ELCoE is a local, community-led organisation working to make clean, affordable energy accessible to all, while supporting people to reduce energy hardship and improve the sustainability of their homes.
Our work serves an area of South Gloucestershire that includes Staple Hill, Mangotsfield, Downend, Emersons & Lyde Green, Blackhorse, Westerleigh, and Pucklechurch.
We’ve recently been awarded funding from the National Lottery Awards for All programme to set up a Community Energy Help Desk in Staple Hill, and are recruiting a Community Facilitator for the new project:
Title: Community Facilitator
Hours: Part time – 12 hours per week. A full day on Thursdays at the Staple Hill Community Hub, with the rest to be worked flexibly as agreed, including some evening and weekend work
Salary: £27,000 FTE (pro rata £8,756.75)
Contract: 12 months fixed term PAYE (with possible extension subject to future funding)
Location: Staple Hill, with some travel to outreach events in the surrounding areas and home working required.
Start Date: Week commencing 5th January 2026 (or earlier if possible, subject to notice periods)
Responsible to: Co-directors of ELCoE CIC and the Community Projects Manager.
Application Deadline: Thursday 20th of November 2025 at 10am
About the Energy Help Desk
The Energy Help Desk project aims to make energy advice easy to access and relevant to local people. It will offer friendly, one-to-one support and practical sessions to help residents understand their energy use, improve home efficiency, and manage costs.
By building confidence and sharing useful knowledge, the project will help people reduce their bills, communicate effectively with energy providers, and tackle common issues like cold, damp, and inefficient homes.
The Energy Help Desk will also signpost and make referrals to trusted partners who offer comprehensive support to people experiencing fuel poverty.
Alongside the weekly drop-in sessions in Staple Hill, the Energy Help Desk will travel to local community events, fairs, and group meetings across our area to reach a wider audience and engage with people who may not otherwise access support.
About the role
This funding allows us to recruit a Community Facilitator who will lead on the day-to-day running of the Energy Help Desk project and play a key role in developing this exciting new community initiative. Supported by ELCoE’s Community Projects Manager, the role will involve:
Facilitating the Energy Help Desk sessions
- Running a weekly drop-in Energy Help Desk session in Staple Hill.
- Offering a friendly and empathetic first point of contact for residents seeking energy advice and support.
- Signposting and referring residents to partner organisations for specialist advice such as on fuel debt, grants, and retrofit (e.g. Severn Wye, National Energy Action, Centre for Sustainable Energy).
- Delivering practical workshops (e.g. draught-proofing, reducing bills, tackling damp and mould) on some evenings and weekend days.
- Operating a mobile outreach version of the Energy Help Desk at local events, fairs, and community buildings within Staple Hill and ELCoE’s wider area of service.
Creating Community Partnerships
- Developing relationships with partner organisations and other local groups.
- Helping organise a project steering group with residents from the Pendennis Road Lower Layer Super Output Area (LSOA)
Promoting the Energy Help Desk Service
- Engaging directly with local residents to share information about the service.
- Helping to create social media campaigns and content.
Developing the service & gathering feedback
- Creating info sheets and Energy Help Desk materials in response to service user needs.
- Monitoring engagement and helping to develop effective feedback channels for service users.
- Recording outcomes and comparing feedback to help evaluate and improve the service.
- Helping to shape and develop the Energy Help Desk project and future services.
Person Specification
While previous experience in community energy or advice work is very welcome, it is not essential – most importantly we’re looking for someone with strong people skills, and a commitment to supporting the local community. Training in energy advice can be provided.
Essential:
- Friendly, approachable, and a good communicator.
- Pro-active, organised, and able to work independently.
- Committed to helping the community and supporting local people.
- Flexible – able to work a full day in-person on Thursdays, and other hours flexibly with occasional evenings/weekends.
- IT skills (for emails, recording data, social media etc).
Desirable:
- Local resident or strong knowledge of Staple Hill and the local community.
- Previous experience in community work, advice, or facilitation.
- Previous experience in energy efficiency support work.
- Previous experience in Safeguarding.
- Interest in sustainability, energy, housing, or tackling fuel poverty.
- Skills in designing posters/graphics on Canva (or similar design programs) and drafting copy for social media.
- Working knowledge of GDPR practices.
- Experience with impact measurement or social value reporting.
- Driving licence and own car.
Technical:
- Right to work in the UK
Application Process
To apply: Please email Grace, our Community Projects Manager via info@elcoe.co.uk, and include:
- A CV and up to a 1 page Cover Letter, using any relevant experience to demonstrate your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification.
- Confirmation that you have the right to work in the UK.
- Your availability – what times/days of the week you’re available to work, and start date.
Deadline for applications: Thursday 20th of November 2025 at 10am
Hearing back: We will aim to respond to applicants by Friday 21st of November
Interviews: Afternoon of Friday 28th November at the Staple Hill Community Hub
Access: If you require this job description in another format please contact us on info@elcoe.co.uk
Further information: Please email info@elcoe.co.uk if you have any questions about the role or project. Grace will be on Annual Leave from Friday 24th of October but will respond on her return on Monday 10th of November.
