Newsletter Editor

NEWSLETTER EDITOR

The Harpenden Trust provides a variety of support for families, individuals, and other local

charitable organisations, all within the AL5 postcode. Over 500 volunteers are involved in a wide range of projects, from financial support and outings to wellbeing and befriending. All of our work is carried out with our Trust values uppermost in our minds: with care and kindness,

with community spirit and with creativity and commitment.

The Role: The Harpenden Trust Newsletter serves as our principal printed communication channel, is produced twice yearly and is widely available, both at our Trust premises and in a large number of shops and venues across Harpenden. It plays a vital role in our communication strategy, complementing our digital presence whilst endeavouring to reach as many members of our community as possible, regardless of their digital engagement. Through compelling storytelling and thoughtful reporting, the Newsletter showcases the Trust's impact, celebrates our volunteers' dedication, and illustrates how local support transforms lives in our community. This traditional yet essential medium helps maintain strong connections with both long-standing supporters, those new to the Trust's work and all of our existing volunteers.

The Newsletter Editor role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the Trust's narrative and strengthen our community bonds.

This role requires the ability to build relationships across our volunteer network. The ideal candidate will help translate the Trust's work into compelling, accessible stories that inspire support and engagement.

Main tasks: Working closely with the Director of External Affairs, the Trust's Chairman and other key stakeholders across the Trust, the Editor will:

• Develop engaging content that reflects our community-focused ethos

• Commission articles, editing and writing where necessary, from the various departments

within the Trust. It is likely that 1 or 2 Assistants will be available to help with the writing of some articles

• Coordinate with volunteer contributors and photographers

• Ensure all content aligns with our editorial guidelines and values

• Manage the production timeline from planning through to distribution

• Work with the volunteer designer/typesetter and Trust Administrator regarding all the

necessary printing requirements to ensure delivery of a professional publication

• Maintain a consistent voice that resonates with our Harpenden audience

• Brief and liaise with, the Distribution team to ensure delivery for each publication

• Consider environmental responsibilities in production decisions

Skills and Experience: Good project management skills and a good level of computer literacy is required, with strengths in Microsoft Word & Powerpoint to help with the planning & development of the newsletter. Good writings skills and a strong attention to detail. The volunteer should be personable, able to work as part of a team as well as be a self-starter and take the initiative

where necessary.

Time : An average of a couple of hours per week, but this may peak towards the publication dates; usually late June and late November. The External Affairs Team meet quarterly, early evening.

Where :Home based and Trust premises.

Reporting to: Director of External Affairs.

What can volunteers get out of it: Satisfaction in assisting The Harpenden Trust maintain high visibility in the local community, thereby increasing both financial and volunteering support so that the Trust can continue its

good work in supporting those most in need.

Other info: Application form and 2 references.

Initial and ongoing training as required.