing services to vulnerable households.
    • A qualification in providing energy advice – such as City & Guilds Level 3 Energy Awareness.
    • Experience of working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including vulnerable individuals and community groups.
    • Experience of working in a dispersed team and using Microsoft Teams or similar.
    • Practical experience of improving energy efficiency in domestic settings.

    CAfS are passionate about giving opportunities to those who might not be able to demonstrate all the skills and attributes for the role, which is why we seek applicants who can adapt and demonstrate the aptitude to learn. If you would like more information about the role, please email us.

    Apply now! >>>

    To apply as a contract Home Energy Adviser, submit your CV with a covering letter, or complete the application form. Email your submission to us as soon as possible to start the on-boarding process.

  • Take the CAfS Fundraising Challenge!

    Take the CAfS Fundraising Challenge!

    Are you looking for a challenge this summer?
    Summer is here and local architects Manning Elliott Partnership, are getting ready for their second fundraising challenge for us, a jaw-dropping 100km bike ride this August.
    Taking on a charity challenge, from swimming Cumbria’s lakes to having a zero-waste month, is a great way to do something you enjoy and raise money for a cause you care about all at the same time. It is easy to set-up a Facebook Fundraiser via your personal account to spread the word about your event and take donations. CAfS also have a JustGiving profile to make it easy for you to set up a fundraising page.
    We’ve just launched our new fundraising guide  which provides all the information you need to get started, including information on regulations, sponsorship forms and tips on ways to gain support.
    Interested, but don’t fancy organising your own challenge? There are plenty of organised events happening across Cumbria which provide fundraising opportunities for participants, just head on over to the Visit Lake District website for inspiration: Challenge Events – Visit Lake District
    If you have any questions or are interested in fundraising for CAfS this year, email our friendly team on [email protected].
    Good Luck!
  • Job: Cold to Cosy Homes | Project Officer

    Job: Cold to Cosy Homes | Project Officer

    Great news – our Cold to Cosy Homes service is being expanded so we can continue to deliver even more free home energy advice across the county, often to vulnerable people living in cold, draughty or damp homes. We’re looking for two Project Officers to join our team to provide home energy advice to a diverse range of clients.

    The successful candidates will help us reach more clients through home visits, telephone or virtual appointments, or at events throughout Cumbria. You’ll use your knowledge of fuel poverty and friendly style to give advice to help make homes warmer and cheaper to heat; and you’ll use your communication skills to maintain and develop relationships with external stakeholders.

    To apply, please email your completed application form to us by 9am on Wednesday 23 August.

    Interviews will be held via Zoom on 30 & 31 August 2023.

    The interview process will also involve one or more tasks relating to the role.

    The important stuff

    • SALARY RANGE: £23,000 to £29,000 (FTE)

    • LOCATION: Flexible working patterns with blended home, site and office (Penrith) work.

    • HOURS: 22.5 – 37.5 hours a week, negotiable hours and days. Core working hours are 10 – 3.

    • START DATE AND DURATION: As soon as possible, fixed term to 31 March 2025 with potential for extension.

    You’ll love working at CAfS

    Working at CAfS comes with great benefits. You’ll be joining a friendly and supportive organisation, and your wellbeing and work:life balance are hugely important to us. As well as flexibility around your working hours and location, you’ll have 22 days of paid annual leave pro rata, plus bank/public holidays. We pay an employer pension contribution of 6% from day one of employment.

    What a job at CAfS offers you…

    • The opportunity to be on the frontline driving action on climate change as part of a respected organisation that is making a difference.

    • Collaboration with dedicated colleagues, communities, local authorities and other organisations who are striving towards the same goal.

    • A dynamic working environment in which we continually innovate to achieve the best outcomes for employees, communities and planet.

    • A consultative working culture where staff are encouraged to contribute to new developments.

    Our work culture and benefits…

    • We are a friendly and supportive team of colleagues and board of trustees

    • We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all that we do.

    • We will provide the equipment you need to do your job.

    • Employee wellbeing is very important to us. We do what we can to help colleagues achieve a great work/life balance.

    • We have a flexible working policy and we use it. Most staff work part time so we are accustomed to managing different work patterns. Staff can also work at home where possible.

    • We invest in learning and development and encourage people to develop their skills and commit time and resources to development.

    Find out even more about the benefits of working at CAfS >

  • What does climate change look like in Cumbria?

    What does climate change look like in Cumbria?

    Whilst mainland Europe is burning in record breaking heatwaves, here in Cumbria it seems to be the usual summer weather – cloud, rain, some spells of sunshine. It’s the conditions that we would normally expect.  

    But whilst it may not feel as though the long term climate is changing in our own backyard, unlike overseas, it is clear from the data derived from monitoring of the day to day weather conditions over many years that it is.   

    The average annual temperature of the UK has increased since 1884 – with 10 of the UK’s hottest years having occurred since 2003.

    Graph showing UK annual average temperature
    Source: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/press-office/news/weather-and-climate/2022/2022-provisionally-warmest-year-on-record-for-uk

     

    Even closer to home, there is evidence of climate change as average annual temperatures in Cumbria are hotting up – see the ‘climate stripes’ graph below.  

     

    Climate stripes for Cumbria

     

    Met Office data recorded at the Keswick climate station since 1961 shows that the maximum yearly average temperature has increased from 12.44 degrees in the period 1961-1990 to 13.24 degrees in the 1991-2020 period. The average yearly rainfall total has increased from 1,470.85 mm in 1961-1990 to 1,575 mm in the 1991-2020 period. Air frost days have declined from 68.14 days per year on average in the period 1961 to 1990 to only 44.58 days in 1991-2020. 

    Evidence of climate change can also be seen in the water temperature of our lakes. A study by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology that focused on four lakes found that four of the five warmest years have occurred since the year 2000.

    The heatwaves in Europe may have been described by some of the media as ‘unusual’ but as we continue to pump greenhouse gases into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels, we will experience increasingly extreme, record breaking weather with increasing frequency, hear at home.

    Want to know more about weather vs climate and what you can do? Our climate and carbon literacy courses can help.

  • Our latest newsletter – 20 July 2023

    Our latest newsletter – 20 July 2023

    Read our latest newsletter for details of our Staveley ebike scheme, Cockermouth charity week, a call for thermal imaging volunteers and climate champions and more!

    We send our newsletters every couple of weeks. We’ll let you know about our forthcoming events, webinars, and courses; top tips for cutting your carbon footprint, our services and projects. To get this direct to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter!

    Follow us on social media for
    the most up to date news!

  • Cockermouth businesses supporting CAfS during town’s charity week

    Cockermouth businesses supporting CAfS during town’s charity week

    It’s Cockermouth Charity Week and CAfS are being supported by some wonderful sustainable businesses in the town.  

    The week runs from 17th-22nd July and throughout this period businesses in Cockermouth will be fundraising for their chosen charity. On the Saturday, everyone will be out on the streets to celebrate with stalls, live music and many other events happening in the town. 

    North Lakes Clinic and Health Food Store are supporting us with a promotion on sales of Bare Kind bamboo socks and in Market Place, Goodness and Grain will also be running a raffle with some amazing, sustainable prizes. Skylark Studio have donated a painting which can be won on our stall on Saturday and Oakhurst Garden Centre are running a Vintage afternoon tea and music evening on Friday 21st to fundraise for us. All businesses will be taking donations via our collection tins. 

    On Friday, Oakhurst Garden Centre are hosting a fundraising vintage afternoon tea, with CAfS being one of the beneficiaries. If you can print and display the poster that would be awesome!

    Representatives from CAfS will be in the town on Saturday to celebrate the end of charity week and will be hosting their own pop-up stall outside Sainsbury’s. Come along and see us there, ask any questions about our work or take part in our climate-themed games.  

    You can also pick up a leaflet in any of the businesses supporting us throughout the week to find out more about our work and services.   

    We look forward to seeing you there! 

    If you are a small business in Cumbria who would like to support Cumbria Action for Sustainability through your work, contact our friendly Development Team for a chat at: [email protected] or 01768 593272. You can also find out more about establishing a business partnership with us here.  

  • Home Retrofit Volunteer

    Home Retrofit Volunteer

    Get involved in home retrofit and learn how to use a thermal camera!

    We’ve teamed up with community groups in four areas  – Ambleside; Keswick; Levens and Arnside and Greysouthen, Melbreak, Lorton, Eaglesfield, Bridgefoot and Little Clifton – for a new project all about retrofitting and refurbishing homes to save energy and be more comfortable.

    We’re recruiting volunteers in each of these area to help drive the project. No experience necessary! We’re looking for people to help plan and publicise events, and a group of volunteers to carry out free thermal imaging surveys – full training provided. Our team are also interested to hear from home owners who are carrying out significant low energy retrofit work to their homes, or have already done so – it’s great to have case studies, or for home owners who are considering their own retrofit to be able to talk to others about it.

    Email [email protected] if you are interested in helping with any of these activities. CAfS are really keen to welcome some new people to get involved in the project, so if you are interested or have questions before you decide, do get in touch! Tell your friends if you know someone who might be keen – this is for anyone in these locations, whether you are already a member of these community groups or not.

    Volunteer now!

    This project is funded through the

    Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme.

    Thermal Imaging

    • Surveying

    • Appointment admin

    Event Organisation

    • Planning

    • Publicity

    Share your story…

    • Case Studies

    • Talk to fellow home owners

    • Ambleside area

    • Keswick & surrounding villages

    • Greysouthen, Melbreak, Lorton, Eaglesfield, Bridgefoot and Little Clifton

    • Levens and Arnside area

  • Response to Climate Change Committee Report | A call for national leaders to step up

    Response to Climate Change Committee Report | A call for national leaders to step up

    Our CEO, Karen Mitchell, responds to the recent CCC report

    On Monday, the Met Office confirmed that June was the UK’s hottest on record. Days before that, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), the independent group which advises the government on emissions targets and reports to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, released its annual report, saying that their “confidence in the UK meeting its goals from 2030 onwards is now markedly less than a year ago”.

    The 438 page report cites a lack of urgency, and urges the Government to stick to existing commitments and ensure their delivery, with immediate action needed in a range of areas to meet the emissions pathway. They recommend that land-use policies are developed, planning policy radically overhauled and criticise the support for high-carbon developments including the proposed coal mine here in Cumbria, and new oil and gas production. The committee want better public engagement on climate strategy to empower households to make low-carbon choices. Watch a video highlighting the key messages from the report.

    CAfS has been working in this field for 25 years – doggedly building awareness of both the threats we face in this rural county from climate change and the multiple solutions and benefits that acting on its causes can bring. We have at times had very limited funding, few allies and a tiny team. In 2014 there were just six part time staff. Now we have near to 40. We’ve brought organisations of all kinds together, pulled millions of £s into Cumbria and run multiple projects to support individuals, communities and organisations make the transition from high to low carbon living and working. Just last week we were mentioned in a Westminster debate by Tim Farron MP for our work on home energy efficiency.

    We’re particularly proud to have helped to create the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership , a group of diverse organisations from across the county, now working together to plan how we collectively bring Cumbria’s fossil fuel emissions to net zero. As the CCC so clearly points out, we ‘need to act with the utmost urgency’ but whilst there is much that we can all do here to reduce our use of fossil fuels, we are also highly dependent on the right government policies and incentives. So we very much hope that government will respond to the Chair of the CCC, Lord Deben’s plea that it now acts ‘decisively and with ambition’. We’re doing our bit locally for Zero Carbon Cumbria – we need our national leaders to do their bit too.

  • Job: Customer Services Administrator

    Job: Customer Services Administrator

    An excellent opportunity to play an important part in supporting Cumbria householders with their energy use and the cost of living crisis. 

    Our team of Customer Administrators play an important part in delivering Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria, as well as other services we provide. The role is the first point of contact for customers when they enquire about and apply for services. 

    The successful candidate will assist the Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria team to deliver energy advice and access our paid services. All training will be provided, as well as our award-winning Carbon and Climate Literacy course.

    To apply, please email your completed application form to us by 9am on Wednesday 19 July 

    We are planning for interviews to be held in week commencing 24 July 2023 via Zoom.

    The interview process will also involve one or more tasks relating to the role.

    The important stuff

    • SALARY RANGE: £21,500 – £26,000 (FTE)

    • LOCATION: Based in our office in Penrith, some home working can be arranged, plus occasional meetings.

    • HOURS: 22.5 – 37.5 hours a week, negotiable hours and days. Core office hours are 10 – 3.

    • START DATE AND DURATION: Fixed term to 31 March 2025 with potential for extension.

    You’ll love working at CAfS

    Working at CAfS comes with great benefits. You’ll be joining a friendly and supportive organisation, and your wellbeing and work:life balance are hugely important to us. As well as flexibility around your working hours and location, you’ll have 22 days of paid annual leave pro rata, plus bank/public holidays. We pay an employer pension contribution of 6% from day one of employment.

    What a job at CAfS offers you…

    • The opportunity to be on the frontline driving action on climate change as part of a respected organisation that is making a difference.

    • Collaboration with dedicated colleagues, communities, local authorities and other organisations who are striving towards the same goal.

    • A dynamic working environment in which we continually innovate to achieve the best outcomes for employees, communities and planet.

    • A consultative working culture where staff are encouraged to contribute to new developments.

    Our work culture and benefits…

    • We are a friendly and supportive team of colleagues and board of trustees

    • We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all that we do.

    • We will provide the equipment you need to do your job.

    • Employee wellbeing is very important to us. We do what we can to help colleagues achieve a great work/life balance.

    • We have a flexible working policy and we use it. Most staff work part time so we are accustomed to managing different work patterns. Staff can also work at home where possible.

    • We invest in learning and development and encourage people to develop their skills and commit time and resources to development.

    Find out even more about the benefits of working at CAfS >