Job Description
    REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER – GENERAL INFORMATION

    INTRODUCTION
The first national development plan for English golf – ‘England Golf Whole Sport Plan 2005-09’ – followed directly on from the ‘Vision for English Golf’ published in October 2004. The Vision set out the long terms aims for England to become “the Leading Golf Nation in the World” by 2020, and we are currently implementing golf’s third Whole Sport Plan, which covers the period 2013-2017.
The Golf Foundation is working through the England Golf Partnership alongside England Golf and the PGA, supported by Sport England, to ensure the successful implementation of the national plan.
The Foundation’s role is to focus on the delivery of ‘HSBC Golf Roots’ – a national project which includes community activity in schools and clubs as well as special projects that target disadvantaged areas and 14+ activity.

    ROLE
The key role of the Regional Development Officer is to oversee the implementation of the ‘HSBC Golf Roots’ programmes via community and city projects in the West Midlands region. These utilise Tri-Golf, Golf Xtreme, Street Golf and the Junior Golf Passport. This will be done primarily by working through the network of school clusters and local authorities, and linking this work to golf facilities.
He/she will work closely with the club/county Regional Development in the region employed by England Golf to ensure a smooth transition from school to club. The Officer will have a roving brief so that he/she is able to foster relationships and provide appropriate support to schools, local authorities, golf facilities, local and county golf and sport partnerships and other relevant organisations.

    PERSON SPECIFICATION
The role of Regional Development Officer requires an organised, enthusiastic, self-motivated individual who is committed to the development of grass roots junior golf. Essential skills and qualities include:
– The ability to communicate effectively in a variety of circumstances.
– Effective time management.
– A sound knowledge of sports development principles and practices.
– An understanding of the structure and function of school sport and local authorities.
– Experience of development planning.
– Experience of tutoring workshops for teachers and young leaders.
– Knowledge of the national initiatives promoted by Sport England and the Youth Sport Trust.
– An appropriate leisure qualification.
– An interest, but not necessarily a background, in golf.

    REPORTING
The Regional Development Officer will report directly to the Golf Foundation Development Manager. The Development Manager will be in regular contact with the Regional Development Officer and he/she will be required to provide the Development Manager with regular reports. There will be monthly RDO Meetings and the Development Manager will also visit the Regional Development Officer to discuss progress and targets.

The Golf Foundation is an equal opportunities employer. The disabled, ethnic minorities and women are currently under-represented in the organisation. This information will be made available in alternative formats on request.

    JOB DESCRIPTION

    TITLE: Regional Development Officer (West Midlands)

    REPORT TO: Development Manager.

OFFICE BASE: The working base will be agreed with the Development Manager but it must be a logical location within the region. Working from home may be permitted.

HOURS: The length of a normal working week will be 40 hours (flexible to meet the needs of the job). Additional hours may be required at certain times in the year to help with specific projects or events. Co-operation would be appreciated in this regard.

    START DATE: To be confirmed.

AIM: To promote and support the implementation of the Golf Foundation’s junior golf development initiatives, which are presented under the banner of ‘HSBC Golf Roots’.

OBJECTIVES:
To work towards the achievement of the targets set out in golf’s Whole Sport Plan.
To work through the network of school clusters, Local Authorities and County networks to ensure that access to the sport for children and young people is achieved through co-ordination and co-operation.
To work closely with the Club/County Regional Development Officer managed through England Golf.

    DUTIES:
    OPERATION
• Promote the introduction of the ‘HSBC Golf Roots’ programmes through school, club and community projects.
• Promote the use of Tri-Golf in primary schools and the community as well as tutor workshops.
• Promote the use of Golf Xtreme in the secondary schools and tutor workshops for teachers.
• Promote the use of Street Golf with StreetGames and other community partners.
• Stimulate the organisation of School Games events at Levels I, II and III.
• Promote and coordinate projects that link schools to clubs in conjunction with the Club/County Officer.
• Promote and assist with the establishment of golf projects through the network of school clusters and local authority sports development teams.
• Visit each ‘HSBC Golf Roots’ Centre facility in the region and advise on their programme.
• Identify potential ‘HSBC Golf Roots’ Centres and help link them to local schools.
• Promote the use of the Junior Golf Passport as the official learning programme.
• Organise and deliver training workshops that support the implementation of the

    ‘HSBC Golf Roots’ programmes.
    COMMUNICATION
• Maintain comprehensive lists of contacts for schools, Local Authorities and other relevant networks for the region.
• Maintain close and regular contact with the Club/County Regional Development Officer.
• Attend relevant local and county meetings and maintain close contact with the key stakeholders.
• Maintain regular contact with County Golf Partnerships and attend meetings.
• Explore opportunities with local networks and facilitate local golf development groups.
• Maintain high standards in terms of responses to enquiries and customer care, both internally and externally.
• Provide the Press Officer with regular information which may be useful for the Golf Foundation’s bulletin, press releases or the website.

    ADVISORY
• Provide advice on funding available through the Golf Foundation.
• Advise on the preparation of grant-aid applications for local projects when required.
• Provide advice on effective development planning in golf.

    SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
• Assist the Marketing Department with the organisation of promotional events.
• Organise county and regional events as and when appropriate.
• Assist with the staffing at displays, major tournaments, shows, exhibitions, etc. when required.

    GENERAL DUTIES
• Assist the Development Manager with the development of new and existing programmes.
• Act as an ambassador for the Golf Foundation and represent the organisation on appropriate occasions.
• Maintain effective systems for office administration and record keeping.
• Produce reports, deal with correspondence and attend relevant meetings.

How to apply
Application packs can be obtained by clicking on link: http://www.golf-foundation.org/page.asp?section=62§ionTitle=Vacancies