Data Officer (Apprentice)
Salary £ 24,750 - £27,500 (fte) - depending on skills and experience - 20hrs a week (0.5 fte) - additional hours available subject to funding
Mix of homeworking and based at offices in Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire
Vacancy listed 14/04/2025
Application deadline 05/05/2025
Details
To work and lead on setting clear standards for high quality gathering, recording, monitoring and use of data collected via our grant’s programmes and initiative, accessing this data to inform donor grant reports, infographic data sharing, donor reports and network reporting in an accurate and transparent way. Reporting to the Head of Impact you will be technically proficient in monitoring data use of the CRM systems. You will also work directly with the Senior Leadership team on initiatives requiring evidence of impact and return on investment. The Data Officer will work closely with colleagues across the Foundation contributing to the delivery of the Foundation’s Strategic Plan, vision, and values. 

Responsibilities


Lead on the accurate recording, management, and accessibility of data gathered through the Foundations programmes and initiatives via our Salesforce CRM system and future platforms, including potential Social Value and Social Return on Investment models.  
 
Support the grants team in recording and maintaining accurate data, ensuring records are complete, up-to-date, and compliant. Conduct routine system checks and regular data cleansing as required.  
 
Support monitoring received from grantees, helping extract key data and learning, checked by Head of Impact.  
 
Provide support to Head of Impact with Salesforce CRM training to internal teams to enhance data usage and impact measurement 

Performance Management


Collect, analyse, and present relevant data on a quarterly basis to support donor reporting. 
 
Produce data driven reports aligned with the Donor Care Plan, ensuring accuracy in evaluation, impact measurement, and End of Grant reporting (quality checked by Head of Impact). 
 
Develop and submit annual data reports for platforms such as 360 Giving, FREA (Funders for Race Equalities Alliance), IVAR and other partnership platforms aligned to BLCF work including UK Community Foundation Quality Assurance.  
 
Provide insights and key learnings that demonstrate the effectiveness of grantmaking, inform strategic decisions, and highlight return on investment.  

Relationship Management


Regularly connect and engage with wider Community Foundation network to ensure BLCF’s data systems remain fit for purpose and aligned with sector best practices.  
 
Participate in cross-foundation learning initiatives to stay updated on trends in data-driven grantmaking and impact measurement.  
 
Work with the Head of Business Development to provide insights from donor trends and grant impact data, supporting fundraising and partnership strategies. 

Representing the Organisation


Maintain a strong understanding of community and charity sector issues to inform BLCF’s data strategy and grantmaking approach. Ensure relevant insights are shared across the team.  
 
Develop and maintain an appropriate network of contacts within the grantmaking sector across BLCF’s geographic reach.  
 
Serve as a BLCF ambassador, promoting the Foundations values and impact through data storytelling and sector engagement. 
Be an ambassador for the work of the Foundation by demonstrating its values in the delivery of its work. 

Experience


Some demonstrable experience in managing data systems and CRMs to ensure accurate data is recorded and record maintain for reporting purposes

Some prior experience of grant-making or similar work (D)

Track record of analysing and presenting data to inform decision-making and improve processes (D)

Some previous experience of developing reports and insights for funders, donors, or key stakeholders (D)

Some understanding of the wider voluntary and charity sector. 


Skills & Abilities


Excellent personnel skills and able to work effectively within a small team providing support across a width of areas.

Research and data analysis; ability to process information accurately and write succinct reports. (D)

A self-starter, able to act on own initiative and to organise, plan and prioritise own workload to meet deadlines.

Ability to work effectively under pressure and to demonstrate a professional approach in a range situation.

Fully computer literate including Word, Excel, Power Point and use of databases, CRM and SROI models or similar. 

People with lived experience / professional experience of support for minoritised communities are particularly encouraged to apply. (D)

Understanding of need in the Bedfordshire County. (D)

Familiarity with legal and financial requirements for charities, community groups and social enterprises. (D)

 

Equalities Issues


Able to demonstrate how diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) can be made integral to their work and service delivery.  
 
Some knowledge and understanding of equality issues and legislation relating to the charity sector. (D) 

Personal Attributes


Committed to customer care and the provision of high-quality services. 

Detail-oriented. 

Punctual. 

Committed to learning and development. 

Ambitious, energetic and with an outward focus. 

Highly motivated, with an enthusiasm and determination to build the resources available and needed to support community needs across Bedfordshire. 

Creative and flexible in outlook. 

Strong commitment to the values of the Community Foundation. 

Other Requirements


Able to work evenings and weekends as necessary. 

Ability to access and work across all of the county of Bedfordshire or other geographical areas as dictated by our funding streams, when necessary. To ensure we meet the business and operational requirements of the organisation. 

Current driving licence and access to a vehicle (D).
Benefits

25 days holiday per annum (fte) - rising 1 day to year after first 2 yrs to a max 28 days. Plus addition to public holidays

Notes

Dimensions of the role:

As part of the role, you will complete a Data Technician (Level 3) Apprenticeship qualification. You will develop skills in technologies including Excel, Power BI and SQL whilst being fully supported through 1-2-1 coaching and online workshops. This training will allow you to further increase your data skills and put what you learn into practice.
Apprentice training delivered online through JustIT training provider https://www.justit.co.uk/

Use and maintenance of accurate records on Salesforce database and potential new data system when onboarding Social Value Engine

Access and use of BLCF management systems incl: Breathe HR, SharePoint

Working Environment:

Based at the current business office at Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, but working flexible from home and on locations across the county as required.

Equalities:

The postholder will ensure that policies, procedures and activities for service delivery are revised and/or implemented in a way that supports equality for all. These activities should also reflect BLCF's commitment to Diversity Equality and Inclusion (DEI) within the sector and its work to support the communities of Bedfordshire & Luton as an equitable funder.

NB: This job description reflects the requirements of BLCF as of April 2025. The role and duties of the post are subject to change in line with the future development of BLCF. BLCF reserves the right to make such changes as are necessary and any changes required will be discussed with the post holder as appropriate.

We will consider any reasonable adjustments under the terms of the Equality Act (2010) to enable an applicant with a disability (as defined under the Act) to meet the requirements of the post.

The post holder will ensure that BLCF's policies are reflected in all aspects of his/her work, in particular those relating to:

(i) Equal Opportunities

(ii) Health and Safety

(iii) Data Protection Act (1984 & 1998)

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the team at administrator@blcf.org.uk or 01525 306690.

To apply, please complete our application form AND submit a covering letter outlining your relevant skills and experience, explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the role.

Interviews will be taking place during the w/c 19th May 2025.

Attached documents
Title File
Job Description - Data Officer BLCF Job_Description_-_Data_Officer.pdf
Application Form - BLCF BLCF_Application_Form.doc
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