PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE DIVERSITY OF MUSLIM WOMEN IN BRITAIN REQUIRED

Do a simple google image search and type in ‘muslim women’  and you will generally see the ‘same’ sort of Muslim women.  There seems to be an obsession with what Muslim women wear, especially by the media but many of us are guilty of this too.

Muslim Women’s Network UK want to do something about this and we want to show the diversity of Muslim women in Britain today. 

Diversity in the way Muslim women look is a choice based on a number of variables which may include: status; age, occupation, ethnic origin, culture, society, faith, fashion trends, politics, time and place.  Appearance can also be influenced by peer pressure amongst groups to both ‘cover’ or ‘uncover’ whether at schools, universities or in the workplace.  While some countries legislate on how women should dress either forcing them to wear the hijab or not wear it, we want to celebrate the freedom of choice in Britain by showcasing diverse images of Muslim women.

You may already have images you can send to us or may be a budding photographer and want to go out and take your own photos.  We are looking for photos of Muslim women showing diversity in terms of age, ethnicity, clothing etc. The easiest way is to send us a photo of YOU! Although we’d also love to see older photographs – perhaps of parents and grandparents and their ‘fashion’ trends when they were young! :)

Photographs that will challenge stereotypes e.g. a Muslim woman playing sports, or in various occupations etc are also particularly welcome.

There will be prizes for the best three photos consisting of vouchers worth up to £100.  Photos will be used for an exhibition and will be put on the website and in a booklet which we are developing. 

Photographs will be attributed to the photographer so make sure you include your contact details. 

Please send your photos to: Faeeza Vaid at the Muslim Women’s Network UK on faeeza@mwnuk.co.uk.  Our website address is: www.mwnuk.co.uk

Between July 2008 and July 2009, the BAME Women Councillors Taskforce, working with the Government Equalities Office (GEO), organised a series of events to encourage more women to put themselves forward as local councillors. We are writing to seek your help as someone who attended one of these events.

We would like you to take part in an online survey which asks for your views on becoming a councillor as well as what could be done to encourage more women to put themselves forward.  We would very much welcome your input as the results will be important for taking forward our work.

The research is being conducted by an independent research agency called Creative Research.  They are bound by the Code of Conduct of the Market Research Society which means that all the responses will be reported on an anonymous basis.

We want to hear from women who are interested in putting themselves forward, those who are still thinking about it and, equally importantly, those who have decided it is not for them.

Please complete the questionnaire by 31^st October.

Click on the link below or copy and paste it into your browser to complete the questionnaire.
https://snaponline.snapsurveys.com/surveylogin.asp?k=125197840721

If you don’t have access to the internet but you would still like to take part, you can contact Ros Payne at Creative Research on 020 8567 6974 and she will forward you a paper copy and a prepaid reply envelope.

We hope you will feel able to help us with this important work and wish to thank you in anticipation.

Kind regards

Women Councillors Taskforce

Please contact me via email at summereen@muslimaid.org or via phone Monday to Wednesday on 0207 7377 4200 (Ext.224)

The Interfaith Leadership Initiative (ILI) is a new project where 12 young people from Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith backgrounds will work together organising interfaith volunteer activities and events for 16-25 year olds in London between September 2009 – August 2010. It is a unique pilot project developed in partnership between the Jewish Volunteer Network, Interfaith Action and the Three Faiths Forum. The project is funded for 12 months by Volunteering England and V Involved.

Whilst on the programme the participants will partake in a variety of training and support from the three lead organisations focussing on leadership, charity governance, project planning, event and budget management, fundraising and interfaith dialogue.

These new skills and knowledge will be applied and developed through a 4-week volunteer placement at a faith-based organisation, and in the development and organisation of 3 unique interfaith events/activities for their peers, aged 16-25. The purpose of these events/activities is to provide new opportunities for young people (aged 16-25, and from different faith backgrounds) to volunteer together to support a faith based organisation or specific faith community, in London.

For more information about the programme please contact Project Manager Kat Luckock:

Tel: 02074 824020

Email: kat.luckock@interact-uk.org.uk

Web: www.interact-uk.org.uk

There is an Appointments Commission campaign to recruit up to eight Commissioners for the Equality and Human Rights Commission. If you are interested in these posts you should obtain an information pack and application form by telephoning 0870 240 3802 or by emailing info@appointments.org.uk, quoting reference GEO9069. Please note that the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 7^th September 2009.

ARE YOU A REVERT? WHAT WAS YOUR PERCEPTION OF MUSLIMS & ISLAM BEFORE REVERTING? WHAT MOTIVATED YOU? WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE YOUR STORY ON NOOR TV? IF SO, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT – PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ANY GROUPS OR ORGANISATIONS YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH

What is Swine Flu?

·         Official name is H1N1 – new strain of flu circulating on a global level.

·         Birmingham has a high number of cases with most being in HOB.

·         Mild illness lasting up to 5 days.

·         Those without underlying illness recover well.

What are the symptoms?

·         Fever/high temperature – if you don’t have this it is not likely to be swine flu

·         Aches & pains

·         Vomiting and diarrhoea

·         Do not have to have all but Fever and 2 other symptoms means you most likely have it.

Key Messages we would like you to announce to your audiences

1.            Everyone should follow good hand hygiene – this means washing your hands properly and regularly

2.            Just like the normal winter flu If you have symptoms:

-       stay at home

-       avoid visitors

-       don’t  spread it by attending places of worship or large gatherings

-       ring your GP surgery; don’t visit them or an Accident and Emergency department straight away.

3.            When you sneeze or cough:

-       catch it with a tissue

-       throw it away by binning it

-       and wash your hands

4.            If you are given medication make sure you complete the course!

     5.         If you are travelling abroad please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website for information specific to the           country you are visiting: www.fco.gov.uk.  Alternatively call the FCO's 24-hour advice line on 0845 850 2829.

Employer:              Muslim Youth Helpline

Job Title:                Head of Support Services

Responsible to:   Chief Executive

Hours:                    40 hours per week

Starting Salary:    £25-30,000 pa (depending on experience)

Holidays:               20 days

Main responsibilities:

·         The Head of Support Services (covering telephone, email and online support of young Muslims, in addition to prisoner letters) will ensure the Support Department delivers its services to the highest possible standards, promote good practice, implement delivery targets and regulate helpline policy and procedure to meet quality standard measures. Through the collation and analysis of statistical data and source material, the Head of Support Services will evaluate and monitor the quality of service provision and report to stakeholders.

·         Support helpline workers on complex cases, and provide/seek advice on methods and techniques to help such clients.  These will include long term clients, difficult cases which helpline workers may not have experienced before, and cases which are outside of our normal remit.

·         Develop a more formalised supervision structure so that Helpline Officers and Shift Leaders can receive supervision/de briefing, and so that they are trained and developed to be able to provide high quality supervision/debriefing to all helpline workers in their role.

·         The Head of Support Services will be responsible for managing both employees and volunteers working on the Helpline, overseeing their training and development to ensure continuous personal development.

·         The Head of Support Services will be responsible for developing the Helpline services to meet the needs of clients, managing the growth of the Helpline and building partnerships with other statutory and voluntary sector service providers. 

Key Tasks:

Recruitment and Training

·         Oversee recruitment, interview and selection process of helpline staff

·         Coordinate the training and induction of new helpline staff

·         Facilitate regular update training for helpline staff

·         Line manage two part time Helpline Officers, three Shift Leaders and the Volunteer & Training Co-ordinator

Helpline Management (done with support of Helpline Staff)

·         Ensure that the helpline is adequately supervised during opening hours

·         Regulate and review helpline policy and ensure its implementation by helpline staff

·         Ensure the Helpline’s information and communication systems are maintained

·         Oversee the development of guidance notes for use by helpline staff

·         Oversee the development of the Helpline’s resource library and referral system

·         Communicate news and information to helpline staff relevant to their work

·         Oversee the development and growth of the Helpline and its services

·         Ensure the Helpline is adequately staffed to deliver it services

Client Care Management

·         Arranging monthly client care discussions with external experts

·         Arrange supervision for the Support Services team including volunteer helpline workers on complex cases

·         Develop Client Care guidelines, policies and procedures

·         Build networks and partnerships with organisations for better signposting

·         Develop a more formalised supervision structure for support services staff including volunteer helpline workers

Quality Standard & Service Evaluation

·         Introduce and assess performance indicators, to evaluate service provision

·         Calculate and present quantitative and qualitative statistical analysis of client data

·         Promote good practice in accordance with independent quality standard measures

·         Investigate service complaints and/or client dissatisfaction and respond effectively

Networking

·         Build networks and partnerships with statutory, voluntary sector, community and youth organisations, agencies and service providers

·         Build the Support Services network of contacts to support its work

·         Liaise with external agencies and community groups to raise the profile of the Charity

Administration & Reporting

·           To present regular progress reports to the Management Committee and to actively contribute to the decision making process at operational level.

·           To present a Quarterly Progress Report to the Board of Trustees.

·           To be willing to engage in regular Performance Evaluation Assessments with the Director.

·           To submit progress reports to funders of the Helpline as and when requested

The specified hours above are an indication only. The successful candidate may be expected to work additional hours and occasional evenings and weekends to support helpline staff.

Person Specification

Experience & Skills

·         Educated to degree level or have relevant qualifications and previous health or social care experience. This is essential for this role

·         Have a professional health or social care qualification (desirable)

·         Have experience of working at a Helpline (desirable)

·         Minimum Grade C in English and Mathematics GCSE

·         Experience in supervising and managing paid staff and youth volunteers

·         Strong administrative skills and proficiency in all Microsoft Office programmes

·         Experience of initiating, running and managing successful projects

·         Experience of drafting client care policies and procedure documents

·         Experience of networking with external parties

·         Ability to research, present statistical data and analyse social and cultural trends

·         In-depth knowledge and understanding of contemporary social and welfare issues affecting Muslim youth and their cultural and religious implications

·         Experience in providing formal/informal support to young people

·         An understanding of the legal, social and political framework of the voluntary sector.

Personal Qualities

·         Leadership capacity, objectivity and ability to resolve conflict

·         Excellent written and oral communication skills (including presentation skills)

·         Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise a complicated workload

·         Strong interpersonal skills, tact and sensitivity

·         Communicate well at all levels

·         Listen to people

·         Be approachable, flexible when required and enthusiastic

·         Respond well to challenging situations & emergencies

·         Coach and give feedback

·         Ability to educate, motivate and develop the skills of individual volunteers

·         Empathy with the aims and objectives of the Muslim Youth Helpline

Summary of terms and conditions

·         Considerable flexibility is required in hours of work; as helpline opening hours are  18:00 to 00:00 (Mon-Fri) and 12:00 to 00:00 (Sat-Sun), and successful candidates will be expected to work cross-over time to coincide during helpline opening hours.

·         As the successful candidate will be expected to work with vulnerable young people, they will be required to submit an Enhanced Disclosure from the CRB prior to commencing work at the Muslim Youth Helpline.  They will also be expected to sign the Confidentiality statement of the Charity.

·         Where possible leave should not be taken at the same time as other Helpline employees

·         Pay will be performance related, based on meeting annually set objectives

·         The post is based in central London

Operation Black Vote and the Government Equalities Office

Black Asian Minority Ethnic Women

Councillor Shadowing Scheme

Women belong in the House....

and the Council Chamber too

Do you want to become a Councillor?

The representation of Black and other minority ethnic (BAME) women at every level of governance from the Houses of Parliament to local government is woefully low. Of the 646 MPs in Westminster, two are BAME women and out of 20,000 Councillors, 149 are BME women, representing less than 1% of Councillors nationally.

Operation Black Vote in partnership with the Government Equalities Office is launching the country’s first national BAME Women Councillor Shadowing Scheme. The aim of the project is to address the national deficit of Black and minority ethnic women councillors, and to ensure that BAME communities engage with the council in all areas and at all levels of local governance.

We are looking for fifty BAME women to shadow high level councillors for a minimum of six days over a six month period.  The cross-party initiative will focus on giving participants first hand knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of councillors, serving officers and an insight into the Authority’s systems and procedures. Our aim is that upon completion, this leadership programme will equip and motivate participants to engage in party politics. Participants will also be encouraged to become Community Ambassadors, explaining and promoting the benefits of civic engagement and encouraging others to also become involved in community affairs. The scheme will also give Councillors the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of BME communities. OBV view this process as essential to involving BME communities in the wide scope of activities within the decision making process.

If you feel you have the conviction, enthusiasm and determination to become a city

councillor or more politically  engaged then stand up, be counted

and be part of this unique opportunity.

Applications are invited from BAME women who have attended the BAME Taskforce seminars in the following areas:

Birmingham, Chilterns, East of England, Gloucester, Leicester,

London (see below), Newcastle, North West, Scotland,

Wales, Windsor and Maidenhead, York and Humberside

London: Camden, Harrow, Islington, Lambeth/ Southwark, Tower Hamlets

Regional deadlines apply. Please contact OBV for deadline information and to obtain a Councillor Shadowing Scheme application on: Tel: 0208 983 5471 / Fax: 0208 983 5492/ Email: councillor@obv.org.uk or download the information from our website: www.obv.org.uk 

NDVF is recognised nationally for innovative work to challenge, reduce and prevent domestic violence and sexual abuse.

We seek a Director with business and financial management skills, effective partnership experience, and the strategic vision to strengthen, expand and progress our position in the sector and the quality of our existing and new projects.

The Director will be involved initially in developing a 3-Year Business Plan, reviewing NDVF’s status, raising the profile of NDVF, networking at top levels, exploring tendering and commissioning and fundraising strategies for existing and new posts, supervising staff, advising and servicing the Management Committee.

NDVF has passionate Trustees and staff who all welcome your interest. For further details and to download the application pack:

Visit www.ndvf.org.uk, Email amanda@ndvf.co.uk

Phone enquiries about the director post: 0115 9623237

Address: NDVF, 2 First Avenue, Sherwood Rise, Nottingham NG7 6JL
Requests to receive the application pack by post will require a 61p A4 SAE.

Interviews on 25th June