Gypsy Roma and Traveller Co-ordinator

Bristol City Council; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking a GRT Service Coordinator to lead initiatives, improve housing outcomes, and engage with diverse communities. This key role involves managing a multi-agency service, monitoring service contracts, and training staff on cultural awareness. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, experienced in project management, and committed to preventing homelessness. Hybrid working arrangements and a range of benefits are offered.

Benefits

Flexitime

Flexible working hours

Local Government Pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Qualifications

• Experience handling multiple projects and staff in a supervisory role.
• Ability to deliver bespoke cultural awareness training.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for learning and community collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a multi-agency GRT service.
• Monitor and evaluate commissioned service contracts and SLAs.
• Implement city-wide policies for GRT and vehicle dwellers.

Skills

Project management

Cultural awareness training

Community engagement

Communication

Job description

Full Time, Fixed Term – 18 months

This is an exciting opportunity to be the lead professional responsible for driving the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller (GRT) Service forward through cross‑directorate and inter‑agency partnerships with relevant teams, services and stakeholders.

You will be an experienced supervisor able to demonstrate the ability to handle multiple projects and staff, working at speed with an empathic approach to working alongside different travelling communities and residents to shape the service and community‑projects to reflect the priorities, concerns and needs of the GRT and vehicle dweller communities.

As the GRT Service Coordinator, you will develop, maintain and manage a multi‑agency service with cross‑directorate and multi‑agency priorities. You will also develop and implement city‑wide policies, including elements of the forthcoming Vehicle Dweller policy, and deputise for senior leadership on behalf of Bristol City Council.

The role requires monitoring and evaluating core GRT service (commissioned) contracts, service level agreements (SLAs) and community‑based projects. Each commissioned service and project will require community consultation to ensure that they are culturally sensitive, relevant and accessible to the needs of Bristol’s GRT population.

We are looking for someone enthusiastic about learning and collaborating alongside different communities and across cultures. A confident, articulate and fast‑learner capable of delivering bespoke cultural awareness training to organisations and professionals supporting GRT families is essential. This may include training for elected members, BCC staff, schools and other partner agencies.

Key purpose of the role is to improve housing outcomes, prevent homelessness and promote positive community engagement with encampments.

Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

Why Bristol City Council?

We go the extra mile for our people and offer a fast‑moving, supportive work environment. For most roles, hybrid working arrangements are available, allowing teams to balance service need and individual choice between home and office.

Benefits include flexitime, flexible working, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. You’ll work in a supportive environment where you can help make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

How do I apply?

To be shortlisted for interview you’ll need to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification. If you can, also demonstrate how you meet the desirable criteria.

We normally request references for candidates who have been offered a job. If your role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check, references will be requested once you are invited to interview.

Secondment and Contract Details

• For permanent Bristol City Council employees: this post will be a secondment.
• For employees currently on a fixed‑term contract: the secondment must not extend beyond the end of the fixed‑term period.
• For casual workers or members of an employment agency: this post will be a fixed‑term contract.

Disability Confidence Statement

We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone who meets the essential criteria and identifies as disabled.

We will make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support throughout your career.

For any further information after reading the job description and person specification, please contact Tom Gilchrist, Head of Service, Private Housing, Accessible Homes and Travellers, on 07307 885385.

At Bristol City Council we value a workforce as diverse as the city we serve. Appointments are made on merit. We are committed to fair treatment for everyone.