CAfS

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  • New trustees to help accelerate climate action in Cumbria

    New trustees to help accelerate climate action in Cumbria

    We are delighted to be able to share with you that we have recently appointed four new trustees and four new associate trustees to our board, strengthening our efforts to fight climate breakdown.

    Earlier this year we embarked on a recruitment campaign and were overwhelmed with both the quantity and quality of applicants.

    Our Chair, Tracey Hart said

    “We were inundated with applications from a wide diversity of brilliant candidates, illustrating the level of interest in and demand for action on climate breakdown. Candidates came from all walks of life but were united in their desire to protect Cumbria from ever more extreme weather.”

     

     

    Our new board members have been selected specifically to steer the charity to meet its aim for a zero carbon Cumbria by 2037.

    Kirsten Prosser, Patrin Watanatada, Joanna Howard and Harrison Stewart have been appointed as full trustees. Respectively they bring expertise in business support,  home energy service management, and integrating climate change education at university level.

    Four people have been appointed as associate trustees, with Vicky Simpson, Martyn Ditchfield, Charlie Addison-Adams and Tony Ferguson bringing expert knowledge of plant-based diets and young people, rural deprivation, agriculture and environmental policy and accountancy and sustainability respectively.

    Our Chief Executive, Karen Mitchell, commented:

    ‘We’re really pleased to be able to give the Associate Trustees their first experience of being on a charity Board and hope that they will be inspired to become full Trustees, with all the legal responsibilities that entails, in due course.’

     

     

    Established in 1998, our mission is to inspire and support individuals, communities, organisations and businesses across the county to decarbonise. By 2037, we wants to see a net zero county which is socially, environmentally, and economically beneficial for all.

    We win funding from trusts and foundations to bring new projects to Cumbria, ranging from helping people at risk of fuel poverty to improve their home energy efficiency and save on bills, to its Green Enterprise Hub, which helps businesses to reduce carbon emissions. It also leads the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership – the largest initiative of its kind in the country, bringing together a large number and diversity of organisations to plan and deliver Cumbria’s pathway to net zero carbon.

    Click here to read more about our trustee board.

  • Jobs for the future, not coal from the past

    Jobs for the future, not coal from the past

    In September we heard the news that the High Court had quashed the planning permission given to West Cumbria Mining Ltd (WCM) for what would have been the UK’s first new coal mine in 30 years in Whitehaven.

    Legal challenges by Friends of the Earth and South Lakes Action on Climate Change won the day and were made possible by donations from thousands of concerned citizens and many hours of painstakingly detailed work by expert volunteers.

    Whilst we greeted the High Court decision with immense relief, many people in the communities that would be directly affected by the mine have felt let down after so many years of waiting for the new employment opportunities promised by the mining company. Yet these were jobs that young people in Cumbria told us they did not want.

    There are many alternative jobs to coal mining that are fit for the future, such as the improvement of the energy efficiency of buildings (including homes), more public and electric powered transport, increased recycling and reuse of waste, more renewable energy installation. These jobs deliver warmer, drier, easier to heat homes that are healthier to inhabit, more travel options for people living in remote areas, reduced dependence on private car ownership, less road congestion and better air quality to name just a few benefits. These jobs keep income in the local economy and improve the lives of people living and visiting Cumbria, rather than lining the pockets of unknown investors, causing air pollution and worsening climate breakdown as the coal mine would have done.

    We wanted to know, not only how many jobs could be created in Cumbria in sectors including transport, industry, renewables and waste management, but also some of the cost savings that could be made by local businesses as a result. Our research showed that around 9,000 jobs could be created over the next 15 years and investments of £8.88 billion could put in place measures that would reduce Cumbria’s annual energy bill by £854 million. See The potential for green jobs in Cumbria report.

    Friends of the Earth has also looked at employment opportunities. Its analysis shows that investing in a programme of insulating homes in west Cumbria could create 600 jobs and would also save householders £hundreds per year on their heating bills.

    We’re acutely aware that what is needed now is far more than predictions in studies or numbers in tables – it’s real jobs with money behind them.

    The WCM planning application now goes back to Communities Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner. Its plans have taken a further blow as the Coal Authority has refused to grant coal mining licences for the development, quoting concerns about subsidence and financial viability. So it seems highly unlikely that any coal mining jobs will be in the offing any time soon.

    But this gap needs to be filled for communities in west Cumbria.  We urge the government to work with councils, industry and local people to make sure that the area gets the kinds of jobs that young people want – jobs which benefit the economy, strengthen the social fabric of the area and protect the environment from climate chaos.

  • Job – Project Administrator – Climate and Carbon Literacy Training (Maternity Cover)

    Job – Project Administrator – Climate and Carbon Literacy Training (Maternity Cover)

    CAfS delivers the crucial Climate and Carbon Literacy training strand of the Zero Carbon Cumbria project. Carbon Literacy training, delivered by our team of expert contractor Climate Trainers, inspires the behaviour change needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It increases knowledge, understanding, confidence and sense of agency by providing people, communities and organisations with the information, training, support, networks and tools they need to make positive changes. It enables informed decision making. Recipients feel empowered to make changes to their lives at home and at work, share their learning and driving positive environmental changes. You can find out more about our courses here: https://cafs.org.uk/climate-and-carbon-literacy-training/

    This is a really exciting opportunity to be part of a transformational shift in knowledge, attitudes and action on the climate crisis in the county.

    Main purpose of role

    • To ensure the efficient and effective administration of our climate and carbon literacy training project
    • To maintain and input into the data management systems and processes for the training.
    • To provide a professional, friendly and comprehensive administration support service to the climate training team.

    To apply, please email your completed application form to us by 12 noon on Tuesday 26th November 2024.

    Interviews will be held on Zoom on Tuesday 10th December. If you would be unavailable on this date, we will seek to arrange an alternative.

    Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

    Course Administration

    • First point of contact for all Carbon Literacy Training related enquiries, including the preparation and sending of training quotes, using existing templates.
    • Set up courses on the CAfS event booking system and Zoom (training will be given), manage attendance lists, share course details and resources with delegates, and liaise with client organisations and trainers.
    • Source suitable venues and caterers for in person public courses.
    • Collate and record course data, including polls and feedback, and follow up on questions raised by delegates or trainers, with support from the Training Manager.
    • Work with the Training Manager to create feedback surveys.
    • Support delegates through post course paperwork to help secure their Carbon Literacy certification, liaising with Climate Trainers and Training Manager.
    • Liaise with the Carbon Literacy Project to ensure adaptations to certification and training materials are up to date and approved.
    • Carry out and record routine updates to materials including copying slide updates across multiple slide sets, watermarking slides, as requested by the Training Manager and lead on collation and communication of course links to delegates.
    • Log project and check project related invoices for authorisation by the Training Manager.
    • Liaise with Training Manager to ensure risk assessments for face-to-face delivery are kept up to date, and are updated for each venue.

    Contractor Support

    • With the support of the Training Manager, ensure contractors complete the required paperwork, including signing contracts, reading policies and completing DBS checks. Track and action renewals.
    • Administer trainer accreditation paperwork and support the organisation of training sessions for trainers.
    • Communicate materials updates and course dates to Trainers and ensure all dates are booked with a trainer.
    • Create admin guidance for the Trainers, including the use of Zoom/MS Teams, with the support of the Training Manager.

    Key taks

    Maintain and input into climate and Carbon Literacy training project systems and processes

    • Maintain data management systems which track bookings and course set up, assists in version control of training resources, enables effective budget management across all clients and grant funds, and captures and enables analysis of monitoring and evaluation data.
    • Follow and contribute to process flows for booking and course administration for client organisations, delegates and trainers.
    • Communicate standardised responses to common queries and use existing communication templates
    • Ensure secure storage of personal data, ensuring CAfS/course privacy statements are communicated to delegates.

    Wider project administration

    • Support the Training Manager with other project-related admin as required, such as arranging meetings, collating information for funding bids, finance reports, monitoring and evaluation, promotion, reporting or award applications.
    • Support the Training Manager with induction of new members of the Carbon Literacy team

    Job Aide and Note Taker for Training Manager

    Varied support to Training Manager which may include:

    • Taking notes during meetings
    • Condensing or highlighting sections of large documents for easy absorption
    • Scheduling meetings and sending reminders about meetings or tasks
    • Keeping a record of key project tasks and deadlines and communicating these to Training Manager
    • Drafting emails and quotes, for approval by the Training Manager, using an existing template.
    • Redirecting and organising email and phone enquiries to minimise email flow to the Training Manager

    Essential skills

    • Meticulously reliable and organised, able to follow processes accurately and thoroughly, with full attention to detail.
    • Excellent time management and ability to proactively handle a wide range of tasks and prioritise these effectively.
    • Strong communication skills (over the phone, email and online), and ability to maintain friendly, clear and professional communication with all project contacts.
    • At least 1 year’s experience in providing administrative support in a dynamic and demanding environment.
    • Proven ability to use a comprehensive range of IT software (especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Microsoft Outlook), ability to use shared documents e.g. SharePoint, and the willingness to train in additional IT skills as and when required.
    • Experience of using data management systems and Excel.
    • A good level of numeracy
    • Highly motivated, with a proactive attitude, ability to use initiative and ability to work cooperatively as part of a small team.

    Desirable skills

    • Strong Excel skills, intermediate level with ability to use functions including IF formulae.
    • Experience of working with external contractors.
    • Experience of working in a geographically-dispersed team and using Microsoft Teams or similar to meet.
    • An understanding of the work of CAfS, the impact of climate change and available emission reduction solutions
    • Understanding of and commitment to CAfS’ aims, values and objectives.

    The important stuff

    • SALARY SCALE: £23,400 – £27,900 (FTE)

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

    • HOURS: 22.5 hours per week with flexibility to work across 3, 4 or 5 days

    • START DATE AND DURATION: 8th January 2025, 15 month fixed term contract – maternity cover

    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 >

  • Green Enterprise Hub Success Stories: Lorna Singleton

    Green Enterprise Hub Success Stories: Lorna Singleton

    Saving energy, capturing carbon and supporting an endangered craft.

    View the case study here: Lorna Singleton

  • Volunteer role: ZCCP Strategic Oversight Board Chair

    Volunteer role: ZCCP Strategic Oversight Board Chair

    Closing date: 9am on Monday 25 November

    Help us achieve a zero carbon Cumbria by 2037

    The Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership is the largest initiative of its kind in the country, bringing together a large and diverse group of organisations to plan and deliver Cumbria’s pathway to net zero carbon by 2037. We want a zero carbon Cumbria by 2037 – Can you help us?

    Our way of life in Cumbria and beyond is under rapidly increasing threat from the impact of climate change. So we’re looking for an exceptional chair person to lead the Strategic Oversight Board of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership (ZCCP).

    Closing date for CV and covering letter: 9am Monday 25 November

    Could you be the next chair of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Strategic Oversight Board?

    We’re seeking someone with a strong sense of purpose and great experience in a high-level role, to help lead the combined action that individuals, communities and organisations need to take to reduce Cumbria’s greenhouse gas emissions as quickly and completely as possible. The role is critical to ensuring the Partnership as a whole makes progress.

    You will be familiar with working in partnership and able to build strong relationships with diverse interests. You’ll enjoy the challenge of consensus building and will be inspired to ensure the interests of young people and rural communities in particular are heard and met. You will walk the walk by having taken action on climate change in a personal and/or professional capacity.

    The voluntary role brings the opportunity to lead, network and collaborate with key stakeholders in Cumbria and beyond and to make a vital and positive difference to the lives of Cumbria’s residents and visitors.

    Download the full description and role profile here. 

    Location: Preferably based in Cumbria

    Time commitment: For discussion but may vary from a few hours a week up to a day a week on occasion, usually during work hours, usually online and occasionally in the evening.

    Term: From January 2025 for 12 months initially with the possibility of extension.

    How to apply: Please submit your CV and a covering letter which outlines why you are interested in the role and what you would bring to it to [email protected]. The deadline for applications is 9 am on Monday 25th November.

  • Launch of the CAfS Business Supporter Network: Building a carbon-neutral, profitable future together

    Launch of the CAfS Business Supporter Network: Building a carbon-neutral, profitable future together

    Despite the rain pouring down yesterday at Basecamp North Lakes, the atmosphere at the launch of the CAfS Business Supporter Network was nothing short of upbeat.

    The afternoon began with a warm welcome and a meet and greet of the friendly alpacas from Alpacaly Ever After ! We were given a guided tour of the site, where we learned about Basecamp’s sustainable practices before heading indoors to warm up, enjoy delicious cake and hear from businesses about why they came along to the launch.

    Each business had its own story to tell – from reducing their carbon footprint to ensuring a more sustainable future for the next generation. It was clear that the drive for a carbon-neutral and profitable future is stronger than ever.

    By joining the CAfS Business Supporter Network you receive access to a community of organisations committed to the idea that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand. Through collaboration, resources, and collective action, we aim to help businesses achieve their goals while reducing their impact on the planet. Membership to the network also helps CAfS deliver vital work in the fight against climate change.

    Join us today and be part of this growing movement for change!

     

  • Green Enterprise Hub Partner Spotlight: Donna Munro

    Green Enterprise Hub Partner Spotlight: Donna Munro

    Donna Munro – Providing independent advice on renewable energy and low energy buildings

    Donna Munro is an independent consultant with over thirty years’ experience as an engineer working in the renewable energy and sustainability sector.

    Her particular focus is on the integration of renewable technologies and energy efficiency measures into buildings. Including offering advice on:

    • The design, costs and benefits of renewable energy systems such as solar photovoltaics, biomass stoves and solar water heating.
    • The design of low energy buildings that use insulation, natural daylighting and warmth from the sun to reduce energy consumption
    • Energy efficiency measures for existing buildings including energy efficient heating systems, fitting insulation, low energy appliances and low energy lighting.
    • The energy consumption of buildings, check energy bills and carbon footprints, suggest green electricity supply options and review the performance of solar systems.

    Donna has worked with a range of organizations and community groups, and is based in South Lakeland. She has renovated her own house, a classic hard-to-treat stone built Cumbrian house.

    Donna is also co-author of the book ‘Photovoltaics in the Urban Environment, Lessons learnt from large-scale projects’ and successfully prepared funding proposals that were submitted to a wide range of funding bodies.

    Alongside us here at Cumbria Action for Sustainability, Donna has also worked with South Lakeland District Council, the RSBP, the European Commission, Energy for Sustainable Development and the Energy Saving Trust.

    You can explore the range of services provided by the W&F Green Enterprise Hub here

  • £50k up for grabs for community projects

    £50k up for grabs for community projects

    Zero Carbon Cumbria has been supporting community projects to ‘do their bit’ to reduce greenhouse gas emissions since 2020, as part of the programme of activities supported through the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund

    With one year left to go, this is the final allocation of Lottery money for community renewable energy projects, or any other community-based scheme looking to cut carbon emissions or raise awareness of the climate crisis. This is your chance to make a difference and support ZCC’s mission to achieve net zero by 2037.

    Up to £15,000 is available to help develop and deliver community renewable energy schemes, and up to £10,000 for other community climate grants.

    For more details and to apply, click here. Don’t delay, the closing date is Sunday 24th November!

  • Education settings to have climate action plan for September 2025

    Education settings to have climate action plan for September 2025

    It has been a long time coming, but the deadline for education settings to have their sustainability actions in place is looming.

    The September deadline is a key initiative in the Government’s sustainability and climate change strategy – and it states: “By 2025, all education settings will have nominated a sustainability lead and put in place a climate action plan.

    This includes early years settings, schools, multi-academy trusts, colleges, and universities.”

    It is vital that this is put in place with a ‘whole setting’ approach – the buildings, curriculum, staff knowledge, pupil voice and decarbonisation all form part of the climate action plan and the culture of the setting, and by it’s nature will mean that all staff, students and stakeholders are represented.

    And there are many ways in which education settings can develop their climate action plans – such as to:

    • increase the confidence and expertise of your leadership team, staff, learners, and students in understanding climate change and how positive change can be achieved
    • share effective practice with other education settings
    • improve energy and water efficiency, cutting costs
    • calculate your carbon emissions and identify ways to reduce them
    • increase resilience and start adapting to the impacts of climate change
    • enhance biodiversity
    • help learners develop skills and knowledge which help them to contribute to sustainability and climate change in their lives and future jobs

    And whilst this may seem daunting for some settings, there are many support networks and groups that offer help and advice.

    Zero Carbon Cumbria has been supporting schools and young people for many years now, helping organise the Youth Climate Summit along with CDEC, and bringing together resources and case studies to inspire. Take a look at the site here. 

    CAfS can help education settings prepare for this, and ensure that their sustainability lead feels supported and that the climate action plan is meaningful and has real impact. We know that school buildings can be leaky and expensive to heat, and young people tell us they worry when thinking of the future, and giving teachers confidence in their climate science knowledge will mean that the curriculum can be enhanced and fit for purpose.

    In addition to current projects we are running a webinar to bring together concrete ideas, to start thinking of your climate action plan and find out what might work within your setting. There are numerous dates throughout autumn and spring term – join us here. 

    You can read the full DfE document here.

  • Support for community organisations to reduce climate impacts

    Support for community organisations to reduce climate impacts

    We’re working with Cumbria CVS on a new project to support community organisations to address their climate impacts and ‘go green’, and we’re looking for your views to help us shape the support on offer.

    So, are your village hall energy bills huge? Do fuel costs frustrate your community bus service? Do you need a carbon action plan to win a contract for your charity?

    Help us to help you by completing this short survey to tell us the challenges facing your organisation, so that we can shape the support on offer, and you can also register your interest. All entries submitted by the end of September 2024 will go into a prize draw for a chance to win a hamper of local goodies!