BATH GLEANING COORDINATOR

This is a fixed-term, self-employed role from August 2025 to March 2026 with the possibility of extension depending on funding. The position requires a seasonally flexible commitment of 0.5 to 2.5 days per week, typically 8–12 hours per week, with increased hours during peak season (July–October).

About the role

The Bath Gleaning Coordinator leads and delivers ongoing gleaning activities with volunteers on farms in and around Bath & NE Somerset. The role involves maintaining current relationships with farmers, volunteers, and food projects while developing new relationships with local growers for future gleans.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with food producers to understand their needs and identify gleaning opportunities.
• Organise and facilitate groups of volunteers to harvest produce on farms, prioritising the safety, wellbeing, and experience of volunteers and farmers.
• Arrange donation and redistribution of produce to local food projects.
• Maintain records of gleans and collect feedback from volunteers, growers, and food projects.
• Collect and distribute already-harvested surplus from farms.
• Develop existing relationships with growers and food projects.
• Deliver the aims and requirements set out in grant applications.
• Recruit new volunteers to support the growing network in Bath.
• Conduct outreach to local farms to establish new relationships.
• Manage shared email accounts and engage in regular communications.
• Adhere to risk assessments and maintain a proactive approach to health, safety, and volunteer wellbeing.

Requirements

• Basic understanding of the food justice system in Bath and nationally.
• Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle (many farms are in remote locations, and delivery of fresh produce is required).
• Flexible approach to working hours, including availability during peak harvest season (July–October).
• Willingness to be self-employed.
• Moderate level of physical fitness (the role can be physically demanding).
• Based in or around Bath; ideally with existing connections to food or farming in the area.

Skills

• Experience facilitating groups of volunteers and awareness of volunteer wellbeing.
• Good organisational and clear communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for connecting people with land and promoting food equality.
• Passion for reducing food waste.
• Understanding of health and safety legislation (a valid first aid certificate is desirable).
• Knowledge of horticultural principles, tools, and techniques (desirable).

Key Outcomes

• Successfully deliver approximately one gleaning day per week.
• Rescue and redistribute farm surplus to key local food projects.
• Establish strong relationships with new food producers and food projects.
• Provide opportunities for over 100 volunteers to get involved.
• Develop and implement feedback recording measures.

Optional Activities

• 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 toward social entrepreneurship (e.g., developing and trialling income streams).
• Promoting gleaning activities on social media and writing blogs.

About Avon Gleaning Network

Avon Gleaning Network (AGN) is an unincorporated community group transitioning to a Community Interest Company (CIC). Currently grant-funded, AGN delivers gleaning activities in the South West region. Founded as Bristol Gleaning Network in September 2020, AGN has grown with support from The Community Farm and other partners. Core values include connection, education, sustainability, and sharing. AGN aims to provide a platform for people to connect with food, farming, and community while addressing food poverty and reducing food waste and food miles.

Pay

£16 per hour plus fuel expenses.

Schedule

• Flexible hours, typically 8–12 hours per week, with increased hours during peak season (July–October).
• Gleans generally take place from 9 AM to 1 PM, with redistribution in the afternoon.
• Hours may be reduced during winter months.
• Avoid extended holidays during peak harvesting times.

Benefits

• Being part of a rewarding project.
• Free vegetables.
• Opportunity to work with a passionate and supportive team.