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  • Cumbrians’ concern about climate revealed in CAfS survey

    Cumbrians’ concern about climate revealed in CAfS survey

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    Cumbrians are very concerned about climate change and are already taking action in their own lives to tackle it. That’s according to the results of the first-ever county-wide climate survey run by CAfS at the end of last year.

    More than a thousand people shared their views on the seriousness of climate change and what the government and individuals could do to tackle it.

    The survey respondents were more concerned about climate change than the national average, with 91 per cent saying they are either very concerned or fairly concerned, compared to 76 per cent in the latest national government survey by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

    “We expected that respondents who are in touch with CAfS would have a higher level of concern, but about a third of the respondents hadn’t heard of CAfS before, and concern among them was still above average, at nearly 84 per cent,” said Jaki Bell, CAfS’ marketing manager, who organised the survey.

    Nearly ninety per cent of respondents think we’re already feeling the effects of climate change in Britain, and that it’s caused mainly by human activities. Eighty per cent feel Britain’s target for zero carbon should be sooner than 2050, with ten per cent thinking 2050 is about right.

    We then asked people what action they’d be in favour of the government taking to tackle climate change. They were very keen to see support for public transport, and help for people to replace oil and gas heating, and with draughtproofing and insulating their homes. There was also wide support for making producers and supermarkets pay for dealing with packaging waste, and helping businesses to use less energy.

    Respondents were less keen to see the government supporting nuclear power, discouraging flying and encouraging people to eat less meat and dairy products.

    The majority of people supported the use of renewable energy, with the strongest support for solar, off-shore wind and wave or tidal power. Interestingly, people were more ambivalent about biomass energy.

    We then delved into the actions that people can take in their own lives to tackle the causes of climate change.

    “Food and drink make up around a quarter of the average person’s carbon footprint – the biggest single chunk – so we were keen to know about any barrierspreventing Cumbrians from reducing this,” Jaki said. “When it comes to eating less meat and dairy, which have a high carbon footprint, the biggest barrier was that people didn’t think it was necessary. About 15 per cent felt this way about meat, and 22 per cent for dairy. The survey also showed that people felt it would be too difficult to move away from dairy, in particular. It perhaps shows that there’s a need for more awareness about the carbon footprint of these foods, and how to reduce them in our diets.”

    Buying more food from local producers was viewed as too difficult by many respondents, with cost and lack of time being barriers as well.

    When it came to changes in the home to reduce energy use, the biggest barrier for most changes was cost, followed by difficulty.

    Difficulty was also the main issue for most low-carbon travel options, and cost was an added problem for electric vehicles and public transport. Flights is a big source of emissions, but the majority of respondents said they already do fly less.

    We asked people about their efforts to buy fewer goods and to reduce waste. Most are already taking a variety of actions. For those who don’t already buy secondhand goods, people felt it wasn’t necessary or worthwhile, and repairing was seen by some as too difficult, too costly and they don’t know how to do it.

    “The survey gives us a really good snapshot of people’s views on different ways to reduce carbon emissions, and how much action they’re already taking themselves,” Jaki said. “It’s extremely useful for us to see what the main barriers are for people to reduce their carbon footprint. We will look at how we can help Cumbrians to overcome those, when we’re planning future projects.”

    The survey was carried out as part of the Rebuilding Together project to help Cumbria to adapt for future flooding and other extreme weather, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

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  • The green road to recovery – Message from our CEO

    The green road to recovery – Message from our CEO

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    Karen MitchellIt has been 10 weeks since we were last in touch. I hope you and yours have stayed safe and well during this challenging time.

    In the last few months, we have experienced changes to our lives that we probably never thought possible. Sadly, the pandemic has highlighted that, as with the impacts of climate change, the disadvantaged are the most badly affected – from the keyworkers at risk of illness to people in fuel poverty hit by higher energy bills from staying at home. It has also highlighted the link between fossil fuels, air pollution and public health.

    Despite the depth of changes to economic activity, the best estimate by analysts is that global carbon emissions will have reduced by only eight per cent this year. It is sobering to know that that scale of drop is needed each year for ten years in order to keep climate change to 1.5 degrees C. It’s a big challenge but we now know that fast and comprehensive changes, informed by science, are possible to tackle a recognised threat. In April, a global IPSOS Mori poll showed 71 per cent of people agree that climate change is as big a threat as Covid-19.

    As the lockdown eases, increasingly the ‘recovery’ is dominating thoughts. That same poll found 65 per cent of people support a green economic recovery from C19 and there is growing momentum behind #BuildBackBetter. In the last few weeks alone, we have seen 200 businesses nationally calling for the Government to deliver a recovery plan that prioritises the environment. The Progressive Policy Think Tank has convened a new Environmental Justice Commission, which has published a vision for a clean, healthy and environmentally rich economy. A group of experts from universities in the UK, which are part of the COP26 Universities Network (30 institutions so far and growing), have identified for policymakers ten fiscal recovery policies that would enable the UK to meet its target of zero carbon by 2050.

    Closer to home, many local authorities in Cumbria declared climate emergencies last year and now have the opportunity to put zero-carbon targets at the heart of their Covid-19 recovery plans. A green recovery in Cumbria could give us more safe cycle routes, a decarbonised and improved public transport system, energy-efficient housing that is warm and cosy, more community-owned renewable-energy generation and electric-vehicle charging points, connectivity for efficient homeworking, a localised sustainable economy, skills training for new low-carbon jobs, such as housing retrofit for energy efficiency, and more.

    CAfS has already been working on many of the kinds of activities that could be part of a green recovery. With most of our staff now back in action, working from home, we will continue to do all we can to drive the shift towards a zero-carbon Cumbria, with a determination to see our county #BuildBackBetter.

    Karen Mitchell
    CAfS Chief Executive

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  • Job: Project Support Officer

    Job: Project Support Officer

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    Date posted: 9 June 2020
    Closing date: 11pm, Tue 30 June 2020

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    CAfS is growing, and we are looking for an experienced project support officer to join our busy administrative team. It’s a role with a lot of variety, helping us to deliver our wide range of projects and keep CAfS running smoothly. The postholder will support our events, assist customers, answer our busy phones, coordinate meetings, and support our HR, payroll and financial management, among other tasks. They’ll be part of a friendly and supportive team, helping CAfS to tackle climate change in Cumbria.

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    Application & Interview Process

    Please apply by completing the application form below. We do not accept CVs. Guidance for submitting your application is included in the form.

    Application Form – Project Support Officer

    The closing date for return of applications is 11pm on 30 June 2020. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be informed by Wednesday 8 July 2020. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 July 2020. These are likely to be online.

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    Job description

    If you prefer to download the job description and person specification, please use the link below:

    Job Description – Project Support Officer

    EMPLOYER: Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS)

    LOCATION: Principally home working, with meetings required at our office in Penrith when Covid-19 restrictions allow. Eden Rural Foyer, Old London Road, Penrith, CA11 8ET.

    REPORTS TO:  Administration Officer

    HOURS: 30 hours a week, with flexibility to be worked across 4 or 5 days (with potential to expand to full time subject to funding).

    SALARY RANGE: £18,500 to £22,000 per annum full-time equivalent (£14,800 to £17,600 for the 30-hour week) depending on skills and experience.

    DURATION: Start ASAP. Fixed-term contract to end Feb 2021 (with potential for extension subject to funding).

    APPLICATIONS BY: 11pm on Tuesday 30 June 2020. Please apply using the application form. CVs will not be considered.

    ABOUT CAFS:

    Our vision is a zero carbon Cumbria and we strive to bring about a better way of life, in balance with our environment.

    Our mission is to empower and enable people, communities and businesses to live and work more sustainably by sharing our knowledge, practice, skills, networks and practical experience. 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.

     CAfS is an award-winning charity with a team of fourteen highly skilled staff, working with a pool of specialist contractors and volunteers to deliver around 20 major, transformational low-carbon projects each year. CAfS is the leading organisation in Cumbria showcasing low-carbon living, energy-efficiency improvements, renewable technology and reduced use of fossil fuels, both on a domestic scale and in the community. Now in our 22nd year, CAfS is the first point of reference in the county for information on sustainability. CAfS is a dynamic, pro-active and responsive organisation, continually striving to deliver effective projects that make an impact and drive real change towards a low-carbon future. As such, we continually initiate, scrutinise, refine and launch new projects, accessing funding from a variety of sources or earning income from delivering specialist services.

    MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE:

    To provide a professional, friendly and comprehensive support service to all staff working in CAfS, as well as excellent customer service to our clients, including vulnerable customers. The role includes a range of administrative duties to support our core team and project managers to deliver their work. A major part of the work will be assisting our energy efficiency team to deliver the Cold to Cosy Homes project.

     MAIN TASKS:

    • To perform a telephone reception function; taking enquiries and requests and ensuring clear and full messages via phone, email or in person are relayed to the relevant person, input onto the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system or followed up as necessary.
    • To undertake administration tasks as directed by the relevant staff member. This includes: providing quality customer service; arranging appointments; event administration; project administration; inputting and analysing data; organising and minuting meetings; liaising with clients and contractors; drafting letters and emails; ordering equipment and stationery; collating and monitoring financial information.
    • To respond to online information enquiries, logging enquiries in line with CAfS’ processes.
    • To coordinate meetings where required. To include booking rooms, arranging catering, preparing and circulating agendas, action lists and confidential minutes.
    • To provide support to events. To include administering bookings on our website and CRM, managing sign-ins, preparing and packing event kit, setting up rooms and attending where required.
    • To support the administration officer in reviewing CAfS’ policies and procedures, including organising training and record keeping.
    • To provide support for the ongoing implementation of GDPR requirements and the CRM system.
    • Assist with maintaining office systems; organising, storing and destroying paperwork, documents and computer-based information; researching insurance options; updating policies and procedures; keeping inventory updated and storeroom tidy.
    • To undertake finance and administration tasks as directed by the administration officer. This includes inputting of data onto Quickbooks finance recording systems; issuing and coding of invoices and receipts; chasing unpaid invoices; generating reports from Quickbooks; arranging for cheques and online bank payments to be paid on time.
    • To undertake payroll tasks as directed by the administration officer. This includes inputting of data onto payroll recording systems, collating timesheets and expenses.
    • Provide HR support to our staff, volunteers and trustees. To include: ensuring relevant inductions take place; volunteer leads are appointed; and that paperwork is completed and filed appropriately.
    • Undertake relevant training to ensure continued personal development relevant to the area of work.
    • Perform other duties that may be required from time to time.

    The hours of work are flexible but must include core office hours of 10am-3pm. There may also be an occasional need to work evenings/weekends for event or meeting support.

    This job description is not exhaustive, but is provided to assist the postholder to know what her/his main duties are. It may be amended from time to time without change to the levels of responsibility appropriate to the grade of the post and in discussion with the postholder.

    Person Specification

    Essential skills and attributes:

    To be able to demonstrate:

    • Experience in providing administrative support in a dynamic and demanding environment.
    • Excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
    • Experience of reception function.
    • Event organisation, meeting administration and effective minute taking skills.
    • Ability to proactively handle a wide range of tasks and prioritise these effectively.
    • Ability to use initiative and make effective decisions.
    • Ability to use a comprehensive range of IT software (Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and the willingness to train in additional IT skills as and when required.
    • Accuracy and attention to detail, and the ability to work to tight timeframes.
    • A good level of numeracy.
    • Good written and proofreading skills.
    • Tact, patience and diplomacy.
    • Ability to maintain a sensitive and professional approach towards colleagues and service users, mindful of confidentiality and anti-discriminatory practices.
    • Empathy with CAfS’ aims, values and objectives.

    Desirable criteria

    The following attributes are desirable but not essential.

    To be able to demonstrate:

    • Experience in undertaking invoice processing, managing incoming and outgoing payments.
    • Experience in inputting information to finance/bookkeeping packages.
    • Experience of Quickbooks finance package.
    • Experience of Database/Customer Relationship Management systems
    • Experience of data gathering, manipulation and reporting e.g. customer data
    • Experience of providing HR support.
    • An understanding of energy efficiency in the home.
    • An understanding of the work of CAfS and the impact of climate change on the environment and economy.

    If you would like more information about the role, please email: [email protected].

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  • Job: Project Officer – Cold to Cosy Homes

    Job: Project Officer – Cold to Cosy Homes

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    Date posted: Tue 9 June 2020
    Closing date: 11pm, Tue 30 June 2020

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    Join our busy team delivering Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria and other energy-advice projects to vulnerable households across Cumbria. Our Cold to Cosy Homes service provides energy-saving advice to households along with installing energy-saving measures to save on costs, cut carbon and enjoy a cosier home. The role includes promoting the service to our network of volunteers and organisations across Cumbria and providing advice by telephone and at home visits. The role also includes analysing demand for advice, visits and installations and coordinating with our team of advisors and installers.

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    Application & Interview Process

    Please apply by completing the application form below. We do not accept CVs. Guidance for submitting your application is included in the form.

    Application Form – Project Officer – Cold to Cosy Homes

    The closing date for return of applications is 11pm on 30 June 2020. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be informed by Friday 3 July 2020. Interviews will be held on 8 or 9 July 2020. These are likely to be online.

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    Job description

    If you prefer to download the job description and person specification, please use the link below:

    Job Description – Project Officer – Cold to Cosy Homes

    EMPLOYER:  Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS)

    LOCATION:  Principally home working, with meetings required in Cumbria and at our office in Penrith when Covid-19 restrictions allow. Eden Rural Foyer, Old London Road, Penrith, CA11 8ET.

    REPORTS TO:  Project Manager – Energy Efficiency

    HOURS:  30 hours a week, with flexibility to be worked across 4 or 5 days.

    SALARY RANGE:  £21,000 to £25,000 per annum full-time equivalent, (£16,800 to £20,000 for the 30-hour week) depending on skills and experience.

    DURATION:  6-month fixed-term contract (with potential for extension subject to funding).

    APPLICATIONS BY: 11pm on Tuesday 30 June 2020. Please apply using the application form. CVs will not be considered.

    ABOUT CAFS:

    Our vision is a zero carbon Cumbria and we strive to bring about a better way of life, in balance with our environment.

    Our mission is to empower and enable people, communities and businesses to live and work more sustainably by sharing our knowledge, practice, skills, networks and practical experience. 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.

    CAfS is an award-winning charity with a team of fourteen highly skilled staff, working with a pool of specialist contractors and volunteers to deliver around 20 major, transformational low-carbon projects each year. CAfS is the leading organisation in Cumbria showcasing low-carbon living, energy-efficiency improvements, renewable technology and reduced use of fossil fuels, both on a domestic scale and in the community. Now in our 22nd year, CAfS is the first point of reference in the county for information on sustainability. CAfS is a dynamic, pro-active and responsive organisation, continually striving to deliver effective projects that make an impact and drive real change towards a low-carbon future. As such, we continually initiate, scrutinise, refine and launch new projects, accessing funding from a variety of sources or earning income from delivering specialist services.

    MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE:

    To work with other team members to deliver the Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria project to vulnerable households across Cumbria, as well as other energy advice projects.

    KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

    • Expand and implement the Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria project across districts in Cumbria – expanding specifically to Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland districts.
    • Promote Cold to Cosy Homes and other household energy related services widely to residents and partner organisations across Cumbria.
    • Provide a programme of energy advice by phone and through visits to vulnerable households throughout Cumbria.
    • Provide a high quality of customer service, building a friendly rapport with clients and a strong and credible reputation for the advice service and CAfS.
    • Coordinate and support our team of professional energy advisors to provide telephone based advice and visits.
    • Coordinate installation of energy measures in homes through our trusted contractors.
    • Deliver energy advice events for people at risk of fuel poverty.
    • Provide clear and accurate home-energy-related information and advice to clients by phone, video, at events and in their homes.
    • Support CAfS’ other energy services.

    MAIN TASKS

    • Build networks with partner organisations across Cumbria and beyond to widen the uptake of CAfS’ services by vulnerable groups.
    • Collaborate with the energy efficiency manager to strategically develop the project to ensure maximum reach.
    • Coordinate advisor schedules for availability for telephone and visit slots.
    • Monitor enquiry and referral volumes, response times and performance and take appropriate action to resolve issues.
    • Support virtual team of advisors with skills training and coaching in call handling and client visits.
    • Handle inbound and outbound client calls with enquiries, bookings and energy advice.
    • Visit clients in their homes to conduct energy assessments.
    • Assist with implementation and development of our Customer Relationship Management system to handle contacts with clients, team members and contractors.
    • Develop other information resources to support the project.
    • Deliver a series of energy-saving advice sessions online and at venues throughout Cumbria that help promote services, and actively take referrals.
    • Coordinate marketing through a wide range of channels and contacts, with the support of the CAfS marketing manager.
    • Research energy-efficiency-related issues and latest schemes to help homeowners with energy saving and fuel costs.
    • Deliver promotional webinar talks and short training sessions to small groups of people (householders and referral partners) with practical advice on CAfS’ schemes and how customers can benefit and be referred.
    • Assist in training a network of volunteer energy champions to promote energy-efficiency advice in their locality.
    • Support delivery of energy measures and draughtproofing services to homes, by promoting to clients, handling referrals, and liaising with other partners and organisations that provide client visits and fitting service.
    • Provide monitoring and evaluation of activities to meet reporting processes, measure success and inform future funding bids.
    • Act as a conduit for information to individuals on wider CAfS projects.
    • Collaborate at times with the wider CAfS team to carry out other relevant tasks or projects required from time to time.
    • Contribute to the ongoing work of CAfS generally, including attending appropriate networking meetings, team meetings and training sessions.

     

    Person Specification

    Essential skills and attributes:

    • Demonstrable skills and experience of providing high-quality customer service in a service-delivery environment.
    • 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.
    • Excellent communication skills, to network and reach out to communities and organisations supporting vulnerable customers and to provide clear energy-efficiency advice.
    • Good knowledge of energy saving in homes, and the issues that vulnerable people can have in heating their homes.
    • Good knowledge of energy retrofit options, the domestic energy market, tariff comparisons and switching and other schemes to help people save energy and afford bills.
    • Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of sustainability issues and an interest in the objectives that CAfS seeks to deliver.
    • Ability to deliver workshops and speak confidently to small groups.
    • Experience of planning, organising and scheduling events.
    • Good written communication and IT skills.
    • Ability to work to tight deadlines and juggle multiple priorities.
    • Ability to work flexibly including evening and weekend working by agreement.
    • Ability to travel independently throughout rural Cumbria.

    Desirable criteria

    The following attributes are desirable but not essential:

    • Experience of contact centre coordination roles, including scheduling, call monitoring or similar in a customer service delivery role.
    • Experience providing energy saving advice.
    • Experience of working in or with local authorities, housing association tenants or organisation supporting households and knowledge of social housing.
    • Experience providing services to vulnerable households.
    • Qualification in providing energy advice – City & Guilds Level 3 Energy Awareness.
    • Experience working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including vulnerable individuals and community groups.
    • Practical experience of improving energy efficiency in domestic settings.
    • An existing network of contacts in Cumbria or demonstrable ability to build networks rapidly.
    • Additional experience / qualification in energy auditing/thermography.
    • Budgeting and project management experience.
    • Experience of securing grant funding and tenders.

    If you would like more information about the role, please email: [email protected]

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  • Job: Project Manager – Low Carbon Communities

    Job: Project Manager – Low Carbon Communities

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    Date posted: Tue 9 June 2020
    Closing date: 11pm, Tue 30 June 2020

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    We are looking for an experienced and skilled project manager to drive practical actions to cut carbon emissions in South Lakeland.

    You’ll coordinate and deliver support to inspire, motivate and enable communities to cut their carbon footprints in a range of ways, including through low-carbon energy.

    You’ll share your extensive expertise on everything from carbon footprinting and renewable energy to emission reduction for households and businesses. You’ll offer practical advice, signposting, mentoring and events, building the capacity of communities to take action and increasing their resilience to volatile energy prices and the worsening impacts of climate change.

    For full details of this post, please see the job description and person specification below.

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    Application & Interview Process

    Please apply by completing the application form below. We do not accept CVs. Guidance for submitting your application is included in the form.

    Application Form – Project Manager – Low Carbon Communities

    The closing date for return of applications is 11pm on 30 June 2020. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be informed by 5pm on 6 July 2020. Interviews will be held on 14 July 2020. These are likely to be online.

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    Job description

    If you prefer to download the job description and person specification, please use the link below:

    Job Description – Project Manager – Low Carbon Communities

    EMPLOYER: Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS)

    LOCATION: Principally home working, with meetings required in the South Lakeland area and at our office in Penrith when Covid-19 restrictions allow. Rural Eden Foyer, Old London Road, Penrith, CA11 8ET.

    REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer

    HOURS: 22.5 hours a week (3 days). Flexible working hours.

    SALARY RANGE: £24,000-£30,000 per annum full-time equivalent (£14,400 to £18,000 for the 22.5-hour week), depending on skills and experience.

    DURATION: Fixed-term contract from 1 August 2020 to end July 2021 (12 months with potential for extension subject to funding).

    APPLICATIONS BY: 11pm on Tuesday 30 June 2020. Please apply using the application form. CVs will not be considered.

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    ABOUT CAFS:

    Our vision is a zero carbon Cumbria and we strive to bring about a better way of life, in balance with our environment.

    Our mission is to empower and enable people, communities and businesses to live and work more sustainably by sharing our knowledge, practice, skills, networks and practical experience. 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.

     CAfS is an award-winning charity with a team of fourteen highly skilled staff, working with a pool of specialist contractors and volunteers to deliver around 20 major, transformational low-carbon projects each year. CAfS is the leading organisation in Cumbria showcasing low-carbon living, energy-efficiency improvements, renewable technology and reduced use of fossil fuels, both on a domestic scale and in the community. Now in our 22nd year, CAfS is the first point of reference in the county for information on sustainability. CAfS is a dynamic, pro-active and responsive organisation, continually striving to deliver effective projects that make an impact and drive real change towards a low-carbon future. As such, we continually initiate, scrutinise, refine and launch new projects, accessing funding from a variety of sources or earning income from delivering specialist services.

     BACKGROUND TO THE LOW CARBON COMMUNITIES PROJECT:

    Since 2015/2016, South Lakeland District Council has been supporting the drive towards a low carbon district by funding CAfS to deliver advice and support to communities in the South Lakeland area. The project provides practical advice, events, support, technical expertise, signposting and mentoring which leads to action on low carbon energy and other carbon reduction activities in South Lakeland communities.

    The Project Manager will build the capacity of the supported communities’ to take informed decisions, and implement measures which simultaneously reduce emissions whilst making communities and resources more resilient to increasingly volatile energy prices and worsening impacts of climate change.

    MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE: 

    The key role of the post is to take overall responsibility for the coordination and delivery of our work funded by South Lakeland District Council to provide support and advice to communities wishing to improve the energy efficiency of their place.

    You will be responsible for delivering a number of actions that will support the community of Ambleside to work towards becoming a zero-carbon community, with a focus on delivering benefits for the local economy and businesses.

    The post holder will also play an important role in supporting CAfS to develop and deliver other similar projects which enable communities, businesses, organisations and individuals to respond to the challenges of climate change.

    EXPECTED KEY OUTCOMES:

    • A costed, renewable energy scheme proposal for Ambleside, worked up to pre-planning stage.
    • Bespoke carbon footprint tools developed for businesses and residents in Ambleside.
    • Carbon footprint assessments undertaken with businesses and residents and data collated and reported.
    • Advice provided to businesses and residents on carbon reduction measures and commitments to carbon reduction measures made by participants.
    • Lessons from Ambleside shared with other communities in South Lakeland, inspiring wider adoption.

     KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

    • To take overall responsibility for the coordination, budgeting, delivery, evaluation and reporting of South Lakeland District Council’s support for low carbon communities.
    • To provide and co-ordinate advice to communities wishing to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in their community or to generate community owned renewable energy.
    • To manage a bank of energy efficiency and renewable energy experts to provide additional technical advice to these communities.
    • To coordinate and facilitate learning and skill sharing amongst communities.
    • To support CAfS existing sustainability projects and to develop ideas and funding for new projects in collaboration with CAfS staff and Chief Executive Officer.

    MAIN TASKS:

    • To support Ambleside Action for a Future, and its sub group Ambleside to Zero, to work towards zero carbon.
    • To work up options and manage feasibility work on new local renewable systems.
    • To develop and roll out carbon footprinting tools for businesses and residents.
    • To provide carbon reduction support for businesses.
    • To deliver a low-carbon events programme, including visits to homes and a conference in the wider South Lakeland district.
    • To deliver a programme for sharing lessons learned in Ambleside with other communities in South Lakeland.
    • To expand the CAfS online low-carbon knowledge hub for communities to enable them to learn about different aspects of low-carbon energy transitions.
    • To advise and support local authorities on zero/low-carbon transitions.
    • To respond to enquiries from community representatives from South Lakeland.
    • To disseminate learning from the programme so far.
    • To manage the budget to maximise outcomes from the project.
    • To monitor, measure, evaluate and report on success.
    • To be the primary contact for CAfS’ work with SLDC.
    • To secure ongoing funding to provide support to other communities in Cumbria.

    OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • To support other programmes of community energy efficiency and climate change activity in South Lakeland and elsewhere in Cumbria.
    • To be a conduit for information to individuals on wider CAfS projects.
    • To contribute news articles, web content and other information about the project to the marketing team for publicity and CAfS’ profile raising.
    • To work with the chief executive officer and other CAfS staff to create new projects, secure additional funding and deliver effective projects based around sustainability.
    • To contribute to the ongoing work of CAfS generally, including attending appropriate networking meetings, team meetings and training sessions and carry out other tasks or projects required from time to time, as directed by the CEO or trustees.

     

    Person Specification

     Essential skills and attributes:

    • A good understanding of the basic principles of energy efficiency in buildings and sustainable building methods.
    • A post-16 qualification in a relevant field e.g. sustainability, building, energy management, community development or similar.
    • A good understanding of the main features of various renewable technologies and how they can be used appropriately with buildings and on a community scale.
    • Understanding or experience of carbon footprinting tools for households and/or business.
    • An understanding of and demonstrable interest in the objectives that CAfS seeks to deliver around sustainability and creating a zero-carbon Cumbria.
    • Experience of planning, organising, scheduling and budget management of projects.
    • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to put complex information across simply and concisely and to a range of different audiences.
    • Ability and willingness to prioritise, work to deadlines and juggle multiple priorities.
    • Creative and innovative approach to work.
    • Ability to work in a small team as well as on own initiative without day-to-day supervision.
    • Ability to work flexibly including evening and weekend working by agreement.
    • Ability to travel independently throughout rural Cumbria.
    • Good IT skills.
    • Experience of working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including community groups.

    Desirable criteria

    The following attributes are desirable but not essential:

    • Knowledge of and contacts from the South Lakeland area and/or across Cumbria, preferably across various community and/or sustainability-driven initiatives.
    • A degree-level qualification in a relevant field e.g. sustainability, building, energy management, community development or similar.
    • Experience of delivering community-led schemes, especially on energy efficiency and renewables.
    • Experience of community engagement (especially with volunteers and committee members) or community consultation.
    • Specialist knowledge of renewable technologies or sustainable building methods.
    • Experience of providing energy audits, including site surveys, energy data analysis and technical report writing.
    • Fundraising experience, specifically the ability to act quickly on opportunities and attract contract and grant funding.
    • Experience of monitoring and evaluating projects.
    • Experience in online meeting platforms and webinars.

    If you would like more information about the role, please email: [email protected].

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  • Funding target reached and EV webinar!

    Funding target reached and EV webinar!

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    Despite pressures from the national response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the community share offer from Charge My Street has succeeded in raising £130,000 to install 100 electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints across Cumbria and Lancashire.

    Charge My Street and CAfS would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who put forward their own investment and to those who helped get the word out about the share offer. Investors included those who have been driving EVs for years and some who have not yet made the switch but could see the benefit of preparing our region for wide scale uptake. The money will be used to get communities in the North West ready for the EV revolution and a more sustainable tomorrow.

    With the target now met, the focus of Charge My Street will turn to the identification of the very best sites throughout the two counties at which to locate brand new chargepoints.

    On the 30th of June, CAfS and Charge My Street will host a free webinar intended to provide the public with any information they need to decide whether they would like to apply to be a chargepoint host. We’ll be discussing the difficulties of charging your EV if you live in the North of England as well as the benefits and opportunities of EV driving more generally.

    The online talk will also feature speakers from Carlisle City Council and Renault UK discussing why they are supporting Charge My Street and further EV uptake. At the very least, it’s an opportunity to see some new smiling faces and we could all do with that at the moment!

    The webinar will take place on Tuesday 30 June from 4pm to 5.45pm and will include talks from six speakers as well as a Q&A section with the attendees.
    If you would like to register for the webinar, you can do so here.

    Potential chargepoint hosts include any site with space for at least two EVs with strong mobile data signal or open broadband. The site must also be accessible to the public overnight, through the day or both.

    For more information on becoming a chargepoint host, visit Charge My Street’s website.

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  • Secondment Opportunity:  Project Officer, Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria

    Secondment Opportunity:  Project Officer, Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria

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    Date posted: 26 May 2020
    Closing date: 9am Tuesday 9 June 2020

    We have an exciting new Secondment Opportunity to join our Energy Team as a Cold to Cosy Homes Project Officer from July 2020, initially for 3 months with possible extension.

    The role is to expand our successful Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria project more widely across districts in Cumbria – expanding now specifically to Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland – and helping Cumbrian households reduce their carbon emissions, reduce bills and keep warm.

    Applications are especially welcome from people who work in, or regularly engage with community organisations and/or vulnerable people as part of their professional role.

    The new role is mainly home working during the pandemic restrictions, but will when possible include attending events, visits to clients and meetings to:

    • Expand and implement the Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria project more widely across districts in Cumbria – expanding specifically to Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland.
    • Promote Cold to Cosy Homes and other household energy related services widely to residents and partner organisations across Cumbria
    • Provide a high quality of customer service, building a friendly rapport with clients and a strong and credible reputation for the advice service and CAfS.
    • Provide a programme of energy advice to vulnerable households throughout Cumbria.
    • Coordinate installation of energy measures in homes.
    • Deliver a series of energy advice events for people at risk of fuel poverty.
    • Provide clear and accurate home energy related information and advice to clients by phone, video, at events and in their homes.

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  • A message from our chief executive

    A message from our chief executive

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    How the world has changed in a short space of time. In these unprecedented times, we hope that you and your families are safe and well. We’re very much thinking about all of our supporters, as you deal with the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic on every aspect of your lives – not least economically and socially.

    Even in dark times, there are some positive things to celebrate. Across Cumbria, we’ve seen individuals and communities coming together to support each other, with overwhelming responses to appeals for volunteers. People are innovating and embracing technology to stay connected with each other and keep services going as far as possible. We are seeing government working with scientists to help chart a way through.

    All of these things show that it is possible for society and systems to adapt to a global challenge collectively. It shows that people can understand and buy into action on big issues. We must ensure that the lessons we learn and the capabilities and insights we gain from tackling this pandemic are also brought to bear in preventing climate change.

    For now, however, it is understandable that climate change simply isn’t the priority we would want and need it to be. We have had to take the decision to pause many of our projects for the next few months. Much of our work involves community engagement, which can’t continue at the moment.

    We are still here, however, and working behind the scenes, albeit with temporarily reduced staffing. This is a difficult time for CAfS, as it is for many organisations, as we navigate through the implications of the pandemic for our funding and reshape our approach so that CAfS survives this extraordinary period, in order to carry on the fight against climate change when life starts to return to normal.

    Our staff capacity will be limited for a couple of months so we need to make a few changes to our communications. We will pause our newsletter for now, and we’ll instead share any important updates with you on our social media, so please do follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Regrettably, we will not be able to respond to general enquiries during this time. If you do have an essential enquiry, please use our [email protected] email address and we will reply if we can.

    Many of you may want to help with Cumbria’s response to Coronavirus. As we mentioned, it’s been so heartening to see the strong response to appeals for volunteers. Whilst we’re not able to take up offers of volunteer support just now, we may put out a call for help with specific tasks, skills or expertise later. We’ll keep you posted on our social media.

    Finally, we’re very conscious that there will be many demands for your support for compelling and urgent causes in the months ahead, but for those who feel able to help, we would greatly welcome any donations you can give, to help ensure we are still able to stand up for a zero carbon Cumbria in the future. You can donate via our website.

    Stay safe and we look forward to being back in touch with you before too long.

    Best wishes,

    Karen Mitchell
    Chief Executive Officer

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  • Cold to Cosy Homes scheme responds to Covid-19

    Cold to Cosy Homes scheme responds to Covid-19

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    Our Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria service has been modified in response to the Coronavirus situation. We are currently offering only the free-of-charge emergency service to vulnerable households whose gas boiler has broken down.

    Call free to the LEAP call centre on 0800 060 7565 to find out if you or someone you know could be eligible for a free boiler replacement. This emergency boiler scheme, called ECHO, will run for the next few weeks, until the fund is used up.

    The scheme is aimed at households that are vulnerable and need immediate assistance to stay warm and well and is completely funded by energy suppliers under Warm Home Discount Industry Initiatives.

    For those people who need to stay at home due to illness or to avoid risk of contracting Coronavirus, it is more important than ever that their homes have a working heating system.

    To date Cold to Cosy Homes has provided over 350 home energy advice visits across Cumbria in collaboration with LEAP (the Local Energy Advice Partnership).

    As announced earlier this week, we are temporarily suspending visits to people’s homes through our Cold to Cosy Homes service in order to help ensure people who are affected by health issues are not put at risk of infection. We will resume visits as soon as it is appropriate to do so. In the meantime, we are still taking bookings, which we ask you to do online here:  https://cafs.org.uk/cafs-draughtproofing-energy-saving-services/.

    And while you are thinking about helping your neighbours, how about checking that they are on the Priority Services Register with their energy company and the utility companies (water, gas, electricity). You can phone Electricity North West on 0800 195 4141 or sign up online: https://www.enwl.co.uk/priority.

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  • Coronavirus – CAfS response

    Coronavirus – CAfS response

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    Last updated: 31 May 2023

    The way we’re delivering some of our projects and services has been adapted to take account of the current Coronavirus guidelines.

    Here are some updates about our main services and activities:

    CAfS events

    We are now running both in-person and online events. We are taking Covid precautions at our in-person events. We request that for the protection of vulnerable people, you remain COVID-19 aware and follow the government guidance. Visit our events page to see events we’ve got planned.

    Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria

    We’re continuing to offer our free telephone advice calls, and our free professional draughtproofing service has now resumed. Find out more >

    Staffing & contact

    The majority of our staff are working from home. Email is the best way to reach our team. You’ll find contact details on our staff team page.  You can also phone our office on 01768 210276.

    We thank all our customers and supporters for their patience and understanding.

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