Job Description

We are seeking a proactive and organised freelance Project Manager to oversee the delivery of the Step Ride Thrive project in the Avalon and Poldens area of Somerset. The role involves coordinating project activities, managing budgets, liaising with partners, and ensuring milestones and outcomes are met. The ideal candidate will have experience in community transport, active travel, health and wellbeing initiatives or environmental/community projects.

Role Details

Role:

Step Ride Thrive Project Manager (Freelance)

Location:

Remote, with travel across the Avalon & Poldens LCN area; hot desk available at Avalon Marshes Centre

Time commitment:

Flexible, approx. 200 to 250 hours spread over 6 months at 1-2 days per week; will involve evening & weekend working

Contract duration:

Fixed term until 31 May 2026

Fee:

25-30 per hour depending on experience (capped at 6,000 total including expenses)

Reporting to:

Avalon & Poldens Local Community Network - Health and Wellbeing Working Group

Contracted by

: Glastonbury Town Council (grant holder)

Engagement type

: Freelance/self-employed - contractor responsible for tax, insurance, and HMRC registration

About the Project

Step, Ride, Thrive is a pilot initiative led by the Avalon & Poldens Local Community Network (LCN) to improve sustainable transport and active travel across the LCN area. The project aims to make it easier for local communities and visitors to access green spaces while promoting health, wellbeing, and inclusion.

Key project activities include:

Bus service improvements:

Extending the #668 route to better connect local villages and the Avalon Marshes Centre.

Cycling initiatives:

Working with On Your Bike to offer affordable bike hire, health checks, and workshops.

Walking and wellbeing programmes:

Organised walks and community activities to encourage healthy, active lifestyles.

Community engagement:

Gathering feedback through consultations, surveys, and events to ensure the project meets local needs.
The project also focuses on building long-term sustainability by exploring future funding opportunities and embedding active travel options into wider transport and health initiatives. Step Ride Thrive started in April 2025 and will run until May 2026, with a strong emphasis on collaboration between parish councils, Somerset Council, healthcare providers, local charities, and community groups.

For more information about the project, visit the website https://stepridethrive.wordpress.com/.

Key Responsibilities

Project Coordination:

Oversee all project activities and ensure delivery of bus, cycling, and walking initiatives according to plan.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Build and maintain relationships with parish and town councils, transport providers, charities, health partners, and community groups. Facilitate meetings and workshops to align activities with community needs.

Community Involvement:

Lead surveys, consultations, and engagement activities to gather feedback and encourage participation.

Operational Management:

Coordinate cycling workshops, bike health checks, and walking/wellbeing events.

Financial Oversight:

Monitor project budget, manage grant funding, and ensure accurate reporting and compliance.

Marketing & Promotion:

Working with designers to deliver communications campaigns to raise awareness, promote sustainable travel, and encourage participation.

Data Collection & Evaluation:

Implement monitoring and evaluation systems, analyse data on transport usage, participation, and health outcomes, and report regularly to stakeholders and funders.

Sustainability Planning:

Support proposals for long-term funding and integration with wider transport and health initiatives.

Essential Skills & Experience

Proven experience managing multi-stakeholder projects, ideally in community transport, health, or wellbeing. Strong partnership and stakeholder management skills. Experience in community engagement, consultations, and outreach. Competence in budgeting, financial management, and grant reporting. Marketing and communications experience, including digital media. Data collection, analysis, and reporting skills. Problem-solving, risk management, and organisational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, social media platforms, and online survey tools. Full UK driving licence and access to your own transportation for site visits and community engagement activities.

Personal Attributes

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Highly organised, proactive, and able to work independently. Commitment to community wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusivity. Flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.

Application Process

Please submit a CV and a short covering letter outlining your suitability to Avalonandpoldenslcn@somerset.gov.uk by 4 December 2025.

Job Types: Fixed term contract, Freelance
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: 25.00-30.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 14 per week

Application question(s):

This role requires regular travel between sites in an area with no access to public transport. Do you hold a full UK driving licence that allows you to drive for work purposes? Do you have access to your own vehicle that you can use for work-related travel?
Work Location: On the road