Assistant Education Officer

WeSET – Assistant Education Officer – Contract specification

About the Trust

The objective of the Trust is to encourage and promote the deployment of sustainable energy, in
particular (but not exclusively) within a 25 mile radius from Westmill Wind Farm, near
Shrivenham. The Trust is managed through a board of trustees, drawn from different backgrounds.

This role

The role of the Assistant Education Officer (AEO) is to promote and increase
understanding of sustainable energy within the community, and to deliver educational sessions
in schools (principally at KS2).

The role is a part-time, home-based contract, initially for one year. However,
applicants should ideally live within easy commuting distance of Westmill Wind Farm and Solar Park
at Shrivenham.

Activities include working in collaboration with the existing Education Officer, as well as
with the Visits & Volunteers Coordinator to develop, market and lead school visits to the
Westmill Wind Farm and Solar Park, liaising with educational volunteers, assisting with content
for the website, and developing online educational resources and promotional material. The AEO
will also be expected to deliver presentations, assemblies and workshops in schools or to
community groups within the local area.

The AEO will be expected to act in the best interests of the Trust and follow the guidance of
the Trustees.

More specifically, the AEO will:

1. Work closely with the existing Education Officer to promote our messages to key audiences
   in schools and colleges
2. Help to deliver educational sessions in schools / colleges and at Westmill using WeSET
   materials
3. Help to build further links with local schools, especially within the Oxfordshire area to
   encourage visits and the use of our educational materials
4. Perform other related activities throughout the year, as required by the Trustees

The first points of contact for this individual will normally be the existing Education Officer
and a nominated Trustee. The expectation is that this role will evolve and develop as the Trust
extends its work. Trustee meetings take place every month/six weeks in the evenings – usually
online.

The AEO will be based at home but required to travel as necessary. They will need to have
access to a car and a full driving licence. In addition, access to IT equipment, the internet
and a telephone is required. As a contractor, the AOE is required to have their own Public
Liability Insurance. Candidates must have or be able to obtain a DBS certificate (WeSET will
assist with this if necessary).

Skills and experience

Essential

1. A strong interest in and knowledge of sustainable / renewable energy
2. Specific experience of working in schools and an understanding of the education system and
   the National Curriculum.
3. Self-starter and good ability to manage time oneself and with others
4. Written skills – able to produce concise simple reports with minimal oversight or
   correction
5. Numerical skills – able to manage a project budget
6. Competence with standard software systems including the ability to develop PowerPoint
   presentations
7. Able to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and (with advance warning) weekends
8. An ability to form effective, working and supportive relationships with individuals from
   different backgrounds, including other officers, Trustees and volunteers
9. Good communication and presentation skills
10. Manage confidentiality in Trust affairs

Desirable

1. Ability to plan deliver small workshops and similar events (this will initially be done
   with support and in collaboration with the existing Education Officer).
2. Understanding of how to use/update a website and basic social media (e.g. Twitter).
3. An up-to-date DBS certificate (please note, you will need to obtain a DBS Certificate if
   you do not already have one).

Terms of contract

The contract between WeSET and the AEO will initially be for twelve months subject to a three
month review. The contract will commence at a date to be agreed upon, ideally on or around the
beginning of October, 2024 and may be terminated by either side in writing with one month’s
notice. The contract will be reviewed at the end of this term and may be extended by mutual
agreement for another period, be revised or cancelled.

The AEO will initially be engaged for 2 days / week. Work to be invoiced at the rate of £20 per
hour (£160 for an 8 hour day), plus reasonable expenses in line with the Charity’s standard
expenses policy.

WeSET and the Assistant Education Officer will remain independent entities. The AEO will not be
an employee of WeSET. As an independent contractor s/he will be responsible for his or her own
income tax payments, National Insurance contributions, VAT liabilities, personal insurance,
vehicle insurance, health and pension arrangement.

To apply 

Please email [email protected] with a CV and covering letter outlining why you would be suitable for the role and why you would like to apply.