BATH GLEANING COORDINATOR

Main Purpose of the Job

The main purpose of this role is to lead and deliver ongoing gleaning activities with groups of volunteers on farms in and around Bath & NE Somerset, to maintain current relationships with farmers, volunteers and food projects, and to develop new relationships with local growers for future gleans.

Requirements for the Role

• A basic understanding of the food justice system both in Bath and nationally
• A vehicle and full UK driving licence (many of the farms are in remote places, and the role requires delivering fresh veggies to groups)
• A flexible approach to working
• A willingness to be self employed
• Remuneration of £16 per hour plus fuel expenses

Core Activities for this Role

• Liaising with food producers to understand their needs and identify gleaning opportunities.
• Organising and facilitating groups of volunteers to harvest produce on farms, prioritising the safety, wellbeing and experience of the volunteers and the farmer.
• Arranging donation of the produce and organising the redistribution to local food projects.
• Record keeping of gleans and collecting feedback from volunteers, growers and food projects.
• Collection and distribution of already harvested surplus from farms.
• Development of existing relationships with growers and food projects.
• Delivering the aims and requirements set out in grant applications.
• Recruitment of new volunteers to support the growing network in Bath.
• Outreach to local farms to establish new relationships.

Optional Activities Beyond the Paid Role

• Fundraising activities including securing grant funding for future gleaning work.
• Networking and collaborating with other gleaning groups, food projects and affordable food networks.
• Supporting organisational development towards social entrepreneurship, for example, developing and trialling income streams.
• Promotion of gleaning activities on social media and writing of blogs.

Key Outcomes

• Gleaning days successfully delivered approximating one per week.
• Farm surplus rescued and redistributed to key local food projects.
• Establishment of strong relationships with new food producers and food projects.
• Provision of opportunities for over 100 volunteers to get involved.
• Development and implementation of feedback recording measures.

About Avon Gleaning Network

AGN is an unincorporated community group (soon to become a CIC) that currently has grant funding to deliver gleaning in the South West region. The organisation was started as Bristol Gleaning Network in September 2020 through an existing relationship with The Community Farm who have been big supporters ever since. Our first year proved the need and desire for gleaning in the Bath region and since then AGN has developed further as an organisation towards a self sustaining social enterprise with the support of grant funding.

Our core values are centred around connection, education, sustainability and sharing. We aim to provide a platform for people to connect with food, farming and other people, while building community. We are working towards food justice in our area by helping to alleviate food poverty with fresh, nutritious produce from local farms. We are also taking positive climate action by reducing the level of human edible food waste on farms and reducing food miles.

Position in Avon Gleaning Network

The Bath & NE Somerset Coordinators are responsible for relationships with volunteers, growers, food projects and food networks in Bath & NE Somerset. The current coordinator will support the onboarding and training for this role and will provide ongoing support. The current roles are:

• Bristol Coordinators - Jo, Laura
• Bath & NE Somerset Coordinator - Samantha (outgoing)
• Directors - Nick, Jo, Laura, Samantha, Rosa

Funding for this Role

This role is currently grant funded and funding applications are an ongoing process to support gleaning activities. New income streams are continually being investigated in order to support the operation of the gleaning network.

General Points

• Administration such as managing the shared email account is required to engage with regular communications. Use of a mobile phone is also required.
• Candidates need to be based in or around Bath and would ideally already have connections with food or farming in the area.
• The role can be physically demanding and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
• The peak gleaning season aligns with the harvest period, approximately Jul - Oct.
• Adherence to risk assessments, along with a proactive approach to health, safety and the wellbeing of volunteers is required for this role.
• Driving is an essential part of this role and use of a vehicle is required.

Person Specification: Gleaning Coordinator

• Experience facilitating groups of volunteers and awareness of volunteer wellbeing
• Knowledge of horticultural principles, tools, techniques
• Enthusiasm for getting people on the land and connecting people
• Passion and interest in reducing food waste and promoting food equality
• Good organisational skills
• Clear communication skills
• UK valid driving licence
• Use of a motor vehicle (car, van, cargo bike)
• Enthusiastic and friendly character
• Understanding of Health and safety legislation and a valid current first aid certificate or a willingness to obtain this

Terms and Conditions

This is a fixed term opportunity (August 2025 - March 2026) for someone who is self employed. There is scope for continuation of employment beyond this date but it is dependent on further funding.

This role requires a seasonally flexible commitment of 0.5 to 2.5 days per week.

Pay: £16/hr

Hours of Work: Flexible hours usually totalling 8-12 hours per week, with more hours possible during peak season. Gleans are generally 9am to 1pm with redistribution in the afternoon. Hours are seasonally variable and may be less in winter.

Holiday: Ideally not extended holidays around peak harvesting times.

Benefits: Being part of a rewarding project. Free vegetables! Awesome people!

Application Deadline: We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible. Applications will be processed and interviews scheduled on an ongoing basis until a suitable candidate is found.