Peer Engagement Officer (Agriculture)

The Worker Support Centre (WSC) is a Scotland based charity that promotes decent work and prevents exploitation. We support marginalised and isolated workers in labour sectors where there is a high risk of abuse and exploitation. We work in partnership with workers to build power to secure and advance workplace rights. We prevent human trafficking for forced labour by acting to reduce the risks of worker exploitation. WSC values include: respect for human rights, representation, transparency, equality and innovation. 

WSC support includes advice, mediation, advocacy and assisted reporting to enforcement agencies. Our worker engagement informs policy change activity to address harms faced by those in high-risk work. In 2023 and 2024 WSC activities were targeted at workers in seasonal agriculture on the UK Seasonal Worker visa (SWV). During this time, we provided advice, support, and information to 1031 people in relation to the SWV. 

About the role

This role is focussed on advancing seasonal agricultural workers’ rights by supporting WSC’s peer engagement work including actively conducting outreach to workers and facilitating worker education and power sessions. In this role you will support WSC meet two of its four core objectives to work together with workers to claim spaces for power and representation in decision making; and to build the field of knowledge about workers and their experiences to influence policy. This role will work closely together with our Peer Engagement team and Outreach Caseworkers.

WSC strives to achieve representation of individuals with lived experience of the issues on which we work at all levels of our organisation and actively promote applications from individuals with experience of the issues on which we work. For this role we would especially welcome applications from individuals with experience of working in seasonal agriculture.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Peer engagement and outreach

·       To conduct social engagement and outreach activities in person and remotely.

·       To contribute to the development of WSC’s programme of activities to build worker solidarity.

·       To ensure that those in need of support access WSC’s Casework service, and/or are signposted to available services, including legal advice.

·       To contribute to and translate information for communication with workers, on their rights and entitlements and to support WSC Worker Power work.

·       To monitor and respond to email, phone and message enquiries from workers.

·       Support workers to access external services when needed

·       Liaising with community and civil society organisations to build strong community networks

Participation

·       Support participatory analysis workshops with workers to jointly analyse concerns articulated in order to establish standards workers would like to see upheld for seasonal workers.

·       Actively support workers to engage in advocacy, including by providing worker-centred briefings on advocacy processes and meetings, ensuring meaningful participation and leadership by workers.

·       Engage with workers via social media and other online tools, through clear communications outputs.

General

·       Support the whole organisation goal to integrate workers in all our work at all levels of the organisation.

Person Specification

1)      KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Understanding of how NGOs operate, and knowledge of the issues on which WSC works: labour rights, migrant rights, organising, anti-trafficking and human rights.
• Experience in worker organising, engaging with workers and upholding labour rights.

2)      QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree level in public policy, law, or human rights or equivalent experience.
• A valid UK Driving license

3)      EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

•  Experience in labour organising or worker support - 2 years
• Experience of engaging with people with lived experience of the issues on which the organisation works and ensuring they are involved in decision-making processes - 1 year
• Use of equipment and case recording systems & Standard Microsoft Office suite - 1 year
• Fluency in English (verbal and written)
• Working competence in Russian and/or a Central Asian language
• Experience of work in a precarious labour sector (eg seasonal agriculture, social care, or other)
• Experience of work in seasonal agriculture
• Experience of developing and facilitating workshops/educational events- 1 year
• Experience of facilitating public outreach sessions/events - 1 year 
• Experience of building and developing relationships with community and civil society organisations - 1 year
• Experience of communication to wide audiences via a range of social media platforms (eg Tik-tok, Instagram, Telegram, X, Bluesky) - 2 years

4. PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Enthusiastic and committed to advancing workers’ rights.
• Empathy with workers in high-risk labour sectors and the work of WSC.
• Strong work ethic: A self-starter with high-energy levels, ability to use own initiative, prioritise, make decisions and implement them, function to deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative and respectful relationships across the organisation and with workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours as required, to travel and spend occasional nights away from home. 
• Sound understanding of equal opportunities, data protection and confidentiality. 

Applications to consist of a CV and supporting statement no longer than one side of A4 outlining how you meet the skills and experience required