Volunteer and Training Coordinator

Job Role: Volunteer and Training Coordinator

Accountable to: People and Culture Lead

About Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone:

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is a 21st century youth hub located at the heart of Blackburn and a dedicated site in Darwen, open to young people aged 5 to 25 years old, aiming to change the prospects offered to young people in the area. Our vision is to be at the heart of the community, collaborating to create a more cohesive and prosperous Blackburn and Darwen.

We are one of the leading youth organisations in Blackburn, with a membership of over 2,500 young people. We are open 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year and offer over 40 different activities and opportunities in our open access youth club.

Context of Role:

The Volunteer and Training Coordinator role will play a key role in supporting the Youth Zone’s mission by managing the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers. This role is pivotal in ensuring volunteers are well-trained, supported, and empowered to deliver high-quality programs and activities to young people. The coordinator will also oversee the development and delivery of training programs that enhance the skills and knowledge of all volunteers and staff.

Main Responsibilities:

Promote volunteer opportunities through local networks, online platforms, and community organisations.

Meet with potential volunteers undertaking on boarding and other relevant screening procedures.

Ensure that all new volunteers are properly inducted, including the completion of necessary paperwork, safeguarding and health and safety training.

Maintain a volunteer database and track volunteer hours, roles, and training.

Provide ongoing support and guidance to volunteers, ensuring they feel valued and motivated.

Act as the primary point of contact for volunteers, addressing any concerns and resolving conflicts.

Organise regular volunteer catch ups and team-building activities to foster a supportive and cohesive volunteer community.

Coordinate the Youth Zone work placement programme, including the advertising of placements, development of the programme and evaluation of all placements.

Coordinator the learning and development across the Youth Zone, including volunteers and staff.

Manage the appraisal process, ensuring managers are aware of the requirements and that appraisals are being offered.

Deliver both existing and new training to all Youth Zone staff as and when required

Regularly evaluate volunteer satisfaction, training effectiveness and the work placement programme. , and the overall volunteer program’s success.

Prepare reports on engagement, training outcomes, and recommendations for improvements.

Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and organisational policies, particularly regarding safeguarding and volunteer welfare.

Measurable Outputs:

• Increase in the number of volunteers within the Youth Zone.
• High satisfaction within all training and placements

Person Specification:

Essential

Proven experience in volunteer or training coordination, ideally within a youth-focused or community-based organisation.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with volunteers, staff and external stakeholders.

Knowledge of best practices in volunteer management, safeguarding, and youth development.

Experience of developing and delivering a variety of training to small and large groups

Experience of managing team of volunteers

Ability to develop and deliver training programs tailored to volunteer and staff needs.

Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing needs and priorities.

Desirable

Experience working with young people in a youth work, education, or community setting.

A relevant qualification in youth work or learning and development

Working hours

37.5 hours per week (part time hours will be considered). The usual hours of work are 9am to 5pm with a 30 minute lunch break.

There may be occasions when working in evenings and weekends are required due to Youth Zone operating hours and nature of this role.

Remuneration package

Salary: £26,000 (depending on experience and prorated for part time)

Holidays: 33 days (pro rata for part time) days inclusive of 8 Bank Holidays

Pension: Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone operates a workplace pension scheme with Royal London for auto-enrolment purposes. You will contribute 5% of your gross earnings whilst the Youth Zone will contribute 3%. If you meet the criteria you will be auto-enrolled into the scheme within 3 months of commencement of your employment although you have the option to opt-out if you so wish.

Other Benefits

• Flexibility for Hybrid Working
• Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 Support and Advice)
• FairQuid (Financial Wellbeing Support)
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Pay
• Birthday leave

For an informal discussion about the role please contact . Interviews are likely to be held during the week of the 28th April 2025.

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups. This post is subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records through an enhanced DBS check and completion of appropriate vetting checks. We promote safer working practice across our Youth Zone and all successful employees and volunteers will be expected to share this commitment.

The Youth Zone welcomes applicants from all sectors of the community.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: £26,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Enhanced maternity leave

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability