Project Leader
‘Our Place’ Project, Taunton, Somerset
18-week consultancy opportunity, 2-3 days per week (negotiable)
Salary: £7,000

We are seeking a consultant to establish a temporary informal adult learning 
venue in a central Taunton shop location.  The project leader will co-ordinate 
a programme of activities on the theme of ‘Taunton: Past, Present and 
Future’, which will link closely to ‘The People’s Record’ and the 2012 ‘Quest 
Challenge’.  Our project aims to create a confident and curious community 
through a partnership of Somerset Heritage Service, Project Taunton and 
Taunton Deane Borough Council.  

The Project Leader needs to be available for 2-3 days per week, over 18 
weeks, from mid-November to mid-March. The town centre shop will be open 
to the public from Monday 1 February to Sunday 14 March 2010.   
 
The Project Leader will report to the Heritage Learning Manager.  Core tasks 
are to:
* Prepare a project plan, involving a range of partners, to deliver the 
Transformation Project for Taunton.
* Manage the project budget.
* Co-ordinate a programme of activities for a range of audiences linked with 
the ‘People’s Record’ and 2012 Quest.
* Organise the fit-out of the shop premises and work with the Heritage and 
Project Taunton design/Learning teams to create informative and engaging 
displays.
* Organise and manage a rota of volunteers to staff the opening hours.
* Organise training for volunteers and ensure that their hours are recorded for 
evaluation.
* Liase with existing and new partners for all stages, including the Blackburn 
project team.
* Co-ordinate the project and report to local and central managers regularly.
* Work with designers and PR teams to promote activities across a range of 
audiences and follow protocols as agreed.
* Ensure appropriate Health and Safety requirements are met.
* Provide the ‘Living Places’ web site with relevant project information.
* Work on project evaluation, both centrally and locally (inc. co-ordination of 
a final evaluation event).
* Work with 2012 Quest Challenge to inspire new cultural exploration and 
activity ahead of the London Olympics.


Person specification:
*Organised project leader
* Excellent communication skills
* Initiative and self-motivated
* Experience in creating and managing events (inc. high profile) and 
exhibitions/displays
* Experience of working with a range of partners, audiences and volunteers
* Proficient in the use of Word, Excel, Outlook and the Internet
* Marketing and promotional experience
* Budget management skills
* Awareness of evaluation mechanisms, including ‘Inspiring Learning for All’.
* Experience in web site content preparation, including images.
* Some evening and weekend work as required.
* The project post is based in an office in a central Taunton location.  Some 
home working may be negotiable.

The closing date for expressions of interest is noon, Monday 26 October with 
interviews scheduled for Thursday 29 October.  Please apply in writing 
attaching a CV.  

This project is supported by MLA, and the Transformation Fund.  This funding 
arises from the government’s white paper, ‘The Learning Revolution’ which 
promotes: signposting people to volunteering and personal projects; providing 
opportunities to learn in a wide variety of ways; and bringing informal learning 
closer to all groups in society.

For more information please contact Helen Mansfield, Heritage Learning 
Manager on [log in to unmask] or 01823 362844.