Who can apply?

Young people aged 16-24 years old, who are unemployed and claiming Universal Credit.

Talk to your work coach in your local Job Centre. A work coach will talk to you about Kickstart. They will refer you.

Deadline: 30 November, 5pm. Make sure that you ask your work coach about this in plenty of time.

Purpose of the job

Arts Council of Wales is the official public body that develops and funds the arts in Wales. We offer grants with money that we receive from the Welsh Government, the National Lottery and other sources of public and private support.

Our “vision” is of a creative Wales where the arts are central to the life and well-being of the nation, making our country an exciting and vibrant place to live, work and visit. This means ALL individuals and communities across Wales are entitled to arts and creativity in their lives.

The world looks very different today than it did before Covid-19. We know that change is needed across the arts in Wales – including at the Arts Council of Wales. Funding statistics tell their own story – and it’s not a good one – diversity across the arts sector as a whole is falling short.

In this role you’ll be supporting our recently appointed Agent for Change on our mission to transform how we engage with and develop opportunities for people from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse backgrounds and D/deaf and disabled people to enjoy, take part and work in the Arts.

The Agent for Change is a new, dynamic post. You can find out more about it here: https://arts.wales/news-jobs-opportunities/agent-for-change-0 .  As their assistant, you will first and foremost offer practical admin support to them but also have an exciting opportunity to contribute to the wider change they are leading. Say what you think - your views and opinions on this emerging work will be valued and valid and help shape the transformation needed in Arts Council of Wales and the arts sector. An interest in equalities, human rights, inclusivity and fairness – as well as creativity - is encouraged. Your own lived experience may have shaped these interests. You’ll be keen to learn more about this area of work and take part in opportunities to make change.

You’ll be working alongside our Agent for Change, HR team and wider Arts Council colleagues, the arts and creative sector and broader communities so there’s a huge opportunity to learn about and connect with the creative arts in Wales and spark your career in the sector. You'll receive guidance, steer and encouragement from our Agent for Change but will also be line managed by the Head of HR. This way we can offer you access to a range of professional training courses and you’ll also be supported closely to identify training and skills development opportunities during your time with us.

You’ll be working in a bilingual organisation and can be based anywhere in Wales as it’s possible to work remotely in the role or at our Cardiff Bay office when able. We would expect face-to-face time when circumstances allow.

Pay:

 

The Arts Council of Wales will top up the DWP’s National Minimum Wage salary contribution to £13,851 per year (based on 25 hours per week). This is a full-time equivalent of £20,500 per year.

The DWP’s contributions are as follows:

National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant)

National Living Wage (23+): £8.91

National Minimum Wage (21-22): £8.36

National Minimum Wage (18-20): £6.56

National Minimum Wage (under 18): £4.62

The contract is for 25 hours p/week for a fixed term length of 6 months.

How to apply

First, talk to your work coach in your local Job Centre. A work coach will talk to you about Kickstart.

Your work coach will then refer you for the position, pending your suitability and availability.

We’re not asking you to complete a formal application form. Instead, we’re asking you to submit an Expression of Interest explaining in your own words why you’d like to be considered for the role. We’re asking you to do this by sending us a letter that includes the following information:

* Telling us why you are interested in this role

* Describing what you will bring to the role

* Your contact details

* Your Referral code from your work coach (you MUST include this for your application to be considered)

* Your work coach will give you the email address to send your letter to.

Deadline: 30 November, 5pm

Interviews: 16 December (tbc)

Start:  TBC (for 6 months)

Find out more about the Kickstart Scheme here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/kickstart-scheme