* What is the impact of withdrawing your labour as an educator, health worker, refuse collector, librarian or childcare worker; when the people most immediately affected are service users?
* What strategies can we develop to make a strike powerful in sectors where our workloads are increasingly privatised and/ or we are employed on a short term or freelance basis?
* How does taking industrial action fit into a broader struggle against austerity? How do we talk to our colleagues and service users about why our seemingly individual demands are collective concerns?
* How do we develop forms of sustainable workplace organising that extend beyond the current climate of reactive and top-down one-day strikes?

Many of us work in the public sector and took strike action on June and November 30th, or played a role in supporting this action in our communities. This experience threw up many of the above questions, as well as practical issues about the nuts and bolts of workplace organising. We have started to discuss these questions in our collective, and now are keen to work with others who have found themselves facing similar challenges – to share skills, ideas and experiences.

Join Feminist Fightback on 11th February for a day which will combine a morning of workplace organising training with an afternoon to discuss the wider themes.

All genders welcome.
The venue is accessible and a volunteer-run creche will be provided.

Please contact us if you want to come so we have an idea of numbers, and if you have any requirements that we can help with or if you can do a slot in the creche – feminist.fightback@gmail.com

Our speaker this month is Meike Ziervogel, founder of independent publishing house Peirene Press, which specialises in contemporary European literature in English translation.

She will talk about her experiences as founder of Peirene Press, and give tips for working with, and setting up, an independent publishing house. Meike is a German writer and journalist living in London. She grew up in Northern Germany and came to London in 1986 to study Arabic language and literature. She has worked for Reuters, Agence France Press, Financial Times TV and Routledge. In 2008 she founded Peirene Press. She is also a committee member of the Authors Club which annually nominates the Best First Novel Award, the Dolman Travel Book Award and the Banister Fletcher Award.

Date: 8 Feb 2012
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Savoy Tup Function Room 2 Savoy Street, London

Members: free
Non-members £5

All women welcome

Domestic Violence Awareness Workshop

Participants will be able to:
* explore and challenge commonly held beliefs, attitudes and assumptions about women and violence
* state what domestic violence is
* identify appropriate services for women experiencing domestic violence
* recognize the impact of domestic violence on children

Thursday 9th February 2012
12.30 – 2.45

To secure your place please contact:
Enfield Women’s Centre, Vicki Scarlett House, 31A Derby Road, Ponders End, EN3 4AJ
020 8443 1902
info@enfieldwomen.org.uk

Solace Women’s Aid works with women and children who have experienced domestic and sexual violence. We work in a holistic and empowering way so that service users can live independent lives.

You will be responsible for leading a small staff team working across two refuges in Lambeth. We are looking for someone with at least 2 years direct refuge experience, operational experience of need and risk assessment tools and the ability to provide leadership and management.

Solace Women’s Aid values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Closing Date: 21 February – 12 noon

Interviews: 1 March 2012

For information & application pack (we do not accept CVs) email recruitment@solacewomensaid.org or ring Maureen Giles or Pat Shillong on 020 7619 1350.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act

Posts will be subject to an enhanced CRB check and open to women only. (Exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1-occupational requirement*.

You will take ownership of IT support in a busy multi-site environment, handling all systems and workstations to keep them in good working order. You are someone who will enjoy being part of a busy team, taking on new challenges and seeing opportunities for improving systems. You will have IT experience, but more importantly be IT “savvy” and able to pick up new things quickly and easily.

Hardware maintenance and Inventory

Developing, implementing and supervising a routine periodic maintenance plan for all computer hardware and accessories, including inspection, operator training and troubleshooting. Arranging for repairs of computer hardware as required. Responsible for any other IT related equipment eg projectors, audio-visual equipment, photocopies, printers.

Training and Technical Support

Troubleshooting routine software and hardware problems. Providing support for central IT initiatives.

Producing user-oriented training handouts and instructions.

Attention to details and ability to troubleshoot and fix problems in high pressure situation.

Ability to assist users with issues/problems from a variety of sources including MS Office applications, as well as Microsoft Operating Systems and in house applicaitons.

Database Project

Continue the process of rolling out the service user database to all teams. Quickly develop an understanding of the work carried out across the organisation and provide guidance on how to make the best use of the service user database to bring about results. Previous database experience is desirable.

Telecommunications Support

Providing technical support, and ensuring that staff are well trained in use of various communication facilities. Coordinating with the telecom companies for maintenance issues.

Communication

Answering frequent queries from staff to ensure the highest levels of satisfaction.

Fixed term Contract Six Months

Salary to £21,000 depending on experience.

Closing Date: Wednesday 8th February 2012

For information & application pack ring Maureen Giles or Pat Shillong on020 7619 1350 or email recruitment@solacewomensaid.org

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act

Do you have what it takes to lead Birds Eye View to the next level?

Birds Eye View is recruiting a new Festival Director and also a Development Manager for the 2013 Festival. Please download Job Specifications on the right hand side of this page.

Rachel Millward has been the sole Festival Director to date, leading on both fundraising and creative direction, and is delighted to have brought the organisation to this point of expansion. Rachel will remain involved in the Festival in a non-executive capacity, actively supporting the new Festival Director and Development Manager, and continuing as an ambassador for the organisation, whilst also, as part of the Board of Directors, overseeing organisational strategy moving forward.

This is an exciting moment for Birds Eye View, with two hugely rewarding and challenging opportunities for the right candidates. It is a chance to build on the phenomenal success of Birds Eye View to date, leading the Festival and the organisation into another decade of celebration, artistic excellence, national and international profile and continued audience development.

Deadlines: Development Manager – February 20th; Festival Director – March 12th

Please download Job Descriptions and Application Forms for both roles from the right hand side of the page at this link http://www.birds-eye-view.co.uk/30/recruitment/new-festival-director-and-development-manager-being-recruited-now.html

Women and Manual Trades (WAMT) works to advance opportunities for women in construction & allied industries

WAMT is seeking an interim CEO to:
* Undertake a review of the organisation and identify options and opportunities for future sustainability;
* Work with the Management Committee to develop a medium term strategy for the charity;
* Develop strong relationships with construction industry employers, funders and key stakeholders;
* Manage current projects and ensure targets are achieved

This role requires excellent management and leadership skills to assist WAMT through a period of change and financial challenges.

Job description and application: http://www.wamt.org/about/vacancies/

CV’s will NOT be accepted

Closing date: 12th February 2012
Interviews to be held on 23rd February 2012

General Enquiries: Tel 0207 251 9192
(24hr answerphone service available)

Volunteer role: Communications and Research Internship
Estimated duration of role: 3-6 months
Estimated time: 2 days p/w
Hours: Core hours are 10am – 5pm, but times can be negotiated.

About CAWN:

The Central America Women’s Network (CAWN) is a London based organisation that supports, publicises and learns from the struggles of women in Central America in the defence of their rights. CAWN works to increase awareness in the United Kingdom and Europe of violations of women’s human rights in Central America and supports the work of women’s organisations in the region. For its campaigns, CAWN produces a regular e-bulletin, organises conferences and speaker tours, and carries out research on women’s rights in Central America. For further information about CAWN, please visit our website Central America Women’s Network (CAWN) is a London based organisation that supports, publicises and learns from the struggles of women in Central America in the defence of their rights. CAWN works to increase awareness in the United Kingdom and Europe of violations of women’s human rights in Central America and supports the work of women’s organisations in the region. For its campaigns, CAWN produces a regular e-bulletin, organises conferences and speaker tours, and carries out research on women’s rights in Central America. For further information about CAWN, please visit our website www.cawn.org

Areas covered by the role:

CAWN is offering this internship opportunity to an enthusiastic and motivated individual prepared to gain experience and become involved in all aspects of a women’s international organisation. The Research and Communications Intern will be expected to support the organisation in administrating the research and communication’s side of work, both at national and international levels. Attendance to occasional evenings and/or weekend meetings will be required.

Research and Dissemination – 30%

• Conduct research tasks, which may include literature review on gender equality, trafficking and labour
exploitation.
• Compile information and map networks and organisations working on issues related to CAWN’s work.
• Contribute short articles (up to 1,500 words) to CAWN’s e-bulletins.
• Assist in the coordination, editing and translation of CAWN’s publications.

Communication and Administration – 70%

• Respond to information requests from the general public.
• Manage and maintain database for media, supporters and general contacts.
• Assist in the dissemination/publicity of events, publications and ongoing advocacy activities.
• Develop and maintain the content of CAWN’s website and social media tools.
• Assist in the preparation of meetings/events.
• Assist in minute taking and maintenance

Skills and experience

It is expected that the person will have the following:
• Background in gender and development
• Some knowledge of Latin American and/or Southern African regions.
• Media and communications experience
• Good research and writing skills
• Good communication and administrative skills
• Ability to work independently as part of a small team
• Computer and social media literate (Microsoft Office package, Dreamweaver, Facebook,
Twitter,YouTube and WordPress)
• Fluency in both English and Spanish, spoken and written.

Expenses

• Interns can claim back expenses for food and travel to and from CAWN’s office, up to £10.00 per
day unless otherwise agreed.
• We regret that no other expenses will be paid without prior agreement of the line manager and
completed documentation.
• A receipt for transport must be provided in order to claim back your expenses.

Please, submit CV, cover letter and equal opportunities form by 13th February to campaigns@cawn.org.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Interviews will be held on Friday 17th February.

SROI is a form of cost-benefit analysis that seeks to measure and value the key changes, or outcomes, created by a programme or activity.

Conducted over a two year period, ‘Journey Towards Safety’ highlights the far reaching benefits of Ashiana’s specialist refuge and outreach services the significant savings these create for the state, local economics and communities. Key findings from the report include:

• For every £1 invested into our services, Ashiana can generate £8 worth of social value to women, their children, and the state.
• 91% of women who were supported in our refuges reported their safety had increased
• Improved safety links directly to improved physical health
• 47% reported avoidance of forced marriage
• 59% of women in the refuge moved into employment, education or training
• In our outreach service, safety increased by 35% for women living in abusive homes
• On average, women’s independence increased by 20%, which is demonstrated through budgeting or managing their finances better

Vivienne Hayes, Chief Executive of the Women’s Resource Centre, said: “There is much talk about the cost of funding women’s organisations; what this report shows for the first time is the undeniable cost of not funding them.  The Government always presses charitable organisations to demonstrate their value and the findings of this report could not be clearer: women’s organisations provide high quality and cost effective, holistic services for excellent value.”

You can download a copy of the report (in pdf format) from http://www.wrc.org.uk/includes/documents/cm_docs/2011/w/wrc_ashiana_sroi_report_final_2011.pdf

We hope you find it useful reading.

Woman’s Trust requirements are that counsellors need to be in personal therapy for 1 year minimum, follow the Person-Centred/Humanistic approach, be in their second year of a Diploma course and have one year experience of working with clients (30 – 40 supervised client hours or equivalent experience).

We are always interested in counsellors who have a commitment to this area of work.

Woman’s Trust has an application process for counsellors interested in placements – counsellors are able to work in a variety of boroughs in West, East London and the borough of Barking and Dagenham – at different times including some evenings and weekends.

Please note, because of the needs of women using our service, the minimum commitment is 4 clients per week.

Successful candidates will also need to be able to attend Woman’s Trust 2 hours supervision on a fortnightly basis and a 3-day induction training.

The deadline for the application is Friday 24th February 2012
Interviews will commence on the week of the 5th March 2012
Training dates are the 20th, 21st and 22nd March 2012.

Section 7.2(E) of the Sex Discrimination Act applies

For an application pack please contact maya on 020 7034 0303/0304 or maya.g@womanstrust.org.uk