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  • Job: Sector Group Administrator

    Job: Sector Group Administrator

    We’re looking for an experienced administrator to provide support to the Zero Carbon Cumbria Sector Groups.

    You’ll be an excellent communicator, and be able to provide administrative support in a dynamic environment. Able to liaise with sector groups Convenors and members to organise meetings, maintain details of group membership and support the Cumbria Emissions Reduction Project Manager as required.

    Closing date: Wednesday 31st May

    SALARY RANGE: £21,500 to £24,000

    LOCATION: Contractually based at our office, Eden Rural Foyer, Old London Road, Penrith, CA11 8ET. Homeworking can be agreed. Occasional meetings required at venues across Cumbria.

    HOURS: 22.5 – 37.5 hours a week with flexibility across 3, 4 or 5 days.

    START DATE AND DURATION: Fixed term contract from June 2023 to June 2024 (12 months, with potential for extension subject to funding)

    ZERO CARBON CUMBRIA PARTNERSHIP

    The ZCCP is made up of more than 80 organisations from the public, private and third sectors, with the shared ambition of a net zero carbon Cumbria by 2037 for our emissions from energy, travel, land-use, food and the other goods we buy, and waste.

    On behalf of the ZCCP, CAfS secured £2.5 million in 2020 from the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund for a five-year Zero Carbon Cumbria (ZCC) project, which is funding this post along with several others.

    Four emission sector groups have recently been created, comprising representatives from relevant partner organisations, and tasked to produce Emissions Reduction Action Plans (ERAPs) by the end of November 2023 for:

    • Buildings
    • Transport and mobility
    • Farming and other land use
    • Consumption, waste and the circular economy

    To develop their ERAP, each group is expected to meet 6 – 12 times and there are likely to be 1 to 3 sector group meetings taking place each week.

    More information about the ZCCP, the National Lottery funding and the sector groups is available here: https://zerocarboncumbria.co.uk/

    MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE:

    • To provide administrative and other support to the Zero Carbon Cumbria Sector Groups to help them develop their Emissions Reduction Action Plans (ERAPs).

    WORKING FOR CAFS

    As an employee of Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS), you’ll be working for an organisation that is flexible, supportive and values your wellbeing. We can offer you a healthy work/life balance, including some flexibility in when and where you work your hours, along with an employer pension contribution of 6% from day one of employment and holiday entitlement of 22 days pro rata plus bank and public holidays.

    CAfS is Cumbria’s climate change organisation. Our vision is a zero carbon Cumbria which is socially, environmentally, and economically beneficial for all. We aim to achieve this by promoting and facilitating low carbon living and its benefits – inspiring and supporting individuals, communities, and organisations across Cumbria and beyond to decarbonise lives and businesses by 2037 or sooner.

    We manage and deliver events, advice, training and practical projects across the county as well as providing specialist consultancy services to enable individuals, communities, businesses and local authorities to drive a shift towards a Zero Carbon Cumbria. 

    We hope you will consider joining us and being part of Cumbria-wide efforts to tackle climate change while making lives better.

    Job Description: Sector Group Administrator

    Download the full job description and person specification to see full details about the role

    PDF doc: Job Description – Sector Groups Administrator

    Word doc: Job Description – Sector Groups Administrator 

    How to apply

    Please return this Application-Form by 9am Wednesday 31st May to [email protected]

    INTERVIEWS: Applicants selected for interview will be contacted by 5pm Friday 2 June. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 13 June

    Some great benefits of working at CAfS

    Deciding whether to apply? Working at CAfS comes with some 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, as mentioned above, 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.  

    Find out more about the benefits of working at CAfS >

  • Our latest newsletter – 6 May 2023

    Our latest newsletter – 6 May 2023

    Read our latest newsletter for details of our brilliant news about our Carbon Literacy courses being awarded platinum status, thanks for Big Give donations, a last call for Climate Champions in Copeland, a call out for opinions from upland hill farmers and an offer of low carbon business support. Plus forthcoming events, and recruitment and volunteering opportunities.

    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!

  • CAfS recognised as one of the best charities in the country 

    CAfS recognised as one of the best charities in the country 

    CAfS awarded platinum status by the Carbon Literacy Project

    Cumbria Action for Sustainability, Cumbria’s climate change charity, is one of only ten organisations in the country to have received the prestigious award of Platinum Status. Accredited by the Carbon Literacy Project, this is the highest award level and recognises organisations that demonstrate outstanding delivery of the Carbon Literacy course and educate and inspire businesses, organisations, communities, and individuals to act on climate change.  

    As part of their drive to support Cumbria to reach its ambition of becoming carbon net zero by 2037, Cumbria Action for Sustainability has trained over a thousand people, and written, accredited and delivered courses for multiple sectors. They also run Train-the-Trainer programmes for organisations outside of Cumbria.  

    The Carbon Literacy Project promotes awareness and understanding of climate change, and the action that can be taken to reduce carbon emissions. The day long course covers the latest science behind climate change, the impacts of climate change and the solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change. The course is designed to educate people on the importance of carbon reduction and to provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to reduce their own carbon footprints, and to communicate with others about the urgency of the climate crisis. It can be tailored by Cumbria Action for Sustainability to meet the needs of specific organisations and can be delivered online or in person. 

    Chris Nattress, Principal of Lakes College West Cumbria said “The training CAfS developed and delivered was excellent and exactly what we needed. Staff found the session informative, thought-provoking and ideal in providing an evidence-based, well-informed overview of the challenges we all face in reducing carbon emissions. CAfS are a pleasure to work with, very well informed and hit just the right tone in the session.’  

    Andrew Seekings, Chief Executive of Cumberland Council said “I have attended climate change training before, when I felt that I have been talked at…or blamed…, this isn’t the case with CAfS, the approach is one that is reflective, balanced and pragmatic. It is based on an understanding that not all of us can take every action, inhibited by our ability to change for various reasons, but instead, raises your consciousness to make you want to do something, whatever is right for you.”  

    Sam Plum, Chief Executive of Westmorland and Furness Council, said; “I would highly recommend the CAfS Carbon Literacy Training.  The course is accessible, compelling, and incredibly well delivered, with plenty of opportunities for participants to really get involved.  It absolutely resonates with our Council Plan priorities and brings a sometimes unattainable or challenging subject to life with real examples and practical steps.” 

    Hazel Graham, CAfS Climate and Carbon Literacy Training Manager said; “We are delighted to be one of the few organisations in the country to achieve platinum status. This is a real recognition of the quality of the work of our team of eight specialist climate trainers.  

    At CAfS, we’ve been supporting individuals and organisations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions for 25 years and we have built an incredibly strong team of specialist staff. It is brilliant to see that hard work and expertise recognised in this award. 

    We have trained over 1200 people so far, but we aim to train 3000 people in the next 2 years. If you want to be one of them, please get in touch!” 

    CAfS Carbon Literacy course is available to businesses, organisations and individuals looking for a deeper understanding of climate change and methods of reducing carbon in their businesses and lives. The course is also offered free of charge to those on low incomes, using a pay-as-you-can-afford model, ensuring everyone has access to the knowledge they need to make a positive impact on the environment. The course encourages connection with a network of people working towards a greener future.  

    If you are looking to take steps to reduce your carbon footprint and become more sustainable in your life, community, business or organisation, check out the links. 

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    Trained by CAfS in Carbon Literacy!

  • Job: Cumbria Emissions Reduction Project Manager

    Job: Cumbria Emissions Reduction Project Manager

    A unique opportunity to play a crucial role in planning Cumbria’s pathway to net zero carbon emissions.

    Cumbria’s groundbreaking Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership initiative brings together many diverse organisations together to plan the county’s pathway to net zero carbon emissions. We’re looking for an experienced project manager to manage and support four sub-groups of the partnership to ensure they have the resources they need to develop wide ranging emission reduction action plans for Cumbria. You’ll use your excellent communication, relationship management and planning skills to work closely with the groups and other stakeholders to ensure they make progress in identifying the actions that need to be taken, by who and how. Your understanding of the causes and impacts of climate change will help underpin this vital contribution to Cumbria’s ambition to decarbonise.

    You’ll also ensure that any needs are met for training or events to help the groups and the wider partnership progress action on climate change.

    To apply, please email your completed application form to us by 9am Wednesday 24 May.

    Candidates selected for interview will be contacted by Friday 26 May. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 6 June.

    About the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership

    The ZCCP is made up of more than 80 organisations from the public, private and third sectors, with the shared ambition of a net zero carbon Cumbria by 2037 for our emissions from energy, travel, land-use, food and the other goods we buy, and waste.

    On behalf of the ZCCP, in 2020 CAfS secured £2.5 million from the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund for a five-year Zero Carbon Cumbria (ZCC) project, which is funding this post along with several others.

    Four emission sector groups have recently been created, each with a clearly defined scope and terms of reference. The groups comprise of  representatives from relevant partner organisations, and have been tasked to produce Emissions Reduction Action Plans (ERAPs) by the end of November 2023.

    As part of the Lottery-funded project there is also a programme of climate and emission-reduction events and training which is coordinated by CAfS on behalf of ZCCP and delivered jointly by a range of partners.

    The programme helps partners, organisations, communities and individuals overcome barriers to reducing emissions such as lack of knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence. It provides a supportive framework for community engagement, enabling groups to share campaigns, messaging, action and successes.

    National Lottery Community Fund logo
    Click for more info on the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership

    The important stuff

    • SALARY RANGE: £24,000 – £32,000 (FTE)

    • LOCATION: Flexibility between our office in Penrith, and from home, plus occasional meetings.

    • HOURS: 22.5 – 37.5 hours a week, to be worked across 3, 4 or 5 days.

    • START DATE AND DURATION: Fixed term from June 2023 – June 2024 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 >

  • Calling upland farmers for land use research

    Calling upland farmers for land use research

    CAfS partner work with farmers in Cumbria continues as we look for ways we can support this vital sector to reduce it’s carbon footprint.  Our next project is calling on upland farmers to come forward for a study exploring land use issues led by Dr Peter Gittins, an upland farmer from the University of Leeds. 

    This research is seeking to interview upland beef and sheep farmers in Cumbria, Yorkshire, and Exmoor to give their views on approaches towards ELMs, (environmental land management schemes) net zero, and any constraints or barriers they may be facing. We want to speak to farmers who may be anxious about the future, or unsure about what new policies mean for them. You may also be seeking further information about ELMs and other support schemes available. The findings will feed into ongoing academic research into the effects of new Land Use Policies and will also be used to create a policy brief. All outputs will be shared with participants once published.

    For more information and to take part in the research, please email Dr Peter Gittins at [email protected] or call on 07480135127.

    And look out for another project we will soon be launching: Farmhouse Retrofit. We will support farmers who want sustainable solutions in reducing emissions associated with their domestic energy use. We know from other project work with farmers that this is an area that can be overlooked as they are focused on sustaining a viable farm business.

    To find out how we support farmers to find sustainable ways to lower their carbon footprint or to learn more about the research with upland farmers into land use you can contact our dedicated Farm Carbon Project Manager: [email protected] – or take a look at  Farming for a Future here.

    Zero Carbon Cumbria has more information regarding the carbon footprint of Cumbrian farming and land use on their sector group pages.

  • Our latest newsletter – 6 April 2023

    Our latest newsletter – 6 April 2023

    Catch up with the latest CAfS news and events – read our latest newsletter.

    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!

  • Countdown to Change Begins at Home Appeal

    Countdown to Change Begins at Home Appeal

    We’re counting down to our Change Begins at Home appeal this month as part of the Big Give Green Match Fund (20-27 April 2023). This year we are aiming to raise £20,000 to support our energy services.

    With an ongoing cost of living crisis pushing more people into hardship, never have our energy support services been more vital. This winter, we saw calls to our helpline more than double and with prices continuing to rise, we are expecting to hear from even more people in need. Our Change Begins at Home appeal is working to ensure we can continue to support those who need it. 

    Here at CAfS, we believe everyone has the right to a warm home and the health and economic benefits that come with greener living. Many people risk being locked out of these due to lack of funds, but we offer our services free of charge to those who can’t afford them, keeping emissions and costs down for everyone. For good.   You can find out about these services here. 

    For one week only, you will be able to double your donation through the Big Give, supporting us to make twice the impact.  Click to pledge your support in advance and we will send you an email reminder as soon as the appeal launches!

  • Call for Climate Champions to support Cumbria’s drive to net zero.

    Call for Climate Champions to support Cumbria’s drive to net zero.

    CAfS putting out a call for volunteers to be part of our third year of community climate champions.

    Our Climate Champions receive accredited Carbon Literacy training and full support from our brilliant team here at CAfS. They increase their knowledge of climate science and solutions and actively promote actions and ideas that can be developed and maintained in their community. They build confidence and develop relationships within their community, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

    The Climate Champions project has been very successful so far, training over 35 volunteers and reaching over 1300 people thorough a wide variety of events both online and offline. Art exhibitions, clothing and toy swaps, online support groups and a webinar for cost cutting ideas provided energy and enthusiasm to generate sustainable action against climate change.

    This year, thanks to support from the Copeland Community Fund, we are looking for volunteers who want to generate more climate action in West Cumbria, and ensure that priorities set by the Copeland People’s Panel are developed. We want to hear from you if you are interested in building a strong community for a green future, if you want to raise and embed climate change within your parish council, or want to explore a career in a ‘green’ job.

    Clare Taylor, Community Climate Champions Coordinator for Zero Carbon Cumbria at CAfS explains: ‘We’re so excited to be able to extend this project into West Cumbria and to support
    the recommendations of the Copeland People’s Panel. Our volunteers tell us that they feel empowered and motivated following the training, and more positive about the impact they can have. We’re looking for volunteers who want to develop their skills or confidence, they don’t need any experience, just enthusiasm!’

    This fantastic opportunity is open to over 18s only; if you are interested you can apply here.

     

  • Priority community projects receive funding to cut carbon in Cumbria

    Priority community projects receive funding to cut carbon in Cumbria

    Seven community-led projects, aimed at raising awareness of the climate crisis in Cumbria and helping people to reduce their carbon emissions, have been awarded a grand total of £47,725 from CAfS’ Community Climate Grants scheme, which is funded by the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund, Allerdale Borough Council and South Lakeland District Council.

    The projects seeking support for a diverse range of action including a cycling festival, shuttle bus, anaerobic digester and other ideas, were presented to an audience of community groups on March 23rd. Participants then voted for their preferred projects.

    Among the winning projects was The Rebuild Site CIC, which received a £10,000 award for its innovative tool library and workshop project. The social enterprise, based in Carlisle, diverts excess building materials from landfill and offers them to the public at a reduced cost, whilst also supporting community projects with free building materials. The Tool Library and workshop scheme is a complementary addition to this, promoting cheap and practical ways for people to reduce their carbon footprint.

    Masie Hunt of the Rebuild Site CIC said, ‘We are absolutely thrilled to receive a climate grant to support the first year of the Carlisle tool library. The funding will be instrumental in training our volunteers and staff, and in running our first DIY workshops. The tool library will give our local communities the means to reduce their carbon impact and spending by borrowing instead of buying DIY equipment. Our thanks to CAfS and the Cumbria Sustainability Network for making this possible.”

    £10,000 was also awarded to South Lakes Action on Climate Change, for its low carbon food café. The ‘Waste into Wellbeing’ initiative, located in Kendal,  uses surplus and waste food. This project builds on recommendations from the Kendal Climate Jury and will provide a hub for climate change help and support.

    Chris Rowley of SLACC said; “Reducing carbon emissions is pivotal in our plans for a hub that puts good fresh food from surplus at the heart of supporting our community when responding to the cost of living and climate crises. Receiving this grant will make a big difference to us as we develop the partnership between SLACC (Waste into Wellbeing), Kendal town council and Stricklandgate house, to act on to recommendations from the Kendal Climate Jury.”

    Other grants awarded were: £7,000 to Handpicked Productions CIC with The Promise Opera; £10,000 to Barton & Pooley Bridge Community Fund with the Ullswater Valley Hopper Bus; £4,400 to Brampton and Beyond Energy Ltd with anaerobic digestion market research; £5,000 to Brampton 2 Zero for a Community Engagement Office and finally £1,325 to Wellbeing Westmorland CIC with support for Kendal Cycling festival.

    The Community Climate Grants are part of a programme of work being led by Cumbria Action for Sustainability on behalf of the countywide Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership, a consortium of organisations which have a shared ambition for Cumbria to be the first county to achieve net zero carbon by 2037.

    Helen Attewell, Coordinator of the Cumbria Sustainability Network said, “The Community Climate Grants are an excellent way of encouraging new ideas to tackle climate change by raising awareness and cutting carbon emissions.  Although the large grant programme is closed for now, we are still allocating grants of up to £2,000 so it remains a great opportunity for community-based groups to take action in support of a zero carbon Cumbria.”

    For more information and ideas on how you can get involved please visit: Zero Carbon Cumbria – Community Climate Grants – CAfS

  • What the IPCC report means for Cumbria

    What the IPCC report means for Cumbria

    You’ll have seen the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report in the news this week. You’ll have heard the latest warnings, an appeal to governments to listen, and the stark retelling of the scale of challenge that we are facing. What you won’t hear is what it means locally, for your town or village, your business, or your home. What does the IPCC report mean for Cumbria?  

    IPCC tells us Cumbria can make a difference 

    The report tells us that globally ‘there are multiple, feasible and effective options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to human-caused climate change, and they are available now’. We know this well in Cumbria. At Cumbria Action for Sustainability we run multiple projects to fight the cause of climate change – from supporting businesses to decarbonise, to supporting community renewable energy schemes, through to improving the energy efficiency of homes. Other initiatives in Cumbria include local solutions to cut transport emissions such as eBike loan and electric vehicle charging. The diversity of organisations involved in Cumbria’s Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership  is indicative of the momentum we have in Cumbria.  A quick glance through the event listings on ZCCP’s website shows the commitment and spread of climate actions taking place here. As individuals, as an organization, and as a lead partners in ZCCP the CAfS team will continue to demonstrate the ingenuity and the motivation to make a difference. 

    The tools are available to reduce greenhouse gases, and we can make sure that they are used. 

    Is Cumbria off track?  

    IPCC is telling the international community that we are off-track. ‘The pace and scale of what has been done so far, and current plans, are insufficient…’. This sounds bleak. But it is a call to action, and it should spur us to take the next steps quicker. And for Cumbria what are these next steps? The ZCCP has sector groups exploring what we can do about the most significant causes of carbon emissions. CAfS is training climate champions and home energy efficiency champions, working with businesses and supporting our soon to be new councils. Our carbon literacy training alone has been incredibly successful in improving knowledge, raising awareness of solutions, and securing commitments to action. We are a part of over 50,000 people trained nationwide in carbon literacy and aim to keep up this momentum.   

    The report warns the world that every increment of warming results in rapidly escalating hazards. This is why CAfS aim of a zero carbon Cumbria is so vital. By playing our part, by being an inspirational country that leads the way, we can make a difference. Small actions add up to cause big waves.   

     

    Read the report

    Banner picture credit: visitcumbria.com