Are you an organised, quick-thinking individual who is passionate about bringing equity to the medical admissions process and who wants to help transform lives today and far into the future?
If that sounds like you and you are ready for a small role with big potential, working for a small charity with big potential then keep reading!
Who we are: At the Armitage Foundation we believe that every person with the desire and aptitude to study medicine should be able to do so, regardless of their background. As such, we aim to inspire, empower, and equip young people from underrepresented backgrounds to study medicine.
What we do: We work with schools and universities to give young people from underrepresented backgrounds the same opportunities, insight and support that is routinely received by their more privileged counterparts. We do this by managing the delivery of three, two-year medical access programmes which are co-designed and delivered by medical students to young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds and underrepresented ethnic minorities. These programmes are designed to help young people from low socioeconomic and minority ethnicity backgrounds to make informed decisions from pre-GCSE through to the university application process by developing:
• Understanding of the industry – what it means to be a doctor and the pathways and requirements needed to study medicine
• Skills and experience – improved soft skills such as communication; cultural experiences such as university visits and other opportunities traditionally only available to more privileged students; work experience
• Growth mindset – improved belief in abilities, and that opportunities can be improved with hard work
• Self-belief – the confidence to growth strengths and the ability to overcome challenges
• Aspirations – setting specific goals and applying flexibility and motivation to achieve them.
• Social capital – knowing who to ask for support and advice
Our team: Led by our co-founders, Leanne Armitage and Daniel Huf, our team consists of seven trustees and one permanent, part time member of staff. We also have 12 committed and talented Armitage Ambassadors and one fantastic social media and marketing intern. Although small, our team is ambitious, and every member works hard to achieve the charity’s aims.
About the Armitage Programmes: Our programmes each consist of 12-14 sessions which are delivered over the space of two years in schools (or, due to the pandemic, electronically) to ten students (per school) who meet our criteria. Armitage Juniors for academic years 8-9, Seniors for years 10-11 and Scholars for years 12-13 have been designed to offer a valuable insight into the many career opportunities available to people who pursue a career in medicine.
Current activities: We currently work with two universities, piloting Armitage Juniors in five schools in London. With ambitious growth plans, we expect to more than double our reach over the next year, as well as piloting Armitage Seniors.
Job purpose: To support the delivery of the Armitage Programmes. This position requires an individual who is meticulously organised, self-motivated and an excellent communicator who works well as a critical part of a small team.
Key responsibilities:
• Support the delivery of the programmes including scheduling dates with schools, universities and Ambassadors
• Arranging delivery of necessary equipment or resources to schools
• Ensuring Ambassadors have everything they need to deliver sessions
• Manage all associate programme communications – which can often mean reaching out to teachers in a busy school environment
• Submitting monthly timesheets to partner universities
• Maintain relationship with existing and new stakeholders
• Support the development of digital programme delivery
• Seeking local fundraising opportunities, where appropriate
• Other occasional administrative and marketing tasks commensurate with the role
As this is a new role in a small charity, there is scope for the role to develop considerably in the future. As such, it would suit someone who only has limited time to commit now, but who may be looking to develop opportunities and potentially increase their hours as the charity grows.
Person specification:
Essential:
• A positive, proactive outlook
• Outstanding communication skills
• Excellent relationship management skills
• High levels of attention to detail and organisation skills
• High computer literacy– adept at Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to prioritise tasks and use own initiative is
• Previous programme coordination/ administration roles
• Excellent written and oral skills
• A willingness to learn
• Excellent time management
• A clear understanding of our cause and motivations and a passion to drive change by helping us to deliver our vision.
Advantageous
• Ability to use – or quickly pick up – other digital platforms and applications is an advantage
• Previous experience working with schools/ teachers
• Knowledge or experience of university admissions
• Knowledge or experience in Widening Participation
• Medical knowledge or experience
• Experience working in the third sector
• Bid writing experience
Our values
We believe in helping people to be the best that they can be – that includes the people who work with, and work for us! We uphold our values of:
Excellence – we continually seek new, better ways of operating to reach as many people as we can without compromising on the quality of our programmes.
Innovation – we want to drive trust.
Equity – every person is treated fairly and with respect and trust.
Improvement – we want to get the best out of ourselves and each other and continually challenge ourselves and those around us in a way that will focus on our assets and help them to grow.
Collaboration – we listen to our beneficiaries and stakeholders as they are the people who know how we can make the biggest difference.
The role
As this is a new role, the hours are flexible and are likely to increase over time. Initially, terms are as follows:
• Salary £22,000 per annum pro rata (£334.62 per month) with additional hours paid monthly
• Minimum of 8 hours a week, term time only
• Option to join employer-contributed pension scheme
• Flexible hours
• Home working
• Supportive, friendly team
• The opportunity to transform the NHS of tomorrow and support the aspirations of young people from all backgrounds
• Potential to progress in terms of role, hours and responsibilities as the organisation grows.
If you are interested in the role, please email a CV and covering letter to [email protected] by Friday 7th January. Interviews (online initially) will be conducted w/b 10th January. If you have any questions about the role, please get in touch.
