We are looking for a passionate and proactive Community Engagement Officer to work at the heart of the community. This is a hands-on, people-focused role where you’ll build trusted relationships, deliver inclusive activities, and connect local people to the support, services, and opportunities they need.
You’ll be a visible and approachable presence, working directly with residents, community groups, and local organisations to strengthen connections and improve wellbeing. The role includes planning and delivering activities such as community café sessions, school holiday programmes, and outreach in local venues, as well as working with residents to co-design initiatives that reflect their needs and interests.
You’ll actively engage with the community to understand local challenges and priorities, using this insight to shape and improve programmes. Alongside delivery, you’ll support the coordination and development of community initiatives, monitor participation, gather feedback, contribute to reporting, and help secure funding to sustain and grow activities. You’ll also play a key role in connecting individuals to relevant services and ensuring activities are inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all.
Core Responsibilities:
- Develop strong, trusted relationships with residents, community groups, and partner organisation
- Act as a visible and approachable presence within the community
- Build links with local services (health, schools, voluntary sector, local businesses) to support partnership working and effective signposting
- Encourage participation from a diverse range of people, particularly those facing barriers
- Follow safeguarding policies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults
Delivering Activities & Programmes
- Plan and deliver inclusive, accessible activities for people of all ages
- Run regular provision including community café sessions, school holiday activities, and outreach sessions
- Work with community members to co-design activities
- Promote wellbeing, confidence, and social connection through all delivery
- Engage with residents to identify needs, challenges, and priorities
- Gather feedback to continuously improve delivery
- Identify individuals or groups needing additional support and connect them to appropriate services
- Support the development of new initiatives in response to community need
- Monitor participation and engagement levels
- Contribute to reporting on outcomes and community impact
- Support funding and grant applications
- Recruit, support, and manage volunteers
Inclusion & Accessibility
- Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Identify and reduce barriers to participation
- Ensure activities and communications are accessible and welcoming
Essential skills:
- Experience working directly with communities or delivering community-based activities
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to build relationships with a wide range of individuals and organisations
- Experience organising and delivering activities or services
- Ability to listen, engage, and respond to community needs
- Positive, approachable, and non-judgemental attitude
- Passion for supporting communities and promoting social inclusion
- Creative and proactive approach to problem-solving
- Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing needs
- Strong sense of empathy and commitment to equality and diversity
- Maintain professionalism to support users through challenging experiences
Additional Information
- The role involves regular work within community settings, and may include evenings and weekends where required.
- The postholder will work closely with the Steering Group, using their insight to shape delivery whilst maintaining a strong focus on day-to-day community engagement and activity delivery.
We are an equal opportunities employer and committed to ensuring that all are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation.FGR are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment fully. And as an organisation we are committed to supporting staff development in this area.
Forest Green is looking to the future – Climate change is an existential threat, and we need to build a more sustainable world.Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at FGR. We’re on a mission to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of sport, and beyond. Established in 1889, we’re also one of the oldest football clubs in the world.
That history continues with every season and every trophy, bolstered by the support of an incredibly passionate, global fanbase. Those moments are only made possible with the right people; those who show courage, tenacity, ambition, dedication to their community, and independent thought.As the world’s first vegan football club, doing things differently is a way of life. We’re looking for like-minded people that can help create the future our planet needs.Let’s change the game.
What's in it for you...
- Healthcare plan, life assurance and generous pension contribution
- Volunteering day
- Hybrid working
- Various company discounts (including shops, days out and events)
- Holiday of 25 days (plus bank holidays) & ability to buy/sell days
- Cycle to work scheme, car pooling and onsite parking available
As a valued member of the team you will be supporting the Group Environmental policy and its associated targets to make the Green Britain Group net carbon neutral by 2025
Flexibility statement
The fast moving nature of the company's business means that from time to time you may be asked to perform duties or tasks outside of your original job description on an ad hoc basis. This allows the company to use it's people in the best possible way at all times and helps the employees to make make their contribution in a changing environment.
Pay: £25,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Stroud GL6 0FG: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Will you require sponsorship in the future?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Location:
- Stroud GL6 0FG (required)
Work Location: In person
